We are very experienced independent travelers. My husband has been to Greece and traveled extensively there several years ago. I now want to go to Greece and am looking at the Gate 1 package largely because the price seems good. Never having taken a group tour or cruise, we're seeking any insight or information on Gate 1 Travel's 11 Day Classic Greece with 3 Day Aegean Cruise.

I have looked at the hotels online and understand that the Athens Astor Hotel is dated and worn but with great views and location. Otherwise the hotels look basic, but okay. That said, I know that online photos and reviews can be deceiving. So, we'd greatly appreciate any first hand knowledge of Gate 1 Travel Greece, Amalia Hotel Delphi and Kalambaka and Arty Grand Olympia.

I'm trusting that my well traveled Fodors friends will respond to my inquiry as posted without entering into a discussion of tours vs. independent travel which has always been our practice in the past. And may still end up being what we do, depending on what we hear about Gate 1.

Thanks so much! Saige

Have you checked out the Louis cruise portion? Friends of mine had a terible experience on a Louis ship last fall.

Thanks, HappyTrvlr.

I realized immediately after hitting submit that I had not included the Louis Olympia Cruise in my question! Do you mind sharing what your friend's experience was?

Gate1 is a serious travel agent, i know them for several years.
If i remember well, they co-operate in Greece with Amphitrion Holidays, one of the biggest and oldest incoming operators of Greece.

Hotel Astor in Athens has a very central location, but it is dated as you wrote and not all rooms have a nice view...
Some rooms do have Acropolis view, but they won't be able to confirm such a room in advance.

Amalia Hotel in Delphi is an old hotel with a very good location ( and nice view), but it is dated as well...

The Arty Grand Olympia is the best of all 3 that you mentioned, being a brand new hotel.
I stayed there last December and totally loved it, even though it had some minor problems because it had opened 2 months ago.

My experience with Louis was only positive, i did a few years ago a 4 days cruise, only to discover that i don't like cruises in general... ( which wasn't a fault of Louis Cruises...)

clausar, I was hoping to hear from someone in Athens and greatly appreciate your response! The Arty Grand looked great on line and it is good to hear that your experience with Louis was positive. Thanks, Saige