last minute advice anyone?
 

Hi im 17 and leaving for greece on March 15 with my mother for 2 weeks(from Manitoba, Canada!) . I know that is only just around the corner but some last minute insight would be great! Here is a look at our itinerary...

arrive Athens March 17 12:40 am
Athens (17-18)
Nafplion (19-20)
Gythion (21)
Olympia (22)
Delphi (23)
Athens (24-25)
Naxos (26-27)
Santorini (28-29)
Athens (30 leave on 31 in afternoon)

We are renting a car to travel the Peloponese (i have yet to figure out the correct pronunciation) and taking a ferry to the islands. We are doing a lot of running around, as you can see, and any advice on "must sees" would be very helpful.

Maraleigh

Sounds great for a couple of peppy people; have fun ... you'll be able to prowl the ruins without crowds. I wish you good weather, lots of warm sunshine; the flowers will be blooming everwhere you go, and Greeks will be whitewashing their houses and sidewalks, and painting their boats, and they'll have enough time to stop and talk with you...and they will!

Have a wonderful time!

You will adore the Pelononese.... Best wishes to you! i am so jealous....

travelerjan

have you been to greece? if so what were your favourite spots

maraleigh
You will be in Athens on Greek Independence Day. It is also the feast of the Annunciation (the Archangel Gabriel broke the news to Mary that she was pregnant). Realize that the streets will be filled with parades, the squares with people, and that most of the archeological sites will be closed, so get your major touristing done on the 24th, and then just decide that you are going to enjoy the holiday along with the Greeks. Although the biggest celebrations for the Evangelismos are in Tinos and Hydra, there will still be festivities at the Mitropoleos, which is also the Evangelismos Cathedral, on Mitropoleos Street near the Plaka. I'm not sure there will be anything at the Evangelismos metro station though!
As for parades, there will surely be one through and around Syntagma. Perhaps you can ask at your hotel what time it will start.

Yes Maraleigh as everybody on this board knows I do little else BUT go to greece (its my only trip, but it comes almost every year). Been to all places on your list but Olympia... Your trip is fine except (if it were May or June) 2 more days in Nafplio,3 more in Naxos. Oh well, that's something for your next trip...

Enjoy your trip.

Having been in Manitoba in winter, I know you will enjoy the wonderful spring sunshine of Greece, even though it is a little early for swimming. Have a great trip.

Don´t forget to take warm clothes and a raincoat.
G.

Try not to pack too much, since you'll be on the move alot.

Gaspard may have a point - warm is a relative term. While perhaps still below freezing in Manitoba, it won't exactly be summer weather in Greece either. Plan on highs in the low 60s and cool evenings, so do bring some warm clothes. You may be lucky and have some warm weather, so bring some summer clothes too.

Oh, and try not to pack too much ;-)

I am taking almost the same trip in June! Please remember to post a trip report when you return and let us all know how it was!

Yes, halve the gear.
And double the money.
G.

Thanks to all, i am getting increasingly excited. I realize I won't be swimming or getting a tan but these days worked best for school.(also i am hoping to get a better idea for greek culture as it won't be to touristy in low season) As to the luggage we are only traveling carry on and you can only pack so much. I am finding it very difficult. I plan on keeping a diary so i will try to right a report although I am not to gifted in the writing department.

Thanks again

P.S. is there any flea markets in athens? haha

There is a flea market in Athens Sundays at Monastiraki.

Two more days! Are there any bars or night clubs that would have live music, if so would I be able to go (remebering I'm 17),is there such a thing as a drinking age in Greece?

Maraleigh

We found lots of live music in restaurants. The Psirri neighborhood seemed very lively late at night with people going to bars, and my daughter and I had dinner in two restaurants there that had live music.

I believe the legal drinking age in Greece is 16.

In Athens with my 14 year old son places were quite happy to serve him alcohol (yes I know, don't go on at me, just one won't kill him, it's the European way) but were shocked when he ordered a coffee and would double-check with me that it was ok! I guess they see caffeine as more of a problem for kids...

Too bad you can't squeeze Moumavassia in there, perhaps instead of Gythio.

maraleigh, one easy thing I do to supplement your travel diary, is remember to pick up business cards from hotels or restaurants you like, grab any free tourist information when you see it, use maps and make notes right on them... I never keep a journal myself, but come home with a ziplock baggie stuffed with this kind of thing (so I can remember where I've been, plus help other people here on the forum).

oh yes, & instead of a formal journal, I carry a 3x5 spiral notepad with me at all times to jot down notes, names, addresses, words in the local language. i find this much more helpful than trying to write the great American novel at the end of each day
;-)

Do as my 17-year old daughter did when we visited Rome together some years ago: at some time in the trip, take Mom's hand and tell her you will remember this moment all your life...trust me, it will be true for both of you.

I'm leavin on a jet plane... tomorrow!Thanks suze I plan on taking your advice because i also want to make a scrapbook when i get home and your suggestions would make it more interesting... to Hania we don't plan on spending much time right in Gythion (more in Monemvassia) it is just central. and to LJ I imagine the trip will have lots of fighting (we have already made a pact to be patient with each other) but i am looking so forward to those moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.Again thanks to all you have been a great help

Maraleigh
P.s.I hate to brag but... I'M GOING TO GREECE!!