After our overnight ferry from Bari to Patras, we took a 3 hour coach bus ride to Athens. Along this scenic route, we saw the Rio-Antirio Bridge and crossed the Corinthian canal. Our hotel was in the Plaka district, the oldest section of Athens, crowded with shops, cafes and restaurants. Most of the Plaka's narrow streets have been closed to traffic, making it a nice haven from the city's traffic. The 2004 Olympics in Athens resulted in improvments in infrastructure and public transit. The clean and efficient metro goes to airport and the port of Piraeus so getting around was easy. Most signs were in both English and Greek and some print was in the Cyrillic alphabet. We learned a few basic phrases in Greek and the locals appreciated our efforts. Everyone we met spoke great English. They were very friendly and usually happy to offer help and advice. A staffer at our hotel, Yannis, was super friendly and gave us some great tips on where to eat, a Greek dancing show and suggested we visit the island of Aegina, which we did and loved!
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We started this 2 week adventure in Rome, Italy and ended in Athens, Greece. This time of year the weather was great and it was before the big surge of summer tourists. Our itinerary: 3 days in Rome; 4 days in Sorrento with day trips to Pompei, Capri, Amalfi coast; 1 overnight ferry from Italy to Greece; 3 days in Athens; 4 days relaxing on the island of Aegina.The people were warm and friendly and the food was delicioso!
