It's very early morning. I need to look again but I think the flight was about 8am.

I drive but not while on vacation. As a rule I prefer public transportation as my first choice as you can appreciate the local culture and custom more. I only take taxi or car service for meeting early flight when it is too early for any public transportation. I probably will break this rule this time by going with a car service from Delphi to Meteora as this route is logistical challenging by public transportation. It will cost a bit but its four of us so it should be ok. Does anyone have experience with daytrip car service that can share?

Following with interest.
Although I may rent a car and drive it.
I took a private car service in Italy to see the Amalfi coast (recommended by a Fodorite) and it was pricey but lovely. My guess this day trip would be several hundred euros. Just a guess.

"We will have 4 full days for sightseeing in Athens"
In our experience, two full days would be plenty. Although it's usually required to spend nights in Athens before/after flights.

We just weren't impressed with Athens, though we were in a lovely hotel walking distance to the Acropolis. We were happier on Santorini for 5 nights.

MoBro, different opinions, different interests -- that's what it's all about. Perhaps you are more into scenery and luxury than history, but others' priorities may differ.

I think sharing our experiences and opinions is the point here, non?

"more into scenery and luxury than history"?? That's quite a leap, and rather patronizing.

My travel group kept changing their schedules and could not come to agreement until recently. My final itinerary is as follows:
- 3 nights in Athens
- 3 nights in Santorini (flying in and out)
- 2 nights in Athens.
We will not be able to go any day trip/s while in Athens due to different arrival/departure schedules. Our time will be mainly spent sightseeing in Athens. Our main focus is now turned to the Santorini trip as it seems to the only attraction to the group.
Many thanks to all comments made to this thread.

The good news is that there's a LOT to do in Athens. If you haven't seen it already, you might find some useful information in my trip report; the section on Athens starts with post # 181.
With Gratitude for a Glorious Solo Month in Greece

I think this is the perfect itinerary for you! and If ever you can find time in Athens, or you have seen all you wanted to see at the beginning of your trip, you can always book a little day trip at the end. Have a wonderful time and enjoy Santorini!! It's magical! (in my humble experience)

Hi all, just a brief update on the trip made about ten days ago.

Greece is an unbelievable place to visit. Our trip worked out perfectly. Stayed at the O&B Boutique Hotel which is near the north west part of the Acropolis hill with easy access all around. We had really nice weather except on the first day at Santorini where it had overcast weather with blustery wind at hill top. But the rest of the time was fantastic - deep sea, blue sky and white washed hill side houses. Pictures taken were all came out beautifully. We stayed in an airbnb place with a roof top terrace near the south end of Fira, far away from the crowd. We really enjoyed the stay there. And we were lucky to have decided to fly/in of Santorini as there was a ferry strike to the islands during our stay. Santorini is really a special place.

List of places visited in Athens:
- Acropolis Hill
- Ancient Agora
- Roman Forum
- Areopagus Hill
- Hadrian's Arch
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- National Park
- Aristotle Old School
- Night visit to Lycabettus Hill
- Acropolis Museum
- National Museum
In Santorini:
- Oia
- Volcano Island
- Skaros Hill
- Thirasia Island

We covered many grounds and are looking forward to explore the rest of Greece in my next visit.

Greece is wonderful, isn't it? Thanks for reporting back!

Sounds like you fell in love with Greece! Thanks for letting us know how it went!!