We flew with BA from Manchester to Athens via Heathrow on 10 November as a prelude to joining Silver Wind on the 12th. We were living in trepidation because of the frequency of strikes in Greece and the severe impact this could have on our plans. Fortunately, the general strikes in Athens fell only days either side of our stay. We did, however, get caught up in the security clampdown around the Parliament building on the 11th when the elected representatives voted on further budget cuts.

As a result of tourists previously being ripped off, the Athens authorities had imposed a flat taxi fare of Euro35 between the airport and the city centre, some months prior to our trip. Before getting into our taxi at Athens airport, we told the driver we wanted the Hilton, which is central, and the fare should be Euro35 and he agreed. The journey took about 30 minutes and on arrival at the Hilton we gave the driver Euro40, which we judged fair for 3 passengers and a huge quantity of luggage. The driver was ecstatic and shook everyone's hand!

The Hilton likes to claim it is the haunt of the Athens glitterati and certainly we did saw one Greek senator. Although we had secured a good rate for room and breakfast, other food and especially spirits were very expensive. The hotel is in a very convenient, central location and we'd use it again, together with the mainly Italian-themed restaurant round the corner and overlooked from our room balcony. Read more