new member...need driver in Athens, Kusadasi and Naples...

[travelgran]

Hi....we are planning Celebrity trip on Nov 10....interested in private driver in Athens, Kusadasi and Naples. For Athens,we received a recommendation of Dennis Kokkotos for a limo and driver. Has anyone used him? He seems to be a good choice. But we are having trouble finding good recommendations for Kusadasi and Naples. We are a group of 5 adults and would like a limo, or black car, with a local English speaking guide. It has been suggested to us to use the locals and book ourselves instead of using the ship excursions. We like this idea so that our group can plan exactly what we want to see, especially with the short time in each port. I will really appreciate any feedback and suggestions. We are all really excited and can't wait to see this area of the world!

[MercedMike]

We had a wonderful tour with Greek Taxi http://*****. Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/blacksea3.html. Although ours was a longer tour, Nick or Paul will also do a great job with a shore excursion to Athens.

 

In Kusadasi we had a wonderful tour with Ekol. They will arrange it any way you like. Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/blacksea2.html

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[JunPOA]

We had a wonderful tour with Greek Taxi http://*****. Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/blacksea3.html. Although ours was a longer tour, Nick or Paul will also do a great job with a shore excursion to Athens.

 

In Kusadasi we had a wonderful tour with Ekol. They will arrange it any way you like. Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/blacksea2.html

Have a GREAT cruise!

 

Hi, I support Mike's recomendation for Nikos , we just used his 1st class service for a 4-5 hour comprehensive tour a few weeks ago. Rates competetive and Nick very resposive and reliable & professional. Full of historical details - terrific English, nice comfy oversized Mercedes SUV/ mini van late model vehicle. Highly recommend Nikos See my similar post at:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1014322&page=2

Contact Nikos Loukas at www.privategreecetours.com

 

Leah RN

[CintiPam]

EKOL tours did a great job for us a year ago in Kusadasi, our first-ever private tour.

[grandbanksguy]

Hi....we are planning Celebrity trip on Nov 10....interested in private driver in Athens, Kusadasi and Naples. For Athens,we received a recommendation of Dennis Kokkotos for a limo and driver. Has anyone used him? He seems to be a good choice. But we are having trouble finding good recommendations for Kusadasi and Naples. We are a group of 5 adults and would like a limo, or black car, with a local English speaking guide. It has been suggested to us to use the locals and book ourselves instead of using the ship excursions. We like this idea so that our group can plan exactly what we want to see, especially with the short time in each port. I will really appreciate any feedback and suggestions. We are all really excited and can't wait to see this area of the world!

 

We were a group of 6 and used Ekol to tour Kusadasi about 6 weeks ago. We had a young driver/guide named Oscar. We were very pleased and can recommend Ekol and Oscar.

 

For Naples we used Gennaro Ruocco at Sorrentolimo www.sorrentolimo.com . We were a group of 8 and toured Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. Gennaro also provided the guide for Pompeii. We were very satisfied and can recommend their service.

[texancruzer]

Ekol in Kusadasi. Professional company - fun day ! Not sure they have limos tho.

 

Naples - I recommend APTours. They were extremely good. Kept us on schedule without making it feel like we were on a schedule......we hit everything on our list and it was truly an amazing day. One of my favorites yet.

[Seabee]

Salvatore at Drive Amalfi for Naples.... info at driveamalfi dot com

 

Outstanding driver and very accomodating.

[BigGuy25]

We used Jordan at greek-tours . gr in Athens and Ekol in Kusadasi/Ephesus and thought that both gave is excellent service.

[travelgran]

Thanks for feedback. The driveamalfi looks perfect...just what we want...a larger, black car since we are 5 adults! We do not want a yellow cab (sometimes dirty and smokey!) nor a minivan. One of the Athens companies looks promising...but I would like a recommendation for Dennis Kokkotos if anyone has used him. His company is suggested by several travel sites. In Athens, would half day tour be enough, or should we do the full day?

 

In Naples, we have pretty much decided to do the coast drive. And, we are thinking of maybe just using the ship excursion in Kusudasi and the Greek islands. We are most excited about the Naples and Athens! We have all been to Rome before.

 

I would like a list of "don't miss" places in each port!

Thanks.

[tamarackcabin]

Unlike Texancruzer, we had a less than satisfactory experience with APTours in Naples. Our driver for a half-day tour was very pushy. When we asked to be dropped off at a specific place in downtown Naples, he left us with about a 12-block walk, saying he couldn't get any closer. I found that very difficult to believe.

[Bethany Beach]

We used Athens By Taxi - our driver was Nick. I wouldn't worry too much about being driven around in a yellow taxi - his yellow tax was a Mercedes - very comfortable and to sit in that car and watch him safely maneuver around narrow streets jammed packed with parked cars on both sides, was just short of amazing. Everyplace he took us he managed to park right at the site; very little walking and allows you to see so much more.

 

In Kusadasi and Istanbul we used EKOL that you read about so much on these boards. We had a driver and a guide in each case (Ali was our guide in Ephesus and Damla our guide in Istanbul). I know that in Ephesus you can rent headsets and listen to a canned presentation, download something from the web, or carry a guidebook. But, I will say that having a guide in both places made everything just come alive. After a while listening to someone on a headset just gives a headache; being to ask questions, etc., of a real person makes it just so much more fun and interesting.

[MercedMike]

We used Athens By Taxi - our driver was Nick. I wouldn't worry too much about being driven around in a yellow taxi - his yellow tax was a Mercedes - very comfortable and to sit in that car and watch him safely maneuver around narrow streets jammed packed with parked cars on both sides, was just short of amazing. Everyplace he took us he managed to park right at the site; very little walking and allows you to see so much more.

 

Names are confusing ... Athens by Taxi is the same company as Greek Taxi, and Nick is the son of the owner. The taxi IS yellow, but it is roomy and comfortable and NOT smoky. Nick does smoke but is very careful to do it far from the cab and the passengers.

 

I am not sure if it is the yellow taxi, or simply Nick's audacity, but he parks in the best spots right next to the entrance of the sites while other drivers and cars are far away.

 

Of course if you plan to walk off the ship at the port and grab the first cab in the line, the situation is totally different! Then you need beware!

[travelgran]

...thanks for all of the suggestions. After reading several boards about taxis at the docks in Athens, boy, am I glad I know not to count on waiting in line for one! Since we have such limited time at each port, I sure don't want to waste that time! And the security of knowing someone is waiting for us. And yes, I have read many good things about Nick and "George the Famous Taxi Driver". I am waiting now to see which is the best choice at each port. All of your help has been valuable.

 

Thanks again.

 

Almost packed and starting the countdown!

[Exec Libra]

Hi....we are planning Celebrity trip on Nov 10....interested in private driver in Athens, Kusadasi and Naples. For Athens,we received a recommendation of Dennis Kokkotos for a limo and driver. Has anyone used him? He seems to be a good choice.

 

Travelgran,

We recently returned from a visit to Athens and can highly recommend Dennis Kokkotos. He is a delightful guide, very knowledgeable and easy to be around. His limo is spotless and he is an excellent driver as he negotiates the infamous Athens traffic. If you wish he will take you to where the locals eat and will ensure that you miss most of the tour buss "invasions" of the various sites. Dennis can pick you up at the cruise dock in Piraeus and can also do day tours outside the city as he did for us.

 

By the way, Dennis is the son of "George, the famous taxi driver". We told Dennis that we'd heard a lot about his dad so one day when we were visiting Corinth Dennis asked if we'd like to stop for coffee, and at the rest stop we were introduced to George, who was escorting several Americans in his Mercedes taxi. George is every bit as friendly and fun as Dennis ... like father, like son.

 

As to how much time to tour in Athens, you'll want to see the Acropolis/Parthenon as early as possible and Dennis will do that. But to see as much as possible I suggest you reserve him for the day; I know you will enjoy him and the tour as much as we did.

 

Chuck-

[Alice1203]

Can you supply the email address for Dennis?

[chipmaster]

I can second Paul for greektax for athens.

 

For Turkey we used EKOL and for Naples, Rome and Florence we used the heavily mentioned Romeinlimo.

 

If I was to do it again and did private I'd go back to these vendors. I had no complaints to the value or quality of their service.

 

Good luck with your planning

[sonogram]

Travelgran,

We recently returned from a visit to Athens and can highly recommend Dennis Kokkotos. He is a delightful guide, very knowledgeable and easy to be around. His limo is spotless and he is an excellent driver as he negotiates the infamous Athens traffic. If you wish he will take you to where the locals eat and will ensure that you miss most of the tour buss "invasions" of the various sites. Dennis can pick you up at the cruise dock in Piraeus and can also do day tours outside the city as he did for us.

 

By the way, Dennis is the son of "George, the famous taxi driver". We told Dennis that we'd heard a lot about his dad so one day when we were visiting Corinth Dennis asked if we'd like to stop for coffee, and at the rest stop we were introduced to George, who was escorting several Americans in his Mercedes taxi. George is every bit as friendly and fun as Dennis ... like father, like son.

 

As to how much time to tour in Athens, you'll want to see the Acropolis/Parthenon as early as possible and Dennis will do that. But to see as much as possible I suggest you reserve him for the day; I know you will enjoy him and the tour as much as we did.

 

Chuck-

 

For October 18th to the 21st we had the distinct pleasure of touring with George's son Billy in his Mercedes Sprinter 14 passenger vehicle. We were a group of 6. We were picked up by Dennis at the airport and toured with Billy the remainder of the days. First let me tell you the professionalism of this family business, they are top notch! Billy is a kind, thoughtful intelligent young man and an excellent driver! We had one person with a bad hip that needed some assistance and another person with some car sickness issues. Billy was so considerate of their needs and handled everyday beautifully! Billy even gave my Mother a jar of cherries as a gift, he's such a gentleman! At our request a professional guide was hired for a full day tour of Athens, His name was Vasillio and he was one of the best guides we have ever had in all of our travels. For our tour of Delphi our guide was a woman by the name of Georgia. She met us at Delphi and also was an excellent guide. On our last day we drove with Billy to Cape Sounion and while he is not a guide and is not allowed into the site he is very well educated and gave us a good history of the site. There is no way we would have been able to see all that we were able to or to have gotten so much out of what we saw without the services provided by George and his sons.

[whale-watcher]

We had very positive experiences with our drivers in Athens and Italy

 

In athens, we used Paul and his son (athenstaxi.org or athensbytaxi.com) and they were fantastic...really flexible and 100% reliable. We would use them again without hesitation. They are not technically guides, but know a great deal about the various sites, and will provide a wealth of information as they drive.

 

We stopped in Sorrento (not Naples), but had a great experiene with Giovanni of tourofitaly.com (they will pick up in Naples as well). We had a fantastic and fun day, including visits to Pompeii and the Amalfi coast, and had an amazing lunch at an out-of-the way restaurant with a spectacular view.

 

In Kusadasi we were very pleased with Ekol tours, and our guide (Nahide)

[Onessa]

Ekol in Kusadasi. Professional company - fun day ! Not sure they have limos tho.

 

Naples - I recommend APTours. They were extremely good. Kept us on schedule without making it feel like we were on a schedule......we hit everything on our list and it was truly an amazing day. One of my favorites yet.

 

We just got back Monday from our X cruise. On Sunday in Naples we too used AP Tours. Great experience -- easy booking, very competative rates, nice driver (very fluent), pick up and drop off were flawless. He had great suggestions in addition to listening to/delivering what we had asked for.

[travelgran]

;);):)I and 4 other ladies just returned from the Eastern Med on the Celebrity Solstice, and I must tell you that it was a trip of a lifetime. We had adjoining rooms that were wonderful, and the service on board made us all feel like celebrities! And that feeling remained when we were met at the port in Athens by Dennis Kokkotos (son of George the Famous Taxi Driver) of Dennis Private Tours (dennisprivatetours@yahoo.com). Whoever recommended him as a private car/driver has my thanks. We were so happy to meet him and find out that he was born in New York and has been in Athens since his parents returned when he was a child. So, of course, his English was wonderful, and he even understood our "Southern" English. We immediately felt safe and secure...which had been a concern of our group of ladies.

We spent a wonderful day as he showed us "his Athens". His knowledge of history and obvious love and pride of his city was evident. We were able to do the main things we wanted to do...climb the Acropolis and visit the National Museum. (the new museum at the Acropolis is closed on Monday..so take note.) We also saw the changing of the guard, which we loved. We had lunch out of the city at a little "taverna" where locals go, not some touristy place in the "Plaka". Dennis ordered lunch for us, and it was delicious. He waited patiently for us while we shopped in the Plaka. My best purchase was a pair of handmade sandals. This was our first trip to Greece, and I feel that we will return. I can highly recommend Dennis and his service. He was so courteous and professional, while still having a charming sense of humor.

Of all the ports on this wonderful trip, I enjoyed Athens the most. On the next visit, I hope to stay a few days either pre or post cruise and have Dennis show us some other sites out from Athens on day trips! Again, a MUST DO!

I want to thank everyone for your good advise and comments. This site played a huge part in the planning of this great trip.

[wiselindag]

In Athens, We had arranged to meet Vassilis Vassalos when we got off the ship at 8. We had opted for a taxi tour because a big demonstration was scheduled for this date in the city, and we weren't sure how that would affect our ability to tour. Vassilis turned out to be an excellent choice and he modified our tour to completely avoid the demonstration.

 

Vassilis had offered tours of four, six and eight hours and initially we opted for the six-hour tour, but after we conferred in person, we decided to do the eight-hour tour and were happy we did. First, we drove to a small marina in Piraeus where he took photographs of our foursome. Then we drove to the Acropolis where we were directed to walk up, tour around, then return to the parking lot. We were glad we got there when we did because the lot was much more crowded when we returned. As I remembered from my last visit, there are a lot of steps up to the top and much of it is gravel and marble so it can be slippery. Vassilis had given us a little book so we could read about each of the monuments at the top, but there is also a printed description next to each structure (the Parthenon, the Erechteion, the Temple of Athena, and the Propylaea or gateway), which you can read if you have no extra material. There was a 12 Euro entrance ticket which also provided entry to the Temple of Zeus and other Athenian historical sites listed on the ticket.

 

We stopped off to get some bottled water (another gift from Vassilis along with the booklet), and then headed to the new Acropolis Museum, where we were advised to view the short film describing the history of the Acropolis and the building and subsequent destruction of the Parthenon and other buildings. We wandered down from the third floor, where the film was shown, examining the reliefs and statues taken from the Parthenon and now housed in the museum. It was One euro to get into the museum, a special price for 2009 to encourage people to come and visit.

 

After stopping off at the Temple of Zeus, we drove to the Panathinion Stadium, built in 1896 for the first modern Olympic games. Throughout the tour, Vassilis pointed out other venues in Athens used for both the 2004 games and the games in 1896. We stopped at the Presidential Palace to view the hourly change of the guards (a very strange ceremony in which they ceremonially march from one guardhouse to the other and switch places.) By standing in the middle, you can get a good photograph of the two as they pass each other, which we did.) Vassilis drove us through Syntagma Square, pointed out the Parliament and other buildings, and then took us past the Academy (where I managed to snap a people-free photograph), the Museum, the Library, and the first Athens University.

 

We passed the Plaka, but did not hang around because the streets in the center were getting blocked off for the big demonstration planned for later in the afternoon. Our goal was to get out of town before the streets were blocked and drive out to the area where many Athenians live, near the sea. We went to Glyfada, where we saw some traditional houses and many lovely apartment buildings along the seafront, and then on to Vouliagmeni, where we saw more expensive condos and clubs situated on the water. Our destination, since we were all very hungry, was the Taverna Voskopoula (Shepherd’s Daughter). This turned out to be a terrific choice and we all loved the lunch.

 

Vassilis drove us out to a resort area along the water where we saw big hotels and lovely beach clubs. We also viewed a hot springs resort where the water supposedly cures all ills. We even saw some people swimming in the November sunshine. Vassilis said the water is still warm at this time of year and the day was unusually hot. We stopped to take photographs and noted that the water was so clear you could see clear to the bottom. He told us that in Athens, doctors recommend water cures for all illnesses.

 

On the way back, we stopped in an area with a large church (one of the group had asked for a chance to see one) and some shops for a little gift shopping. I was surprised to find a Marks and Spencer Department Store. Then we headed back to the ship and arrived about 4:45, in plenty of time for our departure at 6. By the end of our tour, we were all invited to dine at Vassilis's home for dinner on our next visit, (I hope his wife doesn’t have to cook for tourists all the time, although he assured us that she likes to do that!) I recommend Vassilis - he’s a terrific guide (and an excellent driver in his new Mercedes taxi). Contact information: Vassilis Vassalos; Email: athenstours@gmail.com;

Tel (+30) 6942 200 299 website: http://www.Athenstours.GR

 

 

For Ephesus, I made arrangements with Fatma Acar, but she said she wasn't well on the day of our visit and arranged for us to tour with a wonderful guide named Zehra Gunicen. She took us to Mary's House, Ephesus including the Terrace Houses, and Sirince, where we had a marvelous lunch at the Mercan Restaurant and browsed in the local market. On the way back to the ship, we stopped at the ruins of the Temple of Diana, made a brief stop at a Ceramics Factory (our choice) and viewed a spectacular sunset. Zehra has a great sense of humor, is highly knowledgeable and speaks excellent English. I would definitely recommend her. Contact information: Zehra Gunicen - gunicen46@hotmail.com Cell Phone: 0(532) 385 28 50 or try +90 256 614 68 44. You can contact her directly or if you'd rather contact the travel agency, you can contact Fatma Acar at Helliantus Anadolu Tours, fatmaacarguide@hotmail.com.

 

I had made arrangements for our stop in Naples with Mario Fiorentino, who assigned our group to his sister-in-law, Priscilla, who is an Englishwoman who has lived in the Amalfi area for over 30 years, who works in tandem with a driver named Antonio. We began the drive South to Sorrento and hit some traffic on the highway just before a merge from three lanes to two, but Cilla was quick to explain that we were fortunate to be touring in November and not in the high season when the roads become clogged with vacationers and tourists and beach-goers. We drove through and around Sorrento, with a stop for some photographs

 

Because we were in a small van, we were able to drive down into Positano. The last time I was in this area, I took a tour from Sorrento, but it was on a big bus that could only drive past Positano, so I was glad we got to spend some time there, albeit a very brief time since we had a long day planned. Some shops were shuttered because we were out of season, but quite a few were still open and we were able to sample some Limoncello and check out some gorgeous woolen garments.

 

Next we stopped at several spots to take photographs of the gorgeous coastline and the town of Amalfi. We opted to skip a visit to Amalfi in favor of Ravello, which I loved the last time I was down this way. We drove up the hill, past the terraced farms perched on the mountainside, and on up into Ravello. Two of my companions found a wonderful linen shop and bought table linens while the rest of us walked on to my favorite spot –the Villa Rufulo. For five Euros (three for those over 65) we were given entrance to the gorgeous gardens, views of the Romanesque buildings, and most important, the spectacular vistas over the Bay of Salerno.

 

In season, Mariano and Cilla takes tourists to a restaurant in Ravello, but since this place was closed, we drove on up the mountain to a rustic spot where we could sample local specialties. In the interests of time, the food was pre-ordered and awaiting us. We quickly drove to Pompeii for the final stop on our tour. Cilla gave us information about how to do the “express tour” (we wanted to get back to the ship before 5 although we didn’t sail until 6, and after paying 11 Euros each for admission tickets, we obtained our free maps, and entered the archeological park. (We had been given the choice in the morning of hiring a guide for Pompeii, renting audioguides, or doing it on our own, and had opted for DIY.) After an hour, we walked down the steep slope to the area where we were scheduled to meet our guide and half an hour later we were walking back onto the ship, totally exhausted, but very pleased with our day. I would recommend Cilla. She can be reached here: Mariano Fiorentino; http://www.pleasantravel.com Email: info@pleasantravel.com

Phone:+39.335.5615841.

 

I hope this helps people looking for drivers and guides in these ports.

 

Linda

[happywanderer]

Wondering hor your trip was and if you used Nick or George for your tour. We are going on the Med Cruise in May and are looking for good tour guides. Thanks Kathy (gmareader@gmail.com)

[travelgran]

Hi....see my report on post #20...

We selected and used Dennis Kokkotos of dennisprivatetours@yahoo.com.

 

He was really great.....two of my friends have used him recently...one for a day in Athens (like we did), and the other for a 2 day trip post cruise.

 

It is definitely worth it to have someone waiting to avoid losing any valuable time in port.

 

Have fun.....we loved Athens.

[Pokemomma]

As someone mentioned earlier, we used Drive Amalfi for Naples. We had a 12 seater van and Robert was our guide....he was simply wonderful and we had a fabulous day visiting the Amalfi Coast, lunch in the hills overlooking the incredible ocean and then back to tour Pompeii. I believe all of the guides with Drive Amalfi come highly recommended.

[ny4cruise]

Hi, I support Mike's recomendation for Nikos , we just used his 1st class service for a 4-5 hour comprehensive tour a few weeks ago. Rates competetive and Nick very resposive and reliable & professional. Full of historical details - terrific English, nice comfy oversized Mercedes SUV/ mini van late model vehicle. Highly recommend Nikos See my similar post at:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1014322&page=2

Contact Nikos Loukas at www.privategreecetours.com

 

Leah RN

 

I agree with you Leah, and I would also recommend Nikos Loukas of privategreecetours without any reservation. Everything you say about him is true. He is very professional and really pleasant to be with. We have booked his services again for this summer.