saltymuffin

I posted a long and confusing question attempting to figure out my itinerary for a 9 day trip in Greece. But I have realised, in the end, that it all comes down to the question, should we visit Santorini, or instead, visit both Hydra and Delphi?

In the Santorini itinerary, we would have 3 nights Santorini, 3 nights Naphlion and 3 nights in Athens.

OR we could spend 3 nights Naphlion, 2 nights Hydra and 4 nights in Athens, allowing us to visit Delphi on a day trip.

I would love to hear people weigh in on this decision!

brotherleelove2004

It'd be a shame to go to Greece and not see the most beautiful island in the Aegean. GO TO SANTORINI!

ImitationOfChrist

Santorini is beautiful, but so is Hydra. I absolutely love Hydra.

Delphi is fantastic if you are interested in archaeology. The museum at Delphi contains the One-Armed Charioteer, one of Greece's greatest treasures.

It all depends what you are interested in? Beach or culture?

The follower of Ophelia

saltymuffin

We are not beach people and generally much more interested in culture. Santorini appeals for its beauty and "vacation" feel, rather than the beaches.

GBC

Another vote for Santorini - one of our greatest travel memories.

We were just remarking today how much we enjoyed and hope to return to Greece. You will too.

murphy89

Personally, I would go to Santorini .

Also (again persoanlly) I would spend 2 nights in Athens instead of 3 and maybe add on a night in either Napflio or Santorini.

Good Travels,

Murphy

saltymuffin

Thanks to all - it looks like Santorini is winning.
Murphy - My 3 nights in Athens only give me 2 and a half days, would you still remove a night if it meant only a day and a half in Athens?

murphy89

Hmmm, well 2 full days would be better. I have an affinity for Napflio so I am not impartial. I also fancy slightly longer stops. I am going to have to say it depends on your interests. I think you could accomplish the following in a day and a half:

One full day to see the Acropolis and surrounding slopes (provided you get an early start). You could likely see the National Museum the same day. Spend your evening strolling around the Plaka both nights.

The other half day to either check out the museum if you haven't or maybe the Temple of Olympian Zeus (or one other site of particular interest).

Of course you wont see everything, just depends really on where your interests lie and of course on what you mean by a "half day". Do you mean the day you arrive off the plane...

Cheers,

Murphy

saltymuffin

My "half day" in Athens would be a real half day. My Greek itinerary follows a tour of Turkey, and (assuming Santorini) would be as follows:

1 - Morning ferry from Turkey to Samos. Fly to Santorini via Athens in the evening.
2 - Santorini
3 - Santorini
4 - Ferry to Athens and train/bus to Nafplio.
5 - Nafplio
6 - Nafplio
7 - Nafplio to Athens, remainder of day in Athens
8 - Athens
9 - Athens
10 - fly home

Depending on what time we left Nafplio, we could stretch our time there and decrease our Athens time, or even stay another night and leave early on Day 8.

murphy89

Ok, I see. Nafplio is only 2.5 hours from Athens. You could just catch the early bus and be all set up in Athens by 9:00am - which does give you a full day. Here is the summer bus schedule:

Leaving Nafplio
05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:30 17:30 19:00 20:00

Arriving in Athens:
Athens 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:30 19:30 21:00 22:00

Saltymuffin I strongly recommend you get a flight from Santorini to Nafplio - it will save you so much time and Nafplio is worth it.

Cheers,

Murphy

pbing

We just retuirned from Greece. We spent four nights in Athens and that is one thing I would not do again. We al;so went to Delphi one day but 2 nights would have been fine. Santorini was the best so I would suggest you go that route.

The ruins and museum in Athens are great but is NOT relaxing there at all and awe only wished that we were back in Santorini or Rhodes.

saltymuffin

I didn't realise that Nafplion had an airport! I will look into a flight.

I would like to give a ferry a try, maybe I can work an overnight ferry Samos-Patros-Santorini. . .

murphy89

No, No - Nafplio doesn't have an airport - I meant fly back to Athens and take the bus to Nafplio. There is a direct bus from the airport to Terminal A bus station. The bus info kiosk is right outside the doors to the airport.

Didn't mean to confuse you sorry,

Murphy

murphy89

Also, I like boats - but the ferry wasn't interesting for more than about 20 min. You will maximize your time on this short trip best with flights instead.

Just a thought,

Murphy

ImitationOfChrist

Why would you ever think Athens was going to be relaxing???? It is a huge city filled with people, cars, pollution, and noise.

I am constantly amazed that there are people who will change their itin. based on the response of another poster. I would do a lot of research before I changed my plans.

I do not recognize any of the above posters, and I have been on this forum for over six years.

I eschew designer clothes.

murphy89

saltymuffin doesn't know us, but then she doesn't know you either ImageOfChrist. She asked for opinions and advice which several people have graciously provided. I am sure she is bright enough to make up her own mind and do her own research.

I have no idea if you are a "she" saltymuffin - sorry. Just making assumptions from our past correspondence

Cheers,

Murphy

ImitationOfChrist

I am famous!!

Besides, who wouldn't believe the

imitation

of

Christ

?

Catbert

I would do the Naphlion, Hydra, Athens and Delphi, which I loved. But spend the night in Delphi, don't make it a day trip. It's so special after the day trippers go home.

saltymuffin

Thank you all - and yes Murphy I am a "she".

I was originally planning a 3 week trip in Greece (where Murphy was also very helpful!), but we have since decided to spend almost two weeks in Turkey. Cutting the initial plan down to 9 days has been challenging.

I am quite torn between the two itineraries (I'd love to see it all!), and the more perspectives and ideas I absorb, the better I will be able to make my own decisions. This is exactly what this forum is great for - benefiting from the experience of others!

Catbert - I was actually just trying to work something out where we could spend a night in Delphi! What really appeals to me about the Hydra/Delphi option is the diversity of places and the ease of travel from place to place. There is a lot of flying involved in the Santorini option. But eyery time I see a picture of Santorini . . .

murphy89

For brainstorming purposes, what about this:

1 - Morning ferry from Turkey to Samos. Fly to Santorini via Athens in the evening.
2 - Santorini
3 - Santorini
4 - FLY to Athens on first flight (7:00am - 1hr), then bus to Delphi 3hrs You should easily arrive by 1:00pm - in time to see the site and you can spend the night.
6 - Nafplio - catch early bus back to Athens (6:45am if memory serves)then on to Nafplio (will have to change stations). Should be able to arrive by say...1:00 or 2:00 in afternoon.
7 - Nafplio all day
8 - Athens - return to Athens on early am bus - spend whole day in Athens.
9 - Athens
10 - fly home

That may seem like alot - but is an option if all of these sites are important to you. Buses are frequent and efficient to Nafplio, Athens and Delphi so you should have lots of flexibility there. If you want to work it out specifically, you can check out www.ktel.org

Whatever you decide (Hydra, Santorini etc) I am sure you will enjoy!

Cheers,

Murphy