Putting together a plan for Honeymoon in Greece for June/July 2015!
Jul 11th, 2014, 06:15 AM
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Putting together a plan for Honeymoon in Greece for June/July 2015!
Hello! My fiance and I are in the midst of planning a wedding for June of 2015. We have discussed where we would like to honeymoon and have made the unanimous decision of Greece. However, I understand it is not that simple. I have been looking at the forums (which they have been a great help thus far) and have gotten an understanding for all the decisions that need to be made. So before I try to do that alone, I am positing to look for some personalized advice on making these decisions from the experts. The reason we are not looking at the other parts of Europe is because we plan to make another trip in a couple of years that will hit all of the other countries, but for this trip we would like to be more stationary and enjoy one destination rather than multiples, just for the sake of relaxation.
So here is a little about us..
1. We are looking to go for two weeks (leaving from Virginia).
2. We don't need to "lay" on a beach - but we love having the beach nearby.
3. Cuisine is a top priority, my fiance has quite a bit of food allergies. We would like to find a place where we felt like the food came locally and were more wholesome. (which is difficult in the US, but I'm hoping not as much in Europe)
4. I love history, architecture, stories, etc... anything that gives meaning to a place or environment.
5. We would like a "European" experience. This will be my first time outside of the US besides a cruise to the Caribbean.
I know my details are kinda vague, but in a nut-shell - we are easy to please. There are many things that we love but aren't exactly necessities - We are looking for a place with beautiful scenery, places to walk, to mingle, to diversify ourselves, to have new experiences, but also have that peaceful, stress-free alone time that it is always desired in a honeymoon.
If you have any tips, do/donts, questions, advice, or think we are looking in the wrong part of Europe - I would love to hear about them. Also, if you have taken a trip and can give cost estimates, or suggest how to book, when, and who through - I would love to hear about it!
Any info is good info to me!
Thanks a bunch!
So here is a little about us..
1. We are looking to go for two weeks (leaving from Virginia).
2. We don't need to "lay" on a beach - but we love having the beach nearby.
3. Cuisine is a top priority, my fiance has quite a bit of food allergies. We would like to find a place where we felt like the food came locally and were more wholesome. (which is difficult in the US, but I'm hoping not as much in Europe)
4. I love history, architecture, stories, etc... anything that gives meaning to a place or environment.
5. We would like a "European" experience. This will be my first time outside of the US besides a cruise to the Caribbean.
I know my details are kinda vague, but in a nut-shell - we are easy to please. There are many things that we love but aren't exactly necessities - We are looking for a place with beautiful scenery, places to walk, to mingle, to diversify ourselves, to have new experiences, but also have that peaceful, stress-free alone time that it is always desired in a honeymoon.
If you have any tips, do/donts, questions, advice, or think we are looking in the wrong part of Europe - I would love to hear about them. Also, if you have taken a trip and can give cost estimates, or suggest how to book, when, and who through - I would love to hear about it!
Any info is good info to me!
Thanks a bunch!
Jul 11th, 2014, 07:02 AM
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Congrats on your upcoming wedding! What's your budget and when is the honeymoon? Are you interested in a cruise to the Greek Isles? There will be other questions, but answering these would be helpful.
Jul 11th, 2014, 07:12 AM
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We would consider that, open to anything!
As for a budget, I don't want to say there isn't one.. because there most definitely is, but we haven't fully decided on what we are comfortable spending. Could you give me an estimate on a typical trip to Greece for 2 weeks? Could we do it for $5,000? or would it be more like $10,000?
We would hope to fly out on June 21st or June 22nd, 2015.
As for a budget, I don't want to say there isn't one.. because there most definitely is, but we haven't fully decided on what we are comfortable spending. Could you give me an estimate on a typical trip to Greece for 2 weeks? Could we do it for $5,000? or would it be more like $10,000?
We would hope to fly out on June 21st or June 22nd, 2015.
Jul 11th, 2014, 07:12 AM
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A big island like Crete could suit your requirements, or an area such as the Peloponnese. As far as food is concerned, it will be (or should be) local and fresh, lots of vegetables and salads but not typically high end.
Jul 11th, 2014, 07:29 AM
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There is a website Matt Barretts Greece where you can get alot of info. Also over on Tripadvisor and of course there are several Greek muse's on this board that I'm sure will chime in.
It took me over 5 years to plan a trip to Greece - kept "picking it up and putting it down" because the logistics seemed challenging. I was used to European train travel! In the meantime, I did several Med. cruises and no doubt, they were nice but you are a part of a herd when you get to an island.
Finally in May I did my Greek trip and I loved it. I'd suggest picking one group of islands and moving, infrequently, within that group. For example, the Cyclades - maybe Santorini or Mykonos and then a less touristy island like Naxos. There are many lovely places on Naxos near the main city that are super reasonable and near the beach. Santorini would be pricier but people do flock there for a reason - the caldera - views and hikes.
Or you could go to one of the larger islands, like Crete or Rhodes, and maybe stay two or three places there. Add a few days at the end in Athens. We LOVED the food - lamb, whole grilled fish, greek salad, and eggplant - almost every meal was a home run!
It took me over 5 years to plan a trip to Greece - kept "picking it up and putting it down" because the logistics seemed challenging. I was used to European train travel! In the meantime, I did several Med. cruises and no doubt, they were nice but you are a part of a herd when you get to an island.
Finally in May I did my Greek trip and I loved it. I'd suggest picking one group of islands and moving, infrequently, within that group. For example, the Cyclades - maybe Santorini or Mykonos and then a less touristy island like Naxos. There are many lovely places on Naxos near the main city that are super reasonable and near the beach. Santorini would be pricier but people do flock there for a reason - the caldera - views and hikes.
Or you could go to one of the larger islands, like Crete or Rhodes, and maybe stay two or three places there. Add a few days at the end in Athens. We LOVED the food - lamb, whole grilled fish, greek salad, and eggplant - almost every meal was a home run!
Jul 11th, 2014, 07:47 AM
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Thank you, Suec. I think your latter suggestion is probably what I have been leaning towards for the sake of not feeling "rushed". This is my first "big" trip so everything is brand new to me. The fiance told me to handle this part and I am hoping to get started. Thank you for the suggestions, I have been following some of the posts on this forum - it is certainly a lot to take in!
Jul 11th, 2014, 08:13 AM
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Just some thoughts to get you started.
Typical honeymoon plans includes Santorini. It is extremely touristy and expensive but it will give you a lifetime of memories as it is spectacular. This is a place where you need to spend money to get a hotel with a caldera view.
Santorini http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632154800782/
A common companion island is Naxos because it is so different laid back beautiful has great beaches where you can combine beach and town activities. Best thing it is about half the price of Santorini for both lodging and hotels.
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
Lots of other options out there. Crete is also one of our favourite islands and you can easily spend two weeks there just in the West half of the island.
As for budget we just spent $5,000 Canadian for a month and we stayed in basic hotels nothing fancy. Air far was paid previously and is not in that figure.
What are your food allergies. If you elaborate we can tell you how to avoid certain foods.
Vegetables in particular are so much better in Greece. I think it is because they are picked fresh and delivered to the markets that day.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...57645487373222
Typical honeymoon plans includes Santorini. It is extremely touristy and expensive but it will give you a lifetime of memories as it is spectacular. This is a place where you need to spend money to get a hotel with a caldera view.
Santorini http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632154800782/
A common companion island is Naxos because it is so different laid back beautiful has great beaches where you can combine beach and town activities. Best thing it is about half the price of Santorini for both lodging and hotels.
Trip around Naxos http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7634605629689/
Lots of other options out there. Crete is also one of our favourite islands and you can easily spend two weeks there just in the West half of the island.
As for budget we just spent $5,000 Canadian for a month and we stayed in basic hotels nothing fancy. Air far was paid previously and is not in that figure.
What are your food allergies. If you elaborate we can tell you how to avoid certain foods.
Vegetables in particular are so much better in Greece. I think it is because they are picked fresh and delivered to the markets that day.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...57645487373222
Jul 11th, 2014, 08:21 AM
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Stan, thank you for the info! I will most definitely look into all of your suggestions. Thank you for giving me a value as well - I have been clueless up to this point.
Her allergies are to corn (and all corn derivatives) as well as dairy and nuts. The corn allergy is very difficult in the US because it is basically found in just about all processed foods. Typically, we eat meat, fish, and fresh veggies at the house and we would like to find that on our trip. She also eats pasta and breads, but they can also be contaminated so we try to find those that are made "in-house" or locally as well. Specifically, so if we have any questions then the vendor could gives us a response since they may know the source and procedures used to create the product.
Her allergies are to corn (and all corn derivatives) as well as dairy and nuts. The corn allergy is very difficult in the US because it is basically found in just about all processed foods. Typically, we eat meat, fish, and fresh veggies at the house and we would like to find that on our trip. She also eats pasta and breads, but they can also be contaminated so we try to find those that are made "in-house" or locally as well. Specifically, so if we have any questions then the vendor could gives us a response since they may know the source and procedures used to create the product.
Jul 11th, 2014, 11:29 AM
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I don't think she will have much of a problem in Greece with corn. Virtually all meals are prepared fresh from local ingredients. Dairy will be an issue because so many dishes come with Cheese. You can order a village salad which is a Greek salad without the feta or if they don't offer that just order the Greek salad and ask them not to use the feta.
The servers in Naxos pretty much all speak English so you can ask what dishes have cheese you will learn to avoid them fairly quickly.
As for bread my wife is totally gluten free and she still eats the bread on Naxos and has no problem whatsoever. It is made in local bakeries. Be sure to look for the wood fired oven in the bakery up in the old market area of town. it is absolutely the best bread.
Have fun planning
The servers in Naxos pretty much all speak English so you can ask what dishes have cheese you will learn to avoid them fairly quickly.
As for bread my wife is totally gluten free and she still eats the bread on Naxos and has no problem whatsoever. It is made in local bakeries. Be sure to look for the wood fired oven in the bakery up in the old market area of town. it is absolutely the best bread.
Have fun planning
