August 8, 2003 -- Two of our favorite tour operators, Gate 1 Travel and Go-Today.com, are competing to see which can offer the best trip to Athens this fall and winter, with the latter firm offering bargains this summer as well. Prices range as low as $599 out of New York.
Gate 1 Travel says its off-season, seven-day getaway to Athens, costing just $689 per person based on double occupancy, will save $700 off the high season price of $1389. Their departures are scheduled for November 6 and 20 in 2003, and for February 12, March 4 and March 18, 2004. The package includes roundtrip airfare from New York to Athens, five nights' lodging at the five-star deluxe Divani Palace Hotel, daily breakfast, and arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel. (Return transfer from hotel to airport is an additional $56.)
The Divani Palace is in the heart of Athens, next to the Acropolis itself. Optional excursions are available, from a day tour to fascinating Cape Sounion at $30 to an "ultimate day tour" of Delphi at $79. Prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. Airport taxes and security fees are additional.
For more information, visit www.gate1travel.com.
Go-Today.com, a worker of miracles when it comes to pricing, says it has trips to Athens from now through March 24, 2004, the lowest price being only $599, that for travel between November 1 and December 14, 2003. The package includes roundtrip air from New York, Newark or Boston, six nights' hotel accommodations, daily continental breakfast, hotel taxes and service charges. Add-on airfares range from $50 (including Atlanta, Washington DC) to $250 (Oakland, Fresno, San Jose and others). You'll also have to buy this vacation on or before August 29, 2003, to get these prices.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and Monday-Thursday travel (add $25 a person each way for travel Friday through Sunday). Taxes and fees totally approximately $119 are additional. Contact Go-Today.com at www.gotoday.com. If you want to phone, your reservation will cost an extra $20 for speaking with a live agent at 425/487-9632.