travelmom2011

My daughter is going to Barcelona for 3 weeks for a summer program. We thought it would be great to take a trip with just the two of us for about 7-10 days prior to her arrival in Barcelona. Can't decide between Florence and day trips to surrounding small towns or Athens and Santorini. She's had both European History and Art History so she would not be bored. Using miles to get across the pond and then going to book other trans. on our own. So indecisive! Please help!

scottnajima

If she is into history and art, then absolutely Florence and the surrounding areas provides insights into ancient Rome, medieval era and the catholic church, the culture during the Renaissance and the merchant class (the Medici family for example), and modern Italy. Basically, limitless art and history.

Not to say Santorini and Delphi (outside Athens) are not both drop-dead gorgeous because they are incredibly beautiful, but the fact of the matter is once the city-state era was over, Greece was never again the hub of history and art, so you see the sites of "ancient Greece" historically speaking and that's it.

Now if you had said Istanbul (Constantinople) that is a different story!!

If you are already in Spain, have you thought of SOUTHERN Spain? It is very different from Northern Spain. The influence of the Moors (Arabian culture) and Islam on Spain makes a trip to Granada to see the sultan's palace at the Alhambra, the mosque in Cordoba, or to see the gypsies perform the flamenco dance in Seville world-class. Things you see are pretty incredible. Even amazing small bits of history; for instance, they display Queen Isabella's jewelry box that tradition says she took the jewels out of to give to Christopher Columbus to fund his expedition, for example (at the cathedral in Granada). Also, great beaches along the Costa del Sol. You could even go down into Morocco which is very exotic (Tangiers, Fez or even Marrakesh, one of my favorites).

travelmom2011

Well, I guess we're going to Greece! Since we've already been to Italy before on a previous trip, we are now leaning towards Greece. But, any suggestions for hotels on Santorini with a caldera view? Also, I'm thinking that we will just fly into Athens and immediately catch a flight to Santorini. Stay for a few days (2 or 3?), then fly back to Athens and tour Athens and possibly Delphi. I also really wish there was time to see a few of the other islands, but we only have about 7 or 8 days. I'm not really into cruises, but should we consider doing one to see as much a possible? I know it can be economical, but the shore excursions really start to add up! I'm completely open to any suggestions about itinerary.

Nadia

Yes, fly to Athens and then fly directly to Santorini in order to save time. You can take a ferry back for cruise experience and save money or fly for time. Athens will give you much history and you can take daytrips to Delphi, Sounio, Corinth etc if 3 days is too much for you there.

Heimdall

Travelmom, I think you are on the right track. Fly directly to Santorini when you get to Athens Airport, stay 2-3 nights, then fly back to Athens to maximize your time in Greece. A conventional ferry takes 7½ hours between Santorini and (Athens) Piraeus, but many people feel it is an essential part of a trip to Greece — your call.

I honestly don't think a cruise is the best way to see Greece. You spend most of your time at sea, then get only 6-8 hours to shop and see a few highlights at each port. If you have the time, think about a 2-3 day tour of the Argolid, the area on the mainland that includes Mycenae and Epidaurus. Delphi is wonderful, so that would also make a good overnight trip.

travelmom2011

Thanks so much for the advice! I'm definitely going to just fly to Santorini. And Heimdall, as you mentioned, the downside to cruises is the short amount of time at each port. Any suggestions on where to stay in Athens and Santorini? Tour guides for Athens?

Heimdall

Places to stay in Athens and Santorini are too numerous to mention, and vary greatly according to price. Check brotherleelove's posts for suggestions on Santorini, and do a search here on Fodor's and on Trip Advisor for hotels in Athens. Last time in Athens I stayed at Hotel Cypria, just off Syntagma Square, and was very satisfied. Rooms are under €100/night.

Many of the main sights in Athens are around a small pedestrianised area, and it's easy to guide yourself. I have heard good reports about http://www.athenswalkingtours.gr/.

brotherleelove2004

What is your maximum daily room budget for Santorini?

travelerjan

Travelmom -- advice depends on number of days. With just 8, I agree with Heimdall

1 -- fly to Santorini (2 nights) then fly BACK to Athens (unless u can get a overnight ferry & sail while you sleep).

2 -- Then I suggest, depending on your DATES, that you do a 2-day bus trip to Nafplio & the Argolid ... so rewarding!! You see 3 ancient sites PLUS have relaxed time exploring a beautiful town + its castles... even a swim! Don't worry about a day away from Athens hotel; hotels are very used to this, as long as you provide notice when you book; they'll store your big bags u just take an overnight shoulderbag. Here's a link to 2 companies offering this:
http://www.keytours.gr/en/packet.asp..._id=1&lang=_en
http://www.chatours.gr/sub_cat_page.asp#9
-- first co does it on Mons, 2nd on Tues or Wed. NOTE: do Tourist-hotel not 1st class, because tourist hotel is right IN Nafplio, 1st class is waay outside.

3- Athens Sightseeing -- for u, I advise using tour w. a licensed guide-leader because u don't have time to prep yourself to do a D-I-Y. here are some options:
• http://www.athenswalkingtours.gr/The...-And-City-Tour VERY highly praised, group about 15-18, cost €39 adult, €29 student. u can combine it with an afternoon tour of Acropolis museum.. see website.
• http://www.ourexplorer.com/tour-guid...inga-1752.aspx -- a list of about 10-12 pvt. licensed guides, rates 50/60 an hour, tailor a tour just for you!
• http://www.athensadventures.com/daytrips.htm - a bargain €5, 2.5 hr "orientation walk" by young (not-licensed) "guides" walking around all landmarks (not guidance within)
... the main thing is, don't fall for "taxi tours" because they are just hire-cars at inflated prices, not licensd to accompany u into ancient sites or museums & walking is best anyway.

Have a wonderful lively 8 days!

travelerjan

PS: I suggested the Argolid overnight tour vs. the Delphi overnight tour ... because the former, you have excellent free time to see so much in Nafplio... and Delphi tour, the day u go up it's mainly seeing the small town; then after the ancient site sometimes they drag you off to a rug store & souvenir shop (ick). Of course it's your call, but examine descriptions closely!!

Here's a neat website to Describe Nafplio & famous sites nearby http://www.visitnafplio.com/visitnafplio.com/Home.html
and here's a Fodorite's wonderful slideshow of Nafplio that will enchant you ... you will exclaim, why, it's like Italy, but island-like! Yes, Architecture is Italianate, Nafplo Old Town is regulated like Heritage site, considered most beautiful Old town in Greece: http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh

travelmom2011

Thanks again to everyone for all of the input! I am going to be pressed for time trying to plan everything. Brotherleelove, I guess my budget for Santorini would be up to $300-$400 a night. 2 or 3 nights. Definitely want a caldera view. Probably not too far away from everything. But not too noisy either. Again, any ideas or recommendations are appreciated!

travelmom2011

Oh and have any of you heard of the Hera Hotel in Athens? It's on a special on jetsetter.com. $185 a night for junior suite with views of Acropolis.