Suggestions required for trip to Greece and Turkey
Sep 8th, 2010, 01:49 AM
#22
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Hi Indiancouple,
Mid-May is a great time to go to Greece, as is the end of June. The only reasons I can think of to postpone your trip until late June would be: 1) you plan to do a lot of swimming and like the water warm; 2) you enjoy the buzz of the islands when it is busy; 3) you want guaranteed hot weather.
Mid-May is very pleasant - the weather is warm during the day, and cool in the evenings. Hotel prices are lower than late June. Restaurants are uncrowded, and you can usually walk up and find vacant tables in even the most popular. Spring flowers are still in bloom. Archaeological sites are fun to visit without the heat and crowds of summer. Beaches will be warm enough for sunbathing, but water temperatures still brisk.
Late June is not yet high season, but getting busier on the islands. Some northern European countries are already into their school holidays, so there will be lots of families with young children around. Weather will be hot and sunny, and water temperatures comfortable for swimming. Everything will be open. Athens will be hot.
Many people enjoy a contrast from their own country, and if that's what you want, go in mid-May. You will enjoy the mild weather and peacefulness of the islands.
Just to add: I visited your beautiful country several years ago, and had a wonderful time touring Delhi and Rajasthan. I hope you enjoy your trip to Greece and Turkey as much as I enjoyed mine to India.
Mid-May is a great time to go to Greece, as is the end of June. The only reasons I can think of to postpone your trip until late June would be: 1) you plan to do a lot of swimming and like the water warm; 2) you enjoy the buzz of the islands when it is busy; 3) you want guaranteed hot weather.
Mid-May is very pleasant - the weather is warm during the day, and cool in the evenings. Hotel prices are lower than late June. Restaurants are uncrowded, and you can usually walk up and find vacant tables in even the most popular. Spring flowers are still in bloom. Archaeological sites are fun to visit without the heat and crowds of summer. Beaches will be warm enough for sunbathing, but water temperatures still brisk.
Late June is not yet high season, but getting busier on the islands. Some northern European countries are already into their school holidays, so there will be lots of families with young children around. Weather will be hot and sunny, and water temperatures comfortable for swimming. Everything will be open. Athens will be hot.
Many people enjoy a contrast from their own country, and if that's what you want, go in mid-May. You will enjoy the mild weather and peacefulness of the islands.
Just to add: I visited your beautiful country several years ago, and had a wonderful time touring Delhi and Rajasthan. I hope you enjoy your trip to Greece and Turkey as much as I enjoyed mine to India.
Sep 15th, 2010, 08:37 AM
#23
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Indiancouple,
Although I do not claim the highest expertise, given that I was born and raised in Greece, and having explored Greece while a resident there, as well as traveled there while living abroad (USA), thus having an added perspective, I have a few recommendations. First,I have to say all comments are great and the responders know their facts about Greece.
Now, it is somewhat difficult to combine a lot of things in one package, especially since most of the Greek islands are unique in many respects, yet they give you a similar feel when it comes to hospitality and leisure. I did not see anywhere or anyone suggesting Crete, but I would recommend this island as it is easy to get to, and it combines a lot of the different things you can enjoy in a number of other islands combined! If you rent a car there, you can travel to many different places and get diverse experiences. You can go to the Georgioupolis beach, where the waters up around your knees are very warm, yet above your knees (and maybe slightly higher) are cold! A unique phenomenon there. Or you can stroll downtown (old town) Rethymnon and enjoy from local foods to local crafts/arts/etc. Or you can go to the place between Heraklion and Ag. Nikolaos to the top of the mountain and visit the only spot from which you have simultaneously the view to the aegean sea (on the north) as well a view to the Libyan sea (in the south). In addition you can hike the Samaria Canyon...
In addition, other island options include Lefkas (the only greek island connected to the main land by bridge). Beautiful, picturesque, and with some of the best beaches in the world. Also, one of the greenest islands in the country.
End of June is not a bad idea at all, and although it is the time when the summer gets busier, the "greek crowds" are not yet out there, and the majority of visitors are indeed from northern Europe. That is good, because the locals tend to cater a lot better to visitors when they are foreigners and is not too demanding on them, and they invest more time and ofcourse are better willing to please you as a customer. Keeping that in mind, make sure that where ever you end up going, you can negotiate prices, get better deals on hotel and other accommodations, and even with food...Don't overpay.
There are many islands of course that you can visit, and although using Athens as a starting point is not a bad idea, you may be better off (in the case you go to Greece first, then Turkey) to follow another responder's suggestion to move towards Turkey via a greek island near Turkish coastline, this way moving from point to point, without using Athens as a base/start point.
Swimming may be a bit of a challenge if you are used to relative heat. End of June is a good time for me, for example, but it may not be hot enough for you to enjoy the waters. Still is warm enough in many of the south/east islands, including Kws (near Rhodes), southern cyclades, and of course Crete.
Food: in both Greece and Turkey, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes. From fried pepers, eggplants, zuchinni, and tomatoes, to eggplants stuffed with onions and garlic (imam bayildi in Turkish cuisine), as well as rice stuffed peppers or zuchini, or grape leaves. More importantly you may consider an exploration of local 'sweets' as are called in Greece. Traditional treats include, and may be common to both greece and turkey, sweets such as baklava and all its 'relatives' as well as fruit preserves offered usually with water and in very small quantity. Such a specialty is found in Crete and it is made out of lemon tree flower stems! Very tasty (sold in Ag. Nikolaos, Crete and other islands in Cyclades).
I hope this helps.
yannis
Although I do not claim the highest expertise, given that I was born and raised in Greece, and having explored Greece while a resident there, as well as traveled there while living abroad (USA), thus having an added perspective, I have a few recommendations. First,I have to say all comments are great and the responders know their facts about Greece.
Now, it is somewhat difficult to combine a lot of things in one package, especially since most of the Greek islands are unique in many respects, yet they give you a similar feel when it comes to hospitality and leisure. I did not see anywhere or anyone suggesting Crete, but I would recommend this island as it is easy to get to, and it combines a lot of the different things you can enjoy in a number of other islands combined! If you rent a car there, you can travel to many different places and get diverse experiences. You can go to the Georgioupolis beach, where the waters up around your knees are very warm, yet above your knees (and maybe slightly higher) are cold! A unique phenomenon there. Or you can stroll downtown (old town) Rethymnon and enjoy from local foods to local crafts/arts/etc. Or you can go to the place between Heraklion and Ag. Nikolaos to the top of the mountain and visit the only spot from which you have simultaneously the view to the aegean sea (on the north) as well a view to the Libyan sea (in the south). In addition you can hike the Samaria Canyon...
In addition, other island options include Lefkas (the only greek island connected to the main land by bridge). Beautiful, picturesque, and with some of the best beaches in the world. Also, one of the greenest islands in the country.
End of June is not a bad idea at all, and although it is the time when the summer gets busier, the "greek crowds" are not yet out there, and the majority of visitors are indeed from northern Europe. That is good, because the locals tend to cater a lot better to visitors when they are foreigners and is not too demanding on them, and they invest more time and ofcourse are better willing to please you as a customer. Keeping that in mind, make sure that where ever you end up going, you can negotiate prices, get better deals on hotel and other accommodations, and even with food...Don't overpay
.There are many islands of course that you can visit, and although using Athens as a starting point is not a bad idea, you may be better off (in the case you go to Greece first, then Turkey) to follow another responder's suggestion to move towards Turkey via a greek island near Turkish coastline, this way moving from point to point, without using Athens as a base/start point.
Swimming may be a bit of a challenge if you are used to relative heat. End of June is a good time for me, for example, but it may not be hot enough for you to enjoy the waters. Still is warm enough in many of the south/east islands, including Kws (near Rhodes), southern cyclades, and of course Crete.
Food: in both Greece and Turkey, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes. From fried pepers, eggplants, zuchinni, and tomatoes, to eggplants stuffed with onions and garlic (imam bayildi in Turkish cuisine), as well as rice stuffed peppers or zuchini, or grape leaves. More importantly you may consider an exploration of local 'sweets' as are called in Greece. Traditional treats include, and may be common to both greece and turkey, sweets such as baklava and all its 'relatives' as well as fruit preserves offered usually with water and in very small quantity. Such a specialty is found in Crete and it is made out of lemon tree flower stems! Very tasty (sold in Ag. Nikolaos, Crete and other islands in Cyclades).
I hope this helps.
yannis
Sep 15th, 2010, 11:01 PM
#24
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Yannis, your suggestions are very welcome. I have heard great things about Crete, and personally would love to go there. My only concern is about logistics. I notice that there is a flight from Santorini directly to Istanbul, which may save the hassle of backing to Athens and then taking a flight to Turkey. However, I have no idea about flights to and from Crete. I presume there are flights from Athens to Crete. What about Crete to Santorini ?
If so, we could consider first doing Athens and Napflion, then fly to Crete, then to Santorini, and then to Istanbul. Is this feasible ? Look forward to your comments.
If so, we could consider first doing Athens and Napflion, then fly to Crete, then to Santorini, and then to Istanbul. Is this feasible ? Look forward to your comments.
Sep 16th, 2010, 05:20 AM
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Indian couple I like that scenario ... (NOTE: there is a good 2-day CHAT tour to Nafplio, which covers 2 major ancient sites and ALSO ample time to enjoy Old Town Nafplio considered the most beautiful town in Greece) ... fly to Crete, then FERRY to Santorini (only 2 hours). But where did you spot that direct flight from Santorini to Istanbul??? It is not mentioned on this and to my knowledge there are none... you fly to athens, connect to a flight to Istanbul.
Sep 16th, 2010, 06:51 AM
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indiancouple,
As travelerjan questioned, there are no direct flights from Santorini to Turkey (only via athens), but indeed a trip from Crete (heraklion) to santorini by catamaran is less than 2 hours . Simply put, Crete is easier accessible by plane from many mainland airports (as opposed to santorini that is only by two/three major cities). In a nutshell, be aware that a trip of two weeks or so in length, is not enough to experience both greece and turkey. In fact, even spending a whole week in Crete alone is not enough if you are planning to experience the mountaines as well as the beaches of the island. The center of the island has a lot of sightseeing to do too, uniquely structured monasteries, hikes, archeological sites including the Minoan palace, etc.
Now, small trips to mainland destinations are easy, as the country is not that big in size, and both your destinations (nafplio and delphi) are relatively close to Athens. Nafplio indeed is a great small town worth visiting, but I would travel an hour or so further south and visit Monemvasia. Beautiful venetian castle, small cobblestown streets, etc. Actually you can drive only up to the fortress gates and park outside. No cars can go in, streets are very narrow...in fact, when I went there, as I was walking in a small street, I extended my arms and touched the outside window blinds of opposite facing homes!).
As travelerjan questioned, there are no direct flights from Santorini to Turkey (only via athens), but indeed a trip from Crete (heraklion) to santorini by catamaran is less than 2 hours . Simply put, Crete is easier accessible by plane from many mainland airports (as opposed to santorini that is only by two/three major cities). In a nutshell, be aware that a trip of two weeks or so in length, is not enough to experience both greece and turkey. In fact, even spending a whole week in Crete alone is not enough if you are planning to experience the mountaines as well as the beaches of the island. The center of the island has a lot of sightseeing to do too, uniquely structured monasteries, hikes, archeological sites including the Minoan palace, etc.
Now, small trips to mainland destinations are easy, as the country is not that big in size, and both your destinations (nafplio and delphi) are relatively close to Athens. Nafplio indeed is a great small town worth visiting, but I would travel an hour or so further south and visit Monemvasia. Beautiful venetian castle, small cobblestown streets, etc. Actually you can drive only up to the fortress gates and park outside. No cars can go in, streets are very narrow...in fact, when I went there, as I was walking in a small street, I extended my arms and touched the outside window blinds of opposite facing homes!).
Sep 16th, 2010, 10:18 AM
#27
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Hi Indiancouple,
I don't quite understand why yannis is suggesting Crete, and then saying you don't have enough time to see it. You had a workable itinerary in your <i>Sep 7, 10 at 1:48pm</i> post, and I think you should stick close to it. Whether to take time away from Athens for Nafplio and Delphi is a personal decision. Many people feel that two days in Athens is more than enough, while others could happily spend a week or more in the city.
Perhaps there aren't direct flights between Santorini and Istanbul, but you may be able to find connecting flights with only a 2-3 hour layover in Athens. That way you won't even have to leave the airport, and can depart Santorini in the morning and be in Istanbul that afternoon.
I don't quite understand why yannis is suggesting Crete, and then saying you don't have enough time to see it. You had a workable itinerary in your <i>Sep 7, 10 at 1:48pm</i> post, and I think you should stick close to it. Whether to take time away from Athens for Nafplio and Delphi is a personal decision. Many people feel that two days in Athens is more than enough, while others could happily spend a week or more in the city.
Perhaps there aren't direct flights between Santorini and Istanbul, but you may be able to find connecting flights with only a 2-3 hour layover in Athens. That way you won't even have to leave the airport, and can depart Santorini in the morning and be in Istanbul that afternoon.
Sep 17th, 2010, 06:27 AM
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I thought I had seen some direct flights from Santorini to Istanbul, but I guess I was wrong. When I tried again, I could not find it.
So many beautiful places to go to, and so little time ! I have bought an LP guide book for Turkey. Once I finish with it, I plan on getting another guidebook for Greece. Will study all destination possibilities, and will come back with more specific questions later. Thanks everyone for the excellent inputs.
So many beautiful places to go to, and so little time ! I have bought an LP guide book for Turkey. Once I finish with it, I plan on getting another guidebook for Greece. Will study all destination possibilities, and will come back with more specific questions later. Thanks everyone for the excellent inputs.
Sep 17th, 2010, 09:05 AM
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I've never seen a direct flight between Santorini and Istanbul but I have seen them between Mykonos and Istanbul. I don't think they're offered all year, however, but when the tourist demand is strong. Check the Atlas Jet website.
Sep 17th, 2010, 02:05 PM
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I have been many times to Mykonos in May and the prettiest town in the Cyclades looks even more stunning during that month. Amazing colours and breathtaking displays of flowers throughout the town.
Also, the island is quiet and it is most certainly not 'party town' at that time of year. My only recommendation is to avoid the last weekend in May which tends to be when the island is visited by many students from the mainland.
If you can travel there particularly during the first two weeks of the month then you are in for a visual treat.
bill
Also, the island is quiet and it is most certainly not 'party town' at that time of year. My only recommendation is to avoid the last weekend in May which tends to be when the island is visited by many students from the mainland.
If you can travel there particularly during the first two weeks of the month then you are in for a visual treat.
bill
Oct 24th, 2010, 09:32 AM
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I am looking at a trip to Greece and Turkey in the next year or two. And I'm trying to figure what's possible given transportation limitations. So I've been watching the replies to your post, indiancouple.
In your post of Sept. 7 with a good itinerary, you move from a 2nd island (Naxos/Paros) to Cappodocia. How are you planning to do that?
By the way, we got the Fodors guidebook to Turkey. At first glance it looks very good.
In your post of Sept. 7 with a good itinerary, you move from a 2nd island (Naxos/Paros) to Cappodocia. How are you planning to do that?
By the way, we got the Fodors guidebook to Turkey. At first glance it looks very good.
Oct 24th, 2010, 07:28 PM
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Mimar,
After all the inputs from this board, and my own research, I am veering towards the following itinerary:
1. Arrive at Athens in morning; 2 nights in Athens
2. Ferry to Paros; 3 nights in Paros
3. Ferry to Santorini; 2 nights in Santorini
4. Fly to Athens; take car from airport and drive to Nafplion; 2 nights in Nafplion.
5. Drive back to airport, drop car, take flight to Istanbul & connecting flight to Cappadoccia; 3 nights in Cappadoccia
6. Fly to Istanbul; 4 nights in Istanbul
7. Fly home from Istanbul.
After all the inputs from this board, and my own research, I am veering towards the following itinerary:
1. Arrive at Athens in morning; 2 nights in Athens
2. Ferry to Paros; 3 nights in Paros
3. Ferry to Santorini; 2 nights in Santorini
4. Fly to Athens; take car from airport and drive to Nafplion; 2 nights in Nafplion.
5. Drive back to airport, drop car, take flight to Istanbul & connecting flight to Cappadoccia; 3 nights in Cappadoccia
6. Fly to Istanbul; 4 nights in Istanbul
7. Fly home from Istanbul.
