We are considering an Athens to Venice cruise the end of June 2005. We would arrive on a Sunday, with the cruise departing on Friday. I know Athens will be hot at that time and am considering going first to a coastal area for 2-3 days to get over jet lag, swim, visit local points of interest, then go to Athens say on Wednesday. Moderate prices, local flavor preferred, not a high priced suburb of Athens. Any suggestions for this itinerary?

I would skip Athens and fly straight to Santorini and stay at Oia. Olympic has several flights daily.

Consider taking the ferry to Aegina. It's a friendly island, just a hop, skip and jump from Athens with beaches, great food, nice ruins, and plenty to see and do. Whatever you do, don't miss Athens completely on the trip. It's incredibly interesting.

I agree with Grasshopper; do not skip Athens entirely. Despite all the bad press it gets, there is much very worthwhile in Athens for at least 2-3 days.

Thanks to all. I've decided to just stay in Athens, tour the city for two days and make two day trips out. One would probably be to Delphi from what I have read so far. What would be the best destination for the second day trip?

If you're willing to ggive up two days make Delphi an overnight trip. It's great to see but it's even more magical after the day trippers go home. And Delphi itself is a charming little town. If you can afford two nights go to Delphi and Meteora.