Not easy. Ionian islands are waay out of the way. Look at a map. Of course, it would help if you said how long you have. If y ou have 3 weeks, OK. Oherwise -- to do Athens, Delphi, Meteora (another out-of-the-way destination) PLUS 'a few cyclades islands" is too much already. With 2 weeks: 2 days Athens, a 3-day CHAT or KEY tour for Delphi/Meteora (unless you are prepared to rent a car), and the rest of the time for either 2 or 3 Cycladic islands. Be realistic, and you'll have a good time, not a nightmare ferry-a-thon.

Jan - I do understand geography and I'm very realistic. That's why I asked the question since Corfu is out of the way.

I have at least 3 weeks (possibly 4) and do plan to do a tour to get to Meteora. My only concern with tours is that perhaps I would not get a night in Delphi which I have dreamed about for years. And I don't care that it's quiet and not much to do there - an evening in a Taverna with a few glasses of ouzo would suit me perfectly, as long as I'm in Delphi. I guess a possibility for overnighting in Delphi is to get the bus to drop me off on the return trip and then get a public bus back to Athens.

Corfu is off the list of places to go.

adrienne -- no fret about tours... did you check their details? Here is the CHAT Tour #8T. This 3-dayer gives you your night in Delphi the first night, night in Meteora the 2nd, then back to Athens by night 3.

adrienne
When I was a kid in the 60s we took a tour of Metrora - I guarantee you'll never forget that place, as it is unbelievable - I seem to have a memory of spending one night in Trikala which was also nice. I don't have much experience Island hopping, but may I point out that from Meteora/Trikala
you can easily drive to Volos and it appears you can ferry from there to Skiathos, of "Mama Mia" fame. I believe that is a very pretty and scenic island. Goo dluck with your planning.

Thanks jan & docdan!

Oh lovely Corfu, kassiopi and glyfada were wonderful, as was the hotel arcadion in Corfu city.

We are going on a cruise that stops at Corfu. There are a couple options for an historic walking tour of old town or another one that visits the Achilleon Palace, Bay of Paleokastritsa, Byzantine Monastery of Virgin.. Should we sign up for a tour or just walk around Corfu ourselves? It sounds lovely and easy enough to explore on our own but I don't want to miss out either and the tours are fairly reasonable. Ideas? Thanks!

Corfu Town is beautiful, but so I believe is Paleokastritsa. I think it depends on whether you are more interested in history (choose Corfu Town) or seeing places (do the second choice).