ken

Hi, <BR>Many of you may be familar with Matt Barrett's website on Greece (http://www.greektravel.com/newsletter.html). on his site he mentions "George" the cab driver. We took a chance and hired George to take us on two full day trips out of Athens. <BR> <BR>He was terrific. A lot of fun, a very careful driver, and very knowledgeable. Of course, it was very expensive ($250 USD per day) but if you can afford it, we would highly recommend him. rather than a tour bus, we were able to go where we wanted to go and spend as much or as little time in every place we went. He also took us to his favorite restrauants on our road trips and the food was inexpensive and terrific. <BR> <BR>I know I sound like an ad but it is often dicey to trust things on the web, but in this case we were the winners. George's website is http://www.greecetravel.com/taxi/ <BR>his email address is [email protected] <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>Ken

Katherine

I have found Matt's recommendations to be VERY good. I wondered about George. <BR> <BR>I'm wondering how many Greece travelers have fallen for the Taxi Cab and the Taverna scam? Everytime we got in a cab and told the driver the name of a restaurant we got "let me take you to a better restaurant, a restaurant by the sea, a restaurant where my mother goes!" Finally, in a moment of weakness we agreed and were taken to a nice enough little place by the marina. The menu (in Greek)was taken away and the host suggested he bring us the best; a Greek salad to share, some fried shrimps and calamari and a fresh grilled fish. The meal was very good and we enjoyed it until we got the check.... $150!!! 5 times what we paid for any other meal in Greece. When we returned to the hotel and told the bar tender in the lounge he shook his head in disgust and said "no, don't tell me... the taxicab and the taverna scam" Later we ran into other tourists who had the same story to tell.

Surlok

This is quite common in Greece, and it doesn't happen only because a taxi driver takes you to a restaurant. If you let it by chance, you'll be likely ripped off at any restaurant, so always make sure, when being offered a special meal, of how much the fare will be before you order it. <BR> <BR>Also regarding taxi rides, make sure that the metro is working, or try to make sure in advance, if you're hiring a taxi, of what you'll be getting for the money. Greeks are really cunning, so beware... <BR> <BR>Surlok

Thyra

We were very fortunate in Greece, never having a bad taxi experience. My In-laws, who met up with us there used George the Taxi driver and raved about it. <BR>The only rip off we had was unfortunately based on a recommendation on Matt Barretts web site... his Swift Car rental. <BR>They charged us extra to be driven outside of Athens.. which upon arrival they would not do, they gave us a car with no map, no breaks and a dysfunctional steering wheel. <BR>I could go on for 3 paragraphs.. but suffice to say that when we got home and I emailed Matt about what happened he was shocked... called the rental car company... offered to interceed for us if were were seeking financial restitution (which we weren't). And went out of his way to be helpful. <BR>

ken

yes, we did get ripped off by local cabs too. but for only $1.00 "Extra fee" for radio cab.... <BR> <BR>George is very reliable and will recommend the very much restrauants at whatever price range you want. we spent two full days with him and enjoyed his wit and personality. By the way, he is a very safe driver as well <BR>Ken

Celeste

I reserved an airport pickup and a full day with George but was lucky enough to get one of his fellow taxi drivers, Vangelis, instead. I'm sure George is wonderful as everyone says, but he can't be any better than Vangelis! He can be requested through George's company.

Anna

We had our hotel call a taxi to take us to the new Athens airport in June 2001. The 55 minute trip from the Plaka was 5300 Drachmas (less than $14). I thought those not prearranging a taxi may want to have an idea of the cost.