iw

I am looking at a trip next year to Greece. As I have never been there before, I am starting the research process. Any favorite towns to stay in? Any particular and convenient hotels? We might have 15 days to stay. Thanks for any help.

carylspall

Stay 2 nights in Athens, hire a car,drive to Delphi.Drive that loop and head back down to the pelopponesse(?)
Theres so much to enjoy. We found the Rough Guide very helpful and read that before we mapped out our route.If you go in May or September you wont need to book accomodation.
Youll get loads of help on this forum!

carylspall

Forgot to say that you just have to go to Meteora. It is awesome!
We stayed at Dupiani Guesthouse which had the best views of Grand Meteora.
E-mail[email protected]

carylspall

Dont know how I did that! Sorry! Its supposed to say doupiani!

AllyPally

Any thoughts on Greece? I think about it everyday!! However, my huge problem is that I'm such a fan of the islands that I have never toured the mainland, which I know is a great shame. I'm even starting to learn the language, so that I feel even more at home. Since you have 2 weeks to spend, why not divide it between a trip to the mainland and a trip to one of the island groups? I absolutely adore the Cyclades but other islands are also great (I also love Hydra).. Help us narrow it down a bit and then maybe I can make some suggestions

oddy

hello.
Have a look at the following links:
http://www.igogreece.com/EN/GreeceRe...eg=4&id=32

http://www.igogreece.com/EN/Greece.a...reas&id=12

iw

Wow, and I thought the caribbean forum folks were helpful.
AllyPally, I wish I could narrow it down. I am quite clueless. I have always wanted to visit Greece, so I don't have any preconceived notions about where to go or what to do. All I know is... I have finally talked DH out of another Caribbean trip (don't get me wrong, I love it in the islands, but we are missing so much in the world). I have been to London, but he has not been to Europe ever.
I will certainly check out the sites and any recommendations.
Thanks for the info! Keep it coming!

AllyPally

Well, if you like the Caribbean then you will love the Greek islands...

Do you like history? antiquity? beach life? good food?

wally34949

Santorini is beautiful. Get a car and drive up and down the island.

iw

AllyPally....we like all that you mentioned. Actually, I am very easy to please when on vacation. I think DH will love looking at architecture that doesn't even compare to what we have in the US. A beach might be a good in-between place to satisfy his love of the islands. Food....that goes without saying, as I live to eat and then work out like a fiend!
Wally, I have also heard nice things about Santorini.

Thanks!!

AP6380

I'm sorry if I missed it, but what month are you going? Will you rent a car? Do you want to stay in "walking towns" or more country locales? A combo of both? Are you into Archaeological sites? What will your hotel budget be per night?

murphy89

I have millions of thoughts on Greece, but will narrow it down and say that the island of Chios was my personal favorite. Here are some pictures:

"http://murphypictures.myphotoalbum.c...um08">

Let us know if you have any questions -many people here love to chit-chat about wonderful Greece.

Cheers,

Murphy

Nikki

A very helpful web site to plan trips to all parts of Greece:

www.greektravel.com

AllyPally

I personally wouldn't miss out on Santorini - it really is unique as it's a volcanic island and you can swim in the crater or just gaze at it from the wedding cake towns that hang along its rim. Crete is another favourite but it's huge and can therefore justify it's own vacation.

Check out this webcam RIGHT NOW if you want to see how the famous and fabulous sunset of Santorini is looking:

http://www.santorini.net/caldera.html

iw

Again, thanks for the many replies. I missed the sunset, as I was at lunch with friends. I will try tomorrow.
AP6380, I am a teacher, so I am limited in my travel time. We can go late June-early August. It might not be the ideal time, so I would like input into that timeframe, also. I would really like to do this trip next summer (2007), but if there is a better time to go, should it wait until I am no longer teaching? Perhaps the year after? We are not bothered by warm weather, as we usually vacation in the Caribbean.
I believe that we would enjoy a combination of walking, country and beach. I'm not sure that 15 days is enough time to do it all, but I will check out all of the wonderful websites. I am not sure on a hotel budget, either. What are the going rates for a nice hotel? Probably a loaded question, I know as we have found lots of different price ranges when booking other trips. Let's just say that while I am not looking for a Holiday Inn-type experience, I am also not looking for a private butler, either.
I'll keep reading!

AP6380

The "typical" first trip to Greece might consist of Athens, Mykonos & Santorini. I would do the first 2 nights Athens, 3 nights Mykonos, 3 nights Santorini, last night Athens.... but, you would still have 5 nights to play with. I would choose a less touristed destination, such as another island or the mainland. I'll write more later. I'm currently working on my Athens, Crete & Santorini report. If you click on my screen name you can find it.

A really interesting website that I found for unique accomodations is http://www.i-escape.com

AP6380

By the way, late June would be good. The weather would be perfect (in my opinion), hot but not oppressive.

Nikki

You might be interested in my trip report from last year (warning, it is very long):

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34589254

Photos are at:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-b9k6sz