Looking for Greece itinerary ideas
 

My husband and I (in our 70s, both healthy and active) are going to Greece for the first time in September. We are doing a 12-day guided tour with a group--3 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Nafplion, 3 nights in Heraklion, 2 nights in Firostefani, then Athens 1 night before the group flight back.

We will not be returning with the group and have chosen to add 10 more days on our own, which will take us to the end of September. I am wide open to suggestions as to what to do with those days. I would prefer longer stays--one or two places (possibly three). I like the idea of a nice base from which to explore or where we can just relax and enjoy the local culture. We like walking and hiking, but that would not necessarily be the emphasis. I don't need beach time, other than for the views. We love history but I don't want to try and cram in too much (which I assume we will have done with the group). I'm open to any form of transportation--renting a car, taking a bus or a plane, etc.

I realize this is a very broad question, but I would love some ideas.

OPTION #1: Right now I'm considering leaving the group tour in Santorini and taking the ferry to Naxos. 5 nights in Naxos; 3 nights in Paros, then 3 nights in Athens.

OPTION #2: I had considered Corfu (after watching The Durrells in Corfu, of course), and it is still a possibility, but it seems more complicated. Perhaps getting up to Meteora for 2 nights, then heading to Corfu for 5 nights, ending with 3 nights in Athens.

We never do group tours and I can certainly see how the one we are on is a bit rushed, but we are doing this to be with dear friends who invited us. I am looking forward to the 10 days on our own being more relaxed. Meanwhile I am frantically reading guidebooks.

I would rent a car to go to some combination of Delphi - Meteora - Holy Kipinas Monastery - Ionnina. Though you can't go wrong with anything you've already mentioned or spending more time on Santorini which has many facets and is in fact more then one island.

My wife and I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada (another great travel destination....) and are both 72 years young. Given the pandemic, and the fragile health of my mother-in-law (who is 96 and in a nursing home), we have not ventured abroad since 2018. That said, I would recommend Kefalonia (or Cephalonia, as the Greeks call it) for your additional 10-day stay and would spend all my time there. There is lots to do (horseback riding, the 2nd most photographed beach in the world, caverns & grottos to explore, great restaurants, sea turtles, Venetian castle ruins, etc.) and a great resort (Terra Mare Resort) in Lixouri (a short 20-minute ferry ride across the bay from the Capital - Argostoli) from which to base your operations. I would be delighted to share some specific travel thoughts on this hidden oasis, if you like, whenever is convenient. Also, my 69-year old brother travels there (for various archeological digs) 3 weeks every year, rents a motorcycle, and has written-up his travels for various motorcycle magazines. Good luck!

PS...I would stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel while in Athens. The Hotel is central, the view from the rooftop dining area (both for breakfast and/or supper) is spectacular, and the pool is very relaxing. I could suggest one spot where you should dine (in the Plaka), and some must-sees in Athens, as well.

While in Heraklion on the tour, I hope you can visit Chania, one of Greece’s prettiest small cities. We spent two weeks there and loved every minute.
Yes to Paros and Naxos on your own time. You will love staying on these islands. Maybe you would like to add on time in Chania here.
You will visit Napflion on your tour but it would be great if you could add Olympia somewhere in your travels. We had goosebumps the whole time we were there.
And Delphi is amazing and is in such a beautiful mountain setting. Views from our hotel room in Delphi went all the way out to the sea.
We have been to Greece twice and can’t wait to return there.

Don’t miss Meteora!

I have been to Heraklion and Chania on several occasions, and hope that you took time to visit Knossos (on Crete) while you were there. I would also recommend that you travel to Ios - especially if you're trying to avoid tourists.