luv2globetrot

We have been mulling over a trip to Greece for many months now, but have yet to bite the bullet and make any definite plans. Timeframe is Sept 18-27.
We have only 8 nights (I may be able to squeeze in an extra night, but not definite yet).
We are a married couple in our late 30s-early 40s. We are NOT lounge-on-the-beach types. We LOVE sightseeing in big cities and small quaint towns. Photography is my passion. We like to do day hikes, and love doing our own city walking tours to soak up beautiful architecture.
Right now, I'm thinking Athens, Santorini and Crete. I know that Crete is very large and with such limited time we would only be able to see a tiny bit, but Hania sounds like a place we'd love, so I figured even if we can only see that one area, it would still be wonderful.
Keeping in mind that we are very ambitious travelers, how many nights would you suggest in each of these 3 areas?
We plan to fly to each place (no ferries).
Any suggestions would be great!

AP6380

I would definitely do 9 nights, 3 in each place.

GBC

Do the three nights in each place. If you positively must cut a night, cut it out of Athens. Fly from place to place, you'll save a little time that way.

brotherleelove2004

I agree, fly between destinations and cut out a night from Athens if necessary.

Donna271

My husaband and I also have been trying to plan a trip with only 8 days Sept 21-29 flying into Athens. I really want to see Hania, Samaria Gorge on Crete and stay a few days on Santorini for our 30th anniversary. We have booked a trip with a 4 day cruise but, decided that 4 1/2 hours on Crete was to short to see what we wanted and 5 hours on Santorini was to short as well so I will take a couple of days here and there which I am used to doing. Just wondering what is the best way to go from Crete to Santorini since you have to fly back to Athens to go anywhere. I would like to see Mykonos as well but, may be difficult to fit it in. Any other suggestions would be helpful.