Contiki FAQ Athens

Q: How long should i stay in Athens before moving on?

A:Athens is a dirty city, but there is lots to do and see, it is also the gateway for the Greek islands. Spend 1 day exploring the ruins – the acropolis and forum areas as well as some of the main streets around. Spend a second or maybe third day in the museums and then get out. If your tour includes Athens, then that should be the right amount of time, if your tour starts in Athens consider getting there a day or so early and exploring, when you get back from the islands, leave as soon as possible.

Q: How do you get to the Ferry port in Athens?

A: This depends on where you are starting from and what time of day. If you are in the city, then the metro is good as it heads right to the port, no problems. A taxi is also good, but there is lots of traffic early in the morning. Hotels around the port offer transfers to the dock that you need to go to. Contiki also has a bus that transfers the tour to the port.

Q: I have free time in Athens, what sort of day trips can i do?

A: There is lots to do in Athens or outside Athens. Have a look on Viator to see some of the day trips. You can do day trips to some of the nearby islands, take a sail around, head to the temple of Apollo or go to Delphi. You can also visit some of the nearby towns.

Q: On the Athens city tour with Contiki, what do you see?

A: The driving tour that contiki takes you on, during the free day in Athens allows you to see lots of the city. You start at the Acropolis and have time to walk up to it and take pictures. You then are driven to the old stadium, can walk up and take pictures, then are driven past the temple of Olympian zeus, past some of the museums, the national gardens and end up at Syntagma square. Here the tour ends as you watch the changing of the guard. As for the rest of the plaka and syntagma square, it is only a short walk from here, but the main things are covered and everything else is included in the Acropolis ticket, so you can take the time to go and see it on your own time.

Q: How do you transfer from one tour to the other in Athens?

A: If you are going from a tour that is ending to one that is beginning in Athens, the tour that is beginning will know that you are in the city. Other people from your tour will be in the same boat. Usually a mini bus will be sent for you at the end hotel of the ending tour. This will take you to the starting point for the new tour. It should be easy and your old tour guide should know when this pick up will happen.

Q: On a Greek island cruise, how much time do you spend in Athens?

A: This would depend on when you arrive in the city, but usually there is not much time in the city before the cruise/ mykonos, just the night before and how much time you spend in the city after coming back from the cruise.

Q: What is Athens public transport like?

This is cheap and fast. The trains are good, so is the light rail. It is crowded, so watch for pickpockets. It is a good way to get out to the airport.

Q: Is Athens dangerous in terms of street crime?

A: Just like in any big city, make sure that you are aware at all times. Watch out in tourist areas and on public transport and you should be fine. Also don't carry too much money around with you.

Q: Is it easy to post things in Greece?

A: It is not that easy. First you need to find a post office – there is a large one in Athens. They are usually crowded and the staff don't really speak English. If your package is over a certain weight, then they will send you to another counter. It can be done but it is hard and time consuming.

Q: What are some things to do in Athens at night?

A: There are plenty of bars and clubs around, head to one of those. There is also lots of roof top bars, usually at your own hotel, head up there and admire the views of the city.

Q: What are some other things to see in Athens?

A: Go hit some of the museums – war museum and coin museum or go see the first modern stadium. There is also walk to some of the hills around the city or go to the beach.

Q: On a driving tour of Athens with contiki, how long do you get to spend at the acropolis?

A: You get about 45 minutes to walk to the top, take some pictures and meet back at the meeting point. Some of this is with a guided tour, other parts by yourself. However that is enough time to walk around, take pictures and explore, as it is hot and crowded up here.

Q: Do hotels in the port area of Athens provide transfers to the ferry port?

A: Yes, most do. You do have to ask for a transfer and the time that you want it.

Q: What is Athens weather like in summer?

A: It can be very hot, with occasional rain storm lasting for a few minutes. But mostly sunny.