Dreamer2

Greetings!

I am trying to figure out the most cost effective way to get a family of 5 to Greece next April for appx 10 days.

The Globus Tour (RHX "Aegean Classical" )sounds pretty good, since it includes a reasonably priced 4-night cruise that stops at Mykonos, Heraklion, and Santorini (among others). However, I am a little disappointed that the tour does not include Corinth/Mycenae/Epidaurua on the land portion. But, I don't think I need to go through a tour operator for that, as I recall we can book land tours through all the hotels. And one in our party does speak Greek. But the cruise part is hard to find at a moderate price. So I thought of just extending our stay in Athens a bit... But then I believe we'll be "losing" part of the "good deal" of the package.

So, for those of you who have done family trips to Greece, that include Athens and the surrounding area, plus a visit to the above mentioned islands... How did you book it? Where did you get your best price? And how can we fit it all in to 10 days???

Thanks in advance for any info, suggestions, warnings, or advice!

lindam

You better check into the 4 day cruise. From what I understand, Royal Olympic went bankrupt and the company that took over is even worse. The ship is supposed to be old and dirty.

The islands are wonderful, but Athens is a disappointment. We've been twice (on cruises), but if we go again, I won't get off the ship!

Dreamer2

Well, I've been to Athens and Crete before, and really liked them both... but it was almost 20 years ago!

The Globus ships are the MTS Odysseus, Triton, and World Renaissance. Has anybody else had any experience with these? Which cruise lines did you use, Lindham?

I do want "cost effective," but I don't want "old and dirty!" My family is used to pretty nice accommodations, but I doubt we'll get as much "bang for the buck" in Europe. But I do want clean... Maybe something comparable to a Marriott hotel. Any suggestions for hotels in Athens, and shorter itinerary cruise lines?

grandmere

I can't imagine going to Greece and not seeing Athens.

Dreamer2, you could see those islands by organizing the trip yourself and taking a ferry and/or flying to them. I think you'd get a much better experience on the islands by spending the night(s) on them instead of just being a daytripper. BTW, if you do go to Crete and see only 1 city, I'd make it Chania, not Heraklion. And you really don't need to speak Greek to travel on the mainland or among the islands.

If you want a package for the island part of your trip, try Fantasy Travel.

I've not done a family trip to Greece but planned 2 trips for my husband and me, and had no problems. With only 10 days and wanting to see so many places on the mainland, I think I would limit myself to 2 islands. Santorini and Crete would be my choices, although there is so much to see on Crete, a couple of days would hardly do it justice. Probably Mykonos and Santorini, then. I imagine you know that April, unless it's unseasonably warm, would be too early for swimming in the sea.

Good luck planning your trip!

worldinabag

Hi

We used Cosmos, the budget arm of Globus. We did a 10 day land tour so can't comment about the cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The following link covers the places of interest including a cruise. Prices are for an outside cabin but cheaper rates are available for the inside cabins. However the trip is 15 days not 10. Also this is the Australian site so you need to find the eqivalent for Cosmos UK. http://www.globus.com.au/2002/tours/...amp;tCode=6511

See ya

kybourbon

www.homerictours.com advertises as America's #1 tour company to Greece. You might also look at www.gate1travel.com as they had a Greece special listed on Travel Zoo last week. I think www.go-today.com has packages but not really tours that include a few nights in Athens and the islands.

tropo

Have you ever thought of flying to London, or Manchester, then taking a holiday on one or two Greek Islands, ie, islands away from the maddening crowds of Myknonos, etc, with a company like Laskarina Holidays. They specialise in greek island locations, that try to give you a "true traditional" greek island holiday. You can stay in a hotel or better still (with a family)in a self contained apartment, in close proximity to the water/or harbour.

carolyn

We did a similar tour with Insight that included Mycenae but only the canal in Corinth. We also went to Delphi, Olympia, Meteora, and Sounion and did an optional day cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. I especially loved Delphi and the temple on Aegina.

Then our cruise went to Mykonos; Kusadasi, Turkey, for Ephesus; Patmos; Rhodes; Heraklion; and Santorini.

This was in 2003 and was quite a nice trip. We had a day of guided sightseeing in Athens and a free day before and one after the cruise.

Diane60030

I can speak first hand for Homeric tours. I went with a group and really enjoyed myself. They worked with us to customize our tour. We flew from the US to Mykonos stayed there for three days, island hopped on the Countess, and then 3 days in Athens. I believe they have add ons for the mainland.

Dreamer2

Thanks so much everyone! I'll print this out and save it to use in the fall. I'm thinking I should book around mid-Oct for an April trip. Agreed? I know we're trying to do too much for 10 days, but it will be our last big family trip before our older child heads off to college! They have 50% Greek heritage, and love history, so we're trying to see as much as possible. Yiayia is coming along too! So, any other tips, tricks, and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all your help.

travelinwifey

Here is the onfo on how to get the best price, I've copied and posted it from previous comments of mine:

www.trafalgartours4less.com will beat any other travel agency's rate, I highly recommend them for any tour group, they discount all tour operators. Then there's affordabletours.com and pavlustravel.com, and again this is for reference only because Trafalgartours4less will beat any competitor's rate.

I am 99% sure you will get the best discount through Trafalgartours4less, but you can price the other discounted websites above. Be sure you speak to the owner Charles Oppenheim, he won't be undersold. His rate will generally be $200 less than what the other online agencies offer.

Dreamer2

The Homeric tours do look great!

Travelinwifey: How does Trafalgar4less work? They discount Trafalgar tours? Or any - such as Homeric? The website seems kind of unfinished, and I can't figure out.

I'm thinking of skipping the cruise, and just visiting the islands we want. (Husband and I have only been on one tour - a gift to the Bahamas - and did not like it at all!) Our top picks are Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete (for the Palace of Knossos). Which do you all think would be the most "relaxing?" I'd like to go there last, and just do some relaxing on a beach, not touring ancient ruins. I know April is probably too cold for beach water... But how about a pool and some sand? Anyway, we're used to northern New England water all summer. Will it be colder than that?

Thanks again for any more info...

Dreamer2

Currently I am leaning towards the 12-day "Classic Delight" Homeric Tours, which includes 3 days Athens, 4 day land tour (Olympia, Delphi, etc), and 4 day cruise (Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Turkey).

But - I think we're all going to be run-ragged. I hate to invest the time and money and NOT tour the sites (esp since it's the kids' first visit), but I wish there was a way to relax a little on this trip, too. My son really wants to see all the ancient sites, my daughter really wants to experience their heritage with authenticity, and I would prefer to park on a beach, and perhaps renew marriage vows on Santorini. I'm afraid we'll be spending the first half of our vacation exploring rocks in the heat, and the second half cramped, seasick, and rushed.

I feel like the spoiled teenager here, and really need some reassurance from others who have done similar "tours" (we usually travel independently). But I can't figure a cost effective way to independently see Athens, the sites north of the city, and the islands. I'm usually pretty good at planning, but can't seem to put this together. I think I'm getting frustrated trying to make this trip all things to all people!

I've talked to a couple travel agents, but they mostly seem to just book tours like Homeric or Globus. I think it's less expensive to just do that myself directly. Right? One agent that would do a custom tour wanted a hefty deposit to start, but wouldn't commit to a possible range of per person pricing.

If we stay longer in a hotel in Athens, can we do day trip tours to Cornith and to Olympus? If we stay longer on Santorini, can we take a day cruise over to tour the Palace of Knossos? Or elsewhere? Where should I go to try to book something like this?

Thanks for your "ear!" And thanks in advance for any reassurance or tips.

travelinwifey

Hi Dreamer2, sorry I didn't see your message earlier. If I ever don't respond feel free to contact my email addy above

Yes, trafalgartours4less.com discounts 14% off the land portion of your tour. They also discount all tour companies(including Globus), not just Trafalgar. The email address is listed at the bottom of the page, just email for a price quote. Also check Trafalgar's website, they discount percentages depending on how far in advance you book ahead. This is in addition to the travel agency discounts, so it ends up being a significant amount.

The only tour company I'm not sure about is Homeric, I'm guessing they are a Eurpoean company? Be sure to ask TT4L if they do discount and what their price is.

In any event, do email TT4L and get a price quote

Also the trafalgartours.com message boards have a wealth of information. Click the "community" link and it will take you to the message boards section.

Greece sounds lovely, we are thinking of doing a cruise there next year.

Dreamer2

I'll check into it TravelinWifey; just got their brochure today.

Although, now I'm thinking maybe do it independently through a travel agent. I was thinking of contacting the woman who CN Traveler mag named as a top agent for Greece. Do you think it would matter that I'm in New England and she's in Pennsylvania? We could book any escorted day tours through her contacts or the hotel.

I've also just realized we'll be there over Greek Easter. I'm thinking we should get out of the city and be on an island for that. Anybody have any experience with that?

Thanks in advance for any further input. (Perhaps I should start a new thread with a more appropriate heading. Oh well...)