Change of plans - leaving for Greece in 2 weeks!
Apr 9th, 2011, 07:10 AM
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Change of plans - leaving for Greece in 2 weeks!
Hello,
Many of you have helped me along the way of planning my 16 day vacation to Greece (Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Athens) for the end of May/early June. Well... my world has been turned upside down in the last few weeks! I applied for a position at a company (GREAT opportunity) and was offered the job however this definately conflicted with my pre-planned trip. Words can not describe how torn I was. Dream vacation (I have never been travelling before) versus what could potentially be a huge career move for me...
They wanted me to start beginning of May, but after explaining my trip to them they suggested that if it was possible to move my flight to the beginning of May, they would allow me to start Mid May. I took this option as I'd rather not completely give up either of them!
I've already researched the weather and I know that it will not be as good as the time I was originally going. Giving up beach time was a bit of a sacrifice for me and its kind of a sore spot for me right now.
My itinerary stays the same (3 nights Santorini, 4 Naxos, 4 Paros, 5 Athens *with an overnight trip to Nafplio) but now I have 3 extra days to add on to my trip - any suggestions on where to put them or should I just go with the flow when I'm there ???
Also, now that I know swimming is out of the question, can anyone suggest some alternate activities? My boyfriend and I are fairly active, love being outdoors. We're looking to relax but I know that we'll be craving some adventure as well. I've looked into hiking on Naxos but if anyone has any other suggestions.
Any last words of advice would be greatly appreciated... thank you again for everyones help! You've all really helped me feel more prepared for my first time travelling.
Many of you have helped me along the way of planning my 16 day vacation to Greece (Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Athens) for the end of May/early June. Well... my world has been turned upside down in the last few weeks! I applied for a position at a company (GREAT opportunity) and was offered the job however this definately conflicted with my pre-planned trip. Words can not describe how torn I was. Dream vacation (I have never been travelling before) versus what could potentially be a huge career move for me...
They wanted me to start beginning of May, but after explaining my trip to them they suggested that if it was possible to move my flight to the beginning of May, they would allow me to start Mid May. I took this option as I'd rather not completely give up either of them!
I've already researched the weather and I know that it will not be as good as the time I was originally going. Giving up beach time was a bit of a sacrifice for me and its kind of a sore spot for me right now.
My itinerary stays the same (3 nights Santorini, 4 Naxos, 4 Paros, 5 Athens *with an overnight trip to Nafplio) but now I have 3 extra days to add on to my trip - any suggestions on where to put them or should I just go with the flow when I'm there ???
Also, now that I know swimming is out of the question, can anyone suggest some alternate activities? My boyfriend and I are fairly active, love being outdoors. We're looking to relax but I know that we'll be craving some adventure as well. I've looked into hiking on Naxos but if anyone has any other suggestions.
Any last words of advice would be greatly appreciated... thank you again for everyones help! You've all really helped me feel more prepared for my first time travelling.
Apr 9th, 2011, 07:16 AM
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Why not add some extra time to Nafplio? We're including it for the first time this year so I have no first hand knowledge. If you had an interest enough to plan an overnight, I'd look at extending that stay.
Congratulations on the job!
Congratulations on the job!
Apr 9th, 2011, 07:30 AM
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Don't totally discount swimming. This winter has been the mildest I've known & the weather has mostly been glorious for March & April (we have been hitting mid 20's C), I have already got sunburnt once sitting at a beachside cafe having coffee! This does mean the sea is already starting to warm up & unless we have a prolonged spell of cold weather the sea temps will be higher than normal for early May.
Although it will take longer to warm up in the Aegean I have tested the waters (only testing, not swimming!)in the sheltered gulfs of the Peloponnese & the coastal suburbs of Athens & there is a definite difference to previous years.
Congratulations on the job, & the bonus of an extra 3 days!
I think I would add them to the Nafplio portion, spend 2 nights there (lots to see in the area) & maybe go down to Monemvasia for one or two nights. I am going on Monday for 3 nights, testing a new place at a bargain price, I'll report back on whether it good or not!
Although it will take longer to warm up in the Aegean I have tested the waters (only testing, not swimming!)in the sheltered gulfs of the Peloponnese & the coastal suburbs of Athens & there is a definite difference to previous years.
Congratulations on the job, & the bonus of an extra 3 days!
I think I would add them to the Nafplio portion, spend 2 nights there (lots to see in the area) & maybe go down to Monemvasia for one or two nights. I am going on Monday for 3 nights, testing a new place at a bargain price, I'll report back on whether it good or not!
Apr 9th, 2011, 08:05 AM
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In Naxos, St. George beach is quite shallow (you wade out 100 yards to get up to hip-depth), so it warms up faster than most places. Livadia Beach in Paros, tho sorta mediocre sand-wise, is also somewhat shallower, thus warmer. In Nafplio area, Tolo beach also not too deep a beach.
NAFPLIO -- Judy, Yiassas and I agree: use at least 1 of your extra days for Nafplio area As an incentive, view this! http://www.visitnafplio.com/visitnafplio.com/Home.html -- also, here is Fodorite Stanbr's terrif slideshow: http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh -- fotos all taken in May.
I recall u were looking at a 2-day CHAT tour w. o'nite in Nafplio. In your new itinerary you may think about a D-I-Y version. You have 2 options: (1) Rent car in Athens, or from Athens Aiport & drive there (easy, modern hi-way 2+ hours) or (2) less stress -- take KTEL intercity bus (€12 each, comfy rserve seats 2.5 hrs). Take a day to explore Nafplio itself, then rent a car locally to see ancient sites: Mycenae, Tiryns, Epidaurus.... and have a swim at Tolo. Let us know if you want to do this, & need more info. Inexpensive/moderate places to stay for 1-2 nights = Pension Eleni, Hotel Leto (tell them Jan sent u) or Hotel Epidaurus, near square, all have websites.
NAFPLIO -- Judy, Yiassas and I agree: use at least 1 of your extra days for Nafplio area As an incentive, view this! http://www.visitnafplio.com/visitnafplio.com/Home.html -- also, here is Fodorite Stanbr's terrif slideshow: http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh -- fotos all taken in May.
I recall u were looking at a 2-day CHAT tour w. o'nite in Nafplio. In your new itinerary you may think about a D-I-Y version. You have 2 options: (1) Rent car in Athens, or from Athens Aiport & drive there (easy, modern hi-way 2+ hours) or (2) less stress -- take KTEL intercity bus (€12 each, comfy rserve seats 2.5 hrs). Take a day to explore Nafplio itself, then rent a car locally to see ancient sites: Mycenae, Tiryns, Epidaurus.... and have a swim at Tolo. Let us know if you want to do this, & need more info. Inexpensive/moderate places to stay for 1-2 nights = Pension Eleni, Hotel Leto (tell them Jan sent u) or Hotel Epidaurus, near square, all have websites.
Apr 9th, 2011, 08:17 AM
#7
Another vote for Napflio. We could have spent more than the four nights we had booked. The small city is beautiful with good little restaurants. Outside of town you'll find some of Greece's best antiquities.Plus, it's an easy drive from Athens.
Apr 9th, 2011, 08:35 AM
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My first instinct was to stay in Nafplio longer, that is one aspect of the trip that I've really been looking forward to. And please correct me if I am wrong but I believe it is also warmer on the mainland so we may get better weather there as well?
I do have a CHAT tour booked, however I have 2.5 days before I have to pay any cancellation fees. We do have the option of continuing with the tour but extending our stay one night and travelling back on our own. I would think that this would be more exspensive than doing it ourself for 2-3 days.
Would you suggest catching the intercity bus when we get off the ferry from Paros? We are trying to avoid driving on this trip and as you said the bus would be less stress. Spending 2 nights in Nafplio and then driving back and spending the remaining days in Athens (4 nights, 5 days) or maybe even more time in Nafplio??? One must see for my bf is the Epidaurus theatre.
I do have a CHAT tour booked, however I have 2.5 days before I have to pay any cancellation fees. We do have the option of continuing with the tour but extending our stay one night and travelling back on our own. I would think that this would be more exspensive than doing it ourself for 2-3 days.
Would you suggest catching the intercity bus when we get off the ferry from Paros? We are trying to avoid driving on this trip and as you said the bus would be less stress. Spending 2 nights in Nafplio and then driving back and spending the remaining days in Athens (4 nights, 5 days) or maybe even more time in Nafplio??? One must see for my bf is the Epidaurus theatre.
Apr 9th, 2011, 10:28 AM
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OK... so you are doing the ferry that lands at 1500 (3pm)? Here's the drill:
(1) There is no direct bus to Kifissou KTEL bus station, alas, you must get a taxi. Rates have gone up according to a recent posting today it will now be about €⁄15-16 including tax & baggage fee; make sure he has meter on; & do not pay more. Tip is up to you; minor.
(2) Go to ARGOLID window; buy ticket for LH side (more scenic view of water); if he doesn't speak much english; sign language (hit left arm) or "aristera" (ah-rees te RAH) 12€
(3) Bus goes hourly on half-hour; it's at FAR side of terminal (which is like a big airplane hangar) by the exit door. Bags go in storage compartment below. IF you board & find a blackdress Greek Granny in your seat, don't argue with her; go to driver & point to your number. Insist.
(4) Nafplio is last stop, so u can relax, snooze. When you exit, go in station, pick up KTEL timetable. Don't buy return ticket ahead, you have to buy for EXACT bus & u do not know yet. ALSO -- write down the LOCAL bus times to/from Mycenae & Epidaurus.
(5) Taxi to higher-up lodging (Leto, ELeni, or Ligeia) is about €4; do not pay more. NO meter. If driver asks for 6, fumble while he gets bags out of trunk, then say, My friends all pay no more than €4 and hand it to him. (This only happened to me once). Going back to station is downhill.... an easy 10 minute walk. Epidaurus = easy walk on the level; no taxi.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
How much time in Nafplio vs. Athens? All depends.
ATHENS --- I think u could do Main Athens sites in 3 full days. Day 1: Acropolis 8 - 10 am, Ancient Agora 10-12, lunch, Acrop Museum 1-3. Day 2: ?? Temple of Zeus enroute to Nat Arch.Mus. What else?? Benaki Museum? Mus. of Pop. instruments? .... NOTE: check this "freebie" http://www.athensfreewalkingtour.com/ -- NOT a guided tour, more an orientation tour, they walk PAST everything, run by college guys... check website to see what they point at. THey do walk to the 1896 Olympic stadium nearby
NAFPLIO -- be aware that "summer hours" may take effect later than usual this year due to budget problems, so sites may close at 3 pm. Makes it harder; also local busses are not set up to allow going to Mycenae AND Epidaurus in 1 day. You COULD rent car 1 day & do it ... OR skip Mycenae & instead do Tiryns (look it up!) another Iliad-era fortress right outside Nafplio 10 minutes...(take the Argo bus, have hm let u off). NO crowds; usually it's only you! So u could go to Epidaurus in AM, come back, go to Tiryns, walk back. ALSO... don't miss going up Palamidi!! u don't have to climb 999 steps; just taxi (€5 up back way), walk DOWN. THe views from up there ar amazing. Also go up to Acronafplia, at "point" of peninsula. Awesome.
(1) There is no direct bus to Kifissou KTEL bus station, alas, you must get a taxi. Rates have gone up according to a recent posting today it will now be about €⁄15-16 including tax & baggage fee; make sure he has meter on; & do not pay more. Tip is up to you; minor.
(2) Go to ARGOLID window; buy ticket for LH side (more scenic view of water); if he doesn't speak much english; sign language (hit left arm) or "aristera" (ah-rees te RAH) 12€
(3) Bus goes hourly on half-hour; it's at FAR side of terminal (which is like a big airplane hangar) by the exit door. Bags go in storage compartment below. IF you board & find a blackdress Greek Granny in your seat, don't argue with her; go to driver & point to your number. Insist.
(4) Nafplio is last stop, so u can relax, snooze. When you exit, go in station, pick up KTEL timetable. Don't buy return ticket ahead, you have to buy for EXACT bus & u do not know yet. ALSO -- write down the LOCAL bus times to/from Mycenae & Epidaurus.
(5) Taxi to higher-up lodging (Leto, ELeni, or Ligeia) is about €4; do not pay more. NO meter. If driver asks for 6, fumble while he gets bags out of trunk, then say, My friends all pay no more than €4 and hand it to him. (This only happened to me once). Going back to station is downhill.... an easy 10 minute walk. Epidaurus = easy walk on the level; no taxi.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
How much time in Nafplio vs. Athens? All depends.
ATHENS --- I think u could do Main Athens sites in 3 full days. Day 1: Acropolis 8 - 10 am, Ancient Agora 10-12, lunch, Acrop Museum 1-3. Day 2: ?? Temple of Zeus enroute to Nat Arch.Mus. What else?? Benaki Museum? Mus. of Pop. instruments? .... NOTE: check this "freebie" http://www.athensfreewalkingtour.com/ -- NOT a guided tour, more an orientation tour, they walk PAST everything, run by college guys... check website to see what they point at. THey do walk to the 1896 Olympic stadium nearby
NAFPLIO -- be aware that "summer hours" may take effect later than usual this year due to budget problems, so sites may close at 3 pm. Makes it harder; also local busses are not set up to allow going to Mycenae AND Epidaurus in 1 day. You COULD rent car 1 day & do it ... OR skip Mycenae & instead do Tiryns (look it up!) another Iliad-era fortress right outside Nafplio 10 minutes...(take the Argo bus, have hm let u off). NO crowds; usually it's only you! So u could go to Epidaurus in AM, come back, go to Tiryns, walk back. ALSO... don't miss going up Palamidi!! u don't have to climb 999 steps; just taxi (€5 up back way), walk DOWN. THe views from up there ar amazing. Also go up to Acronafplia, at "point" of peninsula. Awesome.
Apr 10th, 2011, 10:08 AM
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I've just taken all of your information to my boyfriend and I thought I made a pretty convincing case... but he has been really looking forward to the tour and is not so hesitant to give it up! His argument: guided professional tours through all of the arch. sites as well as meeting new people on the tour.
Another option I thought of was possibly doing a day or 2 on Antiparos and adding a day to Athens so we can do our own day trip to Delphi as well.
My first choice is Nafplio of course. I've forwarded those pics that travelerjan suggested so we'll see.
Another option I thought of was possibly doing a day or 2 on Antiparos and adding a day to Athens so we can do our own day trip to Delphi as well.
My first choice is Nafplio of course. I've forwarded those pics that travelerjan suggested so we'll see.
Apr 10th, 2011, 11:08 AM
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Do pay a visit to Antiparos. It's a lovely little island where I stay up to a month every year. You may find it a bit too quiet at the end of April, though, so recommend you stay on Paros and visit Antiparos as a day trip. If you hire a car you can take it on the ferry from Pounta to Antiparos (7 minute crossing) and drive around the island. 
Apr 10th, 2011, 12:22 PM
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So. Take the tour. It will make BF happy ... a pouty person can ruin a trip. And you will STILL have all afternoon of the first day to Explore Nafplio itself (grab 2 other people from the tour, share a taxi up the back of Palamidi by 2 pm or so ... even if it closes at 3, you'll have heaps of times to clamber around, take pix and walk DOWN the 999 steps ... morning of Day 2, you'll be able to check out the GOOD little Arch. Mus. on the square. IMPORTANT NOTE: on the tour, take the "tourist" hotel version, not the "First Class". The Tourist hotel they use is Hotel Victoria, just 50 yards off the Square. The 1st class one is Ooutside town at least a mile or 2, & you'd have to take taxi to come in for evening & back & you don't want that.
That will leave u time for another day trip, of course... and by the time u get to Paros, you'll be into the swing of things, you'll be Old Greek Hands, and you'll be ready to be flexible and be spontaneous about what to do with your "spare" days.
That will leave u time for another day trip, of course... and by the time u get to Paros, you'll be into the swing of things, you'll be Old Greek Hands, and you'll be ready to be flexible and be spontaneous about what to do with your "spare" days.
Apr 10th, 2011, 05:26 PM
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Antiparos - thanks Heimdall. I have read comments from you about the island which made me think of adding it to our itinerary.
Nafplio - Sounds great! And I think you're right travelerjan as I have been doing most of the planning and preparation, it's nice to see something that really interests him. I'm looking forward to the 999 steps! BF wants to climb it...I think I'll wait till we get there and see what he thinks then....
As for the tour, we chose the tourist option but they informed us that we'll be staying in the Amalia hotel on the bottom floor and that the first class will be staying on the top floor (with balcony I assume). Is this the hotel that we'll have to taxi from?
Nafplio - Sounds great! And I think you're right travelerjan as I have been doing most of the planning and preparation, it's nice to see something that really interests him. I'm looking forward to the 999 steps! BF wants to climb it...I think I'll wait till we get there and see what he thinks then....
As for the tour, we chose the tourist option but they informed us that we'll be staying in the Amalia hotel on the bottom floor and that the first class will be staying on the top floor (with balcony I assume). Is this the hotel that we'll have to taxi from?
Apr 10th, 2011, 06:05 PM
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Yes, you ought to make THEM pay the taxi fare (but of course they won't).
OK, let BF climb the steps, you get a couple of buddies from the lunch table to hire a taxi with you and go up the back way and meet him at the top... then you can walk DOWN together. PS: do NOT wear flip-flops. PPS: right at th bottom, handily, there's a nice little cafe with shady trees where you can Plop and have a frappe (addictive foamy coffee drink that will keep u up all night).
OK, let BF climb the steps, you get a couple of buddies from the lunch table to hire a taxi with you and go up the back way and meet him at the top... then you can walk DOWN together. PS: do NOT wear flip-flops. PPS: right at th bottom, handily, there's a nice little cafe with shady trees where you can Plop and have a frappe (addictive foamy coffee drink that will keep u up all night).
