MiamiBeachMomma

We've been traveling a lot with the boys now 14 and 11 and I have always wanted to go to Greece - we thought of saving it for when the boys are off on their own and we can go the romantic route....

We don't like to laze around on our vacations - we want things to do, adventures to take on, history to learn about, and culture to absorb. As beautiful as Lake Como was - honestly - we were bored...

So question 1 - should we wait or go with the boys?

Question 2. If we go as a family - which islands should we focus on for maximum things to do?

FYI - We aren't mega/large ship cruise fans.

Thanks!!!!

We were trying to get to Africa or Asia next summer - but I think it may just be way to expensive!!!

If you have any other suggestions please fire away!!!!

Places we have traveled already with the boys:

Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain
Peru, Argentina
Panama, Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica
Alaska, Hawaii
Vancouver, Whistler, Mont Tremblant
GTNP, Yellowstone, South Dakota
North Carolina, NY, DC
California, Arizona

neckervd

I agree, Lake Como is boring for people who practice neither hiking nor watersports nor visits of local tresors like old churches, monasteries, castles, art museums, ethnographic museums, technical museums or - in the case of Lake Como area - a smuggler museum and a umbrella museum.

I always tried to do all 3 things, even years ago, when our children were younger as yours.

So, before answering your question, I should know what are your interests, what you plan to do in Greece.

BTW: many Asian countries are much cheaper than Greece, but I don't know to which one you are referring to.

MiamiBeachMomma

Necker - More specifically Bellagio was boring and the watersports were a fortune. No need to be mean to me - that's my opinion.

The flights are what are barring us from Asia. None of my FF miles are covering plane tickets. I was looking at flying in Bangkok, although I have been told Summer isn't the right time for Thailand.

On all our trips - we visit museums, places of worship, hike, bike, swim, take walking or biking tours, observe flora and fauna.

Heimdall

<i>We don't like to laze around on our vacations - we want things to do, adventures to take on, history to learn about, and culture to absorb.</i>

<i>Question 2. If we go as a family - which islands should we focus on for maximum things to do? </i>

With those things in mind you should focus on the mainland rather than islands. A driving trip around the Peloponnese could take you to many interesting places, including Epidavros and Olympia. Your boys could see where the Olympic Games began. If they are interested in mythology you could go to Delphi, which isn't in the Peloponnese but nearby. Many people don't realise that the mainland has beautiful seaside villages and beaches too.

Alternatively you could go to Crete, which is about the only island rivalling the Peloponnese in things to see. Had you asked for places to go for beaches and relaxation I could have recommended a number of different islands, including Paros and Naxos. If you have enough time you could combine Crete with, e.g. Santorini and Naxos, ending up with a few days in Athens at the end.

colduphere

I would do what we did.

The mainland and then fly to Istanbul and Cappadocia. The kids LOVED that vacation.

wanttogo

Oh yes! Do Turkey, It is wonderful. I recommend Credo tours to use as a booking agent. They can
Set you up with a. Driver and tour guide in several places.



Pat

MiamiBeachMomma

Thanks for info!! Exploring other options!!

jamikins

For a great island with lots of great beaches that are shallow for kids, but also lovely villages and a great town try Naxos.

You can see our pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gir...7627668851905/

We loved that it had no cruise ships!

We also did the Poleppenese and loved it too! http://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gir...7627669385061/

Excuse my crazy family pics haha

dulciusexasperis

How long are you going for? While Crete is the largest island with the most to see and do, other islands have enough to see and do for a week or two. Rhodes for example has more than enough for a 2 week visit whatever your interests.

That is not necessarily the case though on some of the smaller islands. Given your comment re Bellagio, some of the smaller islands might not offer enough variety.

neckervd

"No need to be mean to me - that's my opinion"

I don't understand this sentence. I just tried to find out why you found the Lombardian Lakes area boring, in order to avoid to suggest a Greek Island that you would find boring too.

For the latters, you may check http://www.greeka.com/greece-islands.htm

MiamiBeachMomma

We are back to Greece for summer (unfortunately we are not comfortable with visiting Turkey at this time - which is sad because both of my husbands grandparents were born in Istanbul.)

And I'm looking at using United miles and booking asap. Thinking of flying into HER in Crete and out of Athens and then filling in from there with ferries.

Does this sound like a good plan?

travelerjan

Momma --
We cannot tell you whether that's a good plan yet, because you have omitted key information -- WHEN (approximate dates) are you going, ("Summer" covers 3 months!) and for HOW LONG. The advice we'd give would be very different, if you are going in early June, for 2 weeks (plenty of time for the Naxos & Pelopponese adventure Jamikins perceptively suggested ), or Mid-July on, for a short visit ---July thru late August is High Season, very hot, and also the islands are Heaving with huge throngs of Europeans; much costlier/crowdy.

If u must go at latter time, you could escape some of the mob scene in Crete, and some less-promoted islands. However, the only convenient ferry link from Crete is to Santorini, which will be the most jam-packed of all in High Season; in such a case, I'd advise a minimal stay there, then transfer to less-promoted island(s) like Milos (great beaches & sailing), or Paros/Naxos.

So please, if you want the best counsel, more info -- and for tips on accommodations, it is also thoughtful to give approximate desired budget per night, in Euros.

MiamiBeachMomma

I'm looking at late July/early August.

Trip total 15-17 days

Budget per night (would have to cover 4 people - either in 1 room/suite/apartment or 2 rooms)....
EUR 220 - EUR 290 OR
USD $300 - $400
(depends on accommodation - length of stay - additional amenities)

Very interested in ancient Greece/history, food, culture, hiking, biking.

dulciusexasperis

Your budget is fine for a room. In Greece, that will get you 'self-catering' accommodation with no problem in most places.

With 2.5 weeks including arrival and departure in Athens, I would stick with ONE of the mainland, Crete or Rhodes. Try to arrive in Athens and fly(or drive if you opt to stay on the mainland) to your destination in the same day. Returning, arrive in Athens 2 days before your departure date and spend those 2 days seeing Athens.

Rent a car whichever you choose for maximum flexibility in what you can see/do each day.

Here is an example of what you can find. I know this property personally and would not hesitate to suggest it for a 2 week stay. But you will need to rent a car.
http://www.nikihotelapartments.gr/apa4.html

Should be around $145 per night for the 4 of you in the 2 bedroom apartment linked.

There should be no problem finding enough things to see and do each day. http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction...odecanese.html

michaelmorrison

Greece would be the best option for the summer, with a lot of nice places to visit, although if you just want to relax you can choose a hotel and spend a week or two there. The best islands to go to are Santorini, Skiathos, Mykonos and of course Crete. The food and culture in this country is amazing so I definitely recommend you to go.

neckervd

Yes, the most crowded Islands in August are Santorini, Skiathos, Mykonos, of course!

dulciusexasperis

Please explain to me why Santorini, Skiathos, Mykonos and of course Crete are the BEST islands to go to michealmorrison. Just how do YOU determine what is BEST?

joe4212

It looks like michael is new to Fodors and the islands he has suggested are perhaps best for him and I feel sure he is sharing that to try and help. Similarly, reading through this thread there are others providing recommendations. In doing that they are bordering on what's been 'best for them' so they share it. These forums are successful because of the experience and sharing of others.

As a newbie it's a real pity michael wasn't shown a welcome here rather than aggression and interrogation.

dulciusexasperis

It's really a shame you don't consider Michael able to speak for himself joe4212. Rather insulting really.

My method of pointing something out to Michael may not meet with your approval joe but Micheal may in fact have a thicker skin than you and take my point without feeling I treated him like a little kid which is what you apparently think I should have done.

jon_rwr

Mykonos has one of the prettiest towns in the Cyclades but in late July/August it will eat into your budget big-time and not just for accommodation!

You'll be visiting when the island will be very busy and that's an understatement. Much as I love Mykonos I hope you take notice of other recommendations here. Perhaps sometime in the future you will get the chance to visit and, if you do, think about May to mid-June or September.

Mind you, should you choose Naxos there is a day-trip (around 10 hours) to Delos and Mykonos town so perhaps that might be an option? You say you like history and culture and Delos will most definitely give you and the family those.

I'd like to do it in reverse i.e. an organised day-trip to Naxos from Mykonos but there are none available. Maybe I need to use Heimdall's superb knowledge of the Greek ferry system to plan a trip of my own ;-)