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Athens and the Heart of Greece tour: hiking poles

In mid-May, there was a Travel Forum thread re whether to take hiking sticks on the RS Athens and the Heart of Greece tour. I was on the tour at that time and can't find the original posting now that I'm home, so I've begun a new thread.

I chose not to take a hiking pole because my understanding was that taking one would have required my checking a bag on my flights, which I didn't want to do.

Change since 2020 at the Acropolis: there is now a concrete sidewalk on the Acropolis' main paths. This reduces the likelihood of slipping on slick marble.

At some of the archaeological sites, one needs to carefully watch footing, especially on slick marble. However, I had no difficulty ascending/descending the path in Delphi, for example.

The only time I would have appreciated having a hiking pole was when descending steps at Mystras.

"Bottom line": I did fine without hiking poles, although I was very careful. No one on our tour had hiking poles.

Posted by
55 posts

Yes, that was my post. I've decided that I'm taking mine, in any case. I had already decided to check my bag, so it is not an inconvenience for me. Thanks for your updated information, though. I'll be going to Kea after the RS tour, so I will likely use them there, as well.

Ricka

Posted by
1258 posts

I do not know how the use of poles might be regulated at cultural sites, if at all, but be aware your steel tips should probably be replaced with the rubber versions. If everyone using poles used their carbide steel tips, the pathways would get chipped up badly.

Posted by
135 posts

I was on the tour in early April. I was very glad I took my hiking poles especially hiking in Kardamyli. They added extra balance and really took pressure off of my knees. I would say I am in average shape for walking and climbing stairs, but they really did come in handy.

Posted by
55 posts

Good point, bogiesan. I have rubber tips for mine, so I'll be sure to pop them into the checked bag.

Ricka