Greece with 2 kids - tips on Olympia and Greek Islands please
Nov 12th, 2014, 11:03 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Greece with 2 kids - tips on Olympia and Greek Islands please
Hi,
We are a family of four and our kids will be 10 and 12 at the time of our travels to Greece in mid to late May. My daughter is really into Greek Mythology, so we'd like to see Athens sights as well as Olympia. My main questions is that I am wondering if there is a nice beach town between the two (or near Olympia) where we could stay. We will probably drive from Athens one day, spend one day seeing Olympia, then drive back the next day so it will be a quick visit. From there we will head out to see some of the islands (I think Paros, Santorini and Crete). Any recommendations on any of that as well?
Thanks so much!
We are a family of four and our kids will be 10 and 12 at the time of our travels to Greece in mid to late May. My daughter is really into Greek Mythology, so we'd like to see Athens sights as well as Olympia. My main questions is that I am wondering if there is a nice beach town between the two (or near Olympia) where we could stay. We will probably drive from Athens one day, spend one day seeing Olympia, then drive back the next day so it will be a quick visit. From there we will head out to see some of the islands (I think Paros, Santorini and Crete). Any recommendations on any of that as well?
Thanks so much!
Nov 12th, 2014, 11:52 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What is your total available time? The more you move the less time you have IN places to see and do things. In travel as in many things, less is more. The less you move the more you see and do.
Paros and Santorini combined need at least a week to be worth doing and Crete needs at least a week on its own. Plus your time in Athens and Olmpyia means you need 3 weeks to cover all that as a minimum.
If I were travelling with 2 kids in May I would just head for an island and not move at all. Crete or Rhodes would be my choice. Both have more than enough to keep all 4 of you busy and happy for 2 weeks.
Paros and Santorini combined need at least a week to be worth doing and Crete needs at least a week on its own. Plus your time in Athens and Olmpyia means you need 3 weeks to cover all that as a minimum.
If I were travelling with 2 kids in May I would just head for an island and not move at all. Crete or Rhodes would be my choice. Both have more than enough to keep all 4 of you busy and happy for 2 weeks.
Nov 12th, 2014, 12:26 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Sojourntraveller - we will have 2 weeks in Greece (in Germany before and after that, so don't need to worry about jetlag). I agree - we will do Crete another time as I have since read how big it is and seems like it is trip all on its own. I am now thinking 9 days on the islands and then 5 day for Athens and surrounding areas. The reason I wanted to do the surrounding areas is because my daughter wants to see some of the mythological sights she has read so much about. Both kids are willing and enthusiastic about sights (at least up to a point, but much more than most kids I hear about) so I think we're ok doing a bit of that near Athens, but I would love a home base where they can swim, etc. Thanks!
Nov 12th, 2014, 07:06 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are flying into Athens I would spend two days - you can see the Acropolis and any musuems in that amount of time. Athens isn't a major attraction while in Greece IMHO.
You can leave Athens and drive to Delphi spend the night there (about 1 1/2 hours), then go over into the Peloponnes and drive (start early) to Mt. Olympus (about 3 + hours). Then I would drive to Nafplio which is a lovely old sea port town. The main center of town is very charming an pretty at night and it has an ancient fort/ruins on the hill that is fun to visit.
Then from there I would drive to the port and take a ferry over to Hydra (you can also go from the Port of Athens on a ferry as well - depending on how you arrange your trip).
The ferry ride is not very long maybe an hour? But you feel you are in the heart of Greek life. There homes are old whitewashed stucco homes built into the mountain terrain. The little town is charming. There are no cars allowed and my grandkids loved the donkeys. There are numerous beaches that are lovely, clean and safe. We were there in Sept and the water was very warm.
Here is a youtube video done by Rick Steves that captures Hydra very well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYxbEHrcU8g
You can leave Athens and drive to Delphi spend the night there (about 1 1/2 hours), then go over into the Peloponnes and drive (start early) to Mt. Olympus (about 3 + hours). Then I would drive to Nafplio which is a lovely old sea port town. The main center of town is very charming an pretty at night and it has an ancient fort/ruins on the hill that is fun to visit.
Then from there I would drive to the port and take a ferry over to Hydra (you can also go from the Port of Athens on a ferry as well - depending on how you arrange your trip).
The ferry ride is not very long maybe an hour? But you feel you are in the heart of Greek life. There homes are old whitewashed stucco homes built into the mountain terrain. The little town is charming. There are no cars allowed and my grandkids loved the donkeys. There are numerous beaches that are lovely, clean and safe. We were there in Sept and the water was very warm.
Here is a youtube video done by Rick Steves that captures Hydra very well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYxbEHrcU8g
Nov 13th, 2014, 03:27 AM
#6
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would leave Athens for the end of your trip to avoid possible delays (weather, cancellation) coming from the islands, and backtracking.
Try to make flight reservations to the islands as soon as possible. For instance, there are only a few flights a day back and forth to Paros, and they fill up quickly for May/June.
I don't know what your budget is, but we loved STELIA MARE, a tiny boutique hotel in Naoussa, within easy walking distance to town.
We visited again in May, and nearly had the island to ourselves! I'd highly recommend renting a car so you can tour other parts of Paros/beaches, etc.
For Athens, we've stayed many times at AVA HOTEL and SUITES, which is right in The Plaka. Lovely small hotel, large rooms, great staff, ideally located only about 10 minutes away from The Acropolis.
Good luck!
Try to make flight reservations to the islands as soon as possible. For instance, there are only a few flights a day back and forth to Paros, and they fill up quickly for May/June.
I don't know what your budget is, but we loved STELIA MARE, a tiny boutique hotel in Naoussa, within easy walking distance to town.
We visited again in May, and nearly had the island to ourselves! I'd highly recommend renting a car so you can tour other parts of Paros/beaches, etc.
For Athens, we've stayed many times at AVA HOTEL and SUITES, which is right in The Plaka. Lovely small hotel, large rooms, great staff, ideally located only about 10 minutes away from The Acropolis.
Good luck!
Nov 13th, 2014, 07:51 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree it is always best to go to an island first and leave Athens for last. I would try to get a connecting flight to the island on the same day you arrive in Athens.
The question then is which island? Paros is lovely as is Santorini but neither would be my choice for 2 kids. I would opt for an island with more to offer such as Rhodes or Crete. If you wish to leave Crete for another trip which I don't disagree with, then I would opt for Rhodes. Your 9 or so days there would be well spent with plenty for everyone to see and do.
A good source for info on all things Greek and Rhodes in particular, is Matt Barrett. http://www.greecetravel.com/rhodes/
In May, Rhodes being farther south has better weather to offer as well. A perfect beach start to your trip.
I would go with nanabee's suggestions for the mainland, to visit Delphi and Olympus as well as Athens itself but not Hydra. Your 5 days should be enough for that at the end of your trip.
You can find beaches just south of Athens but having had 9 days on an island with beaches, I don't know if that will really matter. It might make more sense to pick a city hotel or even one just to the north of the city that would help you going from the city to Delphi and Olympus.
If you still want a beach then Glyfada a southern suburb of Athens may suit you. There are other choices to the south as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyfada
http://www.athensguide.com/coast/
May is a good time to visit anywhere in Greece since it is not peak season yet but bear in mind the sea is not that warm. Tourists do swim at that time of year, residents don't.
The question then is which island? Paros is lovely as is Santorini but neither would be my choice for 2 kids. I would opt for an island with more to offer such as Rhodes or Crete. If you wish to leave Crete for another trip which I don't disagree with, then I would opt for Rhodes. Your 9 or so days there would be well spent with plenty for everyone to see and do.
A good source for info on all things Greek and Rhodes in particular, is Matt Barrett. http://www.greecetravel.com/rhodes/
In May, Rhodes being farther south has better weather to offer as well. A perfect beach start to your trip.
I would go with nanabee's suggestions for the mainland, to visit Delphi and Olympus as well as Athens itself but not Hydra. Your 5 days should be enough for that at the end of your trip.
You can find beaches just south of Athens but having had 9 days on an island with beaches, I don't know if that will really matter. It might make more sense to pick a city hotel or even one just to the north of the city that would help you going from the city to Delphi and Olympus.
If you still want a beach then Glyfada a southern suburb of Athens may suit you. There are other choices to the south as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyfada
http://www.athensguide.com/coast/
May is a good time to visit anywhere in Greece since it is not peak season yet but bear in mind the sea is not that warm. Tourists do swim at that time of year, residents don't.
Nov 13th, 2014, 11:14 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For flights starting in later May, there are seasonal direct flights from several German cities to Greek islands without stopping in Athens. For example, from MUC, there are direct flights to Santorini on Condor or to Mykonos on Vueling.
Nov 13th, 2014, 06:20 PM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to disagree a bit with some of the advice above. I wasn't a big fan of Rhodes, and neither were my kids. The Old Town is very interesting- for a day- and so is Lindos, but the beaches themselves were mostly grainy sand with big boxy hotels that catered to all-inclusive tours.
I (we) much preferred Paros,which is a quieter island than Rhodes, but really offers plenty to do. You and the kids could spend a day at Golden Sunshine Beach, home to windsurfing championships. It's a lovely stretch of beach, with an excellent hotel/taverna on site.
You could also easily visit Lefkes, a medieval city, or Parikia where the ferries arrive/depart, home to the church of 1000 doors. An easy day trip could include a boat trip to Antiparos, where you can explore the town and ancient caves.
I guess it comes down to how active you want/need to be with the kids. Our kids didnt' mind a slower pace sometimes, and in a smaller island like Paros, you experience a slice of Greek life that seems more intimate than on the bigger more touristy islands.
I (we) much preferred Paros,which is a quieter island than Rhodes, but really offers plenty to do. You and the kids could spend a day at Golden Sunshine Beach, home to windsurfing championships. It's a lovely stretch of beach, with an excellent hotel/taverna on site.
You could also easily visit Lefkes, a medieval city, or Parikia where the ferries arrive/depart, home to the church of 1000 doors. An easy day trip could include a boat trip to Antiparos, where you can explore the town and ancient caves.
I guess it comes down to how active you want/need to be with the kids. Our kids didnt' mind a slower pace sometimes, and in a smaller island like Paros, you experience a slice of Greek life that seems more intimate than on the bigger more touristy islands.
Nov 14th, 2014, 02:21 PM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I always want to know just how long someone has spent in a place when they give it a negative review WWK. How long were you on Rhodes for and where did you stay?
I can't see why you pan Rhodes beaches when there are so many of them. You say 'grainy sand', just what does that mean? All sand is grainy obviously. How many beaches did you visit? There are at least 30 recognized (meaning named) beaches on the island and various other small beaches and coves at the end of a track that aren't even named.
http://www.rhodesguide.com/travelgui...each_guide.php
I can't imagine anyone not being able to find a beach to suit them.
You mention windsurfing. Prasonisi at the southern end of the island is used by various Olympic teams to practice and has hosted many International Windsurfing Championships. So why would you point out the windsurfing on Paros when Rhodes is at least equally as good for that?
http://www.sunshineworldgreece.com/s...ons.php?id=30&
My guess WWK, you are more familiar with Paros and did not spend enough time on Rhodes to discover enough to have more than a superficial opinion based on limited knowledge.
Rhodes is big enough and with enough variety to suit any taste, but you do have to know where to find what you want. There is nothing wrong with Paros but don't try to say it is better. Try comparing ancient sites for example.
http://www.parosweb.com/guide/about_...logical-sites/
http://www.rhodesguide.com/travelgui..._monuments.php
I have nothing against Paros or any other island, I suggested Rhodes based on the sheer number of different things there are to see and do. Smaller islands may be quiet but larger islands have quiet spots as well. There is no difference there. What Rhodes and Crete have is more choice than smaller islands, in terms of things to see and do.
I can't see why you pan Rhodes beaches when there are so many of them. You say 'grainy sand', just what does that mean? All sand is grainy obviously. How many beaches did you visit? There are at least 30 recognized (meaning named) beaches on the island and various other small beaches and coves at the end of a track that aren't even named.
http://www.rhodesguide.com/travelgui...each_guide.php
I can't imagine anyone not being able to find a beach to suit them.
You mention windsurfing. Prasonisi at the southern end of the island is used by various Olympic teams to practice and has hosted many International Windsurfing Championships. So why would you point out the windsurfing on Paros when Rhodes is at least equally as good for that?
http://www.sunshineworldgreece.com/s...ons.php?id=30&
My guess WWK, you are more familiar with Paros and did not spend enough time on Rhodes to discover enough to have more than a superficial opinion based on limited knowledge.
Rhodes is big enough and with enough variety to suit any taste, but you do have to know where to find what you want. There is nothing wrong with Paros but don't try to say it is better. Try comparing ancient sites for example.
http://www.parosweb.com/guide/about_...logical-sites/
http://www.rhodesguide.com/travelgui..._monuments.php
I have nothing against Paros or any other island, I suggested Rhodes based on the sheer number of different things there are to see and do. Smaller islands may be quiet but larger islands have quiet spots as well. There is no difference there. What Rhodes and Crete have is more choice than smaller islands, in terms of things to see and do.
Nov 14th, 2014, 09:45 PM
#14
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am very fond of Paros, actually I spent all months from middle April to early November there once , while my Rhodes visits were always much much sorter.
But I agree with Sojourntraveller's line of thinking. Warmer on May, larger island with more variety on all aspects, and much wiser to spend a week or 10 days in on spot that changing locations while traveling with kids in tow. There will be boat trips to surrounding islands anyway (Yes, the same applies to Paros, I know, but still...)
But I agree with Sojourntraveller's line of thinking. Warmer on May, larger island with more variety on all aspects, and much wiser to spend a week or 10 days in on spot that changing locations while traveling with kids in tow. There will be boat trips to surrounding islands anyway (Yes, the same applies to Paros, I know, but still...)
Nov 14th, 2014, 10:00 PM
#15
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back on your main question on mainland.
Are you planning to make a circular route, crossing Corynth canal to reach Olympia, then crossing Rio-Antirio bridge or return through same route? How your children adapt to looong days and long hours in the car? Would you consider some of the suggestions of other posters (Nafplion, Delphi etc?) and allowing more time for mainland trip?
PS: nanabee keeps confusing Olympia with Mt Olympus.
Olympia or actually Ancient Olympia is the site where ancient Olympian Games were held and it is located on West Peloponnese.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece
Mt Olympos (or Olympus as it is usually written in English), is the mountain that served as residence of the 12 Olympian gods according to Ancient Greeks and it is located on Northern Greece. It is the highest mountain in the country, 2919 m and a popular place for climbing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olympus
Are you planning to make a circular route, crossing Corynth canal to reach Olympia, then crossing Rio-Antirio bridge or return through same route? How your children adapt to looong days and long hours in the car? Would you consider some of the suggestions of other posters (Nafplion, Delphi etc?) and allowing more time for mainland trip?
PS: nanabee keeps confusing Olympia with Mt Olympus.
Olympia or actually Ancient Olympia is the site where ancient Olympian Games were held and it is located on West Peloponnese.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Greece
Mt Olympos (or Olympus as it is usually written in English), is the mountain that served as residence of the 12 Olympian gods according to Ancient Greeks and it is located on Northern Greece. It is the highest mountain in the country, 2919 m and a popular place for climbing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olympus
Nov 15th, 2014, 07:41 PM
#16
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sojourntraveler,
You don't need to be insulting. Superficial opinion?! I've been to Rhodes three times, and we've visited Greece nearly every other summer for the last several years. I prefer Paros, you prefer Rhodes. Hopefully a new traveler will be able to sort through the advice/opinions offered here and come to their own decision. Isn't that what this forum is all about?
You don't need to be insulting. Superficial opinion?! I've been to Rhodes three times, and we've visited Greece nearly every other summer for the last several years. I prefer Paros, you prefer Rhodes. Hopefully a new traveler will be able to sort through the advice/opinions offered here and come to their own decision. Isn't that what this forum is all about?
Nov 16th, 2014, 06:30 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you to all of you for the great feedback. We are all obviously passionate travelers who have strong opinions about what we love - I do the same when people ask me for advice! Anyway...I have made note of all of this and will work toward organizing it into a great itinerary. I think I want to go to Rhodes when we can really spend time there for a block of time, similar to Crete. Since we really want to sail, I don't think we will have time to do either Crete or Rhodes justice this time around. I'm a little concerned about the water temps in late May since the feedback on that seems mixed, but we don't have a choice on the dates, and we are coming from Seattle, so I'm guessing it will feel warm to us. 
So this is my latest itinerary:
16-May Fly MUC-Athens, on to Santorini (or direct on Condor)
17-May Santorini
18-May Santorini
19-May Ferry to Paros
20-May Boat Trip
21-May Boat Trip
22-May Boat Trip
23-May Boat Trip
24-May Boat Trip
25-May Boat Trip
26-May Boat Trip
27-May Paros, Fly to Athens in evening
28-May Drive to Zacharo (beach town near Olympia)
29-May Olympia - 45 minutes away (go early)
30-May Drive back to Athens - stop at Corinth or Mistra or Sparta?
31-May Athens Acropolis, hike to Parthenon, etc.
1-Jun fly to MUC
Has anyone used Archipel Sailing Charters? It looks good and the contact has been incredibly helpful with my questions, but I haven't seen any reviews compared to other companies.
Also, I know several people mentioned Napflion, but I think it would be good to have a beach before and after Olympia. I have heard a little about Zacharo, but not much. Is there a special destination over that direction instead that we can use as our base? I don't think we have time to do Delphi and Olympia without it being rushed, and my daughter chose Olympia between the two. It is pretty amazing or will she be disappointed.
Again, thank you so much. This is such an amazing place to share ideas!
So this is my latest itinerary:
16-May Fly MUC-Athens, on to Santorini (or direct on Condor)
17-May Santorini
18-May Santorini
19-May Ferry to Paros
20-May Boat Trip
21-May Boat Trip
22-May Boat Trip
23-May Boat Trip
24-May Boat Trip
25-May Boat Trip
26-May Boat Trip
27-May Paros, Fly to Athens in evening
28-May Drive to Zacharo (beach town near Olympia)
29-May Olympia - 45 minutes away (go early)
30-May Drive back to Athens - stop at Corinth or Mistra or Sparta?
31-May Athens Acropolis, hike to Parthenon, etc.
1-Jun fly to MUC
Has anyone used Archipel Sailing Charters? It looks good and the contact has been incredibly helpful with my questions, but I haven't seen any reviews compared to other companies.
Also, I know several people mentioned Napflion, but I think it would be good to have a beach before and after Olympia. I have heard a little about Zacharo, but not much. Is there a special destination over that direction instead that we can use as our base? I don't think we have time to do Delphi and Olympia without it being rushed, and my daughter chose Olympia between the two. It is pretty amazing or will she be disappointed.
Again, thank you so much. This is such an amazing place to share ideas!
Nov 16th, 2014, 07:24 AM
#18
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I personally liked Delphi more than Olympia. Delphi has a gorgeous setting, and what's there is easier to understand than Olympia.
There is more at Olympia, at least all in one fairly compact area. I would definitely get a guide for Olympia - I wish I had had one when I visited, but I was there late in the day and there were none around (not crowded, however!).
If you go to Mistra or Sparta, you will have a very, very long day of driving ahead of you. Once you are away from the super-highways, Greek roads tend to be narrow (two lanes), winding, and often not in very good repair. The drive from Nafplion to Olympia was something else - I couldn't believe it was a main east-west route, as in addition to very narrow and very winding, there were some bridges that were only a single lane wide and you had to wait for traffic coming the opposite direction. I haven't driven from Olympia to Mistra and then to Athens, but I can't believe the roads would be much better. I'd pick Corinth, which is much closer to the direct route to Athens.
There is more at Olympia, at least all in one fairly compact area. I would definitely get a guide for Olympia - I wish I had had one when I visited, but I was there late in the day and there were none around (not crowded, however!).
If you go to Mistra or Sparta, you will have a very, very long day of driving ahead of you. Once you are away from the super-highways, Greek roads tend to be narrow (two lanes), winding, and often not in very good repair. The drive from Nafplion to Olympia was something else - I couldn't believe it was a main east-west route, as in addition to very narrow and very winding, there were some bridges that were only a single lane wide and you had to wait for traffic coming the opposite direction. I haven't driven from Olympia to Mistra and then to Athens, but I can't believe the roads would be much better. I'd pick Corinth, which is much closer to the direct route to Athens.
Nov 16th, 2014, 08:28 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your plan makes more sense to me as you now outline it MunichB.
There are a lot of smaller charter companies on the Greek islands so a shortage of reviews doesn't really mean anything. I had a look and see some positive reviews, what I did not find are any negative reviews. I do like that they have a 'Press Book' page with excerpts from magazines. I am leary of any online 'tripadvisor' type reviews since anyone can post a lot of positive reviews of their own business. Published magazines on the other hand provide a much more reputable source of reviews in my opinion.
http://www.archipelclub.com/en/about-us/press-book.html
I would be surprised if your daughter was disappointed by Olympia. To me, it is all about the amount of research and thereby knowledge someone has of a site that makes the difference. If she is really into it as you say, then she will get a lot out of it. But I am a bit confused since Olympia is about the Games while Olympus is about the mythological Gods. You wrote that your daughter is into Mythology.???
My favourite Olympia story is about Pherenice of Rhodes who was the Mother of Pisidores. She was the daughter of Diagoros of Rhodes (a boxing champion) and also had 3 brothers who were all champions as well. She is reputed to have been the first woman to attend an Olympic Games (the penalty was execution).
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/ol.../pherenice.htm
Another favourite of mine is Leonidas of Rhodes who won in 3 running events in 4 consecutive Games. That record still stands today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_of_Rhodes
If you think of those people and go sit in the Stadium of Rhodes, you can imagine them training for the Games at Olympia. https://www.google.ca/search?q=stadi...4&ved=0CDQQsAQ
Visit both the Stadium on Rhodes and then Olympia and connect the two in your mind. Imagine sailing (connect to your time on the boat sailing)from one to the other which in itself would have been no small thing.
The Stadium of Rhodes is part of the Acropolis of Rhodes, a site that the majority of visitors to Rhodes don't even visit. http://discover-rhodes.com/featured/...lis-of-rhodes/
I am not as familiar with Paros as I am with Rhodes but perhaps someone who is, can make such connections for you as these examples of connections from Rhodes I have given do. Connecting a story from one place to another seems to me to be a great way for kids who are interested to get more from a trip than one with just un-connected parts of a trip.
Imagine a trip as a 12 year old girl where you start at the Stadium of Rhodes, pretending to be Pherenice watching her son train. Then sailing from Rhodes to Olympia as they would have done to attend the Games. Then dressing as a man and risking execution to watch the son compete and win his event.
What a history project for school that could be! 'How I spent my summer vacation following in the footsteps of Pherenice of Rhodes'. Complete with video and sound track. ;-)
There are a lot of smaller charter companies on the Greek islands so a shortage of reviews doesn't really mean anything. I had a look and see some positive reviews, what I did not find are any negative reviews. I do like that they have a 'Press Book' page with excerpts from magazines. I am leary of any online 'tripadvisor' type reviews since anyone can post a lot of positive reviews of their own business. Published magazines on the other hand provide a much more reputable source of reviews in my opinion.
http://www.archipelclub.com/en/about-us/press-book.html
I would be surprised if your daughter was disappointed by Olympia. To me, it is all about the amount of research and thereby knowledge someone has of a site that makes the difference. If she is really into it as you say, then she will get a lot out of it. But I am a bit confused since Olympia is about the Games while Olympus is about the mythological Gods. You wrote that your daughter is into Mythology.???
My favourite Olympia story is about Pherenice of Rhodes who was the Mother of Pisidores. She was the daughter of Diagoros of Rhodes (a boxing champion) and also had 3 brothers who were all champions as well. She is reputed to have been the first woman to attend an Olympic Games (the penalty was execution).
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/ol.../pherenice.htm
Another favourite of mine is Leonidas of Rhodes who won in 3 running events in 4 consecutive Games. That record still stands today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_of_Rhodes
If you think of those people and go sit in the Stadium of Rhodes, you can imagine them training for the Games at Olympia. https://www.google.ca/search?q=stadi...4&ved=0CDQQsAQ
Visit both the Stadium on Rhodes and then Olympia and connect the two in your mind. Imagine sailing (connect to your time on the boat sailing)from one to the other which in itself would have been no small thing.
The Stadium of Rhodes is part of the Acropolis of Rhodes, a site that the majority of visitors to Rhodes don't even visit. http://discover-rhodes.com/featured/...lis-of-rhodes/
I am not as familiar with Paros as I am with Rhodes but perhaps someone who is, can make such connections for you as these examples of connections from Rhodes I have given do. Connecting a story from one place to another seems to me to be a great way for kids who are interested to get more from a trip than one with just un-connected parts of a trip.
Imagine a trip as a 12 year old girl where you start at the Stadium of Rhodes, pretending to be Pherenice watching her son train. Then sailing from Rhodes to Olympia as they would have done to attend the Games. Then dressing as a man and risking execution to watch the son compete and win his event.
What a history project for school that could be! 'How I spent my summer vacation following in the footsteps of Pherenice of Rhodes'. Complete with video and sound track. ;-)
