I would love any advice regarding the pros and cons of taking tours of the Acropolis as opposed to doing it alone with guidebooks. Also, everywhere it is written to go to the Acropolis early in the morning but we won't be arriving to our hotel until about 10am. Is it really too late to take in the Acropolis or should we devote the following day to do it right and opt to do a Sounion half day tour to Temple of Poseidon instead (and not waste the day)? Also, are the night light shows and folk dance troupes easy to arrange on your own? Last question, promise: If I had to choose between Delphi and Mycenae to see, which one should I pick? Thanks for any help.<BR>

I went with my husband and brother in Sept. '99, and we walked over there from our hotel in the Plaka district, without arranging any tours ahead of time. We had guidebooks with us, but we then decided to hire one of the English-speaking tourguides that was hanging around for an agreed-upon price. (I can't recall how much, but it wasn't too bad. Maybe the equivalent of $15?) I thought it was worth it since he was an older man who was very knowledgeable, and pointed out many interesting features. I don't think we got there that early in the morning, so I would not sweat it if you show up at midday. You will have plenty of time. Our hotel had plenty of info on day tours, sound and light shows, etc. We made a dinner reservation for a rooftop table at Pil Poul, and watched the light show from there. The restaurant is expensive, but it was totally worth it -- beautiful ambiance, good food, nice service. I have not been to Mycenae, but we did the bus tour to Delphi and thought it was fantastic. My brother is a Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the Univ. of Maryland, so Delphi was one of those spots that we could not miss. It was a very memorable day -- highly recommended.

Thanks CJ, Great advice. I'm definitely going to get one of those personal guides out front. It seems much cheaper than the $37-43 guided tours the agencies are asking. Do you remember the hotel you stayed at? Anyone know anything about Hotel Cypria?

We stayed at the Electra Palace, and liked it a lot. Some rooms have an Acropolis view. I faxed them 2-3 times before arrival, politely reminding them that we were requesting an Acropolis view room. When we showed up, they granted the request because we had asked ahead of time. (My faxes were in a file.) They put out a nice breakfast every morning that is included in the room rate. I highly recommend staying in the Plaka district. It has so much character and charm. We would walk around for hours at night, and find a nice taverna for dinner -- the ones that seemed packed with Greek families, and/or had live music. I must say that I loved Athens -- I don't know why you commonly hear people say they hate it. I could have spent more time there.

These were excellent posts with ltsa great info. I eave for my first trip to Greece Oct.2 and will be staying in the Plaka and hired a driver to Delphi for a full day tour. Now I plan on making a reservation for a roof top dinner also.<BR>Thanks for the info you shared..<BR>Gary n Fort Lauderdale

My advice would be to read a couple of things about the Acropolis before you visit, and follow a tour or even better hire a guide to point out a few more things. It's not that Acropolis is a big (in surface area terms) site in order to get lost or not have enough time to explore, BUT a guide will point out a few important details. Since my last visit I remember that the signs at the site are few and not very illustrative. That's why a guide would help. As a Greek I would prefer to spend more time in Acropolis, so I also have the time to walk/explore the surrounding area too (the new pedestrian street on the other side of Plaka, where Herodion ancient theatre is). Sounion, I would prefer to visit in the evening in order to also enjoy the famous sunset from the Temple of Poseidon. Its a much smaller archeological site to explore and I would combine my visit there with a meal to a fish-tavern. Concerning the folk dance troups I haven't personal experience but I would ask at the hotel desk. There are several of them in the Plaka area at night time, usually combined with a meal at the price. To a Greek sound a little touristic, but I would like to experience it once. And one last thing: if you have to choose between Delphi and Mycenae, definately go to Delphi. Amazing drive and if you go by car, instead of a bus, make a stop at Arahova (village close to ski resort of Parnassos)on your way back to Athens. <BR>PS. Athens hotels&gt; depending on how much you would like to spent. I guess same question about hotels in Athens has appeared many times before at the forum before.<BR>Yiannis

GarynFla,<BR><BR>I spoke with Eugenis today and, as you said, she is extremely knowledgeable. I am just waiting for quotes from her for Mykonos and Santorini. BTW, how much is it costing for the guide to Delphi? That might a good way to spend the second day in Athens.

You should study www.greecetravel.com before you leave, it has a wealth of information.<BR>Also the Electra Palace is evidently closed until march 2003.

I will offer a dissenting opinion about hiring a guide. If you get a good guidebook - either the Blue Guide/Greece, Blue Guide/Athens, or John Freely's Strolling through Athens, there is nothing that a live guide will show you that you won't get from the guidebook. We hired a guide to show us around the Agora, and regretted it afterwards. He offered much less detail than the Blue Guide did, and some of what he did tell us wasn't especially reliable.

<BR>Marian,<BR>with one of the major guidebooks, and providing you at leat skimmed the book over over the night before, I think it's perfectly fine to do Acropolis on your own and skip the tour guide ... it's physically small and not like you'll get lost, kidnapped, or extorted ... <BR><BR>I've gone to Acropolis as late as 2pm in August and it was still OK, although an earlier start would have been more pleasant (a bit less crowded). So don't necessarily wait another day just to get there at 9am.<BR><BR>If you HAD to choose between Delfi & Mycenae, I'd say Delfi. The physical site at Delfi is far more dramatic and stunning. The archaeological ruins are also more complete and "classical" in their appearance, if that appeals to you.<BR><BR>Mycenae is older & more primitive, which itself has an appeal. Remarkable that in these small, squat, rough buildings, so long ago (1000 BC-ish ?), that a powerful city-state flourished.

Thanks to everyone who responded. This site is incredibly addictive because nothing beats the actual experiences of real travelers.

ANITA. I hired "George" the taxi guide from Matt Barrett's site that everyone raves about. It was 250.00 after 3 e-mails negotiating the price.He picks you up at the hotel and is very knowledgable of the areas. I almost rented a car and did the tip myself.Most rentals only gave us 100 KLM and the rentals that gave unlimited KLM's wanted almost 100 Euro for the day. For the difference in price I prefer to not be lost,not deal with driving in Athens, and to sit back and enjoy the scenery as I am driven around.<BR>Lastly I just don't care for bus tours.I have a taken 4 bus tours and 2 were ok and 2 were miserable.Bus torus to the same area was about 70 Euro.Hope this answers your questions.. I leave in two weeks and can hardly wait..

guided tour unnecessary in Athens. Buy Fodors book & tour Athens on your own but dont stay in Athens too long- too congested & pollluted-- not that much to see

I vote for saving it for your second day, and going as soon as it opens (8, I think, but do check). We were jetlagged and were up at the crack of dawn. We had a wonderful walk through Plaka without the crowds, and made it to the Acropolis by 8. It was wonderful because there were so few people. By 9, bussloads of tourists were already unloading and swarming the hill.<BR><BR>Have a great time!