Need help in completing trip details
May 29th, 2017, 08:23 PM
#1
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Need help in completing trip details
We are a family of five, mom & dad and three sons aged 19, 18, & 12. We would appreciate some help with our itinerary. We are traveling in July.
Day 1 & 2 Athens
Staying at AVA Hotel
* any restaurants near the hotel that you would recommend?
* We would like to do a 1/2 day walking tour with a private guide of the acropolis, etc-- any recommendations?
* We would also like to take a cooking class-- recommendations?
Day 3 ???
* We are looking for a day trip to do and will end at the Athens airport so want it to be doable given the time limit-- suggestions? I looked at Marathon but not sure that there is enough there?? Originally thought to go to Delphi but I don't think we have enough time to do it justice (we need to be at the airport the night of day 3 as we pick up son #2 from the Athens airport in the AM and fly to Santorini together)
Staying at Sofitel
Day 4-8
Santorini
* will hike, do water sports, explore ruins, visit a winery-- other suggestions?
* suggestions for restaurants?
* working on hotel right now but would appreciate recommendations
Day 9-12
Another island to be determined
* suggestions
Day 13
travel back to Athens
Day 14 fly out of Athens
Thank you for your suggestions!!
Jeanne
Day 1 & 2 Athens
Staying at AVA Hotel
* any restaurants near the hotel that you would recommend?
* We would like to do a 1/2 day walking tour with a private guide of the acropolis, etc-- any recommendations?
* We would also like to take a cooking class-- recommendations?
Day 3 ???
* We are looking for a day trip to do and will end at the Athens airport so want it to be doable given the time limit-- suggestions? I looked at Marathon but not sure that there is enough there?? Originally thought to go to Delphi but I don't think we have enough time to do it justice (we need to be at the airport the night of day 3 as we pick up son #2 from the Athens airport in the AM and fly to Santorini together)
Staying at Sofitel
Day 4-8
Santorini
* will hike, do water sports, explore ruins, visit a winery-- other suggestions?
* suggestions for restaurants?
* working on hotel right now but would appreciate recommendations
Day 9-12
Another island to be determined
* suggestions
Day 13
travel back to Athens
Day 14 fly out of Athens
Thank you for your suggestions!!
Jeanne
May 29th, 2017, 08:41 PM
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I took a cooking class through Athens Walking Tours and really enjoyed it. It was held in a taverna before regular serving hours began. It was completely hands-on - everyone made everything. Lots of appetizers and snacks, and then a really good lamb and potato dish for the main (we put one together, and they served one prepared earlier because it takes 3 hours in the oven). It was a delicious meal.
May 29th, 2017, 10:17 PM
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Hi, Jeanne!
We've stayed many times at AVA. One of our favorite restaurants in the area is ATTICUS GREEKA HOUSE, which is on a tiny street in back of The Acropolis Museum. I'm sure the wonderful staff at AVA can tell you exactly how to get there. It's about a 15 minute walk.
For an interesting day trip, you might check out The Temple of Poseidon, which is a little over an hour from Athens. There are busses that go there, or you could hire a private driver. It's an incredible site with a strip of beach and taverna down below. And it's about a 45 minute drive from the airport.
If that doesn't interest you, you could check into a hydrofoil to Aegina or Hydra, but I'm not really sure you have enough time to go back and forth?
About island suggestions: We are huge fans of Paros and Naxos, both of which would be easy for you since they are on the same ferry line as Santorini.
Lastly, one of the travel mags I read just ran a fascinating article on off-the-beaten path neighborhoods in Athens. I think it was Travel and Leisure, but will try to find it.
We've stayed many times at AVA. One of our favorite restaurants in the area is ATTICUS GREEKA HOUSE, which is on a tiny street in back of The Acropolis Museum. I'm sure the wonderful staff at AVA can tell you exactly how to get there. It's about a 15 minute walk.
For an interesting day trip, you might check out The Temple of Poseidon, which is a little over an hour from Athens. There are busses that go there, or you could hire a private driver. It's an incredible site with a strip of beach and taverna down below. And it's about a 45 minute drive from the airport.
If that doesn't interest you, you could check into a hydrofoil to Aegina or Hydra, but I'm not really sure you have enough time to go back and forth?
About island suggestions: We are huge fans of Paros and Naxos, both of which would be easy for you since they are on the same ferry line as Santorini.
Lastly, one of the travel mags I read just ran a fascinating article on off-the-beaten path neighborhoods in Athens. I think it was Travel and Leisure, but will try to find it.
May 30th, 2017, 06:29 AM
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I would propose that you also visit Naxos. It's a beatiful island that can be very interested for the whole family. It has nice beaches with watersports, nice food and a quite decent nightlife for all ages...
May 30th, 2017, 07:15 AM
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While Naxos is probably the perfect companion island to Santorini you should be aware of one possible complication.
There are two ways to get back to Athens on Day 13 fly or take the ferry which is about 5,5 hours.
We always fly to save time however the Naxos airport is small and is serviced by 50 seat turboprop aircraft. Chances of getting 5 seats this late is going to be unlikely. The ferry then is your only option.
If this is going to be an issue then you might want to look at Paros. They have a new airport and can take larger aircraft so you might have a better chance of getting a flight from there.
Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094558042/
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
There are two ways to get back to Athens on Day 13 fly or take the ferry which is about 5,5 hours.
We always fly to save time however the Naxos airport is small and is serviced by 50 seat turboprop aircraft. Chances of getting 5 seats this late is going to be unlikely. The ferry then is your only option.
If this is going to be an issue then you might want to look at Paros. They have a new airport and can take larger aircraft so you might have a better chance of getting a flight from there.
Naxos Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632094558042/
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
May 30th, 2017, 01:23 PM
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artsnletters, thank you for the recommendation of the athens walking tours' cooking class-- this is exactly what we are looking for. Did you also use them for to tour sites in Athens? If so, what did you think?
weadles, Temple of Poseidon sounds interesting. Is there another site or activity that we can do in combination with it that you would recommend (will have lots of time at the beach so prefer something that isn't beachy). So glad to hear that the hotel we selected is a good one. It is one of the few hotels that was located in the area that we wanted to stay and which had a room that could accommodate the four of us. I will read up about Atticus Greeka House. I wasn't planning to make restaurant reservations ahead of time as we would prefer more flexibility. Please let me know what makes this restaurant so special. And I will also check my T & L magazines. I get this magazine but am months behind in reading it... we always like to discover the unexpected!!
We are considering Naxos, Paros and Mykonos. Ideally I would like an island where there is a nightlife so my older boys can go out and meet other young adults so this is a consideration. And of course the ability to find a reasonable hotel is another consideration. But with limited time, I would like to focus my time on one island so I need to make a decision on this asap.
How does Paros compare to Naxos?
stanbr, I was going to take a ferry back but thought that it was just 3 hours long? I'll take another look into the ferry vs flight options from the three islands and that perhaps may determine where we go!! Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
weadles, Temple of Poseidon sounds interesting. Is there another site or activity that we can do in combination with it that you would recommend (will have lots of time at the beach so prefer something that isn't beachy). So glad to hear that the hotel we selected is a good one. It is one of the few hotels that was located in the area that we wanted to stay and which had a room that could accommodate the four of us. I will read up about Atticus Greeka House. I wasn't planning to make restaurant reservations ahead of time as we would prefer more flexibility. Please let me know what makes this restaurant so special. And I will also check my T & L magazines. I get this magazine but am months behind in reading it... we always like to discover the unexpected!!
We are considering Naxos, Paros and Mykonos. Ideally I would like an island where there is a nightlife so my older boys can go out and meet other young adults so this is a consideration. And of course the ability to find a reasonable hotel is another consideration. But with limited time, I would like to focus my time on one island so I need to make a decision on this asap.
How does Paros compare to Naxos?
stanbr, I was going to take a ferry back but thought that it was just 3 hours long? I'll take another look into the ferry vs flight options from the three islands and that perhaps may determine where we go!! Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
May 30th, 2017, 02:01 PM
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We thought the ferries were a lovely way to travel.
My favorite besides santorini would be Mykonos, but there was no direct ferry service from santorini when we went there. Your kids would love that island.
My favorite besides santorini would be Mykonos, but there was no direct ferry service from santorini when we went there. Your kids would love that island.
May 30th, 2017, 02:56 PM
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jeanned those photos were all taken in June.
Naxos has nightlife but not that wild party stuff. More laid back. Your kids will find it sufficient to hold their interest. Its safe as well. we were not the least bit concerned to let our teen head into Naxos town on their own.
Its been a long time since we took the ferry back to athens. It appears that Highspeed and Championjet both fast ferries make the trip in about 4 hours now. There are also two slower ferries that take at least 5.5 hours.
Naxos has nightlife but not that wild party stuff. More laid back. Your kids will find it sufficient to hold their interest. Its safe as well. we were not the least bit concerned to let our teen head into Naxos town on their own.
Its been a long time since we took the ferry back to athens. It appears that Highspeed and Championjet both fast ferries make the trip in about 4 hours now. There are also two slower ferries that take at least 5.5 hours.
May 30th, 2017, 05:56 PM
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Jeanne,
Actually, the restaurant should be called Greek House Attikos. My mistake. It's a family-run taverna with a lovely terrace overlooking The Acropolis, which is lit up at night. The restaurant is very popular with Greek families because all the dishes are made on the premises. It's really good, and so reasonable. You'll be shocked by the pricing.
However... you certainly do need reservations in July. If that's not something you want to do, you'll find plenty of other walk-in restaurants in The Plaka, but they may not be as good or that special.
About Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion: We have stayed there a few times, often on a last night before heading to the airport. The temple is built on the ruins of another temple dating from the 7th century, as I remember. It stands on top of a cliff overlooking The Aegean and is stunningly beautiful, especially at night when it is lit up against the sky. Since it's about 90 min. one way from Athens, it would make a decent 1/2 day trip, and leave you a little bit of time to explore some of Athens other neighborhoods.
Lastly, my take on the islands: We go to Paros almost every other year. Nauossa, our favorite part of the island, is a small fishing village, quite safe to wander around, with lots of boutiques, fish restaurants, and a beautiful town square. We always rent a car to visit some of the island's best beaches, and Parikia, although the traffic there can be insane. Not sure there's much nightlife, although sometimes my kids, older than yours, would hang out in town.
We've been to Naxos, too, and really enjoyed it, but I'll leave others to comment on it, since we mostly stayed at St. George beach, and didn't venture into the countryside. For whatever reason, Naxos didn't "stick" with us the way Paros did. Maybe it's just a matter of familiarity.
If I were you, I'd get on a couple of booking engines ASAP and come back here with what you find for further help. Good luck!
Actually, the restaurant should be called Greek House Attikos. My mistake. It's a family-run taverna with a lovely terrace overlooking The Acropolis, which is lit up at night. The restaurant is very popular with Greek families because all the dishes are made on the premises. It's really good, and so reasonable. You'll be shocked by the pricing.
However... you certainly do need reservations in July. If that's not something you want to do, you'll find plenty of other walk-in restaurants in The Plaka, but they may not be as good or that special.
About Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion: We have stayed there a few times, often on a last night before heading to the airport. The temple is built on the ruins of another temple dating from the 7th century, as I remember. It stands on top of a cliff overlooking The Aegean and is stunningly beautiful, especially at night when it is lit up against the sky. Since it's about 90 min. one way from Athens, it would make a decent 1/2 day trip, and leave you a little bit of time to explore some of Athens other neighborhoods.
Lastly, my take on the islands: We go to Paros almost every other year. Nauossa, our favorite part of the island, is a small fishing village, quite safe to wander around, with lots of boutiques, fish restaurants, and a beautiful town square. We always rent a car to visit some of the island's best beaches, and Parikia, although the traffic there can be insane. Not sure there's much nightlife, although sometimes my kids, older than yours, would hang out in town.
We've been to Naxos, too, and really enjoyed it, but I'll leave others to comment on it, since we mostly stayed at St. George beach, and didn't venture into the countryside. For whatever reason, Naxos didn't "stick" with us the way Paros did. Maybe it's just a matter of familiarity.
If I were you, I'd get on a couple of booking engines ASAP and come back here with what you find for further help. Good luck!
May 30th, 2017, 06:00 PM
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A final note from me: If you need to take the boat back to Athens, I'd opt for the slower ferry. The hydrofoils made my entire family and almost the entire boat good and sick. Not a fun way to end a vacation. Best way to get back to Athens? Flying, but at this late date, as stanbr pointed out it may be impossible to get air plane tix.
May 30th, 2017, 06:34 PM
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Weadles, the 2 fast-ferries recommended from Naxos are NOT hydrofoils -- they are extra-large CAR-Carrying Catamarans, ChampionJet I x II -- new additions to the ferry picture , modern and very large and smooth ... with back outer decks, and room to move around inside. Very different from Hydrofoils, and the smaller catamarans that have NO vehicle deck, no aisles, bumpy in rough weather... those are the "sick-making" vessels. Don't confuse.
May 31st, 2017, 07:50 PM
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Weadles, Thank you for the additional feedback and also for cluing me in on the hydrofoils!! I was looking at the schedule yesterday and will be sure to not book one but instead to go for the boat that travelerjan has recommended! Both my youngest son and I are sensitive to motion.
Well we booked a villa on Santorini and it looks wonderful. It is in the town of Pyrgos. It looks like there is very little to do in this small town. I am wondering whether we will need to rent a car or if we can depend on busses and/or cabs.
Now on to the second island... still debating and think I will read more about Paros vs Naxos vs Mykonos. As I mentioned, I did look at the ferry schedule and it seems as if there are plenty of options for each island.
Well we booked a villa on Santorini and it looks wonderful. It is in the town of Pyrgos. It looks like there is very little to do in this small town. I am wondering whether we will need to rent a car or if we can depend on busses and/or cabs.
Now on to the second island... still debating and think I will read more about Paros vs Naxos vs Mykonos. As I mentioned, I did look at the ferry schedule and it seems as if there are plenty of options for each island.
Jun 1st, 2017, 07:10 AM
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Pyrgos is a lovely traditional village topped by city walls.
It is fairly isolated and not close to any of the main attractions. So transportation will be important for you. There is regular KTEL bus service commencing in Fira to Pyrgos.
The bus then returns to Fira where you will take another bus to wherever you want to go.
I suspect that using the bus will be inefficient so a car rental may be a great idea for you. Check with your hotel to determine if there is parking nearby. If you are high up in the old town there won't be any parking.
All of these images on the second page of my Santorini album are taken in Pyrgos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...54800782/page2
As for a choice between Naxos and Paros. I heard someone say that you are either a Naxos or a Paros person. Something about one of the islands will just capture your heart and keep calling you back. Our first choice has always been Naxos.
I think all the Naxos v Paros debates have one thing in common both are lovely and anyone who has been to both will have a favourite but won't have anything negative to say about the other. Its a win win for you. Just choose one.
More on Naxos
Naxos Mountains and Villages http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632110674306/
Naxos 2016 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...57671589993576
A week in Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...7645113682278/
It is fairly isolated and not close to any of the main attractions. So transportation will be important for you. There is regular KTEL bus service commencing in Fira to Pyrgos.
The bus then returns to Fira where you will take another bus to wherever you want to go.
I suspect that using the bus will be inefficient so a car rental may be a great idea for you. Check with your hotel to determine if there is parking nearby. If you are high up in the old town there won't be any parking.
All of these images on the second page of my Santorini album are taken in Pyrgos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...54800782/page2
As for a choice between Naxos and Paros. I heard someone say that you are either a Naxos or a Paros person. Something about one of the islands will just capture your heart and keep calling you back. Our first choice has always been Naxos.
I think all the Naxos v Paros debates have one thing in common both are lovely and anyone who has been to both will have a favourite but won't have anything negative to say about the other. Its a win win for you. Just choose one.
More on Naxos
Naxos Mountains and Villages http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632110674306/
Naxos 2016 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...57671589993576
A week in Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...7645113682278/
Jun 1st, 2017, 12:05 PM
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stanbr, Thank you for sharing your photos of Pyrgos with me-- it looks lovelier than I had imagined. Our hotel does have free parking so that won't be an issue. And from the reviews of the hotel, it sounds like the owners of the hotel (it really is more of a bed and breakfast) will drive us within a small range of the hotel as well. Did you find it hard to rent a car? expensive?
Did you do the hike from Fira to Ia? We are planning to do this and I was thinking that we would take a bus to Fira, do the hike, then bus back to Fira and then back to Pyrgos. Does this seem reasonable? My thought is that we would do a late afternoon hike and eat dinner in Ia. Regardless of whether we have a car, we will take the bus back to Fira.
Other activities we are thinking of doing in Santorini and I would love your insight are:
* wine tasting and perhaps a cooking class-- any suggestions as to the best vineyard to visit?
* explore Akrotiri-- how long would a visit entail?
* water activity of some sort-- skiing, etc.. Not really sure what but my boys love to ski and wakeboard so thinking something along those lines or snorkeling
Still debating the other island... today we found out that very good friends who we haven't seen in quite a while will be in Mykonos so we may go there as a result so that we can connect with them.
Did you do the hike from Fira to Ia? We are planning to do this and I was thinking that we would take a bus to Fira, do the hike, then bus back to Fira and then back to Pyrgos. Does this seem reasonable? My thought is that we would do a late afternoon hike and eat dinner in Ia. Regardless of whether we have a car, we will take the bus back to Fira.
Other activities we are thinking of doing in Santorini and I would love your insight are:
* wine tasting and perhaps a cooking class-- any suggestions as to the best vineyard to visit?
* explore Akrotiri-- how long would a visit entail?
* water activity of some sort-- skiing, etc.. Not really sure what but my boys love to ski and wakeboard so thinking something along those lines or snorkeling
Still debating the other island... today we found out that very good friends who we haven't seen in quite a while will be in Mykonos so we may go there as a result so that we can connect with them.
Jun 1st, 2017, 02:33 PM
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I have always been so taken with the caldera views that we have never bothered to do the hike from Fira to Oia. We have done it lots of times from Fira to Firaoestaphani the views were great.
You plan to use the bus seems fine.
Akrotiri as I recall probably took about 2 hours. It was closed for 7 years so I don't know know if time required has changed. I suspect that it hasn't.
You plan to use the bus seems fine.
Akrotiri as I recall probably took about 2 hours. It was closed for 7 years so I don't know know if time required has changed. I suspect that it hasn't.
