Greece Experts

Old Jul 25th, 2016, 04:22 AM
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Greece Experts

Help me decide on my next trip in November. This will be my 4th trip to Greece. Love the Peloponnese, but have already traveled to Naflio,Mycenae, Monemvasia,Mystras,Epidaurus, the mani, Delphi, and Meteora. I have 18 days plus 3 nights in Athens. I will spend a week in Gialova returning after last year to finally see Nesters palace and further explore Messinia. Love ruins, museums, history, churches, and wine tasting and beaches. (It was still warm enough to swim Nov. 2015) Trying to decide if we should explore Parga, Lefkada, Metsovo, Preveza area or just northern part of Peloponnese Patra, Pyrgos, Kalavryta, Diakofto, Kalogria. I am open to other suggestions. We, a couple in mid fifties and we will have a car.
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Old Jul 25th, 2016, 06:26 AM
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Ah, Gialova. Hope u are staying at Hotel Zoe ...say hello to Zoe for me...
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Old Jul 25th, 2016, 08:05 AM
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Parga, Prevenza, and Metsovo in November should be fine. Ioannina is also close and an interesting city to visit.
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Old Jul 25th, 2016, 08:08 AM
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On our last trip to the Peloponnese we looked for Venetian castles and called it our castle quest tour.
There are two at Pylos and good ones at Koroni and Methoni. Not so well known but in very good shap is Chlemoutsi north of Olympia.
This will also be a good opportunity for you to visit Olympia.
Have you stopped at Corinth? It has some interesting sites including Acrocorinth, Ancient Corinth Ancient Nemia and the canal. See if you can find the amazing sinking bridge.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...57645760986005

Peloponnese Battle Castles https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...7645468134284/
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Old Jul 25th, 2016, 10:16 AM
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The area West and north-west of Greece has a lot to offer and I believe will give you a different, somehow more down to earth feeling than more visited areas of Greece.
I am not very sure if November is exactly beach weather of course, but coast line on this area is interesting and different to Peloponnese, lots of gulfs and coves and islands and islets and so on, while Lefkas features some very very scenic sandy/fine pebbled beaches around.
Wines and history and churches are present as in all of Greece and there are old ruins here and there too. Not as many "classical" sites as around Argolis area though (do make sure you visit Nikopolis off Preveza) but still plenty to explore around. Plenty of museums around too, small archeogical collections here and there and other odd one's too, such as the gramophomes' museum in Lefkas or the wax museum in Bizani and so on...
Ioannina is a city with a very interesting heritage and history and its very own scenery, architecure and vybe, Metsovo villages too. Preveza and the surrounding villages have a much more rural and real-life feeling than many other destinations on my opinion and if you are nature lovers Amvrakikos gulf offers interesting opportunities to explore local fauna and flora. Lefkas on November will offer you a very relaxed feeling and away from the beaches there is an interesting village life, especially inland. Parga on November will be scenic and feel very quiet, possibly not very different to other towns on the coastline of less fame.

I do not think you can make anything wrong whenever you decide to go, Peloponnese or elsewhere, but I encourrage people to check a bit off the beatten track. OK, Lefkas and Parga off the beatten track it isn't... but the other places you mention are not so known to non-Greeks, while there are tons of smaller places in between to discover.
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Old Jul 26th, 2016, 06:56 AM
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Since you already seen the highlights of the South, it's time to explore the North. That being Macedonia, and Epirus (also Thrace, but your time is limited). I will write down the highlights of each region:

MACEDONIA
1) Thessaloniki
2) Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai
3) Mount Olympus
4) Mount Athos
5) Ancient Pella & Archaeological Museum
6) Ancient Philippi
7) Ancient Dion
8) Palaios Panteleimonas village
9) Nymfaio village
10) Kavala city
11) Halkidiki region

EPIRUS
1) Ioannina
2) Zagorochoria villages (Papingo, Aristi etc...)
3) Vikos Gorge
4) Parga town
5) Acheron River
6) Voidomaris River
7) Metsovo village
8) Ancient Dodone

...if you are interested in these regions, I can make you a detailed Itinerary and info for each destination.
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Old Jul 26th, 2016, 07:12 AM
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Is Halkidiki a good place to go in November? It seems to me the type of place that is alive only in summer?

Only men can to go up to Mount Athos, although the monks do come down from the monasteries to sell things. A visit needs to be well planned.
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Old Jul 26th, 2016, 08:11 AM
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Mount Athos is indeed only for males, I would mention that if the OP wanted more details for these regions. It is a magnificent place btw, the de facto center of Orthodox Christianity for a thousand years and filled with treasures gifted by Emperors, Czars, and Lords. Not to mention architecture. It's a UNESCO (cultural & natural) site after all.

And yes Halkidiki is cold in November, but the OP said he would like to hit the beach. Not really recommended though, Macedonia is very cold in Winter.
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Old Jul 26th, 2016, 03:25 PM
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Thanks everyone for such detailed replys. I think we are set on one week in Gialova and one the rest of the time in Epirus . PetrosB3 would love more detailed itinerary help. We fly in and out of Athens. Planning to rent a car at Athens airport and drive north first and then to the Peloponnese over the suspension bridge to Patra and down to Gialova. We enjoy exploring some new areas, but also like to return to the comfort of places we've been and enjoyed. Gail
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Old Jul 28th, 2016, 05:33 AM
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DAY 1
Drive from Athens to Thessaloniki (5 hrs) to spend the night (recom: Excelsior Hotel). Stroll in the city, in the Ladadika district, and then go eat in "Sempriko" (Σέμπρικο).

DAY 2
Wake up early, get a coffee in Aristotelous Square, then walk along the sea towards the White Tower. Visit the Tower, then continue to Alexander the Great Monument. Next stop is the Archaeological Museum, and then the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Then go have lunch in "To Elliniko" (Το Ελληνικό).
For a dessert get a "Trigono Panoramatos" from "Elenidis" (Ελενίδης). Then stroll in the city. For dinner go to "Diagonios" (Διαγώνιος) and get soutzoukakia and gyros.

DAY 3
Wake up early, and go get breakfast in Modiano Market. Your next stop is the Hagia Sophia Cathedral (UNESCO), then the Arch of Galerius, then the Rotonda (UNESCO), then Hagios Demetrios (UNESCO), and after seeing these Byzantine churches go get lunch in "Ouzeri Tsinari" (Ουζερί Τσινάρι) in the Upper City. After eating explore the Ano Polis (Upper City) and visit the Latomou Monastery (UNESCO), the Vlatadon Monastery (UNESCO), the Trigonion Tower for a great view, and the Hagios Nicolaos Orphanos Monastery (UNESCO). For dinner go to Maure Thalassa (Μαύρη Θάλασσα).

DAY 4
Leave Thessaloniki and head to Ioannina, capital of Epirus. On your way you will visit the ancient capital of Macedonia, Aigai. There is one of the greatest museums in Europe, the "Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai". The treasures from the tombs of Kings and Queens of Macedonia, includind Philip II (Father of Alexander), are housed in this excellent museum.
After seeing Aigai, head to Ioannina. Spend the night there, eat in "Fysa Roufa" (Φύσα Ρούφα). Recommended hotel: Mitsis Grand Serai.

(This Itinerary was for Macedonia, now I am preparing the rest 7 days for Epirus)
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Old Jul 29th, 2016, 02:09 AM
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What an interesting name for a restaurant, Φύσα Ρούφα must have a very interesting menu! Do they have pligouri with snails?
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Old Jul 29th, 2016, 09:58 AM
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Thanks, PetosB3. Eagerly waiting the remainder of the itinerary. Do you have any experience with Epirus in November. Do you think it will be a concern of too much rain the first week of November or is it similar to the Western Peloponnese?
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Old Aug 1st, 2016, 01:23 PM
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DAY 5
Today you will explore the capital of Epirus. The city of Ioannina has been the cultural and commercial centre of the region for more than 600 years, during both Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Your first stop is the Archaeological Museum, which tells the story of Epirus during Antiquity. Your next stop is the fortified old town, which preserves its centuries old atmosphere. Explore the city, and then visit its acropolis. Continue your journey on Epirus' past, by visiting the Byzantine Museum. Next to the museum is the Fethiye Mosque (now museum), the former mosque of the palace of the Ottoman governor of the city. Leave the acropolis and visit the city's former main mosque, the Aslan Pasha Mosque, which today houses the Municipal Museum of Ioannina. After seeing the Museum, climb up the minaret of the mosque to have a great view of the old town and the lake. Then go have lunch at Metsovitiki Folia (Μετσοβίτικη Φωλιά). After having lunch in the afternoon, walk along the walls and the lake in front of the walls of the old town. Then take the boat (which leaves every hour) cross the lake to visit its island (nesos). The beautiful town on the island is ideal for afternoon walks, visit its byzantine churches and sit for a coffee in a traditional kafené (coffee house). Stay as long as you please, and return to the city. For dinner go to Anorthografo (Ανορθόγραφο). This will be your last night in Ioannina.

DAY 6
Today you will leave Ioannina for Zagori. Before leaving the city you will discover the art that made Ioannina famous all over Europe for centuries: Silversmith. The locals have created a special way of making jewels and other objects, with silver so delicate which looks like lace. They call it "syrmatera". It was firstly developed during the Byzantine era, its fame grew so large that Ioannina silver was being requested from as far as Vienna, Venice, Prague, Bucharest, and Russia. There is no better place to discover this art than the Centre of Traditional Crafts of Ioannina (Kentro Paradosiakis Viotechnias Ioanninon - Κέντρο Παραδοσιακής Βιοτεχνίας Ιωαννίνων). Also called "KEPAVI", is a great building which has a museum of silver, workshops for silver craftsmen, and of course the largest and best quality shop in Ioannina for buying silver, with handmade pieces made by the masters of the art supplied by dozens of silver-workshops from all over the city. Just make sure it's open, check the hours before going (Daily: 9:30-20:30 and Weekends: 10:00-15:00). Get in the car and start driving for Zagori. Make a stop for lunch in Asprangeli village, in "Virginia" restaurant (Βιργινία, Ασπράγγελοι). Then continue to Papingo village, which will be your base in Zagori. The hotel that I highly recommend is "Avragonio". Tidy up your stuff in your room, and either relax or walk around the village. For dinner go to "Astra" (Άστρα).

DAY 7
Wake up early and take your morning coffee in "Bimtsa" (Μπίμτσα). When you are done, visit Agios Vlassios church. Leave Papingo and head to Ovires Rogovou, a natural site. After wondering in these odd natural formations, drive to the village of Mikro Papingo. Walk around the village, looking up sometimes to see the massive Astraka towers which overlook the town. Don't forget to visit Taxiarches church. Leave and drive to Vikos village, the "balcony of Zagori". In this village you have great view spots, to wonder the Vikos Gorge. This gorge is a pure natural wonder, and is the deepest in the World. After seeing the view it's time to walk down to the bottom of the gorge, through which Voidomatis river flows (cleanest river in Europe). You will follow the nicely made path, until you reach the springs of Voidomatis and the monastery (45 min). Wonder around this beautiful place, and then go back to the village. Leave Vikos for Mikro Papingo. There, you will have lunch at "Dias" (Δίας). After eating return to your hotel in Papingo for some rest. For dinner you will go to "Salvia" (Σάλβια) in Aristi village.

DAY 8
Go get your morning coffee in "Synantisis" (Συνάντησις) in Elafotopos village. Continue your drive to Ano Pedina village, and visit Evangelistria Monastery.
After seeing this byzantine monastery, head to Monodendri village to visit Agia Paraskevi Monastery (which has an incredible view on Vikos Gorge). Your next stop is Thesi Oxias (Θέση Οξιάς) observation deck, for ths best view of Vikos Gorge. For lunch head to Vitsa village, and eat in "Kanela & Garyfallo" (Κανέλα & Γαρύφαλλο). After lunch walk to Misiou bridge. Return to Papingo village to your hotel ro relax.
For dinner go to Monopatia restaurant (Μονοπάτια) in Ano Pedina village.

DAY 9
Wake up early and start your drive for Kapesovo village to get breakfast. On your way to the village, stop for a visit to Noutsou bridge. Once you arrive in Kapesovo village, go get breakfast and taste local sweets in "Sterna" (Στέρνα). Once you are done visit the Plakida bridge, and then the Kipoi village. Wonder around the beautiful village, and then get to pictoresque Dilofo village to explors it also.
For lunch go to "Sta Riza" (Στα Ριζά) in Elati village. Return to your hotel in Papingo to relax. Dinner in "Lithos" (Λίθος) in Dilofo village.

DAY 10
This day you leave the Zagori region, and head to Parga. On your way you will stop in Ancient Dodona Oracle, one of the most important of Antiquity. Then drive to Parga, tidy up your things in your hotel, and go have lunch in "Aegis". Walk around the town and its castle. Return to your hotel to relax. For dinner drive to the city of Preveza, in "Treli Garida" (Τρελή Γαρίδα).

DAY 11
Today you return to Athens, making some stops. Leave Parga and head to Nicopolis archaeological site, and then to Nicopolis Museum. Then drive to Arta to see the most famous Greek stone-bridge, the Bridge of Arta. Then get in the city of Arta to see the Church of Parigoritissa. Then continue south, and make a stop in the beautiful town of Naupactus. Have lunch in "Eu Oinos" (Εύ Οίνος) in the town. After lunch pass to the Peloponnese throught the Rio-Antirrio Bridge which is a wonder of modern architecture and one of the largest bridges in the World. Then continue your drive and reach Athens.
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Old Aug 1st, 2016, 01:26 PM
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Took me a while, had to do a huge research, but I think it worthed it
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Old Aug 4th, 2016, 07:09 AM
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Thank you, PetrosB3 for all your work and effort. Very excited about our travels and this is such an extensive guide. Thanks, again.
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Old Dec 31st, 2016, 12:20 AM
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OMG, PetrosB3, thank you so much for such an incredibly detailed itinerary! I seriously doubt that I will have time for all of it, but your suggestions provide a wonderful base from which I can work. Thanks so much!
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