Education and the islands a perfect family adventure
Greece
|
Jun 15 - Jun 30, 2023
I was immediately impressed with Angela’s ability to create an itinerary that incorporated all of my hoped for locations. She was also very willing to work with me regarding our own Bonvoy/Marriott points which hotels and locations would be beneficial – we ended up not using any points for hotels and went with Angela’s booking. I was also appreciative of Angela’s in country knowledge. When I make decisions on the internet from a distance with out understanding map topography or neighborhood – I have found my choices lacking. Angela listened to my request and found accommodation that met most of our needs. We requested - two beds for teen boys (where possible), breakfast included, AC and WiFi, walkable neighborhoods (husband walks 3 mi every morning), AND at last minute – I made the request that properties were chemical and fragrance free – husband has chemical allergies… Angela called each property to confirm – we ended up having to change one Athens property as new construction is a problem. She was our A team.
I was also pleased that she was able to get us to Meteroa/Kalabaka. She accomplished this with a private driver which was more flexible than a train or tour for us. I did not understand HOW MUCH DRIVING it would be. I had even google mapped it prior and that did not prepare us for that much time in the “car” on days 3-4. We are still glad it was a part of our trip – with more knowledge I may have added a day/night in that region – Flown north and had a driver work us back towards Athens….Link it to the Mycenae day as well? This maybe would have required us to rent car and drive. There may have been away to look at that part of the itinerary differently – had I understood driving distances/times better and offered Angela another day to fill in that region.
I was also very thankful that Angela booked and managed our Ferry travel – websites make this sound easy, I was thankful to have a local expert helping there – with reservations, check in, ongoing communication re delays etc
ATHENS
Arriving at the airport to a driver and a van was a new experience - not having to think about transportation and delivering info about the hotel location was for me surprisingly beneficial – it started the trip in a relaxed state. The Electra Metropolis was an excellent hotel for our first nights in Greece. overall location, quality and am views from rooftop breakfast--this made our first morning in Athens magical.
Electra Metropolis – excellent location, very happy with rooms/accommodation. We had an executive rm and a standard ( 2 adults and 2 teen boys..15,18) – the seating in the executive roomwas a nice addition as we settled in to trip and time change. The rooftop pool and restaurant were truly special -tho the pool was crowded in the afternoon.
Our first tour of the city was with Kristina – she was informative and knowledgeable. We appreciated her insights into the history of Athens and is relation to mythology. Her stories and historic information gave us context for the architecture and established a foundation for the rest of our trip. Temple of Zues, Dionysis Theatre, Acropolis, Agora – Kristina was also helpful with information on how to tour the Stadium on our own later in the day. AND she recommended Django gelato - this was a winner.
Our driver for the overnight outing to Delphi/Kalabaka, Nikkos – was a gem. He genuinely engaged with us and the kids. He suggested local dishes and took us to restaurants he enjoyed. He was always accommodating of our interests and needs and was assertive enough to lead us well. There was also a lot of driving over those 2 days. Nikkos was a native of Chania and provided us a list of locations and restaurants (which we were happy to have and use) for out last few days scheduled on Crete, a true gentleman – he also provided us with umbrellas on 2 different occasions – we were un prepared for rain. The restaurants we went to that he rec: (and enjoyed both very much) Palazzo, Chania and Mylos tou Kerata in Plantanias
Delphi/Oracle of Apollo: Effie was our guide – she provided in-depth information regarding the process of the oracle/prophecies the history of the site and anecdotal information. She connected the stories with personal information – sharing about how growing up her own grandfather poured wine on the ground regularly to include/appease the gods. We started our tour in the museum to provide context for what we were to see – we were caught in a significant rainstorm during our walk around the grounds. She was accommodating of our interest to continue or cut things short.
Teatro Hotel Odysseon - this was a quaint accommodation right on the edge of town – had a pool /we did not use and served a marvelous local breakfast. We were able to walk into town and grab a bite at a creperie for a late night arrival snack/dinner – we had had a late lunch with Nikkos so that was plenty – there were restaurants available if we had wanted. The location, the service were excellent – the physical facilities were just what it needed to be for our needs and the price. We were happy with this choice of accommodation.
Our Hiking Tour of Meteora – Perfection – Hiking Guide Chris from Meteora Thrones Travel Center. This was the ideal way to see this area for my family. Picked up by bus and taken to Valaam Monastery for a self-guided tour. This one monastery offered us a great example and understanding of the workings and the context of the monasteries in the region. Chris, our 19-year-old local, who had already served his military and had a number of jobs and travels – taught us and identified local flora -wild oregano, tansy, chamomile, st john’s wort. He shared stories of hiking the rocks and caves (and photos) as a youth and was very open to our questions and sharing stories – we had another couple on the trek – an English couple 65+ who regularly hiked – it was a nice mix of travel tales and personal experiences. Chris also had a great understanding of the history of the region (wars/occupations) that he freely shared.
Meteora Monestary – it is highly possible that I didn’t read everything clearly enough – I did not understand that to enter the monastery a woman NEEDS a skirt – I just thought covering legs – as I brought pants. So the 3e purchase of a “wrap,skirt” was a surprise.
Return to ATHENS –
Gatsby hotel This boutique hotel was nice – a modern boutique hotel - lights and HVAC controlled by a computer panel (part of which didn’t work in our room – which sometimes makes you think you just didn’t undersatd how to use it – but we found that one our panels did not work) We were greeted after check in in our rooms with a lovely snack – accommodating allergies – GF room had a beautiful fruit platter and the boys were offered sliders. We the in the hotel first night - it was a great dining experience – dinner and breakfast the next morning. When we returned from our day out on the peleponnes the desk staff was wonderful – offering recommendation for dinner close by and introduning us to the general manager- a nice conversations – he found us a restaurant (we loved) near by and made arrangements for an early breakfast delivery – we were leaving early for a ferry. – GM name Galanis Ioannis, Gatsby. This was a good 2nd accommodation in Athens – excellent service.
Anastasis Svarnas: guide for Corinth, Nafplion, Mycenae and Epidaurus. This was our favorite guide and glad he came third. I enjoyed other guides – but might not have been as satisfied if we had had Anastasis before them. He brought the sites alive and had my kids asking questions – we loved the lunch restaurant in Nafplion (don’t know name – best gyros of the trip). I have forwarded his contact info to 2 other families that were already headed to Greece. He shared some of his scholarly pursuits with us and some of his own history and family stories.
Ferry to Santorini – a fine experience – not sure what I was expecting – glad Angela booked us into business class and kept us informed – walking on the boat with our luggage and stowing it then heading up was a bit chaotic - once we did it - we were better served for other ferries along the way.
Our ferry was cancelled (or we were bumped?) and our departure was much earlier - Nikkos (driver) suggested that we were lucky to then be confirmed on the early boat – so I am also grateful to angela for managing this
Santorini
White Pearl Villas – we liked the villa and the location right at the start of the pedestrian zone of Oia. We had a 2 level multiple balcony with a plunge pool. This gave us room to spread out and still be together. The staff was very accommodating great service. Our plunge pool was under cover - and maybe not as aesthetically glorious as some of the others - we were happy for the shade and did enjoy the indoor/outdoor space. And breakfast at the Luno café near by was nice in the morning.
Dinner at Gefsis – incredible meal and sunset view – my 18 year old’s first legal cocktail. And a beautiful 1st sunset welcome to the island
We hiked the caldera – to Fira day 2 we chose to go 1 way and in the late afternoon – it was hot but less crowded.
Sunset Cruise and dinner with Santorini yachting club - I liked the route – starting at the south end and dropping us at Oia in the evening I think there were 16 people on boat – the crew was great – opportunity to swim and food was lovely. Another gorgeous sunset. Also an opportunity to see the island from the water.
Ferry to crete –
We were on a late ferry to crete and needed to check out at 11 -- the villas had a general pool we were welcome to use we had a late breakfast and did some shopping – and hit the pool – with 2 other couples there-- there was no shade left – I think I would have scheduled a tour and had the driver drop us at ferry to fill this day
Blue Dome – the exterior, grounds, beach and pool and location of this property were all ideal. The ocean front 2 bedroom and large balcony were amazing – the furnishing and the showers were just below what should have been offered at a property like this. Even if using shower curtains at a vacation property – there are arched shower curtain bars and a few minor things that would have made this an amazing property. It seemed a shame that it fell short by so little. Many things we liked. We also learned that the pool was not necessary with the level of beach and beach access – that is for my own records.
Samaria Gorge: Guide Nikko – we really enjoyed the hike the guide. There are things you can’t know until you go - no where did the description suggest we bring snacks – we had water and swimsuits but some packed food would have been good – I guess I assumed there would be vendors at the rest stops or that the guide had packed something – because it was not suggested anywhere to bring food. We left the hotel in the van at 8 am only a snack level breakfast, and started hiking at 9;30 or 10 and were on the go for 4 -5 hours yes we had a late lunch in the village at bottom of gorge – but this was at about 2 or 3 pm. Nikko took very good care of us via flora and fauna and history and personal stories and he provided hiking poles (for us , very helpful) I also didn’t understand the size of the town we would be coming to or the size/scale of the “”boat” . I was glad to have a guide he got us to a lovely restaurant and made sure we got our ferry tickets and showed us the beach area – he also kept in touch re ferry there was a delay here too. Overall a positive day – just wish we had known about the food.
Kayak Fit for Crete Manu and Miltos – maybe Fiona was with us too?
The wind and some local restrictions changed our route this day – Guides can’t be responsible for the wind. One of our kids – had a very sore back from the kayaks (open ocean sit atops doubles) and working against the wind at the end of our tour was not ideal but the only way to get back to the beach. We enjoyed the guides and the other guests on this outing. The guides were solicitous of our comfort level for the paddle – with a variety of people and a variety of expectations it was hard to go against the group (hold them back) swimming and snorkeling was beautiful – we did not get to Elafonissi beach – too far with the wind issues – which I understand – but that was part of the goal of this particular outing. They were curious how we “found them” I said it was all Angela – they gave us a great rec for late lunch in the hills near by The Old School House 73001 Πελεκάνος +30 2823 083001.
Dinners: recs by Nikkos Driver – Palazzo, chania Ta Chalkina, Chania mylos tou kerata, Platanias The old school house – western Crete Manu
Loved all of these restaurants
Sofitel at the airport – Was just right ate dinner on site we were able to re pack and prepare for journey home – hotel packed an early bfast and had it at our door at 3:30 am we were set for a 5:45 flight nice to be that close – no driving in am
happy to cut or provide more details
Hotel Reviews
Sofitel at the airport – Was just right ate dinner on site we were able to re pack and prepare for journey home – hotel packed an early bfast and had it at our door at 3:30 am we were set for a 5:45 flight nice to be that close – no driving in am walk to gate
Electra Metropolis –The Electra Metropolis was an excellent hotel for our first nights in Greece. overall location, quality and am views from rooftop breakfast--this made our first morning in Athens magical. excellent location, very happy with rooms/accommodation. We had an executive rm and a standard ( 2 adults and 2 teen boys..15,18) – the seating in the executive room was a nice addition as we settled in to trip and time change. The rooftop pool and restaurant were truly special -tho the pool was crowded in the afternoon.
Teatro Hotel Odysseon - this was a quaint accommodation right on the edge of town – had a pool /we did not use and served a marvelous local breakfast. We were able to walk into town and grab a bite at a creperie for a late night arrival snack/dinner – we had had a late lunch with Nikkos(driver) so that was plenty – there were restaurants available if we had wanted. The location, the service were excellent – the physical facilities were just what it needed to be for our needs and the price. We were happy with this choice of accommodation.
Gatsby hotel: This boutique hotel was nice – a modern boutique hotel - We were greeted after check in in our rooms with a lovely snack – accommodating allergies – GF room had a beautiful fruit platter and the boys were offered sliders. We ate in the hotel first night - it was a great dining experience –both dinner and breakfast the next morning. When we returned from our day out on the Peloponnese the desk staff was wonderful – offering recommendation for dinner close by and introducing us to the general manager- a nice conversations – he found us a restaurant (we loved DOPIOS) near by and made arrangements for an early breakfast delivery – we were leaving early for a ferry. – GM name Galanis Ioannis, Gatsby. This was a good 2nd accommodation in Athens – excellent service. Beautiful decor & aesthetic. In room lights and HVAC controlled by a computer panel (part of which didn’t work in our room – which sometimes makes you think you just didn’t understand how to use it – but we found that one our panels did not work) Beautiful
White Pearl Villas – we liked the villa and the location right at the start of the pedestrian zone of Oia. We had a 2 level multiple balcony with a plunge pool. This gave us room to spread out and still be together. The staff was very accommodating great service. Our plunge pool was under cover - and maybe not as aesthetically glorious as some of the others - we were happy for the shade and did enjoy the indoor/outdoor space. And breakfast at the Luno café near by was nice in the morning. Staff was very helpful in accommodating out time last day before ferry - they were open to getting us a driver - (we already had one) and setting us up at the pool until we were ready to go later in the afternoon
ferry to fill this day Blue Dome – the exterior, grounds, beach and pool and location of this property were all ideal. The ocean front 2 bedroom and large balcony were amazing – the furnishing and the showers were just below what should have been offered at a property like this. Even if using shower curtains at a vacation property – there are arched shower curtain bars and a few minor things that would have made this an amazing property. It seemed a shame that it fell short by so little. Many things we liked. Great beach town location with amenities from shops to restaurants walkable - also close enough to explore Chania
Activity Reviews
Our first tour of the city was with Kristina – she was informative and knowledgeable. We appreciated her insights into the history of Athens and is relation to mythology. Her stories and historic information gave us context for the architecture and established a foundation for the rest of our trip. Temple of Zeus, Dionysus Theatre, Acropolis, Agora – Kristina was also helpful with information on how to tour the Stadium on our own later in the day. AND she recommended Django gelato - this was a winner.
Our driver for the overnight outing to Delphi/Kalabaka, Nikkos – was a gem. He genuinely engaged with us and the kids. He suggested local dishes and took us to restaurants he enjoyed. He was always accommodating of our interests and needs and was assertive enough to lead us well. There was also a lot of driving over those 2 days. Nikkos was a native of Chania and provided us a list of locations and restaurants (which we were happy to have and use) for out last few days scheduled on Crete, a true gentleman – he also provided us with umbrellas on 2 different occasions – we were un prepared for rain. The restaurants we went to that he rec: (and enjoyed both very much) Palazzo, Chania and Mylos tou Kerata in Plantanias
Our Hiking Tour of Meteora – Perfection – Hiking Guide Chris from Meteora Thrones Travel Center. This was the ideal way to see this area for my family. Picked up by bus and taken to Valaam Monastery for a self-guided tour. This one monastery offered us a great example and understanding of the workings and the context of the monasteries in the region. Chris, our 19-year-old local, who had already served his military and had a number of jobs and travels – taught us and identified local flora -wild oregano, tansy, chamomile, st john’s wort. He shared stories of hiking the rocks and caves (and photos) as a youth and was very open to our questions and sharing stories – we had another couple on the trek – an English couple 65+ who regularly hiked – it was a nice mix of travel tales and personal experiences. Chris also had a great understanding of the history of the region (wars/occupations) that he freely shared.
Anastasis Svarnas: guide for Corinth, Nafplion, Mycenae and Epidaurus. This was our favorite guide and glad he came third. I enjoyed other guides – but might not have been as satisfied if we had had Anastasis before them. He brought the sites alive and had my kids asking questions – we loved the lunch restaurant in Nafplion (don’t know name – best gyros of the trip). I have forwarded his contact info to 2 other families that were already headed to Greece. He shared some of his scholarly pursuits with us and some of his own history and family stories. Blown away by the educational info on this day - Corinth and letters from Paul to the Corinthians - made that connection Mycenae and Agamemnon (possibly) Epidaurus and how people "travelled" and vacationed a the time health and wellness and all that entailed
Amazing first sunset on Santorini - beautiful location excellent meal really glad this was preplanned
Samaria Gorge: Guide Nikko – we really enjoyed the hike the guide. There are things you can’t know until you go - no where did the description suggest we bring snacks – we had water and swimsuits but some packed food would have been good – I guess I assumed there would be vendors at the rest stops or that the guide had packed something – because it was not suggested anywhere to bring food. We left the hotel in the van at 8 am only a snack level breakfast, and started hiking at 9;30 or 10 and were on the go for 4 -5 hours yes we had a late lunch in the village at bottom of gorge – but this was at about 2 or 3 pm. Nikko took very good care of us via flora and fauna and history and personal stories and he provided hiking poles (for us , very helpful) I also didn’t understand the size of the town we would be coming to or the size/scale of the “”boat” . I was glad to have a guide he got us to a lovely restaurant and made sure we got our ferry tickets and showed us the beach area – he also kept in touch re ferry there was a delay here too. Overall a positive day – just wish we had known about the food.
Sunset Cruise and dinner with Santorini yachting club - I liked the route – starting at the south end and dropping us at Oia in the evening I think there were 16 people on boat – the crew was great – opportunity to swim and food was lovely. Another gorgeous sunset. Also an opportunity to see the island from the water.
Kayak Fit for Crete Manu and Miltos – maybe Fiona was with us too? The wind and some local restrictions changed our route this day – Guides can’t be responsible for the wind. One of our kids – had a very sore back from the kayaks (open ocean sit atops doubles) and working against the wind at the end of our tour was not ideal but the only way to get back to the beach. We enjoyed the guides and the other guests on this outing. The guides were solicitous of our comfort level for the paddle – with a variety of people and a variety of expectations it was hard to go against the group (hold them back) swimming and snorkeling was beautiful – we did not get to Elafonissi beach – too far with the wind issues – which I understand – but that was part of the goal of this particular outing. They were curious how we “found them” I said it was all Angela – they gave us a great rec for late lunch in the hills near by The Old School House 73001 Πελεκάνος +30 2823 083001. This was a Special Tour group - if on island would rec any of their excursions
Hi Megin and family!
Thank you so much for your thorough review and feedback!
It is really helpful and we truly appreciate the time you spent. 🙂
My team and I are happy that you enjoyed your time here in Greece with us.
We would love to see you coming back soon and to show you some more amazing places of our country!
Take care and always have fun!
Angela and the GA Trips team