I'm planning a trip to Greece for about 5 families. None of us have been before. Ages tweens through 50's. Probably going early summer 2010. I'm looking for itinerary suggestions that would give us some flexibility. Thanks!

What sorts of activities do you have in mind? Looking for beaches, archaeology, culture, scenery? Islands or mainland?

Just the logistics of moving that many people around is mind-boggling. I would consider contacting Fantasy Travel or Dolphin Hellas Travel in Athens, two very reputable travel agents, to have them customize a trip for you.

thanks artsnlettters - We've all been to Europe a couple of times, but Greece is boggling our brains - we don't know where to start. Some of us thought that it would be nice to have a home base where we make day trips - potentially a small town/island where the kids would be safe enough to do a litle exploring on their own - like to town for a coffee, soda, etc. Archaeology, culture a must!

A couple possibilities come to mind (besides Athens, which I assume is on your list).

As a base, consider Nafplio (on the mainland). It's a delightful Venetian town, charming in itself, and from there you can day-trip to see Epidaurus (ancient amphitheater), Corinth, and ancient Mycenae (which predates classical Greece).

Then I'd consider Naxos for an island visit. There is a whitewashed old town, interesting archaeological sights, great beaches, and some cute inland villages. The kids should be able to do some independent wandering here. (Really, on most islands they'd be OK on their own.)

Susie --- I'm so GLAD you have started early on this planning, because it will require a LOT. Right away, you sound like a savvy traveler.

First Step -- spadework, but in the library, not the internet. Online content so vast it will overwhelm. TWO guides can help you focus;

#1-EYEWitness GUIDE: The Greek Islands (also includes Athens). IMHO, the best "overview" w. fotos AND super graphics & drawings (i.e., ancient ruins) that give good sense of the appeal of each place. Doesn't matter if edition is old -- sights don't get outdated. Fodors Guides also OK but maybe upscale & not good fit for your demographics.

#2-"Greek Island-Hopping",pub by Th. Cook. If not in libe, browse & buy at bookstore. ESSENTIAL for reality check for large groups. Shows how islands link via ferries AND DON'T link. Helps you put together do-able itinerary, minimize time wasted in transport.

I agree that a Greece-based agency may ease the planning/booking chore for you at little or no added cost, but ONLY if you know enough so you won't be lured into expensive isles and lodgings that are not suitable for your interests or needs. Contact agency/agencies only after you have made basic choices on must-sees and budget priorities.

Key Factors for You --
(A)TIMING --JUNE is SO much better than July; August is worst--so hot, crowded w. all of EU on holiday! Not to mention the most expensive. Start the DAY the kids get out of school!

(2)TRIP LENGTH -- How many days? (not counting day of return). There's a big difference between 12 days and 16 days; ease vs. rush-rush-rush.

(3)KIDS/ADULTS -- Destinations where Kids can wander some on their own & activities beyond ruins/mueums are key...if kids ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! There are places that work well re this, others not at all.

(4)SEQUENCE -- The "Base" idea works swell in Tuscany, where you jump in cars & drive away & back. In Greece, not so much!! Ferries don't do well for day trips, waste precious time. A few isles (Naxos Paros Samos) have day excursions that help. But usually you "do" an isle then move on. (That's why they call it "island hopping", duh.)

A possible itinerary might involve Athens, Nafplio on the Peloponnese and 2 Cycladic isles or (Crete & 1 cycladic island)in 14-16 days.E-mail me for some further ruminations.