Athens and the Heart of Greece in 14 Days:
Rick Steves
Athens and the Heart of Greece in 14 Days:
From the Next Generation of Travelers
Kaliméra!
Welcome to a log of my family trip to Greece with Rick Steves! My name is Hannah Sternberg, and I went on this trip with my twin sister, parents, and my aunt and uncle. This was my second trip with Rick Steves! My first trip was a high school graduation present that took us throughout Europe. This trip was a college graduation gift. Days before this trip I had graduated with my degree in Music Education and I was waiting eagerly to hear back about a job when we left. My sister had just gotten into Medical School and was excited to visit her dream location and relax before starting school. We are from Wisconsin, and we really enjoy exploring places with mountains, warm weather, and great culture!
3 Things to Always Remember When Traveling With Rick Steves
1
Always Pack Light!
Every Rick Steves website and testimonial says this, but it cannot be said enough! After doing the first trip, I was really able to see how little I needed. Everyone is in the same boat, so do not be afraid to re-wear items! I bought things that packed well and were comfortable, and of course, wore my heaviest things on the plane. You will not want to carry around anything extra!
2
Jet Lag Is No Joke!
It is never wise to try and land the same day the tour starts. With this trip, since my sister and I just graduated college, we decided to head to Greece two days early. We stayed at a resort, which allowed us to catch up on sleep and adjust. Our hotel was in the Riviera of Greece, which was not far from the airport and Athens. It felt good to relax and let the jet lag melt away!
3
Leave Room for Purchases!
Another reason to pack light is that you never know what you will find! I knew that Greece had great linen clothes, so I made sure not to pack anything similar to that. I also collect pins, which is easy to store away! My family likes to collect artwork from each new location. We all left room in our bags (or bought new fun carry-ons) to make sure we could purchase treasures!
Why did we pick this trip?
My sister got to pick this trip, since this will be her last big trip until she completes medical school. Inspired by the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mama Mia, she picked Greece! I was excited for the mountains and the history, and the rest of my family was looking forward to the museums and landscapes. We were all anticipating the fresh produce and feta, which did not disappoint!
​
This trip is for people who like ancient history, varied landscapes, and creating adventures!
Why did we pick Rick Steves?
Rick Steves is all I know! My aunt and uncle have been on five or six tours and have had amazing experiences every time! What I appreciate most about Rick Steves is how planned out the trips are, and I like how they strategically give you free time so you have time to explore interesting places and relax, but you also do not have to do too much extra homework on how to fill your free time.
With Rick Steves you know that your time is being filled with meaningful activities and you are being guided by someone who knows what is important in each new location! The guides have great relationships with the bus drivers and local guides, and you always feel like you are in good hands. These guides know the etiquette of the areas and it make it less awkward to be a tourist, which leaves you free to enjoy the sites!
