Travel
A Vacation Itinerary: Athens to Venice
Your whole trip planned out, including what to see along the way.
Historic Athens offers archaeological wonders, coastline beaches and an Opa! spirit that makes the city what it is. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the numerous buildings, cars – erratic driving is part of the charm – and tourists, but there are ways to get back to the Athenian basics. You can avoid one-size-fits-all tours if you ask the locals – taxi drivers offer the greatest tips!
A shop in the Monastiraki Flea Market
One driver insisted I visit the Monastiraki Flea Market. Not unlike the Grand Bazaar in Turkey, or the souks of Marrakesh, the narrow streets are lined with shopkeepers selling everything from tapestry to jewelry and souvenirs. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon finding keepsakes to take home. I stocked up on relatively inexpensive Greek pottery, each piece unique and fabulous for display in my living room.
GB Roof Garden restaurant at the Hotel Grande Bretagne
One of the must-stops in Athens is the Acropolis – the famous ancient ruins. But, if you don’t want to wait in line and climb to the top, check out the views from atop the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Situated in the heart of the city and at the foot of the historical sights, is the hotel’s Roof Garden restaurant. From there you can enjoy a relaxing and sumptuous open-air dinner, while watching the sun set over the Acropolis, which is lit up when night falls. Enjoy the contemporary Mediterranean dishes to match the view; and don’t leave without ordering the “sleep” tea made from local herbs designed to soothe you after a full day of exploring. If the tea works a little too well, and you want to prolong the luxurious experience, you can always book a room for the night!
ABBY
These are all great reasons to get the Athens. But for me, the history and culture of Greece and Greek mythology is the magnet that will draw me there. Of course, these are all valid reasons and each is the icing on the cake.
Jonathon Swift
I asked my girlfriend where she wants to celebrate her 26th birthday, and I guess she already read this article because she answered Southern Europe.
Blanche Martina
Can you suggest a local food that we could try? A trip couldn’t be a complete journey without a taste of a local dish or snack!
Patricia Montague
How much would be the Gondola ride? And how long does it take?
Olive Williams
Makes me wanna shout OPA! I love Greece so much especially Santorini! The sunset is so much amazing! Everyone claps after watching the sunset.
Sherry Manust
Watching the sunset in Santorini while in a spa in Athens would be a dream. That’s a wow!
Martha Tucker
I am working at night. I hate sunset actually it is my constant reminder that I have to leave home and go to work. I don’t want to go to Santorini then.
Kelly Gonzales
the Astir Palace Hotel looks like a perfect place for relaxing.. looks good on having a spa in a place like that..
Osana Smith
I hope the rates won’t hurt my wallet!
Francis Lockwood
Vacation is always pricey. If you want to enjoy your vacation, your budget should be much.
Zerin Martin
I’m glad you featured the Southern parts of Europe. If you want something more of nature, then this is the perfect article for you.
Luthi Sanders
Europe is a blessed country because it has a lot of tourist spot. Planning to visit Southern part this September.
Kseniya Tomlin
Oh.. Gondola. I’ve only seen a Gondola in Macau. What’s it’s a difference btw?