A number of options here . . .

fly Aer Lingus to Amsterdam and connect from there with KLM, fly British Airways via London, Air France via Parisf Check out www. ebookers. ie.

Alternatively, watch out for flight-onlys with the tour operators once the charter season kicks off in May.

So what's to see then?

Many people don't take Athens seriously as a destination in its own right and yet, away from the airport or the port of Pireaus and amid this dusty, busy, noisy, traffic gridlocked city is an interesting city break destination in waiting. First things first . . .

the Acropolis, that stunning, iconic image that defines the Greek capital and an ideal place to while away a few informative hours.

There's much more here, of course, than that one famous 'ruin'. You should also visit the Olympic track, spend some time in the modern-day shopping districts and visit the National Historical Museum, well worth a few hours indoors. To soak up the traditional atmosphere of this city wander the Plaka district, with its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses and explosion of bars and restaurants.

And accommodation?

Try the Fresh Hotel in downtown Athens. Opened almost two years ago, it comes under the trendy 'Design Hotels' umbrella and you even get views of the Acropolis from the rooftop bar. Double rooms are priced from 130. Check out www. designhotels. com where you'll also find two more Athens hotels but none with as central a location as this one.