We were picked up by a driver from Hellenic Private Tours, Vasilis at the Athens Airport.  We immediately bonded with him which was a good thing as we were to spend next 2 days with him.  More on H.P. Tours later.

Our first day in Athens started with a wonderful breakfast buffet at the Electra Palace Hotel located conveniently in Plaka (historic) neighborhood. Our rooms were clean, nicely appointed and comfortable.  Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.

Vasilis & our Athens guide, Alice, picked met us at the hotel at 8 AM to start our tour of the city. First stop was the Acropolis, trying to get there before the tour buses arrived.  We did get there before the buses but they soon caught up with us. The walk up the hill was uneven and slick and my brand new Taryn Rose sandals were no match for it.  It was even more traitorous coming down on those slick rocks.  I slipped and scrapped my knee in my flat sandals but Colleen in her wedge heel sandals were fine.  She is a master of heels!  Next time I’ll wear rubber soled flats.

Walking on Acropolis gave me goose bumps.  Just imagining that Plato, Socrates and Aristotle walked on the same ground as I was walking on……  Although how they survived that blazing sun without sunscreen is a mystery.

Parthenon

Emma was thrilled to see the first theater in history!

The porch of the Caryatides (sculpted female figure used as a column)

Above is of the entrance to the Agora, the market in Ancient Greece. Located at the base of the Acropolis.

Bill & Sofia had fun at the site of the first modern Olympics.

On the second day, we drove out to Argolis which included the Corinth Canal, ancient Corinth, Mycenae, lunch at seaside restaurant at Nafplion and the Theatre of Epidaurus.

The Tomb of Agamemnon, not the Agamemnon of Trojan War, his grandfather, probably.

Lion Gate of Mycenae, center of power in the late Bronze age.

The Theatre of Epidaurus built 3C. B.C.  Acoustics were amazing.  If you stood in the center of the stage and spoke in a loud voice, people who stood on the very top could here you perfectly!  Next stop, Santorini.

Recommendations

Hellenic Private Tours for all transfers and tours in and around Athens.  It’s a small company so you get very personal service. http://www.hellenicprivatetours.com/

Electra Palace Hotel Athens