My husband and I are in the process of planning a trip to Greece for our third anniversary the last week of April into May - probably for about 9-10 days. With that time of year and since we aren't beach people, we are hoping this is a good time to see the mainland sites without crowds (and we really enjoyed Rome that time of year). Our plans are definitely Athens and Meteora, with hopefully some time in Napflio or that general area. We like to see as much as possible and travel for us is usually about getting great pictures as we love photography. And at the moment, we are planning on renting a car for the non-Athens portion of the trip.

So with all that said, any recommendations on places to stay in Meteora or the Napflio area? How about must see sites/routes on the drive between the three locations and the time to allow between and at these two places? Last but not least, if we have "extra" time in Athens, we are thinking about the possibility of a day or half-day cruise to an island or island(s). Any suggestions? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

I took a day trip to Aegina from Athens and it was very easy and inexpensive. The metro goes right to the port at Piraeus and the ride to Aegina is not long. Many people there apparently commute to Athens. There's a wonderful well-preserved temple which we visited by taxi.

My trip report might be interesting to you. My daughter and I spent several nights in Athens and took a tour for three nights to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, and the Meteora. Since we toured by bus I can't recommend particular routes or stops if you are traveling independently.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34589254

Photos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-b9k6sz

There are lots of places well worth visiting in the Nafplio area. From Nafplio, you can easily visit Mycenae, Tyrins, Corinth, Epidaurus and more. You could consider visiting Corinth on the way to or from Athens as it is in between the two.
Re. islands from Athens, I would choose one nearby island, like Ageana and take a ferry there. Alternatively, you could spend a little longer in Nafplio and drive to Galatas and take the boat (about 5 mins ride) to Poros. Poros is a lovely island and pleasant to stroll around. The drive to Galatas is pleasant and the scenery interesting.
Carolena

Definitely include Delphi in your itinerary.

I don't know if your schedule allows... but if you go further south from Napflio you could visit Sparta and Monemvasia. Monenvasia was one of the highlights our trip.

As you plan to rent a car you have so many options for your trip. First of all you should strongly consider renting the car at the Athens airport. The trip to Naphlio is primarily on large freeways ( well mostly toll roads) and is fairly easy to drive. Just keep to the right and look out for Mercedes, Audis and BMW's overtaking you at about 150 Km per hour. Your rental car isn't too likely to be able to match that speed.
My comments are only about Naphlio.

On the way to Naphlio you will pass the Corinth Canal as well as Ancient Corinth. Personally I think the canal is worth a quick peek but Ancient Corinth and Nemea are well worth a stop. Also nearby is the Venetian ruins at Acrocorinth. Ancient Nemea is virtualy unknown but in its day was a rival to Olympia and it's its stadium still virtually intact.
Closer to Naphlion are Ancient Tierns, said to be the birthplace of Hercules and Ephaduras a Greek theater.

Lodging is varied. We stayed at Pension Elaine a very nice budget place for 40 euro per night and then lucked in to the high end Illion suites for 50 euros per night two years ago. For 50 euros I would stay at Illion suites but Elaine is very nice and quiet. Many people recommend Hotel Byron. I have toured it but never stayed there. It is beautifully appointed but pricey. Since you are going so early I would suggest you just try to negotiate with the hotel when you arrive. After a long winter with no money coming in they are generally willing to negotiate on price.
While in Naphlio there are three intact Ventian fortresses whch will take you a couple of days to explore.
If you would like to see our pictures of Naphlio please go to this site.



http://travel.webshots.com/album/551991579dJbWvh

Here's my trip report from Greece late April/early May 2006, which may be of interest. We didn't visit Meteora this time (though I've been there before and it's fantastic) but visited Athens, Napflio, Monemvassia and Paralio Astros.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34803709

I'd recommend http://www.yourgreece.gr/page/ for some interesting accommodation.

Here are some photos from my trip:

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/296138/index.html

This is the first time I've used a site like this, but I don't think it will be the last - great info and links!! Thank you everyone!
I hope to have some time to look into everything in more detail with my husband this weekend as we work on plans!

Since you are going out of season Hotel Byron in Naplio will probably be reasonably priced. I have stayed there twice in May and it was not too expensive. It has a great location and the rooms are nice.
I agree that a side trip to Moumavasia would be worth it.
I have been to Spetses, Aegina and Hydra. I prefer Hydra. If you can get there by hydrofoil it would be a nice trip. Aegina of course is closer.
Don't forget that May 1st weekend is a holiday and you need to consider that it will affect finding a room on that weekend. The islands closest to the mainland seem to be busier that weekend.