We traveled as a party of 5 adults (my sister, husband, daughter, and nephew) in late June/early July. The most helpful resources for planning were Matt Barrett’s online guide and Facebook community, and Rick Steves’ Greece guide and the forum on his site. I also used the Lonely Planet Greece guide. We had an absolutely wonderful time and I wish I could return right now!
General itinerary: I met my sister in Athens for a few days first as she had never been. Athens 2 days, 3 nights, Rafina port (to meet the rest of our party that was arriving late at night) 1 night. Then rented a car at the airport, drove to Nafplion via Corinth (Nafplion 3 nights), Selinitsa near Gytheio (3 nights), drove to Kalamata where my sister departed early and we stayed 2 nights, late flight from Kalamata to London, overnight London then home. Most of us flew from Seattle via Rome as Alaska airlines has a nonstop to Rome, then Aegean from Rome to Athens. Flight home was British Airways Kalamata to London, the Alaska Air from London to Seattle.
I am going to summarize some recommendations and tips rather than give a day by day.
Athens – Athens Walking Tours First Access Tour of the Acropolis, with tickets. This was totally worth it – the guides show up early and get in line so that we were among the first people at the site when it opened. It was cooler in the morning and much less crowded. Guide was very knowledgeable and tour company well organized. And I didn’t have to worry about trying to keep going on the official site for tickets when they opened up. Acropolis Museum is also wonderful and place to cool down after the tour. We bought our own tickets and toured the Agora the next morning, using Rick Steves’ audio tour that I downloaded free in advance. We were confused with the audio tour for awhile because the main entrance/exit to the Agora was closed and we had come in a different entrance. Nice arts/crafts sold by small vendors with street booths on the way back to the Plaka. Hotel Athens Capital Center for was very nice and well located near Syntagma Square. Easy walking to sightseeing, shopping and restaurants and excellent buffet breakfast. My sister used her credit cards points for the room. Best meal: Sabbas (Savvas) restaurant near Monastiraki Square. So delicious and the waiter helped us decide what to try. The Kesaria pie (Pastourmali) is absolutely delicious. Also, generally, we found we liked restaurants that offered house wine in a carafe and had lots of Greek people. Mona Lisa gelato is also great. Tips: 1. Using Uber for a taxi was easy and convenient – no need to book in advance. 2. It is very hot during the day in Athens in June. Due to jet lag and the heat we returned to our hotel in the middle of the day to to rest in the A/C. 3. Wear shoes with a nonskid sole. The streets/paths are very slippery at some of the ancient sites. 4. People wear linen here for a good reason. 5. Subway is clean and easy to use but if doesn’t have elevator/escalator at every entrance. We had to carry our luggage down many steps but once there it was easy to take it to the airport and seemed very safe. However, I do live in the city and regularly use public transportation.