4 LADIES AND THE GREEK ISLES
Nov 2nd, 2012, 12:00 PM
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4 LADIES AND THE GREEK ISLES
We will be visiting Greece for the 1st time beginning June 2013 for +- 14 days. Our group consists of 4 young at heart , medium fit, 50+ friends.
Our temporary Itenarary is as follows
br />
Day 1 Arrive Athens Relax
Day 2 - 7 Catch Ferrie and island hop to ?
Day 8- 11 Santorini
Day 12 - 15 Athens
Day 16 Depart Athens
Can you please make suggestions which islands to visit .
We are interested in relaxing and getting to know what the local people do. 20% of historical sight seeing is OK.
Would you suggest adding only 1 more island and adding on more days in Athens?
I must add that I would love to do a short 1 or 2 days yacht sailing trip. Is this possible and from which marina ?
Your advice please.
Our temporary Itenarary is as follows
br />
Day 1 Arrive Athens RelaxDay 2 - 7 Catch Ferrie and island hop to ?
Day 8- 11 Santorini
Day 12 - 15 Athens
Day 16 Depart Athens
Can you please make suggestions which islands to visit .
We are interested in relaxing and getting to know what the local people do. 20% of historical sight seeing is OK.
Would you suggest adding only 1 more island and adding on more days in Athens?
I must add that I would love to do a short 1 or 2 days yacht sailing trip. Is this possible and from which marina ?
Your advice please.
Nov 2nd, 2012, 01:52 PM
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You have the makings of a good trip, and I agree with your itinerary. For days 2-7 I suggest you stop at Naxos, which is on the same ferry route as Santorini. It has an interesting main town, fine beaches, and picturesque inland villages. Another alternative would be Paros/Antiparos, also on the same ferry route.
You could check with the local marinas to see what yacht sailing trips are available.Yacht charters tend to be expensive, as you can see on http://www.yachts-sailing.com/yacht_...cyclades/naxos. I'm sure you could find something cheaper, though. Antiparos has round-island cruises, which aren't quite the same thing, but fun nevertheless. and only about €40-50.
You could check with the local marinas to see what yacht sailing trips are available.Yacht charters tend to be expensive, as you can see on http://www.yachts-sailing.com/yacht_...cyclades/naxos. I'm sure you could find something cheaper, though. Antiparos has round-island cruises, which aren't quite the same thing, but fun nevertheless. and only about €40-50.
Nov 2nd, 2012, 04:23 PM
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The island of Aigina (http://www.aeginagreece.com/aegina/p...roduction.html) is a nice day trip from the harbor of Pireus (Sthens) and well worth a a visit. The above website gives you a lot of useful information. I took the slow boat over, that fast boat back.
Nov 2nd, 2012, 10:11 PM
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Thanks treplow. I will investigate.
Heimdall, I agree, they are VERY expensive. The yacht part of our trip is a bucket list thing for me. I want to sleep on a yacht, dive off the yacht and swim in a cove and sail into the sunset.Sounds daft to some, I know.Originally, when our husbands were going to be part of this trip, we were going to charter a yacht for 7 days,(very reasonable) but unfortunately,that is no longer on.2 days, 1 night is enough for me. I think on Santorini there is a co.offering something like that.
Heimdall, I agree, they are VERY expensive. The yacht part of our trip is a bucket list thing for me. I want to sleep on a yacht, dive off the yacht and swim in a cove and sail into the sunset.Sounds daft to some, I know.Originally, when our husbands were going to be part of this trip, we were going to charter a yacht for 7 days,(very reasonable) but unfortunately,that is no longer on.2 days, 1 night is enough for me. I think on Santorini there is a co.offering something like that.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 06:13 AM
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On Santorini check with www.santorini-yachts.com, www.santorinisailing.com, www.sailinginsantorini.com and www.sailingsantorini.com
Nov 3rd, 2012, 06:55 AM
#7
I don't think I could do this, but you might be interested.
http://www.gadventures.com/trips/gre...nos/GVAM/2013/
There are quiet a few companies that offer these small yacht excursions (8-10 people). Quarters seem cramped, but they seem to put in at smaller islands. You can search for other companies.
http://www.gadventures.com/trips/gre...nos/GVAM/2013/
There are quiet a few companies that offer these small yacht excursions (8-10 people). Quarters seem cramped, but they seem to put in at smaller islands. You can search for other companies.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 10:08 PM
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kybourbon, thanks for your recommendation.
However,I have selected Captain Ted (www.santorini.com) for the sailing trip,Thanks for suggestion, brotherleelove2004. There are a lot of good reviews on his Dream Catcher, which sounds perfect for our needs.
Next question, should I make reservations for accommodation besides Santorini?
However,I have selected Captain Ted (www.santorini.com) for the sailing trip,Thanks for suggestion, brotherleelove2004. There are a lot of good reviews on his Dream Catcher, which sounds perfect for our needs.
Next question, should I make reservations for accommodation besides Santorini?
Nov 3rd, 2012, 11:58 PM
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Next question, should I make reservations for accommodation besides Santorini?
That's entirely up to you, as there is plenty of excess accommodation on the islands in early June, even on Santorini. If you just want a clean, inexpensive room, there are lots of people waiting at the ferry docks with all sorts of accommodation, mainly rooms with twin beds and private wc/shower. You could also walk around and find a room yourself, but that would be time consuming.
My suggestion would be to book a room. You have plenty of time to decide, as hotel owners on most islands (Santorini an exception) don't even open their books for reservations until after the new year. You will find lots of suggestions for rooms on Paros and Naxos on this board and on Trip Advisor. Do some homework and first decide what part of the island you would like to stay, e.g. Parikia or Naoussa on Paros, and St George or Agios Prokopios on Naxos. Then check out the reviews, make a decision, and book the rooms yourself. Be aware that many hotel owners are slow to answer their emails this time of year, as they are still on break after working 7 days/week all summer.
That's entirely up to you, as there is plenty of excess accommodation on the islands in early June, even on Santorini. If you just want a clean, inexpensive room, there are lots of people waiting at the ferry docks with all sorts of accommodation, mainly rooms with twin beds and private wc/shower. You could also walk around and find a room yourself, but that would be time consuming.
My suggestion would be to book a room. You have plenty of time to decide, as hotel owners on most islands (Santorini an exception) don't even open their books for reservations until after the new year. You will find lots of suggestions for rooms on Paros and Naxos on this board and on Trip Advisor. Do some homework and first decide what part of the island you would like to stay, e.g. Parikia or Naoussa on Paros, and St George or Agios Prokopios on Naxos. Then check out the reviews, make a decision, and book the rooms yourself. Be aware that many hotel owners are slow to answer their emails this time of year, as they are still on break after working 7 days/week all summer.
Nov 5th, 2012, 05:35 AM
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I spent 2 & 1/2 weeks in Greece in Sept 2010 visiting Athens, Nafplio, Crete, and Santorini so a few suggestions for you.
As far as accommodations, there are times it's advantageous to be in a hotel for concierge services, etc. but you may also want to consider renting apartments to give you more space, a kitchen/living area - the daily cost is frequently equivalent or even less than hotel rooms. I have used the VRBO website successfully but there are also many other online rental sites that you could check out. Many rentals have a minimum night rental requirement so that's a factor as well.
Consider flying immediately to your first island, Naxos, Paros, or Santorini (whatever makes sense logistically) when you land in Athens and save Athens for the end of the trip - many on this Forum recommend doing
this with good reason given delays (weather, airline or ferry strikes, etc.) that can occur traveling from the islands back to Athens. It is better to be back in Athens (or nearby) the night before you fly home.
Consider splitting your first 10 days among Naxos, Paros, and Santorini. Or just choose 2 if you want to minimize time lost in transition. You could also decide to stay on either Naxos or Paros and visit the other island on a day trip since they are close by and on the same ferry system. We stayed 3 nights in Oia, Santorini and would have included Naxos and Paros in our itinerary if we had not done Crete. Suggest you read some Fodors Trip Reports on Naxos/Paros which will give you a good sense of these islands - they both sound so wonderful and relaxing to me. And a huge plus - no cruise ship crowds.
Santorini is lovely and we are very glad we went but during the day we encountered thousands of cruise ship passengers - to get away from the crowds we did a sailboat cruise one day and a wine tour the next. I have
heard positive reviews about Captain Ted's boat tour (we did not do that one.) I do recommend Santorini Wine Tour with sommelier Vaios Panagiotoulas, he is excellent, very knowledgeable and personable, read the Trip Advisor reviews. We really enjoyed the tour and you get a mini-history lesson of Santorini as well.
http://www.santoriniwinetour.com/index.php/en/
For day trips from Athens, consider hiring a private driver (especially since there are 4 of you to split the cost.) It will give you so much flexibility and the cost may not be much higher than what each of you would pay for a group tour. Were you planning to rent a car? Don't! We did and it was quite stressful - Greek people are lovely but not behind the wheel when many feel they can disregard traffic rules (as they say - "traffic signs are merely a suggestion") also driving on very narrow historic alleyways is quite a hair-raising experience! I have the name of a private driver if you are interested, very nice guy, recommended by a Fodors poster, we used him for airport transfers but in hindsight wish we had hired him for day or even overnight trips - it would have been more efficient since he knows the area so well and so much less stressful than driving ourselves. He is very flexible and can make suggestions and put together an itinerary based on your interests.
Takis Kandylas
email: [email protected]
cell #: 30 6932539130
While in Athens, consider touring part of the Peloponnese, it has it all - historic sites, natural beauty, seaside towns, beautiful beaches, mountains, etc. We stayed in Nafplion - one of the most beautiful seaside towns you will ever see and a great base for day trips to tour historic sites Corinth Canal, Corinth, Acrocorinth, Mycenae, Epidauras Theater. Many additional sites to visit in the southern and western sections of the Peloponnese that we did not get to (Mystras, Monemvasia, Mani Peninsula, Dirou Caves, Ancient Olympia) and quaint seaside villages but you will probably not have time to include. Our next trip we plan to focus on the Peloponnese - we liked it that much.
Another possible day trip from Athens is the Oracle of Delphi. I highly recommend hiring this tour guide, Penny, to do a private tour - found her through Rick Steves. She is in the DVD "The True Story of Alexander the Great" and is one of the best historic tour guides I have ever had anywhere - quite knowledgeable, great sense of humor, tells wonderful stories that really bring the history to life. We hired her for 2 hours which was not long enough - would recommend at least 3 hours - her tour usually includes both the Delphi Museum and the site itself. She is delightful, worth the cost, I recall our 2 hour tour was approximately 100 euros total.
Pagona Kolomvotsou (nickname "Penny")
[email protected]
cell #: 6944 64 44 27
Our final night in Greece we stayed in Sounio (instead of Athens) 45 minutes south of Athens airport, in order to experience sunset at the Temple of Poseidon (another Fodors forum suggestion) - you could also
do it as a late afternoon/early evening trip and return to Athens to spend the night - it's breathtaking - and a awe-inspiring way to end your trip.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobesh14/1124529951/
Hope this was helpful. Happy to answer any questions. Have a wonderful time!
As far as accommodations, there are times it's advantageous to be in a hotel for concierge services, etc. but you may also want to consider renting apartments to give you more space, a kitchen/living area - the daily cost is frequently equivalent or even less than hotel rooms. I have used the VRBO website successfully but there are also many other online rental sites that you could check out. Many rentals have a minimum night rental requirement so that's a factor as well.
Consider flying immediately to your first island, Naxos, Paros, or Santorini (whatever makes sense logistically) when you land in Athens and save Athens for the end of the trip - many on this Forum recommend doing
this with good reason given delays (weather, airline or ferry strikes, etc.) that can occur traveling from the islands back to Athens. It is better to be back in Athens (or nearby) the night before you fly home.
Consider splitting your first 10 days among Naxos, Paros, and Santorini. Or just choose 2 if you want to minimize time lost in transition. You could also decide to stay on either Naxos or Paros and visit the other island on a day trip since they are close by and on the same ferry system. We stayed 3 nights in Oia, Santorini and would have included Naxos and Paros in our itinerary if we had not done Crete. Suggest you read some Fodors Trip Reports on Naxos/Paros which will give you a good sense of these islands - they both sound so wonderful and relaxing to me. And a huge plus - no cruise ship crowds.
Santorini is lovely and we are very glad we went but during the day we encountered thousands of cruise ship passengers - to get away from the crowds we did a sailboat cruise one day and a wine tour the next. I have
heard positive reviews about Captain Ted's boat tour (we did not do that one.) I do recommend Santorini Wine Tour with sommelier Vaios Panagiotoulas, he is excellent, very knowledgeable and personable, read the Trip Advisor reviews. We really enjoyed the tour and you get a mini-history lesson of Santorini as well.
http://www.santoriniwinetour.com/index.php/en/
For day trips from Athens, consider hiring a private driver (especially since there are 4 of you to split the cost.) It will give you so much flexibility and the cost may not be much higher than what each of you would pay for a group tour. Were you planning to rent a car? Don't! We did and it was quite stressful - Greek people are lovely but not behind the wheel when many feel they can disregard traffic rules (as they say - "traffic signs are merely a suggestion") also driving on very narrow historic alleyways is quite a hair-raising experience! I have the name of a private driver if you are interested, very nice guy, recommended by a Fodors poster, we used him for airport transfers but in hindsight wish we had hired him for day or even overnight trips - it would have been more efficient since he knows the area so well and so much less stressful than driving ourselves. He is very flexible and can make suggestions and put together an itinerary based on your interests.
Takis Kandylas
email: [email protected]
cell #: 30 6932539130
While in Athens, consider touring part of the Peloponnese, it has it all - historic sites, natural beauty, seaside towns, beautiful beaches, mountains, etc. We stayed in Nafplion - one of the most beautiful seaside towns you will ever see and a great base for day trips to tour historic sites Corinth Canal, Corinth, Acrocorinth, Mycenae, Epidauras Theater. Many additional sites to visit in the southern and western sections of the Peloponnese that we did not get to (Mystras, Monemvasia, Mani Peninsula, Dirou Caves, Ancient Olympia) and quaint seaside villages but you will probably not have time to include. Our next trip we plan to focus on the Peloponnese - we liked it that much.
Another possible day trip from Athens is the Oracle of Delphi. I highly recommend hiring this tour guide, Penny, to do a private tour - found her through Rick Steves. She is in the DVD "The True Story of Alexander the Great" and is one of the best historic tour guides I have ever had anywhere - quite knowledgeable, great sense of humor, tells wonderful stories that really bring the history to life. We hired her for 2 hours which was not long enough - would recommend at least 3 hours - her tour usually includes both the Delphi Museum and the site itself. She is delightful, worth the cost, I recall our 2 hour tour was approximately 100 euros total.
Pagona Kolomvotsou (nickname "Penny")
[email protected]
cell #: 6944 64 44 27
Our final night in Greece we stayed in Sounio (instead of Athens) 45 minutes south of Athens airport, in order to experience sunset at the Temple of Poseidon (another Fodors forum suggestion) - you could also
do it as a late afternoon/early evening trip and return to Athens to spend the night - it's breathtaking - and a awe-inspiring way to end your trip.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobesh14/1124529951/
Hope this was helpful. Happy to answer any questions. Have a wonderful time!
Nov 7th, 2012, 03:50 AM
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Nomadlass, Thanks soooo much for this. I can almost see Greece through you eyes. Never thought of hiring a driver, after driving in Naples in 2010, God forbid that I should ever have to do it again!!Will definately make use of "Penny" and Takis. Earmarked a couple of your suggestions.
Nov 7th, 2012, 09:16 AM
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Ewanique - you are welcome. Guess you can tell, I absolutely fell in love with Greece - so many wonderful experiences including seeing the Acropolis for the first time, and then lit up at night from our hotel's rooftop bar…priceless…if you have a chance to stay at a hotel with that view, it is worth it. If you do contact Takis, please tell him the mother and 24 year old son from Connecticut referred you (I think he'll remember us.) I recall he was quite concerned when he heard we were renting a car and rightly so! I wish you a safe and exciting adventure in Greece and if you get a chance, let us know about the trip when you return. Bon voyage.
Nov 7th, 2012, 11:04 AM
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Hi Ewanique,
Most of the historic area in Athens is pedestrianised, so a private driver won't be very useful there. Recenty there have been recommendations on Trip Advisor about a new Athens tour company, run by Athenians who have a local's knowledge of the city, and can take you to places most tourists never get to see. Next time I am in Athens I will try it myself, but you may want to check out http://www.athens-walks.com.
Most of the historic area in Athens is pedestrianised, so a private driver won't be very useful there. Recenty there have been recommendations on Trip Advisor about a new Athens tour company, run by Athenians who have a local's knowledge of the city, and can take you to places most tourists never get to see. Next time I am in Athens I will try it myself, but you may want to check out http://www.athens-walks.com.
Nov 7th, 2012, 03:05 PM
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Agree you will not need a driver in Athens since the historic area is walkable. Private driver suggestion was for day trips outside Athens to the Peloponnese, Oracle at Delphi, Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, etc. The driver we used was very knowledgeable about Greek history especially the Peloponnese area where he grew up. But there are lots of tour options and
Heimdall's suggestion regarding "athens-walks" tour company looks like a good one - offering tours both inside Athens and outside the city.
Heimdall's suggestion regarding "athens-walks" tour company looks like a good one - offering tours both inside Athens and outside the city.
Nov 7th, 2012, 03:21 PM
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What is actually a driver?
Just someone with a car? They are not allowed to guide you in any of Greece's official archaeological and other sites.
Only licensed Tour guides can give tours, and are allowed to enter the official sites.
What kind of vehicle had this driver? In case of an accident was there an insurance included?
In an older post from 2007, Marinos2006 wrote about Takis Kandylas and another private driver :
>
As i said, this is a private person,without the license of a tour guide...
Just someone with a car? They are not allowed to guide you in any of Greece's official archaeological and other sites.
Only licensed Tour guides can give tours, and are allowed to enter the official sites.
What kind of vehicle had this driver? In case of an accident was there an insurance included?
In an older post from 2007, Marinos2006 wrote about Takis Kandylas and another private driver :
>
As i said, this is a private person,without the license of a tour guide...
Nov 7th, 2012, 06:21 PM
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I don't know where you are travelling from or what time you will arrive at your Athens hotel, but I have found that I need at least a day to recover from travelling so I spend at least one full day in Athens after the arrival day. I also would recommend Naxos and in June, I would recommend Naxos town as a base as it is still off season. Good to see you are not focused on Mykonos. Naxos has much more to offer.If ferry timetables work, then Amorgos is another island to consider or Folegandros but with limited time it may be difficult to work one of them in. 3 nights in Santorini would be enough as it is a small island.
Nov 8th, 2012, 06:30 AM
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We are travelling from South Africa via Frankfurt, landing in Athens 12h50.(15.5 hours) This trip is to celebrate my 60th birthday. Santorini is my personal choice. Half day islandtour, including wineries, next day, half day sailing. Both will be afternoons till past sunset, which will lead to dinner. That will leave the mornings open to lounge around the pool and soak up some sun and ambiance of Santorini, if there is such a thing.
The choice of the other 1/2 islands was left to my friends to come up with their top 2 choices each and then we will decide.
I have passed on your suggestions and now they have to "google" and in about a weeks time we will make our decision.
There is still another option... Get on a ferrie, and see what grabs us.
The choice of the other 1/2 islands was left to my friends to come up with their top 2 choices each and then we will decide.
I have passed on your suggestions and now they have to "google" and in about a weeks time we will make our decision.
There is still another option... Get on a ferrie, and see what grabs us.
Nov 8th, 2012, 06:51 AM
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Hi Clauser,
I take to heart your comments,In RSA we have what they call a Public Drivers Licence for "drivers" carrying passengers. I would like Nomadlass to give me feedback as to what extent the driver, Takis, was a "guide". Just driving around and giving general historical info as a family member would do for their visitors to their country or more in depth at historical sites. I have no intention of landing in trouble.
Does one pre-book for visits to historical sites?
I take to heart your comments,In RSA we have what they call a Public Drivers Licence for "drivers" carrying passengers. I would like Nomadlass to give me feedback as to what extent the driver, Takis, was a "guide". Just driving around and giving general historical info as a family member would do for their visitors to their country or more in depth at historical sites. I have no intention of landing in trouble.
Does one pre-book for visits to historical sites?
Nov 8th, 2012, 10:47 AM
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Hi Ewanique,
There is still another option... Get on a ferrie, and see what grabs us.
That is indeed an option! If arriving in Athens at 1250 you have time to get to Piraeus for the 1730 ferry to Paros and Naxos, but this particular one doesn't go on to Santorini. There are also afternoon ferries leaving from Rafina (near the airport) to Tinos and Mykonos. These ferries don't arrive on the islands until late in the evening, so wouldn't be my choice after a long transcontinental flight.
Your other options are to do as Chania suggests and spend the first night in Athens, or to take a connecting flight directly to the islands. Everyone has their own preferences, and mine is to go directly to the islands if I can find a connecting flight with a reasonable layover time. My reasoning is this: a flight to the islands, e.g. Santorini, takes about the same time (45 minutes) as it takes to get from the airport to central Athens. You don't have to waste time checking in and out of an Athens hotel and returning to the airport the next day. You can recover from jet lag on a tranquil island rather than in a busy city.
There is another option if you wish to go to the islands by ferry: spend the night in Athens as Chania recommends, then take an early morning ferry to the islands. Blue Star has a ferry leaving Piraeus at 0725, stopping at Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. There is also a Blue Star to Mykonos leaving about the same time.
There is still another option... Get on a ferrie, and see what grabs us.
That is indeed an option! If arriving in Athens at 1250 you have time to get to Piraeus for the 1730 ferry to Paros and Naxos, but this particular one doesn't go on to Santorini. There are also afternoon ferries leaving from Rafina (near the airport) to Tinos and Mykonos. These ferries don't arrive on the islands until late in the evening, so wouldn't be my choice after a long transcontinental flight.
Your other options are to do as Chania suggests and spend the first night in Athens, or to take a connecting flight directly to the islands. Everyone has their own preferences, and mine is to go directly to the islands if I can find a connecting flight with a reasonable layover time. My reasoning is this: a flight to the islands, e.g. Santorini, takes about the same time (45 minutes) as it takes to get from the airport to central Athens. You don't have to waste time checking in and out of an Athens hotel and returning to the airport the next day. You can recover from jet lag on a tranquil island rather than in a busy city.
There is another option if you wish to go to the islands by ferry: spend the night in Athens as Chania recommends, then take an early morning ferry to the islands. Blue Star has a ferry leaving Piraeus at 0725, stopping at Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. There is also a Blue Star to Mykonos leaving about the same time.
Nov 8th, 2012, 06:45 PM
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I agree with Heimdall that if you do not intend to stay a full day in Athens then a connecting flight would be the best option especially to Santorini if you can get it. I still think Naxos is the best other island option but Crete is also a possiblity. Crete is very big so it is a bit overwhelming for a short stay whereas Naxos is less formidable. I must say that I loved Amorgos and some how I will get back there. There you can get up and from your balcony see the locals working with their donkeys and heading out for the day. At night you can watch the donkeys eating the hotel flowers to the dismay of the hotel owners. A great little hiking island with nice beaches all on a small scale compared to Naxos.
