I've re-worked my Greece itinerary am still worried its too busy - Any thoughts? Should I cut Lesvos out?
 

sorry I posted this twice trying to get it in the "Greece" area.

Hello,

I am going to Greece for 6 weeks in the high season (unavoidable). Aug 1-Sept 12 and I am wondering if anyone can comment on my itinerary. I am concerned that it might be too rushed - so I may cut Lesvos to make our Mainland tour more relaxed - Any thoughts?

Aug 1 - Fly to Athens (travel day)
Aug 2 - Ferry to Chios (travel day)
Aug 3-7 Chios for 5 days
Aug 8 - Ferry to Lesvos
Aug 8-12 - Lesvos for 5 days.
Aug 13 - Ferry to Naxos (via Chios and Samos) - This one's tricky. (travel day)
Aug 14-18 - Naxos for 4 days and a day trip to Delos for 1 day.
Aug 19 - Ferry to Santorini (travel day)
Aug 20-22 - Santorini for 3 days.

Back to Mainland for Peloponnese leg of the trip.

Aug 23 - Ferry to Pireaus and head striaght to Nafpilo. (travel day).
Aug 24-26 - 3 days in Nafpilo (Mycenae,Tiryns)
Aug 27 - Leonidio
Aug 28-29 Monemvasia
Aug 30-Gythio
Aug 31 - Day trip down coast of Lakonian Mani Aeropolis to Gerolimenas.
Sept 1-2 Itlio to Kardamyli/Stoupa
Sept 3-4 Pylos
Sept 4 Methoni
Sept 5-6 Finikounda - Koroni
Sept 7-8 Kalamata
Sept 9 Return to Athens (travel day)
Sept 9-11 Athens
Sept 12 Return to Canada.

Sorry, I know thats a lot to read....

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have.

Murphy

Personally I would not cut out Lesvos because it is BEAUTIFUL! Could you cut down on Chios or are you looking to start somewhere uncommercialised?

Yes, I would like to mix the road-less-travelled with some of the more commercial areas. I thought Chios would be a bit less jam packed with other tourists. Also I am interested in the Mastic Villages.

My thoughts: that looks very ambitious. I saw less in 12 weeks in what you are going to accomplish in 6 weeks. However, I like to people watch and take my time. It really depends on your priorities and your energy. I would not cut out Chios. I really liked it. The villages were great photo ops. Second only to Karpathos.
Lesvos I am saving for another trip but think it would be very worthwhile keeping it in.
If I was going to cut I would suggest reducing your Pelponnese area covered to a smaller area unless there are reasons they cannot be cut. ie I would consider cutting Kalamata &(Sept. 1-8 locations) and keep around the area of Momavasia. Suggest a ferry to Elfonissos Island and a little relaxation on the best or at least one of the best beaches in Greece and a quiet fishing village. A great end to a vacation.

No, I don't think it is too rushed. The alterations I would make is to go to Lesbos first then Chios.

I would not bother with Naxos and Santorini as you know that connection can be tricky. A rather more simple route would be to go south from Chios to Samos then Rodos via whichever of the Dodecanese you choose then cross to Sitia(Crete), travel across Crete to Kastelli(Kissamos) and get the ferry up to Gythio/Kalamata in the Peloponese. Then do your Peloponese bit.

Thanks guys, you've given me some things to think about. I did want to start in Lesvos unfortunately, Lesvos is akwardly situated on the ferry schedule - the only ferry from Athens to Lesvos is via Chios anyway. I think I will have to cut one island. Especially when some sites are not open Mondays or on the weekend - I believe now we need more time to play with.

I really appreciate all your comments!

Thanks again,

Murphy.