I decided to stay in Athens during some of the weekends that I was in Greece, and took the opportunity to visit a number of the Athens sites - including the "Presidential Palace", "Syntagma Square", "Acropolis" and other similar sites.

During Sunday, 22nd April, I decided to take a Island Tour - which involved a Boat Ride to visit three nearby Islands (from Pireaus). We visited Poros, Hydra and Aegina - which are part of the "Saronic" Islands.

During the May-Day Bank Holiday weekend (5-7th May in the UK), I decided to visit Skiathos, which is the Greek Island in the North-East area of Greece - part of the "Sporades" Islands.

I stayed in Skiathos Town for the weekend stay, at a placed called "Hotel Akti" - overlooking the old-port.

I decided to take 8 days off as holiday, between 19th to 27th May - part of the "Cyclades" Islands. This was due to the Hilton being fully booked between 21-24th May - as Athens was hosting the European UEFA Champions League 2007 Finals - between AC Milan and Liverpool.

I stayed in Fira (Thira) for the 10 days-stay, at the nice family-run hotel, called "Astir Thira Hotel" - overlooing the Volcano Island. I had to spend the last two days in one of their other hotels, called "Pension Petros".

Decided to do a further Island Hop and visit Syros - during the 8th-10th June, again part of the the "Cyclades" Islands.

I stayed in Galissas for the weekend stay, at a really nice hotel, called "Dolphin Bay" - overlooking the Bay. Really nice!

During June 2007, the Hilton Athens theme was focused on "Hungary", including special menus, dancing and music. These photos were of the Hungarian Dancing and Music - really interesting!

For the 23rd-24th June weekend, I decided to go with a Coach Tour to visit Delphi and Meteora.

"Delphi" is an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in a valley of Phocis.

"Meteora" is an area in Thessaly (Central Greece) and Kalambaka is the city under the rock towers of Meteora. The thing that makes Meteora so special is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. The tour group visited two of them during the trip.

The tour group stayed in an Kalambaka for the overnight stay, at a mid-class hotel called "Hotel Orfeas" - the accommodation did the job.

I decided to spend my last weekend of the work assignment in Sifnos. I was recommended to visit this island, and decided it was definitely worth a trip. Another island part of the "Cyclades".

A very tranquil and very traditional Cycladic architectural island, and one which hasn't become too touristy yet!

In summary, we had a very "hot" (46-47^oC) and relaxing time!

We stayed in a Studio Apartment in Apollonia - called "Nikoleta Studios" - very nice accommodation indeed.

Upon my return from the Syros Island Hop, I managed to acquaint myself with a delightful Greek lady friend. We met up several time since - upon our return to Athens - and she was kind enough to show me around some of the nice local bars and places in and around Athens. What a delightful time it was for the last 3 weeks of my trip!!!