I have been waiting to go to Greece my whole life and am splurging on a 40th birthday trip. I have always assumed I would go to Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. But now that I look at the guides, I want to see other things too! But, I only have 12 days in June to do it, so I am torn. My likes are antiquities, beaches, romance (will be traveling with DH)and elegance. Mykonos appeals to me mainly due to delos and the winding streets - we're not night life people. Santorini looks amazing - although I hear Akitori is closed. But there is so much to see on the mainland. Any suggestions for a 12 day itinerary that will give me a sampling of Greece and all it has to offer?? I feel overwhelmed!!

You can take a boat excursion to Delos from either Paros or Naxos, so you don't have to actually stay on Mykonos unless it's something you can't live without. Both of these islands are close to Santorini and are excellent choices. They both have very charming port villages with winding alleyways to explore. The Delos excursion from either of these islands will also include a short stop on Mykonos so you can have a look around the main village. Whatever you do be SURE you go to Santorini, it's amazing. The village of Oia on the north end of the island is by far the most timeless and romantic village on the island. June is an excellent month to go. I haven't heard about a re-opening date for Akrotiri, but it's possible that by next June it will be open, you never can tell. Santorini also has Ancient Thera, on the mountain between Perissa and Kamari Beaches. The beaches are not what attracts most people to Santorini. Santorini's beaches are not the "normal" white sand variety, but are either red or black rock/pebbles/grit. Many people are disappointed by this. I just thought you should have it pointed out to you. Naxos and Paros both have excellent beaches.

If you want some recommendations for accomodations on Santorini let me know your daily room budget and I'll be happy to help. Most accomodations are either studios or small apartments with self-catering kitchenettes, but of course there are cheaper budget rooms as well as many 5* hotels with full hotel services if you prefer that.

I agree that Delos is not to be missed (in your planning note that the site is closed Mondays). Brotherleelove gives good advice on Santorini, and that should be another must-see on your itinerary.

Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos are all good choices for a second island. Mykonos is the most upmarket of the three, has a beautiful chora (main town), good beaches, and is the closest to Delos.

Naxos has the best beaches of the three, the next best chora after Mykonos IMO, and the majority of places of interest are easy to reach from Naxos Town.

Paros also has excellent beaches, and along with neighboring Antiparos, more to see than the other two, but spread out around the island. There is good bus service, but a car would be an advantage on Paros. IMO Paros needs more than a few days to fully appreciate.

Since this is your first trip to Greece, recommend you leave plenty of time for the wonderful sights on the mainland, including Athens, Delphi, and possibly Meteora and/or the Peloponnese. Check other threads for more info on the mainland.

thanks so much for the info! I sort of feel like maybe I need to divide greece into 2 trips - islands and mainland. If I focus on the islands and I go for Athens, santorini, naxos, and delos, that should be doable in 12 days without rushing it. Maybe sneak in a day trip to Mycanea from athens. For lodging, as this is my 40th I intend to splurge. Am thinking Grande Bretagne for athens, aigelos for santorini and ? for naxos. Ideas?

In the same price range as Aigialos but in the most beautiful and timeless village of Oia check out the Aspaki Suites and the Oia Castle.

Hi Ivy, to consider another point of view;

A) The great and unique focus of Athens is the Acropolis. There are very comfortable, but more moderate priced hotels in/near the Plaka which would save you a little money compared to the Grand Bretagne.

B) Another vote for Oia on Santorini. It is another special experience. Be sure to have your camera.

C) Save time using Aegean Airlines to hop to/from Santorini. They offer very reasonable airfares from time to time.

D) I agree, save the balance of the mainland for another trip which will also be wonderful.

If you want to splurge, for Naxos try Naxos Royal: http://www.greekhotel.com/cyclades/n...royal/home.htm

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"But there is so much to see on the mainland."

You're right, there is! Athens,Delphi, Meteora, the Pelponnesse - there's so much sightseeing to be done before you even think about the islands. Not that I'm trying to put you off. We had 3 nights in Paros and 2 in Santorini after a hectic 2 week tour of the mainland. I felt the holiday was a bit flat when we got there.I would do our whole tour again but miss out Paros. Santorini has to be seen.

While Santorini and Delos are not to be missed, I would also suggest Naplio, in the Peloponnese, especially if you are considering Mycenae. It is a lovely little port town, with a Byzantine influence, and only two hours or so from Athens. Myceane and Epadorus are quick trips (through vineyards) as well.

thanks everyone! am a little worried about the pelop. given the fire recently. anyone know if it's OK to go? Also, since I am going in the middle of June, before the technical "high season" does that mean that high speed ferries will be few and far between?

just wanted to thank yout brotherleelove - those hotels look AMAZING. will definetly be staying there!!!

You won't regret it! ;-)

Ivy, by the middle of June all the highspeeds are running. Regarding the Peloponnese, last summer's fires shouldn't affect your trip planning for next June.

We have made the trip you are describing a number of times. Here is what we did.
We travel transatlantic so arrive Athens about dinner time. We grab a quick dinner and begin the process of absorbing the Greek ambiance. We spend two nights in Athens and then head out to the airport and rent a car and take the easy drive to Naphlion.
It is really lovely, with three Venetian fortresses and it's Neoclassical architecture. On the way you will pass the Corinth Canal and Ancient Corinth. You can also take a 5 kilometer side trip to Ancient Nemia which was a rival to Olympia and has an intact stadium.
You can also visit Epadarus, Ancient Teirns and Mycene all within an hour of Naphlion.
You can return to the airport and catch a flight to Naxos and spend three or 4 days there, enjoying the maze of small alleys in Naxos town, the great beaches and the lovely mountain villages.
From Naxos there is a day excursion to Delos and Mykonos.
With respect to luxury hotels in Naxos there are very few of them, but in fact the best one is Naxos Royale. Heimdall has made a good recommendation. It is ideally situated only 30 meters from St George Beach and about a 15 minute walk to the center of Naxos town. That gives you the best of both worlds a beach holiday with access to the town but with a quiet sleep at night.
The last time we were in Naxos we toured the Naxos Royale and were impressed. At that time in June it was 120 euros per night.

Naxos is a short ferry hop to Santorini. All the previous posters have said Santorini is a must see and I agree. I would add one other thing though, the best way to see Santorini for the first time is from a ferry as it enters the Caldera. It is spectacular.

Because time is precious we fly back to Athens. We normally save the last night for Athens and a wind up dinner.

Here are our pictures of Naxos and Naphlion to whet your appetite.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/552001505EYxVYT

http://travel.webshots.com/album/551991579dJbWvh

thanks for all this great advice. 2 pending questions I have:

1) brotherleelove: Oia castle does not appear to have a pool - is that right? I've heard the beaches in Santorini are not all that good and that a pool with a view is a must? what's your feeling on that?

2)Stanb: great itinerary! do you stay the night in the pelopennese or is what you describe a day trip from athens? THANKS

Yes and no re the pool at Oia Castle. There's no outdoor common pool, but the Aqua Suite has a fantastic indoor grotto pool all its own.

As far as whether a pool is necessary, I've never felt the need for one. The swimming area below Oia at the end of the seawall that begins on the wharf at Amoudi is fantastic, for me the best swimming on the island. That's all I need.

Once you get to Naphlion you will not want to leave too fast. We always stay one or two nights.
There is so much to see and do that a day trip does not do it justice.

I know it cuts down on your time on the islands but it would be better to leave Naphlion for another time if you are tempted to do it in a day trip.
The plan I suggested is doable provided you fly to the Islands.

If you are willing to splurge then check out the Fanari Villas in Oia. We have stayed there twice and its magnificent! Right above the Amoudi Bay which you can easily walk down to and it's right at the tip of Oia from where you have the perfect view of the sunset from your private patio of your villa/room. You won't have to line-up along the ridge with hundreds of others waiting to see it! They also have a pool and sundeck and in the evening their restaurant is open and it is great. Very easy to walk into town; just a few minutes away.

thanks everyone, any suggestions for hotels in Mykonos? DH really wants to syat there. All seems very overpriced to me!!