ATHENS, The Capital Of Greece

The main Athens attractions are close to the city centre at Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos). This epicentre is surrounded by the districts of the Plaka to the south, Monastiraki to the west, Kolonaki to the east and Omonia to the

north. Further a field is the port of Athens, the Piraeus.

Athens is the capital of one of the world's most ancient civilizations. If you can look past the smog and the somewhat gritty exterior, you'll discover that Athens boasts some of the most impressive treasures in Europe. From mousaka to museums to mythological wonders, this bustling city has it all.

Athens is located on Greece's mainland and has a history that spans over 3,000 years. A variety of temples, museums, and galleries pay homage to its rich history and cultural identity.

Athens is one big archaeological site, and exciting new finds are being discovered all the time. Among its many ancient treasures are the Acropolis. This massive complex is perhaps Athens's most recognizable symbol and dominates the cityscape. Within the Acropolis are the Parthenon, which was built as a temple to honor the goddess Athena; the Theatre of Herodes Atticus; and the Acropolis Museum, which includes displays of statues and artifacts dating as far back as the 5 th century B.C. Visitors can view more of Greece's art and antiquities at a number of museums, including the Greek National Gallery, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Archaeological Museum, and the National Historical Museum.

Like the Roman Forum, the Ancient Agora was the heart of ancient Athens's political and religious life. Within the Agora are the ruins of the Temple of Hephaestus and the Odeion of Agrippa, a covered theatre.

Athens has also played an important role in the field of athletics. The first modern Olympics were staged in Athens in 1896; the city hosted the games again in 2004. Panathinaiko Stadium, constructed of white marble, was built for the first Olympics. The stadium is one of the city's historic gems and is still used today for various sporting events.

Greece is known for its many markets, and Athens is home to some of the largest and most impressive markets in the country. One of the city's liveliest markets is the Monastiráki market, which features a myriad of items such as antiques, leather goods, hand-woven rugs, second-hand books, clothing, and gold and silver jewelry.

Offering warm welcome and high standards of accommodation, this modern style property is an ideal place for a comfortable stay.

MAP OF GREECE ( ATHENS)

http://www.tripadvisor.in/Tourism-g189400-Athens_Attica-Vacations.html#25905789

Booked my air tickets from the following website link.

http://fc.ixigo.com/search/result/flight/DEL/ATH/12102010/19102010/1/0/0/e

From Athens Airport to Ionis Hotel, Omonia Square

X95 bus from the airport to the Omonia Square in the heart of Athens City. The bus travel duration would be around 40 minutes.The bus fare is 6 Euros per person.

The expense for the bus travel would be around Rs 420/-.

Metro

Assuming you are in the city center, the easiest way to get from Athens to the Port of Piraeus is by metro. Line 1 (green) takes you to Piraeus. If you are in the city, you have several choices to take the metro from:

Monastiraki : the easiest way, this is where Line 3 (blue ) intersects with Line 1; you are taking the train from Line 1 so you don’t need to change trains

Omonia: also easy, this is where Line 2 (red) intersects with Line 1. Again, you are taking the train from line 1 so you don’t need to change trains

Syntagma: you will need to change trains at Monastiraki, coming from Line 3

The 90 min flat fare is €1. Make sure not to leave the station after you validate your ticket.

Line 1 is actually an electric railway and the fares depend on the distance you cover. The fare is between €0,70 (1 or 2 zones) and €0,80 (3 zones).

The metro trains are new and pretty nice. You can expect them to be crowded especially during the high season and at certain hours.

Bus

There are two buses to get from the city center to Piraeus:

Bus 049, from Omonia square Bus 040, from Syntagma square (night bus)

Taxi

The taxi fare is relatively low in Athens. There are two fares used, so be careful: fare 1 from 5 a.m. to midnight and fare 2 (double) after midnight. Taxi fraud is not widespread but it always pays to have your eyes open. You will also be charged for the baggage (€0,30 for each item over 10 kg) and there’s also the €0,60 surcharge for the port.

The journey between the city center (Omonia) to Piraeus takes about 30 min (unless there’s heavy traffic) and the taxi fare ads up to about €15, depending on the traffic.

HOTEL ( Ionis Hotel, Omonia Square)

LocationLocated only a few metres from Omonia Square, the Ionis Hotel Athens is in the heart of the city. The hotel lies within the walking distance from the underground station, Plaka district, National Museum and the Acropolis.

RoomsIonis Hotel offers guestrooms that

are beautifully decorated and well-appointed with standard amenities to make your stay a comfortable one.

RestaurantGuests can dine at the onsite restaurant, which serves excellent Greek and Continental cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. The cosy bar is an ideal place to unwind with your favourite drink after a busy day.

GeneralIonis Hotel features ample parking space for your convenience. During leisure, you can also explore the surrounding area or relax at the lobby, which is also an ideal place to meet friends.

HOTEL RENT w.e.f 13th October to 19th October, 2010

ITENARY

October 13th,2010

KARAMEIKOS : The Ancient City of Greece

The biggest and most important necropolis in Athens stretches along Ermou Street, near the junction with Pireos Street. One can see the ruins of the fortified enclosure

with its two main gates, the Iera Pyli (Sacred Gate) and the Dipylon, public buildings, impressive civilians graves and military tombs. The Kerameikos archaeological site also has a museum showing finds from the excavations.

Kerameikos was named after the community of the potters (kerameis) who occupied the whole area along the banks of river Eridanos (or after after Keramos, son of Dionysios and Ariadne, hero of potters). The walls of Athens, which were constructed in the 5th century B.C. by Themistocles, divided the area into two sections, the "inner" and "outer" Kerameikos. The wall had two gates, Dipylon and the Sacred Gate, placed at the outset of the two most important processional roads of Athens, the Panathenaic Way which led to the Acropolis, and the Sacred Way which led to Eleusis. Outside the city walls, along the sides of both roads lay the

official cemetery of the city, which was continuously used from the 9th century B.C. until the late Roman period.

SITES SEEN AT KARAMEIKOS

EXCAVATIONS

Systematic excavations on the site were begun in 1870 by the Greek Archaeological Society under the direction of St. Koumanoudis, and were continued during the following decades in collaboration with the German archaeologists A. Brueckner and F. Noack. In 1913, the Greek Government entrusted the excavations to the German Archaeological Institute, which is still conducting the investigation of the site.

The Themistocleian Wall

Part of the Themistocleian wall. The wall of the city of Athens was constructed in 478 B.C. and crossed the area of Kerameikos in a N-S direction.

The Sacred Gate

The Sacred Gate was one of the gates of the city wall built by Themistocles in 478 B.C. It allowed the passage of river Eridanos and of the Sacred Way, the processional way that led to Eleusis. It was protected by two square towers and had a courtyard divided into two parts, one of which was occupied by the bank of the river. Dated to 478 B.C

The travel from Ionis Hotel to Karameikos

Hire the metro train from downtown station. Reaching Karameikos from Omonia Square is a 5 minute journey by train.

The metro fare is 1 euro.

That comes out to be Rs 60/-.

October 14th ,2010

PARTHENON

The Parthenon (Ancient Greek is a temple in the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their protector. Its construction began in 447 BC and was completed in 438 BC, although decorations of the Parthenon continued until 431 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece and of Athenian democracy and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. The Greek Ministry of Culture is currently carrying out a programme of selective restoration and reconstruction to ensure the stability of the partially ruined structure.

Way to Parthenon

Travel via train from metro station in downtown to reach Syntagma Square. From Syntagma Square, the Parthenon Temple is at a pleasant walking distance.

So the travelling expense is only the metro fare i.e. 1 Euro.

ATHENA’S MARKET(SHOPPING)

October 15th ,2010

The Aegean Sea and the Greek Islands

Greek island Santorini in the Aegean Sea, there are the world’s most beautiful and magnificent sea views, local Orthodox churches are cartoon style, blue and white,

reveals a lovely and romantic. Island romance, pure and holy beauty attracted many couples to the honeymoon, wedding. “Global Times” reporter and his wife had just recently come to honeymoon and enjoy the beautiful scenery here, the feeling of “Love Island” pure and romantic atmosphere.

My way to the Aegean Sea and the Islands

The island of Santorini or Thira is located in the Cyclades islands, in the middle of the Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea. I plan to take the Metro Line from Omonia to Piraeus Port, from where all ships depart and arrive from the different Greek islands. I will board the Speed Runner 2 ship that set sail at 4:00pm. It is a huge ship. One can buy food in the ship itself. The seats are like those of an aircraft. After a stop at an island, it reaches Santorini at 9:30 pm. As soon as one disembarkes, he can see high hills next to the Aegean Sea. You can look for a vehicle to take you to your hotel. It is easily available for 15 Euros.

October 16th, 2010

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.

The museum was founded in 2003 while the Organisation of the Museum was established in 2008. It opened to the public on June 21, 2009. Nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres.The Organisation for the Construction of the new museum is chaired by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Professor Emeritus of Archaeology, Dimitrios Pandermalis.

Way to The Acropolis Museum

The metro train takes only 10 minutes to reach the Museum at Acropolis.

The train fare varies from .70 Euros to 1 Euro.

The Area of KOLONAKI

Kolonaki , literally "Little Column" is a neighborhood in central Athens, Greece. It is located on the southwestern slopes of Lycabettus hill.

Kolonaki is a wealthy, chic and upmarket district, and a fashionable meeting area. As one of the capital's leading shopping areas, it includes a number of high-end boutiques from young adult to casual fashion to prestigious haute couture from

Greek and international designers. One of its main shopping streets, Voukourestiou Street, is now known for its jewellery.

Museums and galleries also abound in Kolonaki. The Benaki Museum, inside a preserved neoclassical manor house, and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art and are two of the finest private

collections in the country.

Way to reach Kolonaki

The Kolonaki Market area is 2 km away from the kolonaki metro station. So take the metro train from the Acropolis Station and reach the Kolonaki Stadium. The train fare is .60 Euro. You can hire a taxi for around 3.5 Euros to the Area of Kolonaki.

October 17th,2010

MONASTIRAKI

The Monastiraki flea market is the place to be on Sunday when it seems every Athenian is here either buying or selling. You have to get here early because after about 11am the crowd becomes impossible and if you want to take a break there are few tables available at the many cafes and restaurants in the area. You can wander around aimlessly or you can find someone who knows the flea market who can show you around if you are intent on buying something in particular. Much of the flea market is not really a flea market. It is a collection of small shops of which most of them are tourist shops with the same stuff you will find on Adrianou street in the Plaka. These are open normal shop hours and you can come here anytime. But weekends and Sunday in particular is when it is like a third-world flea market with people selling anything from antiques to what you might call useless junk and it goes on forever, beyond Monastiraki and into Thission and Psiri.

WAY TO THE MONASTIRAKI:

From the Omonia Square , walk for about 10 minutes and you reach the subway to hire the metro rail.5 minute travel to Plaka.From Plaka, near the end of Adrianou street you will come to a small square, every inch of which has been taken over by fancy tourist restaurants and cafes. Hurry through it until you come face to face with Hadrian's wall. You can't miss it. Turn right and then take a left down tiny Pondroussou Street. (If you need to ask directions remember Bonanza: The Ponderosa). You are now in the tourist infested heart of the so-called Monastiraki Flea-Market. But Keep walking to where Pondrossou becomes narrow and the shops get a little smaller. If you are coming down Athinas from the direction of Omonia then if you keep the Acropolis in sight you will come right to the flea market. The train station is on your right and Pondroussou street will be on your left just past the souvlaki shops and cafes.

The travelling rent from Ionis Hotel to Monastiraki is 0.70 Euro.

October 18th ,2010

PLAKA DISTRICT & ACROPOLIS

THE TEMPLE OF ZEUS

Between the Plaka district on the Panathenaicon Stadium, several ruins and attractions are located. The Temple of the Olympian Zeus and the area surrounding it are fascinating and well worth a visit. One can walk the area from the Plaka with ease.

HARDRIAN’S ARCH

When you leave the Plaka area, look for Hadrains Arch. From here you can see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the other attractions in Athens. Be cautious with the traffic though. It can be treacherous.

THEATRE OF DIONYSIS WITH ATHENS IN THE BACKGROUND

As you work your way up to the entrance of the Acropolis, you pass the stunning Theater of Dionysos. One can't help but be in awe of this ancient masterpiece.

PLAKA DISTRICT SHOPPING PLACE

Plaka District for excellent shopping opportunities of interest to visitors. Note however, that most of the shops in Athens close for afternoon siesta around 1 to 2 pm and do not reopen until 5:30 pm or so. Most of the shops are also closed on Sundays, so be sure to plan your shopping times to accommodate this reality.

WAY TO THE PLAKA & ACROPOLIS

The metro train from downtown is the most convenient mode of transport.It takes around 15 minutes to reach the Plaka District Station from the Omonio Square station.The fare is 1 Euro.

From Plaka, tram can be a viable medium to commute to Acropolis. It charges .60 Euros per person.

October 19th , 2010

The date for returning arrives soon. It was an amazing Euro visit. One of the most ancient cities of Europe and arguably the most beautiful city was worth visiting. It definitely is the tour of a lifetime.

FROM DELHI AIRPORT

Hire a Volvo Bus from Delhi to Chandigarh.

The bus fare is Rs 450/- .

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE TOUR (ROUND TRIP)

Bus fare (Chandigarh to Delhi) x 2= Rs 900/- . [12/10/2010]

Air Fare ( Round Trip) = Rs 31291 /- . [12/10/2010]

Athens Airport to Hotel x 2 = Rs 840/- . [12/10/2010]

Hotel Rent =336$ = Rs 15792/- . [12th Oct – 19th Oct]

EXPENSES AS PER DATE:

13th Oct:

Food Expense – Rs 1500/- .

Travelling Expense – Rs 120/- . TOTAL = Rs 1620/- .

14th Oct:

Travelling Expense – Rs 120/- .

Shopping Expense – Rs 4000/- .

Food – Rs 1500/- . TOTAL = Rs 5500/- .

15th Oct:

Travelling Expense – Rs 2520/-

Food Expense – Rs 1600/- TOTAL = Rs 4120/-

16th Oct:

Travelling Expense – Rs 612/-

Museum Visit – Rs 250/-

Shopping Expense – Rs 5000/-

Food Expense - Rs1500/- TOTAL = Rs 7362/-

17th Oct:

Travelling Expense – Rs 84/-

Food Expense – Rs 1200/- TOTAL = Rs 1284/-

18th Oct:

Travelling Expense – Rs 204/-

Food Expense – Rs 1500/- TOTAL = Rs 1704/-

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE TOUR = Rs 70,413/- .

LINKS:

http://www.athensguide.org/

www.indiancarhire.com/volvo-bus.html

http://www.athenseguide.com/

http://www.farecompare.com/flights/Delhi-DEL/Athens-ATH/

market.html

http://www.tripadvisor.in/Tourism-g189400-Athens_Attica-

Vacations.html#25905789

http://fc.ixigo.com/search/result/flight/DEL/ATH/

12102010/19102010/1/0/0/e

https://secure.athenswalkingtours.gr/modules/webBooking/index.php?

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