perlita1

Hey guys my husband and I really want to go to Greece this April (very short notice) and we were wondering if we should do a land and island tour (Athens 3 days and 4 day cruise to mykonos, kusadasi, rhodes, heraklion and Santorini) or if we should should just go on our own? We went to Italy last summer and planned everything- it was great but so much work! I don't know if I want to do that with Greece- because of the islands- wont it be extremely tiring to take ferries and carry luggage around? But then again it is really nice to go at your own pace! Help!!! My second question is what islands are essential to visit for a first timer? Thank you!

Eloise

Generally, I suggest independent travel, but in your case - short preparation time, limited time in Greece, time of year - I would suggest that you go with the land and island tour.

Ferries can be a nuisance to deal with even at the height of summer; in April, when there are far fewer ferries operating, you could easily find yourself stranded on an island for longer than you would have wanted.

Mykonos, Rhodes, Heraklion (on Crete) and Santorini are pretty much on everyone's top list of islands for a first visit. Kusadasi in Turkey will let you do a shore excursion to the ruins at Ephesus.

brotherleelove2004

This question is asked more than any other, I think.

Unless all you want to do is sail from island to island, then get off the ship to buy some souveniers, there's no way you can see Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini in 4 days. You will be way too limited timewise, maybe just a few hours in each port. I assume that the stop in Kusadasi includes a bus trip to Ephesus? Well-worth seeing, but not this way.

Basically, you're talking about a week's time. If you can't extend your vacation then I suggest you limit yourselves to Athens and 2 islands, all done on your own. Give yourselves a chance to explore Athens then enjoy the island atmosphere, relax on the beach on Mykonos and take in the fantastic sea views of Santorini. These islands are accessible by both ferry and plane.

Save Crete and Rhodes for another time when you have more time. Crete itself would take a week.

Aegean Airlines has the best prices for airfare to the islands.

http://www.aegean-air.gr/aegeanen/home/

wug

I agree with Brotherleelove. Four days to see all those islands? I'm afraid you'll be seeing the water and the ship more than the islands. Unless you just like cruise ships I would do it on my own and fly from island to island and just pick two to visit. You can book the flights ahead of time so you know you have a flight on the days you need. Greece is for relaxing. Trying to see too much in a few days doesn't do it justice.

stanbr

On our first trip to Greece we took a 4 day cruise and then 3 nights in Athens.
As Brotherlee says, the cruise is very hurried with the stops in Patmos and Mykinos not much more than 3 hours. Santorini and Crete were about 4 hours, just long enough to take one quick organized tour. Kushadashi (Ephasus) and Rhodes were both full days in port for longer excursions.
The cruise will give you a brief taste of several islands and can provide you with a good basic experience. This is an excellent foundation upon which to make decisions if you plan on returning on your own sometime in the future.

On the other hand it is very easy to take the ferry to the main Islands of Mykanos Naxos and Santorini.

Given it is April and still early for many tourists, hotels and tavernas as well as beaching, perhaps the cruise may be a better choice.