Itinerary options - please comment
Nov 12th, 2008, 04:27 AM
#1
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Itinerary options - please comment
I'm debatting between the following 2 options: Or if you have any other suggestions, please feel free to comment. I've never been to Greece/Italy
09/21 Fly from Ottawa to Florence
09/22 2 nights in Florence
09/24 1 night in Venice
09/25 flight to Athens, then flight to Crete, 3 nights in Crete
09/28 3 nights in Santorini
10/01 2 nights in Mykonos
10/03 3 nights in Athens
OR
09/21 Fly from Ottawa to Florence
09/22 3 nights in Florence
09/25 2 night in Venice
09/27 flight to Athens, then ferry to Santorini
09/27 3 nights in Santorini
09/30 3 nights in Mykonos
10/03 3 nights in Athens
09/21 Fly from Ottawa to Florence
09/22 2 nights in Florence
09/24 1 night in Venice
09/25 flight to Athens, then flight to Crete, 3 nights in Crete
09/28 3 nights in Santorini
10/01 2 nights in Mykonos
10/03 3 nights in Athens
OR
09/21 Fly from Ottawa to Florence
09/22 3 nights in Florence
09/25 2 night in Venice
09/27 flight to Athens, then ferry to Santorini
09/27 3 nights in Santorini
09/30 3 nights in Mykonos
10/03 3 nights in Athens
Nov 12th, 2008, 05:14 AM
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Alpine, are you quite elderly and facing the prospect that you will die in early October and thus never have another European trip? In that case, I would understand why you might want to cram both Italy and Greece in 14 days. Otherwise, it seems to me to be like that old movie "If it's Tuesday it must be Belgium."
Neither option makes sense from an enjoyment standpoint.I am crazy about Greece, but I would say, choose ONE or the OTHER.
Have you talked to anybody who has done any European travel? Have you looked at any guide books? You may be basing this proposed itinerary upon scans of various travel brochures. You have plenty of time; because I want you to have a wonderful trip, I would urgently encourage you to do more research both in guides and from experienced travelers, before you get locked into an itinerary.
If you are interested in Italy for 2 weeks, Italy is one of the chief interests of contributors to this forum. For an Italy itinerary, I suggest you put in the "Search" slot "Italy in 2 weeks" and see what comes up -- and/or contact the FOdorite BOB the NAVIGATOR (you can google his website), who has devised detailed intineraries for exactly that.
If you are interested in Greece for two weeks in late September, I have done that and have helped others do that as well.
Before suggesting where you should spend your time, any adviser would want to learn more about your chief interests and priorities: Landscapes? Ancient sites and history? Beaches? Art? Shopping? Food/wine? Leisurely strolls, cafe- sitting? Night life?
For example, in Greece:
I'd ask why you want BOTH Santorini and then Mykonos. Is it because these isles are the most widely promoted? Santorini is a must-see but to add Mykonos would simply give you double exposure to massive cruise crowds and expensive shopping opportunities. IF it's because of Delos, that can be visited without staying in Mykonos. Crete is really a country (125 mi. long) so Id say either give it 5 days or skip it this trip.
I envy you having these wonderful discoveries in Greece or Italy in front of you but seriously recommend that you choose ONE country for this first trip. Have fun planning!
Neither option makes sense from an enjoyment standpoint.I am crazy about Greece, but I would say, choose ONE or the OTHER.
Have you talked to anybody who has done any European travel? Have you looked at any guide books? You may be basing this proposed itinerary upon scans of various travel brochures. You have plenty of time; because I want you to have a wonderful trip, I would urgently encourage you to do more research both in guides and from experienced travelers, before you get locked into an itinerary.
If you are interested in Italy for 2 weeks, Italy is one of the chief interests of contributors to this forum. For an Italy itinerary, I suggest you put in the "Search" slot "Italy in 2 weeks" and see what comes up -- and/or contact the FOdorite BOB the NAVIGATOR (you can google his website), who has devised detailed intineraries for exactly that.
If you are interested in Greece for two weeks in late September, I have done that and have helped others do that as well.
Before suggesting where you should spend your time, any adviser would want to learn more about your chief interests and priorities: Landscapes? Ancient sites and history? Beaches? Art? Shopping? Food/wine? Leisurely strolls, cafe- sitting? Night life?
For example, in Greece:
I'd ask why you want BOTH Santorini and then Mykonos. Is it because these isles are the most widely promoted? Santorini is a must-see but to add Mykonos would simply give you double exposure to massive cruise crowds and expensive shopping opportunities. IF it's because of Delos, that can be visited without staying in Mykonos. Crete is really a country (125 mi. long) so Id say either give it 5 days or skip it this trip.
I envy you having these wonderful discoveries in Greece or Italy in front of you but seriously recommend that you choose ONE country for this first trip. Have fun planning!
Nov 12th, 2008, 05:30 AM
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Thanks!
I was affraid that 2 countries might be too much. We are in our late 20's and I agree that we likely will have a chance to visit the other one later in our life, but we are from Canada so it's a far trip and there are so many places in the world to see that I thought I would combine 2 in 1 trip.
Even if I skip Crete (i.e. my second itinerary), am I crazy to do both?
I figure I will get 3 nights in Santorini, 3 in Mykonos (or I might change it as per your comment), 3 nights in Athens, 3 in Venice and I could add 1 day to my trip and do 3 nights in Florence....I know I will only touch on sections of each country, but 3 nights in each city would give me a good glimpse on the place?? Let's say I never return....is 9 nights in Grece and 6 nights in Italy (i.e. seeing 2 great country) better then only ever getting to experience 1, but that one in depth??? I know you have a good point...I'm just trying to convince myself that seing both is a good idea...
I was affraid that 2 countries might be too much. We are in our late 20's and I agree that we likely will have a chance to visit the other one later in our life, but we are from Canada so it's a far trip and there are so many places in the world to see that I thought I would combine 2 in 1 trip.
Even if I skip Crete (i.e. my second itinerary), am I crazy to do both?
I figure I will get 3 nights in Santorini, 3 in Mykonos (or I might change it as per your comment), 3 nights in Athens, 3 in Venice and I could add 1 day to my trip and do 3 nights in Florence....I know I will only touch on sections of each country, but 3 nights in each city would give me a good glimpse on the place?? Let's say I never return....is 9 nights in Grece and 6 nights in Italy (i.e. seeing 2 great country) better then only ever getting to experience 1, but that one in depth??? I know you have a good point...I'm just trying to convince myself that seing both is a good idea...
Nov 12th, 2008, 06:30 AM
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I agree with the above...you're trying to do too much. I know how you feel, it's so tempting to want to see it all, but believe me you'll be better off slowing down. Europe will be there for you later, I swear.
To me, it is absolute torture to get to a place, absolutely fall in love with it, knowing you only have a short amount of time there, and have to move on because your itinerary is jam-packed. Not a fun time.
And, if you choose Italy, please don't forget about Rome. It's worth at least 5 days. And, don't short- change Venice, also worth more time.
Greece is wonderful, especially Santorini, but I think Italy will knock your socks off. That's where I'd go.
Have a great trip!
To me, it is absolute torture to get to a place, absolutely fall in love with it, knowing you only have a short amount of time there, and have to move on because your itinerary is jam-packed. Not a fun time.
And, if you choose Italy, please don't forget about Rome. It's worth at least 5 days. And, don't short- change Venice, also worth more time.
Greece is wonderful, especially Santorini, but I think Italy will knock your socks off. That's where I'd go.
Have a great trip!
Nov 12th, 2008, 06:43 AM
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What if I do 12 nights in Grece and 3 nights in only 1 city in Italy?
The flight between Italy and Greece is fairly short and not expensive... 12 nights in Greece would be a decent coverage and I know 3 nights in Italy is a "tease", but 3 nights in Italy to me seem better then NEVER going to Italy or maybe if we do return to Italy, we'll just not do that 1 city..
The flight between Italy and Greece is fairly short and not expensive... 12 nights in Greece would be a decent coverage and I know 3 nights in Italy is a "tease", but 3 nights in Italy to me seem better then NEVER going to Italy or maybe if we do return to Italy, we'll just not do that 1 city..
Nov 12th, 2008, 09:40 AM
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Your first itinerary makes no sense at all. 1 night in Venice is ludicrous -- as soon as you arrive, you'll get a couple of hours to walk around and then you'll be leaving again.
Generally, I'd shoot for 3 days minimum in any destination so you actually get to SEE something, rather than just drop by for a photo stop.
Your second itinerary is marginally better but still, 2 nights in Venice is not enough.
I would drop Mykonos entirely for more time spent everywhere else. And I like Mykonos -- but that's a place where you can enjoy it for 3 hours and move on. Unless you are going to see Delos (which is great) or to PARTY HEARTY or something. But it's crazy to spend more time there than Venice.
Generally, I'd shoot for 3 days minimum in any destination so you actually get to SEE something, rather than just drop by for a photo stop.
Your second itinerary is marginally better but still, 2 nights in Venice is not enough.
I would drop Mykonos entirely for more time spent everywhere else. And I like Mykonos -- but that's a place where you can enjoy it for 3 hours and move on. Unless you are going to see Delos (which is great) or to PARTY HEARTY or something. But it's crazy to spend more time there than Venice.
Nov 12th, 2008, 09:57 AM
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What are your interests?
Art, architecture, archaeology, beaches?
It looks like you want an island-hopping beach vacation.
If so, then I'd stick to Greece.
Save Italy for next time.
I agree with the others -- drop Mykonos, add more time to Crete, and add time on the Peloponnese, if you're into archaeology and all the wonderful towns and sites there.
But only you know what lights your fire, so it's hard to advise.
Art, architecture, archaeology, beaches?
It looks like you want an island-hopping beach vacation.
If so, then I'd stick to Greece.
Save Italy for next time.
I agree with the others -- drop Mykonos, add more time to Crete, and add time on the Peloponnese, if you're into archaeology and all the wonderful towns and sites there.
But only you know what lights your fire, so it's hard to advise.
Nov 12th, 2008, 10:10 AM
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Did I read correctly on another thread that this is your HONEYMOON?
In that case, I'd absolutely drop Mykonos like a hot potato. The crush of people in Mykonos town is the last thing I'd want on my honeymoon, but maybe that's just me.
I'd do something like this:
3 nights Florence
4 nights Venice
4 nights Santorini
3 nights Athens
Imho, that would be more than enough for a 2-week trip. I think Venice and Santorini are two of the most beautiful and romantic places on the planet, so that's why I'd spend more time there -- but if you are a huge art freak, switch a night to Florence instead of Venice. (And in Santorini, stay in Oia or Imerovigli instead of Fira to maximize the romance and minimize the crowd crush.)
In that case, I'd absolutely drop Mykonos like a hot potato. The crush of people in Mykonos town is the last thing I'd want on my honeymoon, but maybe that's just me.
I'd do something like this:
3 nights Florence
4 nights Venice
4 nights Santorini
3 nights Athens
Imho, that would be more than enough for a 2-week trip. I think Venice and Santorini are two of the most beautiful and romantic places on the planet, so that's why I'd spend more time there -- but if you are a huge art freak, switch a night to Florence instead of Venice. (And in Santorini, stay in Oia or Imerovigli instead of Fira to maximize the romance and minimize the crowd crush.)
Nov 12th, 2008, 11:48 AM
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Thanks for all the info!! We are not into art or archaeology or museum, what we like to do is walk around, take pictures, eat the food, drink the wine/beer. We also like beaches, but will end of Sept be good for beach? We have 15 nights...I liked the last post, but where would I add my extra night? Is there another island we could choose instead of Mykonos?
3 nights Florence
3 nights Venice
2 nights ???
4 nights Santorini
3 nights Athens
I know it's not ideal...but what we want to do is get a good visit of Greece and a touch of Italy..that way, if for some reason, we never get to make it back, we will have at least had a chance to spend a few nights...
3 nights Florence
3 nights Venice
2 nights ???
4 nights Santorini
3 nights Athens
I know it's not ideal...but what we want to do is get a good visit of Greece and a touch of Italy..that way, if for some reason, we never get to make it back, we will have at least had a chance to spend a few nights...
Nov 12th, 2008, 12:01 PM
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"Is there another island we could choose instead of Mykonos?"
Yes. Plenty. Look at Paros and Naxos for starters. Good beaches, less crowded and tourist-intense than Mykonos, but easy to get to/from Athens and Santorini.
Yes. Plenty. Look at Paros and Naxos for starters. Good beaches, less crowded and tourist-intense than Mykonos, but easy to get to/from Athens and Santorini.
Nov 12th, 2008, 12:41 PM
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DO take into consideration that it will take you more than a half-day to get between florence and Venice & check into your hotel ... probably a FULL day to leave italy and get to an island in Greece, and at least 5 hours to get from one islnd to another.
TRANSPORT -- You cannot just say "beam me up, Scotty" and be teleported from one destination to another.
PRIORITIES -- if you are not about art and Museums, poof, there goes Venice and FLorence!
BEACH -- Beaches are splendid in late september, the water temp is the best of the year! But if you value beaches, why 3 nights in Santorini? The beaches there are black volcanic Grit. Research, research research.
I still think that by trying for 2 countries, you won't get a "touch" of anything... instead you will get an overload of waiting in airports, at docks, in taxi lines.
TRANSPORT -- You cannot just say "beam me up, Scotty" and be teleported from one destination to another.
PRIORITIES -- if you are not about art and Museums, poof, there goes Venice and FLorence!
BEACH -- Beaches are splendid in late september, the water temp is the best of the year! But if you value beaches, why 3 nights in Santorini? The beaches there are black volcanic Grit. Research, research research.
I still think that by trying for 2 countries, you won't get a "touch" of anything... instead you will get an overload of waiting in airports, at docks, in taxi lines.
Nov 12th, 2008, 12:51 PM
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Thanks for the comments. Train is 2.5 hours...if we leave early in the am, we are checked in the hotel and ready to have lunch in Venice...which gives us all day to walk around + night for a nice diner...then we have a full day and evening the next day....I agree that we lose a full day going from Italy to Greece when you factor both the flight and the Ferry....
Santorini...I heard so many good things about it, but maybe 2 nights will be enough....
I know transportation might be an issue which is why it prob makes sens to skip Crete and only do 2 islands close to each other i.e. Santorini + a beach island close by....I'm thinking taking out either Florence or Venice and maybe just 3 nights in Italy and the rest in Greece....Florence, we wanted to maybe go do a winery tour...or something like that...
Santorini...I heard so many good things about it, but maybe 2 nights will be enough....
I know transportation might be an issue which is why it prob makes sens to skip Crete and only do 2 islands close to each other i.e. Santorini + a beach island close by....I'm thinking taking out either Florence or Venice and maybe just 3 nights in Italy and the rest in Greece....Florence, we wanted to maybe go do a winery tour...or something like that...
Nov 12th, 2008, 02:09 PM
#16
hi alpinemccain,
when we were about your age we spent 2 weeks on crete in september and it was great. beaches, walking, monuments, cheap wine and food [it was 25 year ago!]
we spent 3 nights in Heraklion, then bused our way along the north coast to Chania, then hired a car and drove back along the then non-existant road along the south coast. 2 weeks was about right - there is lots of crete to see and enjoy.
in fact of all the places you mention, it seems to me to be closest to what you are after.
whatever you do, PLEASE don't spread yourselves too thin. Europe will still be here, and perhaps you'll have more of a taste for art and museums next time.
regards, ann
when we were about your age we spent 2 weeks on crete in september and it was great. beaches, walking, monuments, cheap wine and food [it was 25 year ago!]
we spent 3 nights in Heraklion, then bused our way along the north coast to Chania, then hired a car and drove back along the then non-existant road along the south coast. 2 weeks was about right - there is lots of crete to see and enjoy.
in fact of all the places you mention, it seems to me to be closest to what you are after.
whatever you do, PLEASE don't spread yourselves too thin. Europe will still be here, and perhaps you'll have more of a taste for art and museums next time.
regards, ann
