“Let’s plan a trip to Greece,” said my daughter A the day after we arrived home from our summer 2016 family vacation to Italy. “I want to go to Greece,” followed my sister N. They didn’t have to twist my arm for me to say “yes” or “ne” as they say in Greek. I love feta cheese, spanakopita, and baklava. I knew it would be a great vacation as we had traveled together to Spain a few years ago and all gotten along.
By January 2017 our flights were booked for a June journey. We would spend three days exploring the amazing old world of Athens and a week in Oia on the magnificent island of Santorini.
I went to Greece with my daughter A (left) and my sister N (right).
It was a wonderful trip and now that I’m back I can’t wait to share the details. For sure, you’ll want to book a trip to Greece when you’re done reading about our travels.
A Smooth Flight to Athens
We left from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Taking the train to the plane from Manhattan was quite easy to navigate, even with luggage. I packed light, using my favorite Eagle Creek compression bags (highly recommend these bags for organizing clothes in your suitcase) and a 21-inch Samsonite. Delta was our airline of choice with a non-stop flight – on time, clean plane, lots of movies, good food. Eight hours later, we touched down in Athens.
“Welcome to Athens,” said our driver Kyriakos Apostolopoulos. We arranged transportation to the downtown area in advance via Welcome Pickups – a wise idea. It was a 30 minute ride to the Electra Palace Hotel, which we booked after reading positive reviews on TripAdvisor. We didn’t even realize it had a 5-star rating. (Note that the travel writer Rick Steves says this hotel is the “cream of the crop” in his guide to Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese. How lucky we were!) Our room was a classic triple (a rare find in a European hotel) and included a full buffet breakfast each morning. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it.
Our First Athens Walkabout
Since check-in wasn’t until 12:30 pm we left our luggage and began exploring the city. We walked to Ermou St, a busy shopping area filled with coffee shops, bakeries, clothing stores, restaurants and all kinds of Greek souvenirs. There were street vendors with grilled corn on the cob and chestnuts. We stopped for a cup of Greek coffee and bought a fresh koulouri — a traditional Athenian on-the-go breakfast. It looks and tastes a bit like a large sesame bagel.
We passed the Central Market where merchants were selling fresh meats and fish, feta cheese, dried fruits, olives, seeds, herbs and flowers too. It was too early to eat souvlaki or gyros so we didn’t stop by Souvlaki Row. (Unfortunately, we never made it there during our weekend in Athens – a defiinite ‘to do’ for another visit.)
A Luxurious Stay At Electra Palace Hotel
June weather in Athens is hot, hot, hot. We were glad to return to the hotel by noon, change into bathing suits, and head to the rooftop pool for some relaxation. The pool is small, but has a birds-eye view of the Acropolis and nice lounge chairs.
“Would you like to try a massage, reflexology and mini facial?” inquired Bora, a therapist from Aegeo Spas. The spa, located on the lower level of the Electra, was running a special that afternoon. How could I pass it up at $75 euro for all of the treatments, especially after my 8 hour plane ride? “Yes, yes, yes,” I replied. “I’m ready and willing.”
Bora did a deep tissue oil massage, reflexology on my feet, and then treated my face to a mild exfoliation combining the benefits of salts and high quality oils. My skin was smooth and hydrated and I was back in tip top shape for dinner.
We ended the day dining at the award-winning Electra’s Rooftop Garden Restaurant, known not only for it’s Mediterranean cuisine but also for it’s dramatic evening views of the Acropolis. We shared lentil carpaccio to start and enjoyed delicious entrees including traditional moussaka for N, lamb chops for A and vegetable risotto for me. I can see why this rooftop restaurant is a standout on Athen’s culinary scene. Reservations are a must.
We raised wine glasses and toasted to a best-ever first day in Athens. Soon our heads hit the pillow and we were ready for sleep. We were excited for tomorrow’s agenda: Tour and climb to the top of Acropolis then venture out into the Plaka neighborhood for more good Greek food and wine.
Stay tuned.
Judi
What a wonderful post! I am inspired to follow your path!
Nancy, thanks. There’s more to come so you can definitely go to Greece and experience it just like we did.
Looks like you had wonderful weather and wonderful company to boot! Thanks for sharing your Greek adventure!
Irene, it was really nice traveling on an all-female trip, especially with my sister and daughter.
We’ve been to Santorini and some other islands, and the Peloponnese, but we’ve never been to Athens. It looks like Mr. Excitement may be going to a medical conference on Crete next year. Guess who will be planning the rest of our trip,? I’ll be following along on yours. for some ideas, dos and don’ts.
Suzanne, We didn’t go to Crete, but I will be going there on a cruise this fall so stay tuned.
All you have to do is mention Greek food and I’m fantasizing about a Greece trip too. Hoping this will be the year we finally head that way! I can second your recommendation for Eagle compression bags. We used them for 3 years of full-time travel and I still pull them out for even short trips as they’re great for bulky clothes like jeans and dirty clothes for the return trip. One of the best packing aids I’ve ever found!
Anita, hope you get to Greece soon. Glad you like the Eagle Creek compression bags. I’ve recommended them to several family and friends and everyone loves them. My neighbor suggested them to me.
Mmm that Greek food looks and sounds yummy. I was in Greece as a child, at ten years old with my family but have yet to return!
Your daughter has it right. Decide where your next trip will be minutes after the current one has ended. :)Peta
Peta, definitely plan a trip back to Greece. It is well worth it.
What an amazing trip and to be able to make great memories with your sister and daughter, that’s so great!
Nathalie, yes it is fun being able to travel with my daughter.
I have never been to Greece, so I read with great interest about your trip. Now I REALLY want to go! Thank you for the excellent article!
Marilyn, this was my first visit. I’ll be sharing more in future posts. Well worth a trip to Greece.
Hi Judi, I’m excited to read about your trip. My husband and I are visiting several Greek islands on a cruise next Spring.
Thanks!
Kay, thanks for your comment. I’ll be sharing more about our travels in Santorini. Hope you will be visiting that island as it is beautiful. Enjoy your cruise.
Greece is such a wonderful country! We were so intrigued by Athens- it’s probably our favorite city for historical sites (tied with Rome:)
Whitney, so glad you enjoyed Greece. I agree, but Rome still is top on my list.