internetwiz

Ian, that's what I had originally thought I'd do, but if there are any delays, whether it be plane or baggage, I'll miss the 7:30 flight. I'm still debating this one, but I'd rather go to the islands after we go to Delphi and Nafplio than worrying about missing the flight as it would be a crummy way to start a vacation. We'll do Athens at the end like you (and others) have suggested.

Travelerjan, the email link to St. Thomas is also broken (or it was yesterday). I did find them listed on another B&B site and presumably contacted them, but I haven't heard back yet. If you or others know of any other small hotels near the airport, please let me know. I read about one called Peris, but I haven't seen any reviews on it.

travelerjan

For your purposes, ST. Thomas is MUch preferable to the Perls thing.. And what is this "presumably" about?? If you wrote an e-mail to the St. Thomas e-mail address and you didn't get a bounce-back, then your e-mail WAS delivered. Remember, you don't go until mid=september! You have nearly 3 months. This couple is busy making beds, serving breakfast etc. THey don't have an office staff. They are probably dealing with the immediately-expected reservations first. If you don't hear in 4 or 5 days, try again. I am sure you will hear back shortly.

PS: Delighted to give you some tips, and perhaps you will later write a trip report. If so, can you do me a tremendous favor, in return for the advice. Please don't fall into the pattern of Fodorites (female) who use those terrible twee designations DH and DS and DD etc. YOu don't have to use their full names, u can use initials or Him and Him Jr. but please, not DH. It affects me like those T-shirts that say "better half" or aprons with "I'm the Cook." It's so 1950s, and I lived thru that once. --- TJ

Roger1x

Another possible option to consider is getting your car at the airport when you arrive around 5PM and driving an hour or so toward Napflion. While you will arrive a bit tired, your internal clock will be 10AM and your mind should be pretty sharp. I've found that I'm able to sleep a good couple of hours on your Paris-Athens leg. Of course, everyone travels differently.

I think you are making a good choice not going straight to Crete. I'm always anxious about making it and I take the afternoon flight out of Dulles not the 10PM one which I assume that you're taking.

travelerjan

That's an OK option, Roger Ix, I think, depending on who's driving. They could always chug a cup of Greek coffee & get WIRED. There are a few considerations, however:

(1) Friday 5 pm of course has the outbound weekend traffic, and a lot of folks going to Peloponnese for the weekend. One would hope the bulk of the traffic would have cleared the Athens area by the time they get their bags, thru passport control & pick up a car (say 6pm). It's a vERY good road, 2 lanes each way, divided highway, no traffic lights even. until 2/3 of way there, and over the corinth canal.

(2) however, there really isn't any good place to stop for the night until Nafplio, which is 2.5 hours away. Nothing nothing nothing really until Corinth Canal...and that's an awful dreary place to spend one's first night in.

(3) this plan is GREAT in May-JUne, when the sun sets at 8:45, and it's light until way after 9. In mid-Sept, the sun sets about 7:45 ... but that's still not too bad if u start at 6, you'd be over the canal & turning south on the Nafplion road by then. ... it's something to consider.

Roger1x

Jan, You're probably right. I like to get to where I'm going as soon as possible and keep my packing and unpacking to a minimum which would lead me to head straight to Napflio.

I haven't been there in years but I can't imagine finding the hotel in the dark would be much fun. Although, having 3 people in the car would allow for shared driving and extra eyes to find street signs.

On an unrelated note, thanks for getting rid of those annoying ads that kept showing up.

internetwiz

We're actually going in early September (before Labor Day), so it will still be light out when we get in, but I know we'll be exhausted, even if we catch a nap between Paris and Athens. With the time change, I'm sure we'll get an early start to Napflio on Saturday morning, and we can take our time getting there.

Yes, Roger1x, we are taking the 10pm flight from Dulles. I would have preferred to take an earlier flight, but I couldn't justify the cost difference.

And travelerjan, I would love to hear your tips. Should I go back and look through your trip reports?

travelerjan

E-mail me.

internetwiz

Not to beat a dead horse, but one more question. As Roger1x suggested, would it be crazy to drive straight to Nafplio from the airport? The B&B by the airport that I *thought* I had reserved, is now telling me they have no rooms. This gives me the option of staying in Markopoulo or heading out of town (Loutraki, maybe?). The airport Sofitel is too expensive; the Holiday Inn only has rooms for two.

What do you think? I worry about driving at night in a strange car, in a new place. Any other ideas? Any other decent, reasonably priced places (that has triple rooms) to stay around the airport?

travelerjan

Triple rooms are rare. Pop for a single for your son.

internetwiz

I could, but I'd rather splurge somewhere other than an airport chain hotel.

How awful would it be to stay in Loutraki?

yipper

Hi,

There are a lot of hotels in Glyfada, which is along the coast south of Athens. It would not be a bad drive to get there, 30 minutes. Stay there and head out the next morning.
I have stayed at the Sea View hotel and it is fine. I think they have quads for 154 euros. I would try and drive right to Nafplio, but everyone has their own internal clock and if you are tired and grumpy it might be best to rest. Have a fabulous trip. We will be heading back home when you arrive and with all the cool rainy weather we are having in the NE, I am so looking forward to some sunny hot days, not to mention the food, beaches and fabulous sites.

Enjoy, Yipper

Roger1x

Now that you're back any chance we can hear about the trip? What was your final itinerary? What worked well, what would you do differently. How was the flight over, did you survive the transfer in Paris, and how did the first night go?

brotherleelove2004

St. Thomas B&B: http://www.stay-in-athens.com/index.htm

travelerjan

Triple rooms are rare. Try Peris hotel 10 minutes from airport free shuttle to/from.
http://www.perishotelapt.gr/

they have 12 rooms ... I think about 40E ... at that price you can afford a room for your son, or maybe he can even pay for it himself, he's 22 years old.

progol

Can't wait to hear about the trip (hint, hint!).

Dying to hear the final itinerary, and how it all went.

Paule

internetwiz

I know. I owe you a trip report. Still dealing with jet lag.

progol

Internetwiz,

What was your final itinerary? What were your outstanding experiences/places?


Future Greece travelers want to know!

Paule