Greece Trip Booked-Some Questions

[NoraG]

So, we're booked on the May 24th Greece trip. Woohoo! It's our 2nd ABD and we're super excited. However, I have some questions, most of which pertain to airfare and travel insurance.

We've decided to stop for 2 days in Istanbul on the way back and had some great airfare options, but ABD took too long to get back to us and the price jumped-$500 per person. Yikes!!! I'm hoping it was because it was Thursday and prices were lower Tuesday and Wednesday, so I'm praying it goes back down again tomorrow. The stopover adds only $150 to the cost of airfare, so it seems worth it (So RT airfare to Athens jumped around $300 per person). We're flying from the East Coast, so if anyone would mind sharing what they paid for airfare. I'd just like to get an idea of whether the price might jump higher or if we've just missed the low fares. I'm getting a quote of about $1400 pp now vs. $900 last Wednesday.

Because of the stopover, ABD said the trip insurance through them only covers one international flight each way-nothing else. So, the flight from Crete to Athens to Istanbul would not be covered. In that case, I think it's best if we book our own airfare and buy trip insurance independently. Has anyone had good experiences with any insurers they can recommend?

For those who've been-any tips on where to stay and what to do in Istanbul? We'd love to be near attractions since we only have two days and don't want to waste time on transportation. We'll have 2.5 pre-days in Athens as well. Any tips on how to maximize our time there and what we should do? We don't want to repeat anything ABD will do with us.

Thanks! We can't wait! Now if only those prices would drop

 

[Bobo912]

I've purchased travel insurance from Travelex several times. The first few times I just went to insuremytrip.com and priced various policies and ended up choosing them. Last year I booked a package through Costco and purchased travel insurance along with the package and it turned out that Costco uses Travelex as well. I think Costco does a good job of vetting vendors, so that makes me feel more confident about my choice. Fortunately, I've never had to file a claim, but I have dealt with their customer service department when I couldn't find any of my insurance documents and they were extremely helpful and pleasant.

 

[sayhello]

I've purchased travel insurance from Travelex several times. The first few times I just went to insuremytrip.com and priced various policies and ended up choosing them. Last year I booked a package through Costco and purchased travel insurance along with the package and it turned out that Costco uses Travelex as well. I think Costco does a good job of vetting vendors, so that makes me feel more confident about my choice. Fortunately, I've never had to file a claim, but I have dealt with their customer service department when I couldn't find any of my insurance documents and they were extremely helpful and pleasant.

I've had to file claims with Travelex twice, and they couldn't have been better about it! I highly recommend Travelex.

Sayhello

 

[tufbuf]

Hi NoraG! I can give you a few suggestions on what to do in Athens. 2.5 days is plenty. You can check out the National Archeological Museum, download Rick Steve's app and follow it as you walk along. You can go to the Lycabettus Hill, which is the highest point in Athens and appreciate the view. If you are up to it, you can climb the stairs or take the teleferik (funicular) to the top. You can also do day trips to Corinth, which we did. The guide though highly recommended Cape Sunion, but we did not have time. I'm not sure if there are day trips to the Peloponnese but that would be a great place to see as well.

We loved our stay in Santorini!! That was the best stop in our opinion. I do hope you will post a trip report and see if they tweaked the trip since the very first one which we did.

 

[abdgeek]

There's a lot to do in Athens, so you may want to look at their online attraction guide to see what interests you and your family. I spent 2.5 days in Athens for the 2012 ABD Greek trip and used those days(1.5 before and 1 after) to see: Syntagma Square, Changing of the Guard at the Parliament Building, National Gardens(a disappointment and didn't feel too safe walking it by myself in the day--concierge said definitely don't do it at night!), and Bernaki Museum on the day I landed in Athens. The next day before the welcome dinner started, I did: Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, New Acropolis Museum, and the Plaka(shopping area at the foot of Acropolis). On the day ABD did the Acropolis, I used that ticket to see the Agora(at the foot of the Acropolis) instead of going to the Plaka with ABD and then went to get authentic Greek sandals from the Poet Sandalmaker(look at reviews on tripadvisor) in Monstrivikos(sp?) Square--you exit the Agora in this square. I then got something to eat and caught the hotel shuttle from Syntagma Square back to the hotel. On the day the tour ended, I flew back to Athens and stayed at our previous hotel for one night. I used the day to see the National Archaeological Museum(take the metro from Syntagma Square--it's about a 4 block walk from there).

Make sure you take advantage of the Intercontinental Athenaeum hotel shuttle. It takes you to Syntagma Square where there are lots of eateries(McDonald's--I know, but sometime you just want something familiar, Hard Rock(a couple of blocks away), and other Greek style eateries. I believe there is even a Starbucks nearby. The main touristy shopping district(american stores) is also behind the McDonald's. The Plaka is where you go for the Greek items. Be sure to comparison shop before you buy. You can go around the corner and that shop is selling the same item for more or for less than the shop you just visited. Have fun.

 

[NoraG]

So-update time. We decided to skip Istanbul. Though flying there wouldn't have added much to the cost, the flight times and connections were less than desirable and it was stressing us (okay, me) out trying to pick flights. To console ourselves, we've decided to add two post nights in Athens. This gives us 2 pre nights and 2 post nights, which may be a bit excessive, but we're considering doing a day trip or two and we might need a day to just relax.

In terms of locations of all the sites in Athens, it seems like they must be very close together to be able to do so many in one day? Is this accurate? Are some of them sites you just don't need a lot of time at-like 45 mins or so? Just trying to get an idea of how we'd like to plan our time. My DM is older, so we aren't going to be running around.

As for travel insurance, we decided to go with ABD's since we weren't adding anything extra, but it's great to know that Travelex is a good company for future trips

We are so excited! Now I have to start thinking about packing.

 

[sayhello]

NoraG, I am seriously considering signing up for the May 24th Greece trip also! I was signed up for the DIS exclusive Spirit of America trip, but they didn't get enough people to keep it an exclusive trip and one of my options was to switch my deposit to another trip. I'm about 95% sure it's going to be this trip! It will be good to get to know you & meet you on the trip.

Have you purchased your airfare yet? I'm looking at the options, and there's way too many (except I'm really stumped as to what to do about the trip from Crete to Athens. I was *thinking* of doing a post-night in Athens, also. And at least one (but probably 2) pre-nights, also. But it adds over $200 to the "round trip" airfare! I suppose I could just book it seperately. We'll see. This trip is WAY more expensive than the Spirit of America trip, but I'm thinking it will be totally worth it!

Oh, I just re-read your post. I can't believe the airfare jumped from $900 last week. I hope it's just a momentary rise, and it goes back down soon!

Are you flying Aegean from Create to Athens?

Sorry for all the questions. I thought all my travel plans were made, and now I'm starting all over again! I can't believe I may be going to Greece in 4 months!

Sayhello

 

[abdgeek]

So-update time. We decided to skip Istanbul. Though flying there wouldn't have added much to the cost, the flight times and connections were less than desirable and it was stressing us (okay, me) out trying to pick flights. To console ourselves, we've decided to add two post nights in Athens. This gives us 2 pre nights and 2 post nights, which may be a bit excessive, but we're considering doing a day trip or two and we might need a day to just relax.

In terms of locations of all the sites in Athens, it seems like they must be very close together to be able to do so many in one day? Is this accurate? Are some of them sites you just don't need a lot of time at-like 45 mins or so? Just trying to get an idea of how we'd like to plan our time. My DM is older, so we aren't going to be running around.

As for travel insurance, we decided to go with ABD's since we weren't adding anything extra, but it's great to know that Travelex is a good company for future trips

We are so excited! Now I have to start thinking about packing.

A lot of the sites in Athens are within a 5 block radius. The one's I mentioned near Syntagma Square: Parliament Building, Bernaki Museum, National Gardens, Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis, Plaka, and New Acropolis Museum are all there together. The Parliament Building, National Gardens, Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Olympian Zeus are all on the same street. You just walk from one to the other. You can take pictures of the Temple of Olympian Zeus from the gate that is behind Hadrian's Arch. There is no need to pay to enter(make sure you have a good zoom lens). That's what I did. When you see it you'll understand. The Plaka is on the road leading to the Acropolis(which is across the street from Hadrian's Arch). The New Acropolis Museum is also right before you get to the Acropolis. The Intercontinental Athenaeum hotel shuttle will drop you off at Hadrian's Arch if you tell them that you are going to the Acropolis. That way you don't have to walk all the way back from Syntagma Square.

If you want to see the Agora, that is a 10 minute walk from Syntagma Square to Monstrakivos(sp?) Square. Your Acropolis ticket gets you in to several sites for free(the Agora is one of them). However, you would need to check the website to see which ones and how long it is valid for. That's why I went to the Agora after we did the Acropolis for my free time.

There's a really good Athens map on the internet that shows where all the attractions are. Unfortunately, I don't remember where it was. You can see Lycabettus Hill from the 3rd floor of the New Acropolis Museum. You could probably take the metro there without a problem.

I rode the metro to go to the National Archaeological Museum. It was pretty much like riding the DC metro. Unfortunately, there aren't many instructions on how to get your ticket, but they have ticket machines which take Euros. There should also be a ticket booth that is manned by a person. There are archaeological exhibits in the metro stations. Make sure you validate your ticket before you board the train. There are little machines in the middle of the walkway(they don't use the turnstiles we do) that you put you ticket into that stamps it with the date and time. When I returned, they were actually checking for tickets. I was glad that I had gotten mine stamped.

 

[abdgeek]

NoraG, I am seriously considering signing up for the May 24th Greece trip also! I was signed up for the DIS exclusive Spirit of America trip, but they didn't get enough people to keep it an exclusive trip and one of my options was to switch my deposit to another trip. I'm about 95% sure it's going to be this trip! It will be good to get to know you & meet you on the trip.

Have you purchased your airfare yet? I'm looking at the options, and there's way too many (except I'm really stumped as to what to do about the trip from Crete to Athens. I was *thinking* of doing a post-night in Athens, also. And at least one (but probably 2) pre-nights, also. But it adds over $200 to the "round trip" airfare! I suppose I could just book it seperately. We'll see. This trip is WAY more expensive than the Spirit of America trip, but I'm thinking it will be totally worth it!

Oh, I just re-read your post. I can't believe the airfare jumped from $900 last week. I hope it's just a momentary rise, and it goes back down soon!

Are you flying Aegean from Create to Athens?

Sorry for all the questions. I thought all my travel plans were made, and now I'm starting all over again! I can't believe I may be going to Greece in 4 months!

Sayhello

I did a roundtrip from my home to Athens. I then booked a flight on Aegean from Crete to Athens. I found this easiest because tying to connect with a major carrier was a nightmare. Aegean is the airline you fly from Athens to Santorini and from Crete to Athens. You may want to book your Aegean flight now. I think I booked mine through Cheaptickets.com. One way was only about $100. When I flew, Aegean said they had restrictions on carryons, but I didn't see them enforcing it. It was almost like being on a US carrier where you were allowed one personal item and one carry on. They say there policy is one carry on with certain size restrictions . Just make sure you read the baggage policy before you book with them. They also have a lower limit to how much you checked bag can weigh than in the US. ABD will pay an over weight charges on the flight from Athens to Santorini. On the way back, you're on your own. Luckily, my bag was within their guidelines so I was ok.

 

[sayhello]

I did a roundtrip from my home to Athens. I then booked a flight on Aegean from Crete to Athens. I found this easiest because tying to connect with a major carrier was a nightmare. Aegean is the airline you fly from Athens to Santorini and from Crete to Athens. You may want to book your Aegean flight now. I think I booked mine through Cheaptickets.com. One way was only about $100. When I flew, Aegean said they had restrictions on carryons, but I didn't see them enforcing it. It was almost like being on a US carrier where you were allowed one personal item and one carry on. They say there policy is one carry on with certain size restrictions . Just make sure you read the baggage policy before you book with them. They also have a lower limit to how much you checked bag can weigh than in the US. ABD will pay an over weight charges on the flight from Athens to Santorini. On the way back, you're on your own. Luckily, my bag was within their guidelines so I was ok.

Thanks for all the info, abdgeek! Who did you fly with from the US to Athens? US Airways is the only one that flies from my home airport to Athens with only one stop; all the rest are at least 2 stops. I'm not a fan of US Airways, but that one stop is a compelling factor.

Sayhello

 

[NoraG]

NoraG, I am seriously considering signing up for the May 24th Greece trip also! I was signed up for the DIS exclusive Spirit of America trip, but they didn't get enough people to keep it an exclusive trip and one of my options was to switch my deposit to another trip. I'm about 95% sure it's going to be this trip! It will be good to get to know you & meet you on the trip.

Have you purchased your airfare yet? I'm looking at the options, and there's way too many (except I'm really stumped as to what to do about the trip from Crete to Athens. I was *thinking* of doing a post-night in Athens, also. And at least one (but probably 2) pre-nights, also. But it adds over $200 to the "round trip" airfare! I suppose I could just book it seperately. We'll see. This trip is WAY more expensive than the Spirit of America trip, but I'm thinking it will be totally worth it!

Oh, I just re-read your post. I can't believe the airfare jumped from $900 last week. I hope it's just a momentary rise, and it goes back down soon!

Are you flying Aegean from Create to Athens?

Sorry for all the questions. I thought all my travel plans were made, and now I'm starting all over again! I can't believe I may be going to Greece in 4 months!

Sayhello

Sayhello,

I saw that you were considering this trip. It would be great to meet you. I was actually planning to go on the Cowboys and Canyons trip, but couldn't get time off for the dates I wanted, so I could pick your brain about that trip! I did purchase airfare as it seems to keep rising. I purchased mine through ABD because I wanted to use their insurance, but it was the same price as if I'd purchased it myself. I chose USAirways for the one-stop vs. two on other carriers. When we booked the RT to Athens was about $1500 pp and the flight from Crete to Athens on Aegean around $200 pp. ABD was able to book them together. If you're considering the May 21st PHL to ATH flight, only about 8 seats remained as of Friday evening, so you may want to jump on it. Since we booked, flights have gone up - again.

Adding the post night is expensive as the hotel is more on the end of trip than the beginning (at least that's according to what ABD quoted me), but we'd like the time to explore Athens and the surrounding cities and relax. Plus, I got the time off already and that's rare!

This is a very expensive trip-much more than the amount we were planning to spend on Cowboys and Canyons, but we're super excited to be heading to Greece. Just an FYI, from what I found on the internet it appears the 767 that USAirways uses for the Athens flight does not have individual entertainment systems. I thought you might want to know ahead of time as that's important to some people.

I hope this helps. Let me know what you decide! Good luck with the flights. Perhaps you'll get a great deal!

 

[sayhello]

Sayhello,

I saw that you were considering this trip. It would be great to meet you. I was actually planning to go on the Cowboys and Canyons trip, but couldn't get time off for the dates I wanted, so I could pick your brain about that trip! I did purchase airfare as it seems to keep rising. I purchased mine through ABD because I wanted to use their insurance, but it was the same price as if I'd purchased it myself. I chose USAirways for the one-stop vs. two on other carriers. When we booked the RT to Athens was about $1500 pp and the flight from Crete to Athens on Aegean around $200 pp. ABD was able to book them together. If you're considering the May 21st PHL to ATH flight, only about 8 seats remained as of Friday evening, so you may want to jump on it. Since we booked, flights have gone up - again.

Feel free to pick my brains about Cowboys & Canyons! I still think it's a fabulous itinerary!

That's about the price I'm seeing. And yes, I was looking at the PHL to ATH flight. Only 8 seats left? That's a bit scary. I really can't book until I'm sure that Kevin gets me booked on the trip. Just in case something goes wrong. So, hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday. I was going to do the 2 pre-nights in Athens, and the post-night in Athens, also. When are you leaving Athens at the end of the trip? On the 3rd?

Adding the post night is expensive as the hotel is more on the end of trip than the beginning (at least that's according to what ABD quoted me), but we'd like the time to explore Athens and the surrounding cities and relax. Plus, I got the time off already and that's rare!

Did ABD say that the post-night is at the same hotel? It just seems crazy that it's like 75% more expensive after the trip than before it... But the times for the Crete to Athens flights don't work that well with the flights from Athens to home. I think I'll call ABD & see what they say. I agree with you that in this case it's best to buy the airfare through ABD if you can, if you got their insurance.

This is a very expensive trip-much more than the amount we were planning to spend on Cowboys and Canyons, but we're super excited to be heading to Greece. Just an FYI, from what I found on the internet it appears the 767 that USAirways uses for the Athens flight does not have individual entertainment systems. I thought you might want to know ahead of time as that's important to some people.

I hope this helps. Let me know what you decide! Good luck with the flights. Perhaps you'll get a great deal!

Yes, this trip is also *very* much more expensive than the Spirit of America trip, too. But I *am* really looking forward to going to Greece, too. About the plane; do most people think that's a good thing or a bad thing? Personally, I flew on a plane to London that had the personal entertainment system, and the electronics for it was under each seat, and took up 1/2 the under-seat space. TOTALLY not worth it! I had my iPad with me, and that was better entertainment than the built-in system...

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

A great trip!

We flew from LAX (with the ABD-provided town car from San Diego) on Turkish Air to Istanbul, then from there to Athens--with a two-night pre-stay through ABD. We used the HOHO bus (two day ticket, with a pickup/drop at Syntagma Square--so we shuttled there and back to the hotel on the hotel shuttle)--got us out to the National Archaelogical Museum, among other places.

At the end of the trip, we did a late morning flight to Athens from Crete, and did one post-night through ABD--which was great at this allowed us to get in a few things we couldn't get to beforehand (Flea Market/Central Market, Benaki Museum--nice place for lunch on a roof terrace--and a hike up Filopappos Hill).

We liked Turkish Air--pretty good price, back of seat entertainment devices, interesting selection of food.

 

[sayhello]

A great trip!

We flew from LAX (with the ABD-provided town car from San Diego) on Turkish Air to Istanbul, then from there to Athens--with a two-night pre-stay through ABD. We used the HOHO bus (two day ticket, with a pickup/drop at Syntagma Square--so we shuttled there and back to the hotel on the hotel shuttle)--got us out to the National Archaelogical Museum, among other places.

At the end of the trip, we did a late morning flight to Athens from Crete, and did one post-night through ABD--which was great at this allowed us to get in a few things we couldn't get to beforehand (Flea Market/Central Market, Benaki Museum--nice place for lunch on a roof terrace--and a hike up Filopappos Hill).

We liked Turkish Air--pretty good price, back of seat entertainment devices, interesting selection of food.

Thanks! I'll take a look at Turkish Air. Did you have to get yourself from the Athens hotel to the post-night in Athens, or did ABD take care of that?

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[abdgeek]

Thanks for all the info, abdgeek! Who did you fly with from the US to Athens? US Airways is the only one that flies from my home airport to Athens with only one stop; all the rest are at least 2 stops. I'm not a fan of US Airways, but that one stop is a compelling factor.

Sayhello

Hi Sayhello,

I flew Delta and only had one stop. They are the carrier that I have found that seems to have the most direct flights overseas with the cheapest fares. Like you, I only book flights with one stop. It's a shame they aren't an option for you.

Abdgeek

 

[NoraG]

Feel free to pick my brains about Cowboys & Canyons! I still think it's a fabulous itinerary!

That's about the price I'm seeing. And yes, I was looking at the PHL to ATH flight. Only 8 seats left? That's a bit scary. I really can't book until I'm sure that Kevin gets me booked on the trip. Just in case something goes wrong. So, hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday. I was going to do the 2 pre-nights in Athens, and the post-night in Athens, also. When are you leaving Athens at the end of the trip? On the 3rd?

They've had those eight seats for a few days. I doubt they'll all go in just a few more. We're leaving Athens on the 4th-doing two post nights.

Did ABD say that the post-night is at the same hotel? It just seems crazy that it's like 75% more expensive after the trip than before it... But the times for the Crete to Athens flights don't work that well with the flights from Athens to home. I think I'll call ABD & see what they say. I agree with you that in this case it's best to buy the airfare through ABD if you can, if you got their insurance.

I briefly looked at going home direclty and there should be three flights out of Crete to Athens each day. The first one gets you into Athens before 8am, so there should be a way to get a one-stop flight home as well. The insurance seemed to cover everything-all flights, the land tour, pre and post nights and transportation to/from hotels and airports and was competitively priced from what I could tell.

Yes, this trip is also *very* much more expensive than the Spirit of America trip, too. But I *am* really looking forward to going to Greece, too. About the plane; do most people think that's a good thing or a bad thing? Personally, I flew on a plane to London that had the personal entertainment system, and the electronics for it was under each seat, and took up 1/2 the under-seat space. TOTALLY not worth it! I had my iPad with me, and that was better entertainment than the built-in system...

I've never had that problem before-only children constantly tapping/banging the seat to play games. I enjoy having movies, but we're considering a Kindle Fire to keep us occupied. My mom has an ipad, but it's awfully large and heavy for such a long trip. We've found it's hard to fit in hotel safes as well. I think it's just personal preference.

 

[NoraG]

Thanks for all the info abdgeek and tufbuf. Those intineraries help me get an idea of what we'll be able to accomplish. Any further info on the trip to Corinth would be appreciated. It looks like we'll be able to do everything we want and more! As the dates get closer, I'll start pulling out the travel books and maps and make a tentative intinerary. Work has been crazy, so when I have more than one day off per week, I'll work on it. Your help has been fantastic. Feel free to keep the tips coming!

I am considering a pair of Teva shoes that are good for walking, but can get wet (like for kayaking), but then dry quickly and can be worn all day. Any thoughts on whether a shoe like this would work? An acquaintance used them heavily in the middle east for rafting, water hikes, etc. and seemed to like them.

 

[tufbuf]

I sent you a pm!

The Teva shoes would do fine. You just have to make sure you have non-slip sole for hiking in the volcano. It can be slippery plus you get dust and dirt in your shoe constantly. You might want to wear socks or closed toe shoes. The marble you will be walking on as well (the Acropolis) can also be slippery.

 

[WeLoveABD]

Thanks! I'll take a look at Turkish Air. Did you have to get yourself from the Athens hotel to the post-night in Athens, or did ABD take care of that?

Thanks!
Sayhello

We booked through ABD so transport to and from Athens airport was with them (we rode with the guides in the van after the trip for our one night post stay which was great-allowed us to ask questions and provide feedback!) Both pres and post nights were at the same hotel as our ABD stay in Athens.

 

[sayhello]

We booked through ABD so transport to and from Athens airport was with them (we rode with the guides in the van after the trip for our one night post stay which was great-allowed us to ask questions and provide feedback!) Both pres and post nights were at the same hotel as our ABD stay in Athens.

Thanks. So I guess that's part of why the post-night costs more than the pre-night? Because it includes an extra couple of transfers? I guess that makes sense. That's great about traveling with the guides. What time was your flight on Crete?

Sayhello