Tammzy

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum but have read a few posts on here. My husband and I are planning on going to greece in May2009. Originally it was just greece and the islands, I still have to decide where we are even going in Greece. We both love ruins and amazing scenery, not huge into museums and such.
I started searching for flights though and have found it is significantly cheaper to fly into rome. I'm wondering if perhaps we should fly into athens and out of rome or vice versa.
Any opinions on this plan?
Flying return to rome is even cheaper but I think the travel time would be too much to get from rome to greece and back to rome.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

brotherleelove2004

Before deciding check the connections for Rome>Athens>Rome flights on Aegean Airlines. The flights are short and if the timing's right you might even be able to catch some of their discounted promo fares.

http://www.aegeanair.com/

cathies

Hi Tammzy, I can't really help with the flight questions, but I can offer a little bit of help with the Greece planning.

You will love Greece if you are interested in ruins and scenery, in particular the Peloponese area. Do some research and you will see what I mean. My husband teaches Ancient History and he was thrilled with the sites we visited. We also spent a few days each in Athens and on Santorini and they both offered ruins and/or fabulous scenery.

Weadles

Last May we flew roundtrip into and out of Rome, then to and from Athens on AEGEAN. Flights were reasonably priced, and flight time to Athens from Rome was about two hours.

May is a great time for a visit, especially late May. We found few crowds and very good weather, although the water was still a little cold for swimming in Santorini!

Of the islands we've visited in the last few years, I'd highly recommend Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes. Also really loved Hydra, but that's an easy day trip from the port in Athens. I haven't made it yet to Naxos and Paros, both of which are on my wish list.

Santorini is a must if you're looking for "amazing scenery". Crete and Rhodes have "amazing scenery", plus ruins, beaches, and excellent food.

I've also heard wonderful things about Corfu, and that's now on my wish list, too. Maybe one of these years...

Have fun!

Carolina

When I fly to Greece, I fly to London and from there to Greece. This is usually cheaper and there are plenty of flights to Greece, especially form Gatwick airport. Easyjet flies to Athens from Gatwick and Luton, and to Thessaloniki from Gatwick. Aegean Airways also flies to Athens from Stansted. There are laso numerous charter flights from most British airports to may places in Greece. (Thomsonfly is pretty reliable). Easyjet have also started flying into Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu and Crete from Gatwick - their schedule and prices will be on sale in a week or so. Easyjet is cheaper the earlier you book, I am currently waiting for the Corfu flights to come on sale.
Another option, is to fly into Germany and take Air Berlin flights from there to Greece. Air Berlin has a great reputation.
Regarding where to visit, for ruins etc., the Peloponnese has a lot to offer - Corinth, Mycenae, Tyrins, Epidauros, Nafplion (lovely town). There are so many islands, it is difficult to pick one or two, but I would suggest that is what you do, maybe one of the larger ones and one or two at the most of the smaller ones. If you move around too much, you will see more islands but not really get to know them at all.

nashua

Am a first tme poster,will be going to Greece in the Fall. Has anyone been on a Matt barret suggested trip.i.e.Greece thru the centuries?

isabel

I'm also researching a trip to Greece (for June/July 09) and finding somewhat lower prices flying to Rome or London (than in and out of Athens). Curious what you are finding (which carriers, prices).