There are a couple ways to approach your stay on mainland Greece: spend a couple nights in Athens center to see the ruins/museums and (optionally) 1-2 nights on the Riviera where there are plenty of restaurants, bars and beaches. The Wedding will be held on the Riviera.
The Riviera is ~20-30 mins from Athens airport.
Athens center is ~35-45 minutes from the wedding venue on the Athens Riviera.
Athens is ~30-40 mins from Athens airport.
Short answer: No. If you are on the islands, you should download the Aegean Taxi app. If you are in Athens, take a taxi. Most hotels can hail a taxi for you. Always make sure the taxi driver has the meter turned ON - never get in a taxi with the meter off, as they could try to rip you off. Also, from the airport, beware of taxi scams (same as any other city). Hail a taxi from the designated taxi line or coordinate the pickup with your hotel.
Taxi rates from the airport to the city are a flat rate: Day time (05:00-24:00) Athens Airport to Athens city: 38 € Night time (24:00-05:00) Athens Airport to Athens city: 50 € The price includes everything. Luggage charge, tolls fee, VAT, meter start, airport charge etc. So, you don't have to pay anything more than the above. The same fixed fares apply when you pick a taxi from Athens center to go to the airport.
Cars are not absolutely necessary as taxis can get you pretty much anywhere you need to go. If you think you may want a car, please be sure to reserve early. Car rental agencies are right outside the airport (Hertz, Avis, etc).
This entirely depends on the island you are visiting and where you are staying on that island (town center vs. rental villa a little further away). Please text us with questions!
Greeks drive on the right side, same as the USA.
It's worth it to carry some cash in Euros - We would recommend converting USD either at Athens airport or direct withdrawal from the ATM (small fee applies). Most places take cards, but if you head to the islands cash is great for small artisanal shops and is also great to use for tips, buying waters (you will go through a lot), etc.
It will depend where you are staying - some islands boast a high salt and mineral content in their tap water which might make you feel a little "blocked" if you know what we mean :)
You should leave tips in Greece but it's more like 10%. Another reason to have Euro coins on hand.
Two round-pronged plugs are needed. We recommend always having a couple (for hair styling tools or laptops, and USB outlets for cell phones). Order adapters on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Connect-American-Electrical-Outlets/dp/B07CV8TSJQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535310559&sr=8-3&keywords=greek+electrical+adapters
We do! We recommend browsing options on Booking.com - most places will allow you to book now without paying upfront. Always be sure to check cancellation terms. We highly recommend checking our Air BnB options as well as this is very popular for Athens and the Riviera. Booking.com will also show apartment options.
We will do our best to offer shuttles from main lodging areas to the wedding once we have an idea of where our guests are staying. Guests are also welcome to take taxis. In order to take advantage of the shuttle service, please send us your lodging information 6 weeks prior to the wedding so we can coordinate logistics for you.
Please adhere to the number of invites we have sent you for the ceremony and reception.
Please let us know what food allergies we should be aware of. The food will be served buffet style, and there will be choices that are dairy-free and gluten-free.
We would like final headcount by April 2019.
Yes, early 2019 you can expect formal invites by mail.
We are very excited for first-timers! In order to really experience and explore the Greek culture and diverse islands, we would recommend 7-10 days at minimum and 14-18 days if you can swing it. Please keep in mind traveling between islands does take some time either by ferry or plane. Highly recommend using all your time in Greece vs. hopping around to other countries. I know it's tempting and we are biased, but you will barely scratch the surface if you split up your trip.
Please do not hesitate to ask us itinerary related questions! Our recommendations will stem from the # of days you are able to take and we advise you to choose fewer places so you can relax more. Additionally, choosing islands will depend on what type of vacation you want to have. There are 237 inhabited Greek islands so don't worry, you will have to come back again. Contact us as your island experts and we will show you the way :)
Listen closely, friends: Arrive early (8am if you can!), wear sneakers (mandatory), bring water bottles and cash for lunch, and purchase your tickets in advance if you can. Head to the SE entrance, not the main entrance which is located on the west. If you go to the main entrance and the sun is beating down on your face for 2 hours while you wait in line...don't say we didn't warn you. For ticket options, get the pass that shows you everything! Why not? You can go as quickly or slowly through the ruins depending on what calls your attention the most. Break for lunch in the Plaka neighborhood by the Acropolis...very pretty windy streets and you can grab a much needed Mythos beer. If you start early, you can see all the ruins and even some or all of the museum. Alternatively, do the museum on a second day.
Greece is very safe. Just take caution with more touristy areas (ruins, Athens, etc.) to keep track of your belongings.
We recommend booking flights on Aegean Airlines website - they are a fantastic airline and great for hopping around the Greek isles if you don't plan on taking a ferry.
We want you to be comfortable but please NO jeans/denim, beach clothing (bathing suits, cover ups) or shorts. Acceptable attire for men: tuxes/suits, tie or no tie, blazer jackets & slacks Acceptable attire for women: Cocktail dresses, long dresses, skirts, palazzo pants, dressy jumpsuits.