Alice9

I think I've outlined the bones of a 2 week trip to Greece and I'd like a little feedback, if possible before I move ahead. So many informed users on this forum! So let's see:
1) I'm thinking of going the first 2 weeks of June. I figure it's before high season, weather should be good - sound okay?
2) Itinerary-wise - Athens (maybe some side trips), I'm not sure how many days to allocate here; then 3 islands - I'm thinking Naxos, Santorini and Rhodes. Maybe adding in Turkey, but might be too much for 2 weeks. I thought it might work to start in Athens, fly to Rhodes and then ferry my way back. Does this sound do-able? Good choices?
3) Transportation - we'd probably rent cars on Naxos and Rhodes, maybe Santorini too. Reasonable?
4) I usually plan and book everything myself, but I've seen many folks (and Matt) recommend using a Greek travel agency, I guess I looked at Fantasy. I COULD have them handle the inter-island travel only, or see if their hotels are okay. Is there advantage to using a local travel agency, or if I'm used to planning trips myself, should I just go for it?
5) How far in advance do I need to book for that time of year? Generally I get my international airfare done first, which nails down my dates. I usually would start looking after the first of the year. Soon enough?
6) Language - should it be a big issue for where we're going? I'll do some studying ahead and bring a phrasebook, but is English pretty prevalent?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice,
Alice

NaxosTravels

Hi Alice,

A few of my own thoughts are:

1. Athens - I'd spend no more than 3 days (without day trips) - its great but you have limited time and 2.5 days I think is perfectly sufficient for the city itself. You could add a day trip to see Nafplio or a long day trip to Delphi if that interests you.

2. June is nice - its just off high season so not yet chalked to the brim with tourists and the weather should be quite warm. The sea will still be cold but you can swim and scuba dive etc.

3. Islands - there are a ton of choices here. For a Rhodes/Santorini combo you will likely have to fly from Santorini to Athens then to Rhodes (and vice versa) - in my experience there are not great connections from the Cyclades to the Dodecanese Islands.
But maybe this has changed since I was last in Greece?

4. I don't think a car rental is necessary in Santorini. Public bus is easy and in English considering the number of tourists around. Consider a nice little boat trip to the volcano - its pretty and relaxing. I can't speak to car needs in Naxos or Rhodes. Lots of the cars for rent are Standards so keep that in mind.

5. You can do a day trip to Turkey from Rhodes if you want. It should be easy to join an organized excursion offered by the numerous tourist agencies around.

6. Greece is easy to travel in. I don't think an agency is necessary at all personally. English is everywhere - especially where tourism is prevelent - and it is were you are thinking of going. A good guide book (I would use a Lonely Planet in conjunction with some other book, Fodors etc - sorry Fodors) should give you all the info you need. Its polite and helpful to learn a few key phrases but I wouldn't worry at all.

Greece is lovely and a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Naxos

johnnieb

If it was me, I'd save Athens for last! Its a great city! try to get 3 nights there at least. I don't know where you are flying in from, but de-lag is easier on an island! If you fly into Athens, why not just keep going. Waking up in Old Town Rhodes, or overlooking the Caldera in Oia, Santorini is magical. This way you can rest up, I think Oia is perfect for your first 2 nights. Cars are readily available in June, you can shop one of the local offices. Since you sound like an independent traveler, I'd check out Olympic and Aegean Airlines websites (register on the Aegean site and sign up for specials, they offer some great specials on some super cheap fares).
You cannot fly from Santorini without going through Athens on the 2 major carriers, but Sky Express does a daily from Santorini to Rhodes (and back), so if you do not mind a small plane, you can check out that option, I'd skip a trip to Turkey on this trip, if its only a day trip, as you will want to maximize your time. If your budget is medium and not tight, there are lots of lodging options. I like Strogili House in Oia, (but BLL is the expert on this stuff) it is at the edge of the village, and kind of removed with fabulous views. It is not a luxury hotel, but they do have an adjacent pool, and I would say it is comfortable and ecclectic.
In Rhodes, check out the Spot Hotel in Old Town, the owner Lee,will hook you up with a rental deal, and give you great direction on what to see. I'd say minimum 3 days. Rhodes Old Town makes a good base, unless you want to be beachside every minute. I have not been to Naxos for years, so cannot comment, other than to say I remember it being lovely..but they all are! I think 3 nights at the end of your trip will be the bare minimum for Athens. IMHO. My next trip to Rhodes, I am going to discover Karpathos, which a good friend that I trust tells me is fabulous, There is a daily flight form Rhodes, as well as boats. If you want something totally different and less touristic
(which I crave). Just a few ideas.
Have fun! and do the trip yourself (if you get into the planning..)whats the worst thing that could happen?!
Virtually everyone speaks enough English to help..and Greeks are usually helpful. You are going to love it.

luvtotravel

It's been many years, but we took an overnight ferry from Paros to Rhodes. The ferry stopped in Karpathos where my friend spontaneously got off and we met up on Rhodes. Maybe they don't offer the ferry any more. We had a first class cabin and dined in the first class dining room with only two other passengers. Many people were traveling second class. The cost of the first class cabin (this is in 1990) was the same as a low priced hotel room.

Why do you want to go to Rhodes? Not my favorite island and a bit out of the way if you are concentrating on the cyclades. I haven't been to Crete, but I would substitute Crete for Rhodes. Should be easier to get to Crete from Santorini than Rhodes.

My favorite island is Mykonos. Did you rule out Mykonos for a reason? Or perhaps Paros?

yestravel

I think 2 or 3 days in Athens is fine. I also agree that Crete might be a good subsitute for Rhodes..makes it much easier to get around to Santorini and Naxos. Crete is fantastic with much to see and do. We rented a car in Naxos to drive around the island and was glad we did. Didn't bother to rent a car in Santorini. I dont think you need to use a travel agency. Very easy to make all arrangments over the internet. Enjoy your planning and the trip.

Alice9

Okay, some good suggestions - I very much like the idea of ending up in Athens, rather than starting there. A number of years ago on a trip to Italy, we started in Tuscany and ended in Rome, sort of the same idea.

I feel better about planning this myself, and it's good to know English is not a problem. No car on Santorini seems to be the consensus. And you've confirmed my plan of going the first 2 weeks of June.

I'll consider Crete instead of Rhodes, although I've always thought that Crete could be a whole trip by itself. Why Rhodes? Lots of history, there's a Jewish quarter that I'm interested in, proximity to Turkey... But nothing is in stone yet. Crete is certainly closer to our other destinations. I didn't pick Mykonos because it sounds like more of a party island. Mykonos sounds like it's more for a younger (than we are) crowd. Is that a misconception on my part?

Thanks for all your good suggestions, I'll do some more work and very likely come back with MORE questions.

Alice

yestravel

Rhodes was on the top of my list for our last trip, but the transportation logistics meant we would lose too much time getting there and then onto the next destination. We spent about a week on Crete and one could defintely spend more, but I think in 5 days you could see a lot. It's a short hop from Athens and then u can take the ferry to Santorini and then on to Naxos or reverse. I never found Mykonos to be as compelling as other places and agree that its great for late night outs. Great beaches though.

luvtotravel

I know Mykonos is known for its nightlife, but I'm not and never have been a nightlife person. Having been to Mykonos twice, I enjoyed the quiet mornings wandering while the night revelers slept. I watched the women dressed in their black garb sweep their sidewalks while the many cats searched for their breakfasts. Both times I stayed in Plati Yalos (1989 and 1999). My cousins (in their 50s) just returned from Greece and said their favorite island was Mykonos. An alternative to Mykonos is Paros, and Paros might be easier for transportation. On Paros we stayed in Naossa (I'm pretty sure I'm spelling that wrong) when it was still a small fishing village. Not sure that description would still apply.

I was asked recently how I deal with stress. My answer was, "I close my eyes and I take myself to Mykonos." I've been many places, but Mykonos has a special place in my heart.

johnnieb

I love Rhodes, I have been traveling to Greece since I was a child. I think Rhodes is the place you find the greatest diversity of things in one place, with the best weather in Greece. Crete is fab, but to do it justice, I think a week
is needed. In Rhodes the magic of Old Town and the Knights of St John, the beaches at the far end of the island where it is still possible to find a deserted special place, The driving in Rhodes is the most civilized in Greece (thats a relative thing though! ,and the roads are in good shape. The Acropolis at Lindos is breathtaking,
and the baths at Kalithea have to be seen! There is plenty to do. If you need restaurant suggestions, let me know. I visit a new island each visit, but never forego at least 3 nights in beautiful Old Town. We like to travel around in a car during the day, and return after the cruise ships have left, and Old Town is so romantic. Have fun!

travelerjan

luv to travel -- on Paros, Naoussa is mainly touristic, the fishing boats are just for photo-taking now I think. But there ARE places on the island that are more serene ... Naxos also is big enough that it's not as impacted by tourists, and going in June Alice will beat the high=season crowds.

Last time i was in Mykonos overnight (forced to, en route from Samos, in order to get a ferry to Naxos) even in Mid-May, the crowds of white-haired cruise people buying jewelry and costly designer clothes was almost oppressive in Mykonos town. ALas.

NaxosTravels

I've been to Mykonos in June and really enjoyed it - for what it is to be specific. Its relaxing to wander around the pretty car-free streets and look at all the shops. It wasn't yet brimming with toursits in June, but there were enough for plenty of people watching. Nice beaches are all over and Delos makes a fantastic day-trip. I am not a party animal in the least - but found Mykonos perfectly fun for a few days (no more than...4 I'd say - 3 would probably be fine too).

Naxos

luvtotravel

I'm sorry to hear about Naoussa. I've been to Greece four times -- the last time in 1999. I want to go back, but I'm concerned about how much it has changed. Next year is Italy, but I was thinking about going back to Greece in 2010. After visiting six other European countries (mostly cities), I found Greece to be the most "unique." The people, the food, the music, the architecture. I even adjusted to no shower curtains. Each time I go back it seems...more modern somehow.

Sorry...don't let me sway you away from Greece. I live in California and it is a long way from here. There is a reason why I keep making that long trip and why I keep dreaming of those beautiful islands.

travelinggrl

I have a few suggestions. I went to Greece 2 years ago during the second two weeks of June, which I thought was the perfect time of year to see Greece. It wasn't too crowded yet, prices were still lower, but it wasn't cold either.

Itinerary-wise, I visited Athens, Naxos, Ios and Santorini. I would say spend maybe 2-3 days in Athens, 3 days on Naxos (it is a relaxing island, and you may need a car, but not for all of the days), and 4-5 days in Santorini. Santorini was my favorite island, and if you're daring, I recommend renting scooters or an ATV instead of a car. The views while driving are breathtaking, and the island is small enough that you can easily go around it in one day on a scooter. You also must take a tour of the volcano! You can easily take a ferry from Athens to Naxos, and then from Naxos to Santorini. There are the slower ferries which are pretty cheap, and then there are high speed hydroplane ferries, which are a little pricier, but save a lot of time.

As for booking rooms, I recommend waiting until you arrive for the islands. You may want to book a hotel in Athens, but I found there were always rooms available on the islands during this time of year, and the prices were very reasonable. People will be waiting at the ferry terminals to show you rooms for rent, and you can see the room before you decide to take it. This gives you a lot more freedom too, in case you get tired of one island, or want to stay on an island longer. You can also buy ferry tickets the day of, or night before you go to another island, as they rarely fill completely during this time of year.

As for language, I didn't have any problems. Many people speak English, maybe because many of the television programs are actually in English. Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to returning to Greece sometime soon.

Alice9

So many good suggestions! I'm glad most folks like Naxos, and I think I'll stay away from Mykonos this time, the vision of the cruise ships scared me off.

I'm still considering Crete because of the distance, but johnnieb is making me lean back towards Rhodes... are flights between islands unreasonable?

I don't know about waiting to book hotel rooms until we're there (other than Athens), I usually like to have everything arranged ahead, so I don't have to think about it. I've found that some people can go with the flow and some (like me!) need a little more control. I AM glad to hear that June is a good time to go, I'm pretty settled on that.

Maybe starting in Rhodes, then Santorini, then Naxos then Athens? Does that sound reasonable? 4 days, 4 days, 3 days, 3 days?

Alice

brotherleelove2004

Be sure of your timing. Ferries between Rhodes and Santorini are scarce, only once or twice each week in June, and you would have to have it all planned out in advance to make it work. That ferry is also quite slow. Crete would be a much better option in terms of frequency of ferry traffic.

www.skyexpress.gr offers flights between Rhodes and Santorini.

johnnieb

By registering with Aegean Airlines website, and getting on their e mail list for specials, I was able to book r/t to Rhodes for about 100 euros (worth the splurge)this fall.
(its an hour flight). On most occassions, we visit most islands by boat first, return to the Athens airport, where we check our newly purchased goodies, (and some dirty laundry lol!) at Pacific Travels 24 hour a day baggage check, and then jump a plane for Rhodes, on our way back (we always leave Athens for last), we pick up our stuff and head into the city for our last few days..Rafina is close to the airport, so if you return to the mainland via Rafina, you can get to the airport quickly by bus. No matter, crete or Rhodes you are sure to have fun. I love the era of the "Crusaders" and find that Old Town of Rhodes incredible. Happy planning!

cd

Alice
The good thing about your decisions are there are no WRONG decisions. You're going to have a great time no matter what islands you choose.

We enjoyed Athens but IMO unless you are taking side trips I would spend more time on the islands and less time in Athens. Rhodes was probably our favorite, the old walled city is great to explore and Lindos is just beautiful! We also loved walking the small,narrow,white streets of Mykonos and the many olive trees on Create was a special sight. The views from Oia,Santorini is some of the best views I have ever seen! However, I personally would not spend a lot of time on Santorini because I have bad knees and every place I walked, was UP and it hurt.

If you have time and can do a day trip to Ephesus, Turkey, the ruins are amazing. Walking the street there I saw St John, St Paul and Mark Anthony and Cleopatra walking the very same stone street. Awesome.

telechick

I don't have any real opinions on your itinerary since everyone has given you good suggestions - definitely do a boat trip to the crater if you're on Santorini. BUT, don't fly Olypmic. Agean is a much better choice, even if it happens to be a little more expensive. My father lives in Greece and he and his wife refuse to fly Olympic b/c they're always cancelling flights at the last minute and the customer service is so terrible.
Personally, I think there are other islands than the ones mentioned that are more enjoyable/"authentic" (Hydra, Folegandros, Andros, even Spetse holds a special place for me but only as a quick beach getaway) than the usual suspects of Santorini and Mykonos. It doesn't really matter though, b/c as someone said you'll have a great time no matter which island you visit.

yestravel

In terms of the flights Aegean runs some really good specials. We paid somethng like $20 from Athens to Crete. Watch the web site regularly if you want to grab one of them.

Alice9

Okay, I signed up for the Aegean Airlines newsletter, good idea, johnnieb. I'm going to start monitoring airfares to/from Athens, and also start investigating ferries, so I can get a real itinerary with dates and number of days each place. I'll be sure to run it buy you experts, thanks VERY much for sharing all your experience, it's so helpful.

I LOVE planning trips. My husband leaves it all up to me, and doesn't even open a tour book until he's on the plane. (Well, he IS interested in how much it's going to cost!). All the anticipation makes the event itself more special, I think. And doing your homework ensures a smooth trip, no nasty surprises (the museum is closed on the only day you've allocated for it). If only we could control the weather, it would be perfect! (I DO, however, look to see what months are best weather-wise as part of my planning).

Thanks again everyone,
Alice