Clausar, I've read some history books. The info is there, just not in guide books.

I can't say I would have thought of bringing hiking poles to the Acropolis but perhaps better safe than sorry. The surface is definitely uneven in places.

Some historic sites insist on rubber tips on poles. People have reported that's the case at the Acropolis.

please be careful around the acropolis
so slippery
seriously
slippery
saw three older people fall

I could be wrong, but I think I remember seeing an elevator near the ticket booths for the Acropolis? Also, if you ask your hotel, they should be able to get you tickets in advance so that your husband won't have to stand in the long entrance lines.

Now about seafood... two of the best and a bit unusual places for that were just outside the city: ITAKA OR ITHACA?? I'm probably spelling it wrong, and NOBU, which of course is not Greek, but has excellent seafood delicacies and is a beautiful place to spend an evening, as it's on the water in Vouliagmeni.

Good memory, Weadles! I had forgotten about the elevator, but with your prompting, I remember it, too. Matt Barrett's guide includes some info:
https://www.athensguide.com/acropolis.html

Both Ithaki & Nobu are in the southern suburb of Vouliagmeni :

Nobu : https://www.matsuhisaathens.com/about/

Ithaki : http://www.ithakirestaurantbar.gr

Both excellent choices,i love Ithaki also because of the stunning view over the bay of Kavouri.

Weadles note the name of Psart for your next visit !

One more very good fish restaurant in the city centre is Milos at the Athens Hilton

Milos : http://tinyurl.com/y7gts93j

and of course Varoulko : http://varoulko.gr

THe elevator requires advance preparation and isn't easy to book... I think one must have a doctor's note that elevator is essential, person is not mobile without crutches or wheelchair ... an achey knee won't do it. Furthermore, once the elevator is booked in advance, one must check the day before and morning of, to make sure there is personnel to run it (alas Greek officialdom is disorganized -- and people have arrived to find that no authorized lift-person is available). So, trekking poles. That's what I used he last time, and they worked swell. Altho my knee was just achey ... right now I'm facing a knee replacement. So in future I'll just gaze from afar .. luckily I've been "up top" about 7-8 times.

I would advise getting as early a start as you can to avoid some of the crowds going up to the top, especially since your DH has knee issues. My husband and I both have cranky knee/hip issues, and we found it difficult to get to the top, so I hope that trekking poles do work for you. Good luck!

Packing our telescoping poles, as even one each is helpful for balance. Thanks-

How incredible to read so many helpful posts!

The taxi advice from everyone is appreciated. DH is much improved since therapy began in late spring and has solid hiking shoes and poles with rubber tips, so we really, truly, and literally will take the Acropolis morning one step at a time. If DH were in need of the lift, we probably would not have attempted this holiday.

crazyh and FuryFluffy, thank you for the information on the flea market. We have the Naschmarkt here for “stuff,” and could certainly better use the time on Sunday! But maybe we’ll peek in should we happen to be in the area.

Though the itinerary is not finalized, I think we will be purchasing the special Greek Ministry of Culture ticket affording us access to 5 museums/attractions, the Acropolis included; and plan to do this on the afternoon of arrival. The Acropolis will be visited first the following morning to minimize the crowds to maneuver around.

So far the Fodors votes are high in favor of the Acropolis Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, and Benaki. Not sure we are Byzantine Art people but I will do a little research. We’ll also add the Kerimikos Cemetery. DD expressed interest in the Instrument Museum (she plays violin), as well.

No worries whatsoever that we won’t try to be adventurous eaters!

travelrerjan, your history of the Greek fishing culture was a fascinating, and albeit a bit depressing read; even my DH WWII history buff did not know that. Thank you, also to those who have recommended and suggested places to dine.
The recommendation for seafood in Vouliagmeni, on the Athens coast is also duly noted.

Cape Sounion has already been put on the, “Next Trip” list. DD has visited previously; and we just don’t think there is time on this holiday.

Thank you, thank you!

Just in case it matters -- the Museum of Byzantine and Christian Art covers nearly 1000 years of art, architecture, and objects during that are considered to be part of Greece's "Byzantine" era, and then the next 500 years or so of post-Byzantine Christian art, architecture, and sacramental regalia. I thought it an extensive and very well signed museum. JMO.

Clausar, I'm sure you know beter than I do which part of Greece has the most long lived & healthiest residents.

travelerjan, lovely stories. I had never realized the etymology of "company" & you are right.

You should definitelly plan to spend a day at Athenian Riviera! There are several towns located south of Athens worth visiting.

One of the most notable ones is called Vouliagmeni located about 30-40 minutes away:
http://followmckinsey.com/vouliagmeni/

I'm sure you will like local restaurants and beaches. By the way I usually swim there in October, so make sure to bring your bathing suit!

The 'yellow lentil' dish is fava, made with what in English are called split peas, not American fava beans. It's a very basic staple peasant dish, as it 'fakes', or 'lentil soup', both very delicious & cheap too. Fava is available on most taverna menus as a starter, but don't forget it is quite acceptable to order 3 or 4 'starters' to make a meze meal for 2 - hence the fun of dining with others, you can get more variety.

Those, dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice & herbs or in the summer anthous, the same but made with courgette flowers), Briam (roasted vegetable stew), in Chania region Boureki (courgette & potato layered bake with local Mizithra cheese), rice stuffed tomatoes & peppers, herb & spinach & fennel pies, oh so many absolutely delicious non-meat foods.
Just step away sometimes from the standard moussaka & Greek salad, (call it Horiatiki) & you won't be disappointed!

I rate the main Benaki museum as one of my favourites, the Acropolis Museum & National Archaeological Museum are a given.
Going to Athens coast - Please be aware that much of it is off limits at the moment because of an oil spill, check before going anywhere on the beach as to which are affected, we have had some winds & it may reach further. I hope not, but don't go without asking first!
I went up the Acropolis one time with a bad back, it is doable early when there's no crowds, the poles will help, just take as long as you need. Apart from good non slip footwear the other essentials are water, hat & sunscreen! There is a drinking water tap at the top to refill bottles.

jwugg, thanks. The menu at the Acropolis museum eatery identified them as from Santorini (and probably called the dish 'fava". but I can't remember). Perhaps I remember the little yellow pulses as lentils because they were not actually split--- ? In Santorini, do cooks use whole dried yellow peas or split peas?

Some of the Santorini fava I see pictured onlne is quite finely pureed, like a hummus. But the dish I was served at the Acropolis museum retained the appearance of the individual peas, more like this:

http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/...NjUuanBn/?ref=

yiassas1, I much appreciate the caution about heading to the Athens coast for dinner. We'll certainly inquire once we're there late next month.

We are all anticipating excellent Greek cuisine! And the wine. Our previous visit to Greece was Corfu, where we simply ordered the "house" wine to pair with our grilled octopus. Hopefully we can enjoy several varietals on this holiday.

Thank you, everyone!

The fava is sometimes called Santorini fava on menus, because apparently the highest quality comes from there (although my Cretan friend in a recent discussion about this doesn't know why, but agrees it sounds 'posher' on a menu!).
It is sometimes blended very smooth & other times left more textured, like you I prefer it with some texture. Traditionally served with raw onion & you pour oil over it, there is a new fashion of eating it with caramelised onions, & together with grilled octopus or calamari - an absolutely heavenly combination!

Thanks jwugg. Looking forward to going to both Santorini & Crete someday and will see if I can detect any difference!

Just got back from my first trip to Athens. I'm in my 60's, not in good shape though knees are fine. I was pleasantly surprised that the pathway up to the Acropolis was not too difficult. The heat (91 Degrees F) bothered me most but you might be better in October. We came up from the south entrance with a guide from Athens Walking Tours. There were shady spots and our guide stopped numerous times on the way up. So, I think it is do-able if you are careful. My number 1 piece of advice is that you wear shoes with rubber soles and traction. The stones and steps are so polished by foot traffic, they could be slippery. Just take it slowly and wear hats.

I'm not a museum person, but the Acropolis Museum was amazing. It was an architectural marvel and their restaurant has great food and views!

I don't like yogurt but fell in love with Greek yogurt!