Greek Island trip + Turkey (with girlfriend, age mid 20s)
May 9th, 2013, 12:27 PM
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Greek Island trip + Turkey (with girlfriend, age mid 20s)
Hi everyone
My girlfriend and I (age 24) want to do a greek island trip and possibly turkey sometime in either june or july of this summer. We will be traveling from Toronto. I have very little knowledge as to traveling in Greece and the little research I have done is a little overwhelming in terms of all the different places that we could go to and all the different ways in which we can accomplish this, as per cruise or whatever.
I don't think we want to do a cruise as most of the time will be spent on the boat rather than ashore. We plan to spend around 1-2 weeks on this vacation. As said before, my knowledge on Greece is very little. What I can tell you is that we want to experience some of the must see parts of the country that are very nice and not necessarily super touristy although if that cannot be avoided, that is OK. Where should we start? How many islands should we go to? Which ones? How should we travel amongst the various islands? Can we do around 3-4 days in Turkey as well? What are the most appropriate islands for people our age? We do not necessarily want to party a ton but places that attract a younger crowd is good for us. Please let me know what you guys think.
My girlfriend and I (age 24) want to do a greek island trip and possibly turkey sometime in either june or july of this summer. We will be traveling from Toronto. I have very little knowledge as to traveling in Greece and the little research I have done is a little overwhelming in terms of all the different places that we could go to and all the different ways in which we can accomplish this, as per cruise or whatever.
I don't think we want to do a cruise as most of the time will be spent on the boat rather than ashore. We plan to spend around 1-2 weeks on this vacation. As said before, my knowledge on Greece is very little. What I can tell you is that we want to experience some of the must see parts of the country that are very nice and not necessarily super touristy although if that cannot be avoided, that is OK. Where should we start? How many islands should we go to? Which ones? How should we travel amongst the various islands? Can we do around 3-4 days in Turkey as well? What are the most appropriate islands for people our age? We do not necessarily want to party a ton but places that attract a younger crowd is good for us. Please let me know what you guys think.
May 9th, 2013, 12:29 PM
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Edit:
Price is definitely a factor as well but we are not on a SUPER tight budget.
The whole idea of Greece isn't what we want to do FOR SURE, so if you guys have other countries and travel destinations that would suit us, you could mention those as well.
Eating good food is very important!
Hope to hear some helpful responses, thanks!
Price is definitely a factor as well but we are not on a SUPER tight budget.
The whole idea of Greece isn't what we want to do FOR SURE, so if you guys have other countries and travel destinations that would suit us, you could mention those as well.
Eating good food is very important!
Hope to hear some helpful responses, thanks!
May 9th, 2013, 01:15 PM
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Hello MasterDunk,
I think that you should do some homework from your side and see what you really like.
Are there cities that you always wanted to see? What activities do you like? Do you like museums or laying on the beach?
Asking here people to tell you which countries would suit your interests, won't give you any answers.
It would be better to start a new thread tagged with Europe ( and not Greece like this one), which will be seen by more people, ready to share their ideas with you.
I think that you should do some homework from your side and see what you really like.
Are there cities that you always wanted to see? What activities do you like? Do you like museums or laying on the beach?
Asking here people to tell you which countries would suit your interests, won't give you any answers.
It would be better to start a new thread tagged with Europe ( and not Greece like this one), which will be seen by more people, ready to share their ideas with you.
May 9th, 2013, 01:54 PM
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Yes, I know more research on my part is required. I have been to many European countries but Greece is one that I haven't been to that I've always wanted to and it seems to me the the Greek Islands specifically are great to visit. I know that there are cruise packages which take you around the islands but am wondering other ways upon doing it. Does anyone know about Louis cruise? It is offered through Air Canada and has a 7 day Greece+Istanbul package.
May 9th, 2013, 01:59 PM
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Now I realize that cruise isn't really necessary for the islands as there are tons of ferries that are readily available. This would definitely be the preferred option.
Basically, would like around 10 days probably arriving in athens and then going to about 3-4 greek islands and then spending around 3 days in istanbul
Basically, would like around 10 days probably arriving in athens and then going to about 3-4 greek islands and then spending around 3 days in istanbul
May 9th, 2013, 07:31 PM
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OK, I have done some more research.
Most likely, we would fly from Toronto to Athens and then take a ferry to Mykonis. Stay there for a couple days, and take ferry to Santorini/Crete and then somehow get to Istanbul for a couple days and then back to Athens for the return flight. Does this seem reasonable for a rough plan. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks
Most likely, we would fly from Toronto to Athens and then take a ferry to Mykonis. Stay there for a couple days, and take ferry to Santorini/Crete and then somehow get to Istanbul for a couple days and then back to Athens for the return flight. Does this seem reasonable for a rough plan. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks
May 9th, 2013, 07:45 PM
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It depends on what you want to see and experience, but I think it would be worth considering visiting EITHER Greece OR Turkey, not both - there is simply too many places that are worthy of your time in either country to justify trying to do both IMHO.
May 9th, 2013, 07:57 PM
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I know that I will not be able to see everything there is to see but I am thinking of around 14 days total.
Thinking of Flying to Athens, then flying straight to Istanbul and stay there for about 4 days. I know that many of you will think this is not enough time but I still think I can see a lot in 4 days. After that, I will fly back to Athens and then take the ferry to Mykonis.
I would spend about 8 days around the islands (maybe going to about 3) and then taking the ferry from Crete back to Athens and spend the remaining two days in Athens.
Does anyone think this is a good rough itinerary? Also, is Mykonis, Santorini, Crete good choices of islands or should any be substituted with others.
It is mostly going to be a leisure trip and we are not huge on history (were only 24). I hear renting motor bikes is easy to do so I would definitely like to do this to explore the islands on our own.
Thinking of Flying to Athens, then flying straight to Istanbul and stay there for about 4 days. I know that many of you will think this is not enough time but I still think I can see a lot in 4 days. After that, I will fly back to Athens and then take the ferry to Mykonis.
I would spend about 8 days around the islands (maybe going to about 3) and then taking the ferry from Crete back to Athens and spend the remaining two days in Athens.
Does anyone think this is a good rough itinerary? Also, is Mykonis, Santorini, Crete good choices of islands or should any be substituted with others.
It is mostly going to be a leisure trip and we are not huge on history (were only 24). I hear renting motor bikes is easy to do so I would definitely like to do this to explore the islands on our own.
May 9th, 2013, 08:15 PM
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> I know that many of you will think this is not enough time but I still think I can see a lot in 4 days
Yes, you can see a lot in 4 days. And you will spend time in transit and settling into/moving out of your hotels and getting accustomed to a different language and different customs.... Basically, you will lose a fair chunk of time that you could be using to explore parts of Greece that you might never have a chance to see again (since you will have been to Greece).... Just something to consider.
Yes, you can see a lot in 4 days. And you will spend time in transit and settling into/moving out of your hotels and getting accustomed to a different language and different customs.... Basically, you will lose a fair chunk of time that you could be using to explore parts of Greece that you might never have a chance to see again (since you will have been to Greece).... Just something to consider.
May 9th, 2013, 08:33 PM
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So if I do leave Turkey out, where else do you suggest that I visit in Greece?
I really like the idea of incorporating this in the trip...
http://www.travelandescape.ca/2013/0...greek-islands/
I really like the idea of incorporating this in the trip...
http://www.travelandescape.ca/2013/0...greek-islands/
May 9th, 2013, 09:20 PM
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14 days isn't really enough time for 2 countries but if you really want to dothat you can buy an open jaw ticket, fly into Athens, see some islands then go into Turkey and fly home out of Istanbul. This saves you from wasting time backtracking, and in the long run probably won't cost you anything more when you factor in the daily expenses of returning to Athens, staying in a hotel and eating on your last day.
May 9th, 2013, 10:59 PM
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MasterDunk, I am not sure what your interests are, other than "seen a lot" that in all honesty means nothing. So it is not easy to provide some pointers other than very generic ones...
At first you mention Turkey, then you mention just Istanbul, so I'll not confuse you with connections from Greek islands to Turkey. You are looking on flights Athens-Istanbul. Say 4 nights Istanbul, you are left with time for Athens+2 island or 2 -3 small islands at most.Some people find a 3-4 night Crete visit satisfying, personally I find that a so limited stay there is a waste of time, unless you have a very specific spot/activity on mind.(Look on a map and you might get an idea why).
Greece is not only MykonOs, Santorini,Crete and the odd Corfu,or the odd other island you happen to hear mentioned by someone. BLL2004 has wisely suggest T. Cook's "Greek Island Hopping" so you can get an idea of island groups and ferry links. You may check a couple more guidebooks, sites such as greeka.com greek-islands.us etc to form some ideas...
gtp.gr is great for ferry schedules . http://www.aia.gr/traveler/flight-info/direct-flights/ for flight info from Athens (using one domestic flight to an island might save valuable time vs a long ferry ride) booking.com will help you form an idea on hotel rates (you did not mention specific euro budget or what type of accommodation you are after...)
At first you mention Turkey, then you mention just Istanbul, so I'll not confuse you with connections from Greek islands to Turkey. You are looking on flights Athens-Istanbul. Say 4 nights Istanbul, you are left with time for Athens+2 island or 2 -3 small islands at most.Some people find a 3-4 night Crete visit satisfying, personally I find that a so limited stay there is a waste of time, unless you have a very specific spot/activity on mind.(Look on a map and you might get an idea why).
Greece is not only MykonOs, Santorini,Crete and the odd Corfu,or the odd other island you happen to hear mentioned by someone. BLL2004 has wisely suggest T. Cook's "Greek Island Hopping" so you can get an idea of island groups and ferry links. You may check a couple more guidebooks, sites such as greeka.com greek-islands.us etc to form some ideas...
gtp.gr is great for ferry schedules . http://www.aia.gr/traveler/flight-info/direct-flights/ for flight info from Athens (using one domestic flight to an island might save valuable time vs a long ferry ride) booking.com will help you form an idea on hotel rates (you did not mention specific euro budget or what type of accommodation you are after...)
May 10th, 2013, 06:49 AM
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I don't need to do extremely in-depth excursions of every single island. I realize that I am not going to see everything and I am OK with that. I see that there are cruises that only last 7 days that take you through a couple greek islands and Istanbul so I know that my idea can be done. Ill have about 14 days which I think is long enough.
If we do go to Turkey, it will only be Istanbul. On tripadvisor they have ideas of what to do for 3 days in Turkey so I am sure I can still have a good time there. I don't have a month to spend or whatever to see EVERYTHING so that is why I am looking to narrow it down to what is going to be the best places to see.
I am just wondering any specific comments/ideas/opinions or recommendations to my rough plan. Thanks
If we do go to Turkey, it will only be Istanbul. On tripadvisor they have ideas of what to do for 3 days in Turkey so I am sure I can still have a good time there. I don't have a month to spend or whatever to see EVERYTHING so that is why I am looking to narrow it down to what is going to be the best places to see.
I am just wondering any specific comments/ideas/opinions or recommendations to my rough plan. Thanks
May 10th, 2013, 07:16 AM
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Naxos seems to be a popular choice.
How does this sound...
Arrive Athens
Fly to Istanbul (4 days)
Back to Athens
Athens to Mykonos (2 days)
Mykonos to Naxos (2 days)
Naxos to Santorini (4 days)
Santorini back to Athens
Fly home
That is only 12 days... but in general, does this seem like a decent itinerary. Where should more/less days be placed and are there other places that would be easily accessible that should be stopped at.
How does this sound...
Arrive Athens
Fly to Istanbul (4 days)
Back to Athens
Athens to Mykonos (2 days)
Mykonos to Naxos (2 days)
Naxos to Santorini (4 days)
Santorini back to Athens
Fly home
That is only 12 days... but in general, does this seem like a decent itinerary. Where should more/less days be placed and are there other places that would be easily accessible that should be stopped at.
May 10th, 2013, 07:18 AM
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Rhodes is not as large as Crete but by Greek island standards it's still huge.
Stick to islands in the same group for the best use of your time. If you want to go to Santorini then Naxos would be a good choice.
Stick to islands in the same group for the best use of your time. If you want to go to Santorini then Naxos would be a good choice.
May 10th, 2013, 08:37 AM
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It doesn't make any sense to fly to Athens just to fly to Istanbul and back. Why don't you fly into Athens and fly home from Istanbul. Or vice-versa. This will save you a lot of time and money and seems to make more sense given your itinerary. Time is money when on vacation.
May 10th, 2013, 09:35 AM
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Because one way flights are much more expensive from what I have looked at. From Athens to Istanbul it is only an hour and a half flight so I don't see it as such a big deal.
If I were to do Athens-Islands-Istanbul then home, how would I go about getting to Istanbul from the islands?
If I were to do Athens-Islands-Istanbul then home, how would I go about getting to Istanbul from the islands?
