Tom “Greece? Such an exotic place!” was the reply when we mentioned to our friends that we would be travelling to Greece this summer. Greece has always been on our travel bucket list. From its mesmerising sunsets in Santorini to the ancient ruins in Athens, there are many things to do and attractions in Greece that can satisfy the most varied of wanderlusts. This time, we took an SQ First Class Suites on the A380 to London before transiting on an Aegean flight from London to Athens…
Travelling from Singapore to Athens
There’s actually a direct Scoot flight from Singapore to Athens that takes about 13.5 hours. However, we wanted to try out the SQ First Class Suites offerings. Hence, the “overshot” flight to London before “back-tracking” to Athens…the flight on SQ First Class Suites was simply luxury at 30,000 feet…
SQ Flight from Singapore to London [Depart: 09:00am / Arrive: 3:30pm – 13.5 hours flight time]
Ah…the luxuries of flying on SQ First Class…suites no less. From the Private Room experience to the fine dining and full bed onboard the SQ First Class Suites flight, the entire SQ experience and service was simply unforgettable.
Because of the extensive offerings on this SQ product, we have dedicated an entire post to cover our SQ First Class Suites Experience!
Aegean Flight from London to Athens [Depart: 10:15pm / Arrive: 3:55am – 3hrs 40 mins flight time]
Upon arriving at London Heathrow Airport, we took a walk to Terminal 2 (15 minutes walk) to check out the SilverKris Lounge. Unfortunately, eventhough we arrived on SQ suites, we were not granted access to check out the offerings here (not valid as an “arrivals lounge”) *Verified. Thankfully, with Citi Prestige, we were accorded unlimited Priority Pass Lounge access for 2 (card holder + 1 guest) and we managed to refresh ourselves at Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 2. After a short flight (< 4hrs), we finally arrived in Athens! But before we exited, we managed to utilise our Aegean (Miles and Bonus) miles to purchase a bottle of sunscreen (retailing at 19euros - 5600 miles). If you have sufficient miles on Aegean's loyalty scheme, all you have to do is inform the cashier that you'd like to pay by miles. He'll swipe your card and you'll be done. You can indeed do shopping at Hellenic Duty Free using Aegean’s Miles and Bonus miles! *Verified. This purchase turns out to be one of the most important item for the entire trip due to the intense summer rays. 😅
To get to central Athens, there’s a bus service that runs around the clock (24 hours a day). This time we took the 5:05am bus from Athens Airport to Syntagma square for 6 euros per person. The entire journey took about 45 minutes – during off peak hours. Do factor in more time for peak hour airport transits.
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From there, we took a short walk from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki Square where we first laid our eyes on the majestic Acropolis of Athens…
Across the street was a local cafe where we decided to fuel up for breakfast. We had a ham and cheese pie (1.95 euros), donut (1.2 euros) and a cafe latte (2 euros) before we ventured forth to our first attraction – Hadrian’s library!
Thanks to the great folks at Roaming Man, we were able to have comprehensive data coverage during our entire trip in Greece. Our first “hiccup” occurred when we walked from Monastiraki square to look for Hadrian’s Library. According to Google Map, we had arrived at the entrance. However, we were unable to locate the sign that says we were there. As a result, we walked an entire round around the circumference of the ruins before we noticed that we were right where we started. We were originally at the right spot!
Turns out, we had probably missed the sign above as we were distracted by stalls opening or a bike riding past. Nonetheless, we were still in time for the opening of the attraction at 9am – thanks to awesome planning by Kate! If you intend to visit the many Athens ruins, the combined tickets of 30 euros is a very good option. Again, due to Kate’s detailed planning, we bought the combined tickets here at Hadrian’s Libarary, instead of joining long queues at Acropolis. This means that we the tickets in hand, we would be able to skip the queues when we visit the slopes of Acropolis!
With the Athens Combined Tickets (30 euros), you’ll be able to visit these attractions (1 visit per site):
– Acropolis and Slopes
– Ancient Agora
– Hadrian’s Library
– Kerameikos (Ancient Cemetery)
– Aristotle’s School (Lykeion)
– Olympeieion (Temple of Olympian Zeus)
– Roman Angora
Athens Attractions – Hadrian’s Library
Hadrian’s Library was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132. Built in the Roman architectural style, you’ll be able to the iconic Roman columns within the premise as well as other archaeological sites such as The Church of Saint Asomatos…
There’s also a small indoor exhibit within Hadrian’s Library compound where we saw a headless statue of Nike…
As well as the Tetraconch and Main East Room of Hadrian’s Library
Athens Attractions – Roman Agora
Next up, we visited the Roman Agora, which was also included in the combined tickets…
Agora actually refers to a public space. Usually used for the marketplace or places of assembly where people gathered to get the latest information.
The Roman Agora was built between 19 to 11 BC and was actually still in use right up to the 19th century. However, the exact date of destruction was not fully known. The Roman Agora housed the commercial activities of Ancient Athens, when the ancient Agora’s central part was taken over by large buildings and there wasn’t enough space for commerce…
One of the more prominent buildings within Roman Agora is the Tower of the Winds. Built around 50BC, it was meant to be a sun dial, water clock and wind vane all rolled into one. The constant flow of water from Acropolis allowed the function of the water clock. As one of the taller buildings within the premise, it was intentional so as to provide information to residents of Roman Agora.
Hadrian’s Library Address: Athens 105 55, Greece
Hadrian’s Library Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm
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Athens Attractions – Ancient Agora
Before our next stop at Ancient Agora, we stopped by a Greek Yoghurt shop and had a black cherry yoghurt smoothie for 4.5 euros. While in Greece, you can’t miss trying out the yummilicious Greek Yoghurt. So so good! The smoothie also brought us a bout of refreshment in the hot summer day…
Again, we actually walked a relatively long way to reach Ancient Agora – via an enclosed dirt road. When cars went by, dust would be swept up. The only sign that we were on the right track was that several tour groups also took this path. Before long, we arrived at Ancient Agora…
Ancient Agora is a SPRAWLING complex. Within which, there are several attractions such as the Stoa of Attalos…
Lined with rows of columns and a large space on the first floor, Stoa Attalos was where people met to do business or simply have a walkabout. If you head to the 2nd storey, you’d be able to have a bird’s eye view of Ancient Agora, including the Temple of Hephaistos that sits atop of a hill within Ancient Agora. One of the most prominent structures here…
Here, we had a mini competition – to determine whose “artistic shot” of the columns of the Temple of Hephaistos was a better one…
So whose shot was better? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!
Near to the entrance of Ancient Agora, you’ll also be able to see three huge statues that signifies the entrance to the Odeon of Agrippa…
The other building of note is the Church of the Holy Apostles…
Here, we were able to see wall paintings that dates back to the 17th century – a testimony to the work of the Apostles for Christ. After visiting Ancient Agora, we headed towards our AirBnB near Syntagma Square. Here, we linked up with host who recommended Estrella (described by her as “her best” – meaning “her favorite restaurant”), a restaurant where we had lunch before checking into our AirBnB in Athens…
Ancient Agora Address: Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece
Ancient Agora Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm
This time, we chose the Fried Chicken Burger (7.5 euros) and Cinnamon Caramel Pancake (6 euros). The price was reasonable and the portion was HUGE! No wonder it was our AirBnB host’s “best”. We even got to sit on a swing swing within the restaurant…a nice quaint restaurant to visit!
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The fried chicken burger came with an interesting pinkish sauce – the beetroot mayo. Yummy yet you don’t feel so guilty. 😛 Of course, when you’re at Estrella, never miss the pancakes. Remember that the portions are HUGE – great for 2 or 3 to share. We didn’t manage to finish all the fries or pancakes. But it sure was delicious. The pancakes were fluffy and you could taste the genuine flavours of the cinnamon with crumbled speculos and cream cheese frosting. So so good!
Estrella Athens Restaurant Address: Romvis 24Α, Athina 105 62, Greece
Estrella Athens Restaurant Opening Hours: 8am to 11pm
Soon, it was time to check out our AirBnB in Athens, one that overlooks Acropolis!
What we loved about this apartment was its central location and of course its unblocked views of Acropolis! As night falls, we were also able to enjoy views of Acropolis at night – illuminated by spot lights that come on after 7pm. The host was also generous in providing wine and snacks, complimentary for guests. As it was our first night, we were still having some jet lag. After washing up, we knocked out at 3pm and woke up at 9pm! To make things simple, we decided to see what we could get nearby and dine-in.
We were actually warned by our AirBnB host not to venture into the northern part of Athens where many of the rufugees resided. This also made us more aware of the dangers when we went out to get our dinner. After 7pm, the rolling gate of the apartments would also be activated – another sign of the need of security here. As we unrolled the gate, we saw a lady in her 50s, dressed and cloaked with a scarf. This reminded us of the reality of the needy in the city, a documentary that we saw – highlighting the condition of Greece after the austerity measures kicked in. Hence, we were also mindful of this fact during the rest of our travels.
Eventually, Tom found a pizzeria nearby and bout a Verona pizza (9.2 euros) which was generously laden with prosciutto and fresh vegetables. This, we paired with a bottle of complimentary Greek wine…a great start to a perfect holiday!
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Useful Greek Phrases for Beginners
Morning – Kalimera (can also be used for “Have a good day”)
Thank You – Efcharisto
Hello – Yassas
Goodbye – Antio or Yasou yasou
Please – Parakalo
Sorry – Sygnomi
Hugs – Agalia
Cheers – Stin Gyea Mas
If you’re thinking of where to stay in Athens, check out these great deals at Agoda for Athens (Greece)! Stay tuned as we check out the main attraction of Athens – the Acropolis, on day 2 of our Greece Travels!
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