Greece with pre- and teens
 

We are thinking about Greece for the summer of 2005. Our boys will be 17,15, and 12. We live on Florida's west coast, so beaches will not be a huge thrill - I'm thinking more of well-preserved ruins, some easy outdoor stuff (walks, easy kayaking, is there horseback riding or hot air ballooning, castles/weapons for the youngest). We will have two weeks. I went on a cruise with my parents 33 years ago and fell in love with the islands - the kids love the Gerald Durrell books - islands/Corfu will definately be part of our trip.

Thanks for any itinerary/activities help...Adee

Crete is a good place b/c it is so large and offers a variety of different kinds of activities: hiking (11 mile trek down Samarian Gorge, eg), ruins, beaches, just to name a few. A 2-3 day stop at Santorini on the way would provide a stunning sight not seen anywhere else. Your children might like going one way by ferry, instead of flying RT to the islands.
It sounds like a wonderful trip for all of you; have fun planning--and doing!

My kids loved the ferries and on the overnight trips you can get a room that is near the cost of a hotel room.

adeewebstr - I believe you are talking about Lawrence and not Gerald Durrell (brothers). Gerald's books are primarily natural science, while Lawrence wrote of his experiences in the Eastern Mediterranean. In any event you should be very pleased that your sons show an interest in his works. As "Prospero's Cell" turned your kids on to Corfu - You might also consider a trip to Cyprus - described in "Bitter Lemons" - my favorite Durrell work. Also consider exploring the Aegean or Lycean Coast of Turkey. Unbelievable history with a multitude of Greek and Roman ruins, Crusader castles and a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and hot air balloon rides (at least in Cappadocia).

Beg to differ CharlieB, but the books by Gerald Durrell are the ones which most will remember, they have been school set texts for many years and, whilst full of natural Science, are also wonderful relivings of his families time on Corfu.

Stephen - I beg to differ - if only to a minor degree. I agree that Gerald might be more popular and an "easier" read than Lawrence and I admit that I had forgotten about "My Family and Other Animals" which indeed does deal with Durrell family while on Corfu. If,indeed adeewebstr's children developed their interest in Corfu because of Gerald's book, then reading "Prospero's Cell" would be an excellent companion read. I still maintain that Gerald is known primarily for his books on natural science, while Lawrence is known for his novels (Alexandria Quartet) and his travel writings. As a young man I traveled to Rhodes because of "Reflections of a Marine Venus" and to Corfu because of "Prospero's Cell".

I think Lawrence, the novelist, is far better known, but the 12-year-old is more likely to have read Gerald. But both of their books will help various travelers get a feel for parts of Greece and elsewhere in the Mediterranean, so the safest thing is just to recommend reading "the Durrells." :)

Gerald Durrell's "My Family & Other Animals" sparked a desperate longing in me to visit Greece when I read it as one of the set books for my English literature 'O' level at age 14. When I finally made it there a few years later I wasn't disappointed and I turned 50 this year and am still just as desperate to return to Greece year after year :-)

Corfu is a beautiful island, so long as you avoid the obvious package-tour hell-holes (Kavos being the worst). I'm not sure about horse riding, but there are plenty of watersports available in the resorts and paragliding might be an alternative to hot air ballooning. Also lots of lovely walks through beautiful olive groves - try and get hold of a copy of Noel Rochford's Landscapes of Corfu for ideas.

As for castles, I'm sure your youngest would love the Old Fort in Corfu Town and there are countless other museums and palaces to visit.

A couple of good information sites about Corfu are
http://www.allcorfu.com/
and
http://www.corfuxenos.gr/search_page.htm
The latter one is nothing to do with me - a completely different Xenos!

Thank you all so much - I was amazed to find so much helpful information posted just since last night! I'm afraid I was a bit misleading about the books, though. I said "books" when I really meant "book": My Family and other Animals. They do enjoy all of Gerald Durrell's books, but There is only one (was there a second?) about Corfu. I hadn't thought about Bitter Lemons - I need to get that for my oldest before we go - thanks!

What about language difficulties? I must say that a foreign language with a different alphabet is a little scarey. Adee

Adee - I apologize for jumping to the conclusion as to which Durrell your kids had read. But what a great opportunity introduce them to Lawrence Durrell - they could read both books and compare the views of 2 brothers growing up in Corfu and their different literary styles. Stephen is right, as I suspect they will like Gerald better! I would also suggest that you give the kids the task of learning the Greek alphabet so that they will be able to sound out the signs and menus for you. Given their interest in Corfu, I bet they would jump at the chance to become an integral and necessary part of your travels! Nothing like empowerment! Have a wonderful trip!

I concur with CharlieB on this one, the Lawrence Durrell books make a nice counterpoint and a more adult read. You will enjoy Corfu and there should be no problem with the language, menus are almost always given in English, Greek and German, and English is universally spoken. The advice on learning the alphabet is crucial, however, if you want to rent a car - road signs out of the main town are almost always solely in Greek, especially off the beaten path, so if you are staying in an out of the way place it helps to know what towns like Sidari and Kassiopi are in their natural spelling.