We are traveling in Greece for 3 weeks starting the middle of May. The islands and Athens we are doing on our own. But for other sites on the mainland we prefer not to rent a car. If we wanted to travel 3 or 4 days outside of Athens, are there tours that we could arrange once we arrive in Athens, or should they be arranged ahead of time? Are there any tour agencies that you could recommend? Any other suggestions for how to travel to Delphi, Meteora, etc., would be appreciated.

You might want to contact Fantasy Travel and Dolphin-Hellas Travel in Athens to ask what they have to offer and whether or not it's necessary to book in advance in May. They have excellent reputations for reliability, communication and follow-up.

www.dolphin-hellas.gr

fantasytravelofgreece.com/english/index.html

Hi jrjcollins,

I travelled throughout the Peloponnese and central Greece without a car. For the most part I found the bus system efficient and punctual. There are numerous buses every day to Delphi and also to Kalambaka (the town under the Meteora Monasteries).

From Kalambaka, I took a taxi to to Grand Meteora (6Euro) and walked down to the others and then back to Kalambaka.

I will scrounge up the website info etc, but my boss is calling so I've got to go for now...

For now, you might find my trip report helpful http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34829349

Cheers,

Murphy

I did something similar to what you propose, only for a shorter time and without touring the islands. My daughter and I spent several days on our own in Athens and took an organized tour for three nights that went to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the Meteora.

We arranged our tour on line through Fantasy Travel in Athens but the tour company which conducted the tour was actually called G.O. Tours.

You might be interested in my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34589254

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. We've decided to take a tour with Fantasy Tours, per your suggestions.