Athens Greece Podcast

In this episode, we’ll walk you through a quick overview of one of the world’s most famous cities: Athens, Greece. Credited as the “cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of Democracy”, Athens is a thrilling destination that has a lot to offer travelers thirsty for a unique cultural experience.

MP3 File

Hello and welcome back to the hotelbook.com podcast series. 
In this episode, we’ll walk you through a quick overview of one of the world’s most famous cities: Athens, Greece.  Credited as the “cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of Democracy”, Athens is a thrilling destination that has a lot to offer travelers thirsty for a unique cultural experience.

Ranging from Spartan warriors, brilliant philosophers, and captivating mythology to sandals, gyro sandwiches, and big fat Greek weddings, the impact of Athenian culture in our world is undeniable.  Plus, with over 3,000 years of recorded history, the ancient streets of Athens are a literal treasure trove of history, featuring widely celebrated monuments, statues, temples, and unforgettable landmarks.  And after recently hosting the 2004 Olympics, Athens has undergone an exciting modernization and transformed itself into a 21st century hip tourist attraction. 

Before you begin your tour of Athens, we recommend that you venture up to the largest attraction, the Acropolis.  Rising up above the modern city skyline, this ancient testament to Western progress and development is an impressive structure that sits atop a giant, rock that rises 512 feet above sea level.  Artifacts found amongst the ancient building date over two millennia of Greek history.  Some of the oldest relics point to early inhabitants known as the Myceneans.  The Myceneans once utilized the rock as a foundation for their megaron or “great hall” serving as a temple, housing for royalty, a ceremonial facility, and meeting grounds.  Over time, the Acropolis was extensively developed and re-designed, including the chief temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, the Parthenon.  As you start to soak it all in, it won’t be long before you realize that walking around the Acropolis is like strolling through an open-air museum with plenty to explore (just make sure you make it there early or late to avoid the year-round large numbers of visitors).

As you descend from the Acropolis, be sure to make your way down the South face, where you’ll run into the inviting pedestrian walkway, Dionysiou Aeropagitou.  A major part of the city’s new master planned development entitled the “Unification of Archaeological Sites of Athens”, this street is a noted scenic route, spanning from the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus on one end to the intriguing Temple of Hephaestus on the other.   By staying on this walkway, you’ll find a simplified way to explore many of Athens’ great historical landmarks on an easy-to-follow route through the city.  Keep in mind that the ancient Athens was quite miniscule when compared to the large, sprawling city it has become, so thankfully the majority of Athens’ architectural delights are all located within relatively close distance to each other.

Next, after a long day of exploring Athens’ historical highlights, you’re bound to be a bit exhausted so we suggest you shy away from the big tourist trap hotels with long lines and noisy crowds and check out the independent Grand O Hotel to remedy your tired body, mind and spirit.  At the Grand O Hotel, you’ll find an affordable accommodation that is a great example of the modern feel of Athens’ city center, featuring an art-deco design scheme and wrought-iron railings.  To complement the hip feel, each room features large, comfy beds, terry cloth bathrobes, stereo CD players, and wireless telephones.  As an added bonus, you’ll be just steps away from the exciting cafes, bars, and clubs found just out the front doors along the cosmopolitan district.

After you are settled and rested, why not experience some of the distinct Mediterranean nightlife?  Take a quick cab ride to the Psiri neighborhood, where you’ll find the old Athens “meat packing district”, now a city hotspot that features trendy bars and live music restaurants known as “rebetadika”.   These spots are named after a famous form of Greek music known as “Rebetiko”, a bluesy-jazz style of music that grew in popularity from the 1920’s to the 60’s. 

After your city excursions, you may want to venture a short distance outside of Athens if you have time. Upon arriving in Athens, the striking mountains are sure to catch your eye.  One peak that’s easy to find and is only five miles from downtown Athens is Mount Hymettus.   On top of a stunning panorama of the entire Athens metropolitan area, the mountaintop features a beautiful summit monastery complete with a pristine little church that is a frequent host to weddings from near and far.

Further out, is the Temple of Poseidon, which is located in Sounion, a town that is easily accessible by car or with several of the popular day tours from the city center.  Venture out to the coastline and you’ll find an ancient cliffside temple that once was a worshipping ground to Poseidon, the God of the Seas, famous for his sea-chariot and three-pronged trident.  Sunsets from the Temple of Poseidon are renowned throughout all of Greece.

After your day, we recommend another hotel that offers a true Athenian experience.  At the Golden Age Hotel, you’ll find a completely renovated 4 star property that offers non-smoking rooms, a warm, family-friendly environment, and a full breakfast buffet.  The Golden Age is a great example of an independent property that is affordable and maintains a steadfast focus on delivering quality Greek hospitality and comfort.  Plus, it’s located only a couple of minutes from Athens’ new metro subway, linking you to all of the city’s great attractions.

As this Podcast comes to a close, we hope you’ve enjoyed this brief peek into a holiday in Athens, Greece.  Clearly, there’s plenty to keep one entertained, from reveling in the historical delights of the city to experiencing the vibrant, modern Athenian culture.  However as words can only say so much, we hope that you have the chance to strap on your sandals and experience Athens for yourself.

When planning your trip, don’t forget about our featured independent properties, the Grand O Hotel and the Golden Age Hotel.  Both are shining examples of hotels that, like Athens itself, have a proud traditional heritage while at the same time revel in the exciting, modern city ambience. 

As always, there are links and more details about the sites and hotels mentioned at blog.hotelbook.com.  Thanks for listening, and stay tuned to hotelbook.com for more tips and travel ideas.

Comments

[Giovanni Mascia]

Thank you for this wonderful Podcast on Greece, I am a hospitality student at Stratford University in Washington DC.

I am doing a home work research on Podcast for the industry and Greece and Found yours one of the best!

Thanks a lot

Giovanni Carlo Mascia

[podcast directory]

Excellent post. Could not have said it any better myself. Hat's off to a post well said.

good podcast, where did you find this player?

[Nick Matyas]

So nice and good posting. i liked it. keep going. :)