Message from Greece.....GARYNFLA
 

Hello to everyone..We just finished 2 nights in Athens at the Herodion Hotel. It was very nice, friendly, 5 minute walk to Plaka. After much discussion I am glad I did not drive!! Athens is incredible and I would not come back to Greece without visiting Athens.<BR> We are now in Santorini and we are staying at www.danavillas.gr . The place could not be any nicer.I will post pictures soon for alkl to see. The place is breath takingly beautiful!! We went to OIa today, it is very nice but I have to say I prefer Firostephani<BR>which is a 10 minute walk to Fira.. <BR> Anita, I ventured through Katikies today and it is extremely nice. To me it seems a bit too formal. They don't allow pictures?<BR>It is extremely nice but all the action is mostly in Fira and it is quite a drive to Fira from Oia..<BR> I will post more soon. If you are reading this post and you are planing your first trip<BR>you will be impressed!! I love it andf will definetly come back..<BR> More to follow,<BR> GARY

Thanks for the update Gary.Sounds great ,love to see the pictures

Hi Gary,<BR><BR>It's nice to hear about your trip, we are leaving this Tuesday as well. Was there a lot of scaffolding and work being done at the Acropolis? Did you visit it with a guide or by yourself? And how's the weather? I've been checking Yahoo and Santorini is always so much colder than Mykonos. Did you rent a car for Santorini? Let us know what kind of activities you did and recommend (or not)if you have the time. I will be in Mykonos this Wed - Sat. morning - maybe we'll bump into each other! Just bought a language book/tape - have you needed to speak any Greek in your trip?<BR><BR>Well, I realize your busy but if you have the time, it would be great if you could answer my questions. In any case, have a great Gary.<BR>All the best, Marian

Dear Marian,<BR><BR>Weather in Athens it's has been "crazy" all these days. Yesterday it was amazing, all day sunny and kind of warm (24 celcius). Today (Sunday) it's raining almost all day (in Athens). I am reading the forecast and noticed on Wednesday when you arrive that is going to be sunny, but colder than today (19 celcius), then starting Thursday tempature goes up again 2-3 degrees.<BR>Have in mind that in the islands it's windy but not necessaraly realy cold. So bring an anorak (thin to protect from winds)for sure.<BR>Sunday it's the election for Mayors all around Greece, so expect lots of pictures around Athens of the two main candidates, but I don't think that will interfere with your schedule.<BR>PS.&gt; Good luck with your Greek class!

Hi Gary,<BR><BR>I'm so happy to see your post and you sound like your having a great time. RE: Oia - if Katikies is so formal I don't think I would like that. I'm so totally unformal. Ok - now I have to re-think this. Back to the beginning again. Tell us more about Dana Villas!!! Would love to see pictures. Have a great time and looking forward to your next posting. FYI - it is still sunny and hot here in Fla. <BR>Can't wait to see your pics!!!

After a day on the beach at Perivolos go for lunch at the 'Dihtia' tavern (the fishing nets in greek),...<BR>and for drinks and sunset at Franco's bar in fira.<BR>enjoy your stay!

Hello again,<BR> The weather is perfect.In Athens during the day it is in the low 70's and low 60's at night. In Santorini it is mid 70's during the day and low 60's at night. The Plaka in Athens is absolutely incredible. Santorini is just about the most beautiful place I have ever seen. In both places the people are so friendly.You do not need to speak a word of Greek, everyone speaks english.<BR> I will be back in Athens on the 11th and plan on doing the Acropolis at that time. Yesterday I did the ancient village of Akrotiri, I felt it was a waste of time. I rented a car in Santorini and driving is fine there.I don't think I would do the moped thing.<BR>Again I would NOT drive in Athens.I think there is 8 motor scooters for every person, they are every where and in and out of traffic. We hired " Georgethe famous Taxi Driver" form Matt Barretts site www.greektravel.com , and took a day trip to Delphi. This is a do not miss site!! It is beautiful.<BR> Lastly for today, remember the post about "DO NOT BUY JEWELRY FROM ORO" the guy will rip you off. Well I went there and not only bought jewelry,we \had dinner with the owner Alex,his aunt Stella and many other friends of theirs. It was like being with a localk celebrity. Alex is a great guy and I got a beautiful 18kt 24" Byzantine gold necklace that was listed at 1830 euro for 600 euro. I had shopped at over 20 stored and Alex was the best deal by hundreds.<BR>more to come!!!

Anita, for me personally I would reconsider the Katikies.I spoke with locals about it and they said it was definetly a couples/honeymoon place and stuffy also. I would definetly chhose Dana Villas. 10 minutes to lotsa fun with a great walk along the cliff side to get to Fira. The buffett is incredible and so is the pool cafe.The staff could not be nicer...

Gary,<BR><BR>Thanks so much for the info about Katikies - I'm going to call about changing the hotels and staying near Fira. I don't want such a stuffy place. I'm really looking foward to your pictures.<BR><BR>I was going to ask you if you went to Delphi and what you thought of it - now I know - I will certainly make arrangements to go there. It looks incredible.<BR><BR>Have a great day in Santorini.<BR>Anita<BR><BR>

Hi, Gary:<BR><BR>I just signed on to see if you'd possibly posted. So glad you're having a wonderful vacation.<BR><BR>Again, if you get a chance, could you ask the locals about "Esperas Traditional Houses"? I don't expect you to go by there yourself, but if you could make any inquiry, that'd be great.<BR>If you can't, I certainly understand.(Though your posting has me hesitating about staying in Oia at all).<BR><BR>Thanks much, Gary, and continue having a great time!<BR><BR>Pat C.<BR>

Hi Gary,<BR>Thanks for taking the time to respond to all my questions! We're leaving tomorrow and getting psyched to go! Sorry to here about Akotiri..I read somewhere in this site that it was supposed to be closed and someone else suggested to go with a guide to get the most out of it. Ancient Thira is suppose to be really nice. In Santorini, will you go to the tour that ferries around the other volcanic islands and the hot springs? If you do, let me know if it's worth doing if you have limited time. Hopefully I'll get it before I leave tomorrow. Where are you staying in Mykonos? And how do you have access to the internet??? In any case, it's nice of you to take the time out of your vacation for updates and to give advice. Enjoy the rest of your trip!<BR>All the best, Marian

Patce,<BR><BR>I know what you mean about staying in Oia. From what I have read, OIa is supposed to be very romantic - great sunsets. I will be traveling solo, so now I may be changing my plans to stay in Fira. From what I read, Esperas is supposed to be beautiful - that my be an option for me as opposed to Katities.<BR><BR>Once again, I am in a flux as to where to stay in Santorini.

Gary, thanks for posting. I'm trying to decide which clothes to pack (I leave in 3 days!) and your weather report is helpful.<BR><BR>A few more questions:<BR><BR>Is it cool at night?<BR>Do you recommend a guided tour for Delphi?<BR>Why was Akrotiri a waste of time?

ttt

does anyone know the travel agent that gary used? or does anyone have one to recommend? i tried contacting those listed on greektravel.com but never got replies.

Mae,<BR><BR>I used the same travel agent as Gary. It is Aeagen Med Tours. They have a website and located in NY with offices in Athens and Santorini. <BR><BR> My advice would be to get a few quotes from other agencies and they will meet their price. Also, many agencies will give you 2002 prices because the 2003 prices have increased a lot. E-mail me if you have any questions

Hi Anita,<BR>Did you speak w/ someone specifically or email them? If so, who? I just want to find someone decent and responsive. So far, I've tried all those on greektravel.com and non have responded.<BR>When are you going? What have you booked? We want to do Athens, Santorini and Mykonos--am leaning towards higher end hotels like Katikies, Perivolas, Atlantis and maybe Esperas on Santorini and haven't figured out the other islands yet. If you could tell me prices the agent has quoted you, that would be a great help. I've only looked on the hotel website and didn't know if agents gave a discount. <BR>Also, have you booked inter-island air yet? <BR>Thanks!

Mae,<BR><BR>The phone number for Aeagen Med is: 888-968-0335 or 718-932-4070. I spoke with Eugenia - she is the head agent there and then I finalized plans with her assistant Magdalene. They are very good to deal with and very efficient. I booked 3 nights in Athens at The Electra Palace, 4 nights Santorini at Katikies -but I'll probably change that and 3 nights in Mykonos staying at the Belvedere.<BR><BR>They do not book the interisland air until it is 3 months away and, I be taking the high speed hydrofoil from Santorini to Mykonos.<BR><BR>I will be traveling alone, but didn't want the tiny hotel rooms for a single person so I ask for a double room for single use. In Athens I will be paying $150 per night, in Santorini -$245 per night and in Mykonos, I think (I don't have my paperwork here) it is 230 per night. These prices are much lower than on the hotel's website.<BR><BR>I hope this helps - e-mail me if you have any other questions.<BR><BR>BTW- this is the travel agent that Gary used.

Hi Anita,<BR>I read your messages above and wanted to ask you--have you confirmed your rooms with the hotels directly?<BR>I'm also planning a trip--not until next summer though and every travel agent I've talked to (incl those on greektravel.com) said they could not book this early for May/June time period! I'm wondering if your agent has a special deal with the hotels or how it all works. In any case, your rates are good! Is this an agent you've worked with before?<BR>Please let me know if you've been able to confirm w/ the hotels directly.<BR>Thank you!

Hi Stephanie,<BR><BR>Yes - actually. I e-mailed the hotels on Santorini and Mykonos. The reservation was under the travel company's name, but yes, it was there. The hotel in Athens is under renovation and will not re-open until April, but I'm not worried.<BR><BR>The travel agent that I used is the same one that Gary used. When I first started loooking I also received the same message that they couldn't book until the new year. However, I contacted a travel agency here in Florida, one in Greece and Aegean Med, in New York. I was able to get 2002 prices for 2003. <BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR>