Private taxi/guides in Athens or Gray Line Tours

[citoman]

I am trying to decide between hiring Paul from Greektaxi or Spiros from Athens taxi.

Would appreciate any comments on either of them. Also, I understand they are not licenced guides so they are not allowed to give you commentary while on historical sites- is it possible to hire a guide for some of the most important sites while there?

The other option we have is taking the Gray Line Tours-

What would be better going with a private driver/guide or going with Gray Line Tours?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[sheba5]

We were arriving in Athens last year and hired Spiros. He picked us up from the ship, gave us a full day tour and dropped us off at our hotel. True, he is not a licensed guide, but you can hire someone if you want. Spiros might even be able to arrange that for you. We can highly recommend him! What I really liked about the private tour is that we arrived before the large crowds came.

[SheilaNC]

We used Paul. While not a guide, he was very helpful, answered questions, took us on a side trip to a lovely old monastery outside of Athens and drove by the synogogue because we told him we were interested. Saw everything we wanted to see and didn't need a formal tour anywhere. Highly recommend.

[steveg]

We have used Spros on two separate occasions. We could not have been happier with each of exucrsions: (1) full day Athens and Sounian coast; (2) full day to Epidaurus, Cornith, Ancient Mycenae and Peloppense area. He speaks perfect English, is very knowledgeable. His car is immaculate and smoke-free. He goes out of his way to please. I highly recommend him.

[stipmom]

We used Paul from Greek taxi. He was wonderful. Did a full tour to Corinth and Myceane as we had been in Athens before. Paul own an olive farm and taught us alot about olive oil

[BrenGina]

An alternative guide you may want to check out is Rania Vassiliadou. She used a driver, air-conditioned mini-bus, and above all is a licensed guide. She went into all the sites we visited and brought a book loaded with pictures and information. Very knowledgable and she loved to talk about her country's culture and history. I'm sure the other taxi services are very good, but here is another option. Good Luck!

[LindaB1]

We just got back from Athens and used Jimmy. He is very good. He is a taxi driver, not a licensed guide. His English is really good and is very imformative. His e-mail address is jimmy_vak@yahoo.com.

[Seatravelers]

Last year we used Spiros Taxi Service and Mike was our driver. He was great and we saw everything and more in our full day tour - well worth the money!! Spiros can not take everyone but seems to hire only the best drivers and we will use again!

[TLCOhio]

Will arrive for our first visit to Athens the afternoon of June 14. Depart afternoon of June 17 for seven-day Seabourn Cruise doing Greek Islands of Mykanos, Milos and Patmos; then Bodrum and Kusadasi/Ephesus on the Turkish Coast; before arriving for two days in Istanbul.

 

BUT for the best three days in Athens, what did you LOVE the absolute most? What are your best priorities and suggestions on what to see and enjoy? What to avoid and skip? What to be worried or concerned about?

 

If doing a one day-trip to a top site or sight outside of Athens, where would that day-trip be and by what method? Grey Lines?

 

Appreciate the taxi/guide suggestions. Will follow-up on those different good options.

 

Will stay at AVA hotel in the Plaka area at the foot of the Acropolis near Hadrian's Arch.

 

This will be our 34th Anniversary trip and we have done many past trip in most of the main, other top areas of Europe. First time in Greece or Turkey.

 

THANKS! TLC in Ohio