Weekend trip to Athens by coach

Zante Excursions

Margaret B           

I have been to Athens on the excursion with Pelargos and Spring Tours both offices based in Kalamaki. Last October I went with Spring Tours and we stayed at the Oscar Inn Hotel. This year in June I went with Pelargos Tours. Helena of Pelargos Tours told me that if Costas was our guide we would have a lot of fun! We certainly did! I travelled alone because my daughter and grandaughter didn't fancy a two day trip but I was never alone and I met lots of lovely people from Ireland and Leicester. I have many colourful photographs to share of the beautiful Agia Andreas (St Andrew)church where we made a 1 hour coffee stop. The Corinthian Canal where we stopped for lunch on the way to and from Athens. We were up very early next morning for the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Wonderful to watch this, you can go really close to the very tall handsome guards in their spectacular uniforms. Many famous buildings and statues were pointed out to us on our journey through Athens centre to the highlight of our trip,the fantastic views and archeological site of the Acropolis. Our guide up on the sacred rock of Acropolis was Angela. She is excellent and very articulate. It is a bit of a rushed schedule but you can always catch up on lost sleep on the coach journey! I confess to only having 1 hours sleep because Costas took some of us up on the rooftop bar and pool at the Oscar Hotel where we drank cocktails, and danced to Irish music till 3.30 am! We had a fantastic evenings entertainment with live music, singing dancing and belly dancing with drinks and meal inclusive for 10 euros each! Excellent value. The trip is very good value and it gives you an introduction of what Athens is like in a very short time so that you will have the confidence and inspiration to visit again and spend more time there, which I have done already.

Michaela S           

we booked with dionosis tours they were great you had a full tour on the morning before you go back to zante. there is a lot of travelling involved. we were also lucky enough to see a cruise ship pass through the corinth canal it was absolutely amazing to see. this is a trip i would recomend you don't miss out on.

Diane B           

I have done this trip twice now, once in 1998 from Argassi, then again in 2001 from Tsilivi. Thought it was a fantastic place both times. The first time I was with my sister and we were a bit scared so we didn't really do much the afternnon we got to Athens (you arrive around 3:00) a older couple took us under their wing and we went to see the changing of the guard. The reps basic tell you to go out with them in the evening for your meal, the coach comes and picks you up, but it was not a good meal. the food was below avarage and you get rushed through ready for the next coach load of brits arriving from the islands. The organised excursion the next day takes in the things that most people want to see in Athens. The guides were very good on both trips. Even though I went from seperate resorts with different operators I was in the same hotel both times. I think the hotel is used purely for this trip. The reps tell you that it is right in the middle of the red light district ( which it is, but so is virtuallly the whole city) I think this is a ploy to make you go on the evening meal with them, and then stay in the hotel bar drinking (ie reps get lots of commision. However it was quite entertaining sitting on my balcony timing men coming in and out of the brothel opposite.
When I returned with my boyfriend we were much more braver. We wondered of into Athens in the afternoon and visted some fantastic museums etc that you would otherwise not have been able to do. We ended up in the Plakas under the acopolis (stuuning views) sitting under a olive tree drinking beer. The owner was lovely. We then wondered back to the hotel a good 45 min away to be greeted by a frosty rep saying we didn't have time to change for dinner the coach was leaving for the restaurant in 5 mins. We told her we wouldn't be attending we were going of on our own and she was not happy. Anyway we browsed through the leaflets in reception and picked a restaurant in the plakas to go to and got reception to order us a cab. The taxi driver didn't know the resataurant but said he would take us to one that he and wife attended regulary in the plaka so of we went. We pulled up outside a beautiful building stunning views again of the acropolis and the taxi driver spoke to the woman on the door and managed to get us in. It was packed out and we were the only english people there, but all the greeks were sitting on big long tables swigging ouzo by the bottle and we soon got roped in. Then the traditional dancers came out. they were better than any I have ever seen. We finally got back to the hotel about mid night. The next day the entire coach was well jealous as they had had a crap meal and were home by 9:00. Many had walked out of the restaurant and gone across the road to macdonalds as the food was better there than whwt they were been served.

Bernie M           

Thanks for that Criss. Didnt go when we were over in May and now I am glad........and I saved myself 108Euro x 3!!!

Criss K           

ATHENS IS A BUILDING SITE AT THE MOMENT WITH ALL ATTRACTIONS BEING RENOVATED FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES AS WAS THE HOTEL. YOU NEED TO GET YOUR PICTURES OF THE SITES FROM POSTCARDS NOT UNLESS YOU LIKE SCAFFOLD AND TARPAULIN THE REPS ARE NOT PASSING THIS INFORMATION ON TO CUSTOMERS. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

Bernie M

Would love to go back to Athens, what is the best agency to book with. I want to stay very central and have some free time to ourselves. oh and also what does it cost!
Thanks a million.

Tommy S

i am going to alykanas in aug .want to book trip with manfredas,but could u tell me if u have to go to greek night many thanks

Mike E           

we booked with alykes agent Manfreda, HE IS A LEGEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! everyone should book with him, he is funny and will give you the best from this great and amazing excursion. the acropalyse is tremendous and all accomodation facilities are good, non uncomfortable!!! this is well worth doing, EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY!!!!!! we love MANFREDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Win&bob T           

We booked with Thomsons and it was excellent value for money. Joanna was the perfect guide who loves her Greece and shares her love with you. Most informative It was the highlight of a really good holiday

June Y           

We loved this trip it was well worth every euro, booked through our airtours rep, it was a comfortable journey and our rep explained the length and stop overs very well. The hotel in Athens "Athens Central" was clean, comfortable and the rooftop bar had absolutely stunning night time views of the Acropolis. Walking around Athens was amazing, we ended up both in the good and bad bit of town, the petshops were a bit emotionally upsetting, but apart from that Athens is a great city. The second day brought a fantastic buffet breakfast and an early visit to the Acropolis with a very good but nutty guide, who can not be failed to be gobsmacked by the Acropolis it is fantastic, we then had a tour around the major points of Athens on the coach then a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way home, we cannot rate this trip enough, if you get the chance to go then do. A few people in our hotel, booked their, trip off the road side rather than through their rep and found that they were encouraged to then spend lots of extra money on a Greek Night in Athens. We did not have this problem.

Fran H           

We booked this trip through Tsilivi travel and found it was well worth every penny (Euro) spent. Be prepared for sitting on a bus for a long period of time, as the trip is a fair old jaunt. However there were two stops on route, one for a coffee stop, and one for a meal. You arrive late in the afternoon and have enough time for a shower and a short rest (in the overnight hotel) Then off to a restaurant for and evening meal. As there is no light show this year, we were treated to a "Greek night". I found this a slight drag as we were there for a few hours and I found it difficult getting enthusiastic about people singing in a foreign lingo. The following day takes on the trip to the Acropolis (small additional charge, but well worth it) I can only say OUT OF THIS WORLD....... even my kids loved it, and I thought they would consider it a pile of old rocks. Our on site guide was absolutely fantastic with bags full of info. Our Guide on the bus was ok, but I have had better........ All in all, this is A MUST DO TRIP, and will remember this for the rest of my life..... EXCELLENT

Jon & Kay           

We booked through Tsilivi Travel on the TEZ Bus. The trip was great, the guide (Sophie) was fun and she took us to a great greek night in athens. Everything was well planned and you do need to see the acropolis as early as possible as it gets really hot! If you go out in Athens without the coach - Get a Taxi to take you to and from the Plaka as the streets inbetween arent much fun in the heat!

Ann M           

We booked this trip through our Thomson rep. TIP: If you are thinking of going - take a holdall or similar (we only had our two huge suitcases but are grateful to Alan our rep for loaning us an overnight case) Be prepared for a lot of travelling and our bus was very cramped (hardly any leg room but fortunately there were a lot of spare seats so we got one each!) Take plenty of currency with you as the admission charges to Delphi and the Acropolis are not included in the excursion cost- you will need 21 euros each for these + money for evening meal and lunch. Our hotel was excellent but in a very rough area of Athens so be prepared for this! The view from the roof top restaurant/bar was fantastic. We loved the Acropolis (pity about the scaffolding though)and the views from here over the entire city were great.A special mention for our excellent guide on this trip, Joanna who was so friendly and knowledgable (hope your toothache got better Jo, and it wasn't an abscess!) A very long and tiring couple of days but very worthwhile with some wonderful memories. Highly recommended.

Annette H           

My daughter and I went on this trip which we booked through our JMC rep. It is a lot of travelling, but it is worth it. I would rather not have bothered seeing the changing of the guard, we went to the original Olympic statium. Toured the city by bus and lastly visited the Acropolis, which we LOVED. Got picked up 7am Tuesday, got back about 7pm Wednesday. Actually in Athens from 4pm Tuesday and left Athens around 12 noon Wednesday. It cost about £100 for my 12 year old and I (she was priced as a child)

Mick O           

EXCELLENT!!!! Well worth £50 each.

Philippa S           

We went on this trip with Airtours. It involved a lot of travelling (around 1-1.5 hours by ferry and then 4 hours by coach) but there were lots of stops along the way, which broke up the journey. We spent the free afternoon/evening exploring the Plaka area of Athens and also saw the changing of the guard and walked around the large park near the palace. The following day we visited the Acropolis and olympic stadium in Athens and Corinth canal on the way home. We really enjoyed the trip and would recommend it to anyone wanting a bit of culture!

Bob E           

We booked through local Alykes agent 'Manfredas' (adults £50, children £25) This included air-conditioned cach travel from the mainland to Athens and a stop at the Corinth Canal on route. We had B&B accommodation at the 3 star Oscar Hotel which had air-conditioning, a rooftop pool on the eighth floor with views of the Acropolis, en suite facilities, TV etc. The trip included optional evening entertainment, which we declined in favour of a chance to explore, and a guided tour of major sights including the Acropolis and Presidential palace. Our guide Helena was excellent. We all found it every absorbing and educational. Before leaving we had the chance to explore the flea market which was fun and cheap! This was without doubt an excellent trip and tremendous value.

Christine M           

Excellent value - went with Cosmos. Two coaches went - one Cosmos and one JMC. We went by ferry. Nice hotel with air-conditioning and a bath in Athens. Free time to shop or Cosmos arrange an evening trip. Visited Acropolis; Changing of the Guard; Original Olympic Stadium; Corinth Canal. My 7 year twins enjoyed it as much as we did. Although a highlight for them was McDonalds, where they got 2 toys each with their Happy Meal!

Louise B           

Had the most amazing time on this trip (AIRTOURS). The coach trip was quite long, but had sufficient stops, which broke the journey up a bit. We were given about 4 hours to explore Athens when we arrived. The underground is really hectic...use it if you dare! We climbed to the top of Lykavittos hill, which was strenuous, but worth every step, then to Plaka and then to see the changing of the guards. The next day we went to the Acroplois and to see the Olympic stadium. The trip was fantastic.

Jim S           

We left Laganas at 7.30am and arrived in Athens 3.00pm with regular stops in an air conditioned coach, Booked with 'Spring tours' we had a very good guide who took care of everything. hotel was good 'Hotel Oscar Inn'and the tour content was excellent, the cost £55 each but the evening food and entertainment extra, in our case £40. Total for tour (for two)£150,don't miss it.

Rimmer            

Charlie - as far as i know, no one runs a trip to Athens by plane. Youcan book your tickets with OlymoicAirways from various agencies around the island, but once in Athens, it is up to you although some agencies may also be able to book accommodation for you there.

Charlie B

Hi, does anyone know of or been to Athens for a 2 day trip by plane? The coach sounds lovely if you pick the right one but out of interest does anyone offer the same excursion with ravel by plane! Charlie

Suzanne H           

We went on a Wed/Thurs trip with Thomson, £65 adults, £42 kids (admission to ancient sites about £10 per adult extra, kids free). On the way we stopped at Epidavrus (ampitheatre), Mycene and Nafplio before crossing the Corinth Canal to Athens. We stayed in a 4star hotel in the Omonia district (red light). Next day we visited the running track where the Olympic flame starts, the Parthenon, the changing of the guard and the Plaka (flea market). It was a very busy trip but our 10 year old enjoyed it, probably not suitable for younger kids! Very good value for money, guided tours included, lots of info given!

Rimmer            

Laurie - Bus to Athens takes 6 hours in total and stops only in Patras, a motorway service station, and the Athens Bus Garage. It is 4 hours bus, 1-1.1/2 hours ferry, 10/15 mins in Patras, and 30 mins at service station.

Laurie P

Oops, should have posted that under this heading. Does the bus from Zakynthos to Athens stop in downtown Athens?

Laurie P           

We leave for Agios Sostis on ZZakynthos in a few days. I read that the bus/ferry trip to Athens was only 3 hours. Not true by what I've read here. Does the bus drop you in downtown Athens?

Rimmer            

Justin - there is a daily flight to Athens with Olympic Airways (offices in town and at the airport) which takes about 1/2 hour. There is a bus service up to 6 times a day which takes about 6 hours including ferry crossing.

Anita G           

we went 3 yrs ago and appart from the long coach journey (it got a puncture) it was well worth it. cost approx £70. Athens is great but very busy. we found it best to only croos roads when the locals did that way the cars stopped. go for it, we would again.

Sally H           

My three daughters (13yrs & 20yrs)and I went three years ago, long coach trip broken air conditioning in coach kept spilling water everywhere great fun!! Corinth canal wonderful as is Athens you must see the soldiers changing the guard in their pom-pom shoes and mini skirts you need cam corder,yes it is a long trip but well worth every penny to see the sun rise from the Acropolis. Go for it.

Adrian G           

Athens is a beatifull city and the excursion is well worth the money, the only draw back is the traveling time 2 and from Athens witch is between 5-8hrs each way but apart from that well worth it

Paula L

we aer going to laganas on the 24th of may and the excursion to athens is a highlight i look forward to. could you please let me know rougly how much it costs per person for the 2 days and what athens is like!!!

Carole M           

Highly recommended.