Rod64

I have stayed in Athos hotel twice, a very clean and central hotel in Athens. It is located in Plaka, just right in the heart of Athens. Nikos, the owner, is a great guy, always kind and helpful. The roof garden on the 6th floor has a fantastic view of Parthenon!!

We used VisitKatakolon and we were very pleased with their services. we went to Olympia and then for lunch in a nice local tavern. kostas, our chauffeur and the owner of the company, gave us a guide book, plus lots of information about Olympia and the surroundings. they offer a guided tour as well for the site & the museum (only legal guides can actually guide you inside the archaeological areas), but a book and a chat with a local was enough for us.

In Santorini you don’t need a shore excursion, you just need a driver who speaks good English. And George is his name! He was our driver too. He was really good, sawing us around all the interesting places, making our day there well spent.

As for Katakolon, definitely try visitkatakolon.gr we booked a private shore excursion with them and they were surprisingly good on what they are doing! Kostas’ English were excellent (he has studied sustainable Tourism in UK) and he has been trained for excursions with cruise passengers really well, giving us information about pretty much everything and driving us to places we wouldn’t have seen otherwise (he is the owner).

I know for sure that last month was on strike, at least the day we were there. A family we met on the cruise ship wanted to take the train to Olympia (my family and I had booked a private shore excursion with visitkatakolon) and they had no luck, so they rented a car instead. that worked out just fine, as they were 4 in total. Avis Car rental is opposite the port. otherwise you could take the bus, which is opposite the port too.

I would also recommend Batu Caves. lots of stairs, but still..

you are right, It does seem a waste to go all that way and not see the place!! i am ALWAYS visiting all the places when cruising.

You can depart at any time, but I you could also stay on the ship and save some money on the hotel. i agree with 4774Papa , Singapore deserves more than a one day visit, especially at the time you are going, just before Chinese New Year!

We stayed only for 2 nights, but we wish we would stay a couple of nights more! Singapore is one of the greatest cities in Asia. We used MRT most of the time. didn't use HOHO, but we did the river cruise, which was fantastic as you can see many highlights and also learn the history of the city. unfortunately i have no suggestions for hotels as we stayed with a friend. Do visit the Gardens By the Bay, but do not eat at the restaurant there. very touristic food, really bad service (although they had good prices). unfortunately we didnt have time for the night safari, but we will definately do it next time! try chicken rice, as it is their scepiality.

Bangkok-Singapore one way with Air Asia (with one hand luggage and one big 20 kg luggage) only 100$!!