My fiance and I are thinking of the Greek isles for our honeymoon in Aug. 2005. We'll have 2 weeks maybe more to spend there. I have a couple questions though.

First, are we nuts to go there in August? It sounds like everyone in Europe takes vacation then so will we find that hotels or restaurants will be closed?

Also, we were thinking of doing a land/sea combo. We'd choose 2 different islands to stay at in hotels and then go on a small cruise that sails around other islands. Has anyone ever done this? Can you reccommend sailing companies?

What about using a travel agent to coordinate all our plans (flights, hotels, ferries, cruise). Ones mentioned on this site were a few years ago. What do you think of that guy Matt's travel site & reccommendations?

Thanks for any help!!!

balletbess - firstly I haven't visited the Greek Island yet, hoping to do so next year. I believe that August can be a busy/crowded time of the year on the Greek Islands, perhaps this is when Europeans go to the greek islands?
I asked a few questions on this travel board, and someone steered me towards a Tour Company called, Laskarina, which operate from a place called Borley, not far from Gatwick Airport, UK. This company specialises in package holidays departing from either Gatwick or Manchester Airports on set days, and flying, sometimes direct to a greek island, eg. Samos. They rent out apartments or hotel rooms, on a 1 or 2 week basis. We are thinking of staying for 2 weeks on either Symi or Samos Island next year. If your interested, check out www.laskarina.co.uk - this could be what are looking for, your own apartment, quiet, away from the party animals. I am sure the staff of Laskarina would recommend just the right apartment & island for your honeymoon.

August is high season in the Greek Islands - they are a popular vacation spot for Europeans and will be busy then - no danger of things being closed. But make reservations in advance!
Matt's site has a wealth of information but he has some biases - once you know that you can plan accordingly.
It certainly isn't necessary to use a travel agent to coordinate things, but some people do use Greece-based agents.

You MUST go to Santorini. It is sooooo romantic.
Finally, do a search on this site and you will find tons of helpful tips on Greece.

August is the busiest month of the season, so be prepared to compete for everything from space on the beach to a table in the restaurants for dinner. The type of cruises you are talking about are expensive, but might be fun if you like sailing and if it's not too windy. It will definitely be hot!

A travel agency might be a good idea if you want all your arrangements taken care of in advance. Matt's website is reliable, so if you find an agent or a tour through him that seriously appeals to you, go ahead and book it.

If you decide to do it all on your own in August, just be sure you have confirmed reservations for airfare and hotels and Flying Dolphin ferries. Car ferries always have deck space.

Yes, definitely get reservations in advance for that month. There are many companies that will put together a hotel/transpo package for you. I've used Fantasy Travel and was very pleased with their service. Definitely do your research, though, or you will get a package of standard islands loaded with folks doing same.

I also recommend getting off the beaten path, at least for one island. Folegandros, Amorgos, Astipalea are phenomenal as are dozens of other less traveled ones. Each has their own charm and part of the magic is in discovery.

Contratulations in advance.

Regards, Bruce
Greece Travel Photos -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm