Trip in 9/05 to Greece -- too expensive?
 

We have been planning to go to Greece for 2 weeks for our 10th Anniv. for a while. Since the dollar is so weak against the Euro though, I am nervous that it will be quite expensive to do it. We want to stay in nice hotels -- not over the top -- but nice. Any suggestions? Cheaper with a tour operator per chance? We want to go to Athens, Santorini and one more place -- what should we add to our trip? Thanks.

Do you already have the trip ("mentally") for (in "2004 costs")? With money in the bank? The older I get, the more I think it is folly to travel abroad on "future income", but that's another story.

Can you find aay to save an additional $150/month for the ney seven months? That ought to MORE than cover any increase in this trip's cost (i.e., 2005 costs versus 2004 costs).

You could argue that there are better things you could do with your money. But then, you wouldn't be "like me" (or the rest of us Fodorites?)

Best wishes,

Rex

Whoops! left out important word in the first sentence: PAID for...

You have several convinient options if you're going to Santorini. There are 6 islands connected by express ferry-Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini and Crete.

Even though the Euro is stronger than the dollar, it's losing ground at the moment, and Greece is still one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe.

There are plenty of websites for Santorini you can Google to find a good price for a hotel with the amenities you require. Do some research, read over past postings here and eventually you'll find what you seek.

Do some comparison shopping with and without tour operators to see what your expenses would be.

We did a package with Fantasy Travel a few years ago in September..We stayed at the Volcano View Villas in Santorini, and the Attolas Hotel in Athens..They arranged our ferry (high speed)from Athens to Santorini our transfers, and our flight from Santorini to Athens..Both hotels were very nice, the Volcano View Villas had a fabulous view of the volcano and sea and the whole trip was fabulous...I searched around for months and the price was really reasonable..It just depends what level of hotel you want..The VVV's suit us just fine and I would consider staying there again.

Thanks to all who replied to my message. Rex, yes -- I have money saved for this trip, as I said in my message, "we have been planning to go to Greece for our 10th Anniv...."

Now, for my third island, please give me a suggestion, if you will. I heard Corfu is beautiful, but out of the way and hard to get to. Would going to the Peloponnese area be feasible? Thanks again.

Corfu is not at all convenient to Santorini. There are plenty of nice options throughout the Cyclades depending on what you want.

As for tour vs. on-your-own, it all comes down to your comfort level. Most folks can definitely do this by themselves -- especially with the help on these boards.

Tip us off to budget limits and what you want to see and you'll get plenty of more specific tips.

And, yes, the Peloponnesse is a nice option, too.

We can afford a hotel for an average of $150 - 200 nightly. What do you suggest with that budget in mind.
Thanks.

We can afford around $150-200 a night for accommodations. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

Here's a nice place in Santorini.

http://www.sunnyvillas.gr/profile.html

My suggestion: Pay a little more on Santorini and a little less than your target, elsewhere. This doesn't work for Mykonos, but for Naxos, you could get a nice room at the Villa Marandi or the Lianos Village and balance it out nicely.

We had the same concerns when planning a trip to Italy last year. The dollar being weak, meant everything cost about 30% more. One thing I learned was that the hotel rating system in Italy (and Greece) is very different from ours. "A" class does not mean it will have nicer rooms than "c" class. As a matter of fact, often a "B" or "C" class will be beautiful. They are rated lower because they don't have something like shops, or restaurants on site. Which you don't need! Check out traveler's opinions on www.traveladvisor.com. We are researching the same trip you are for next year and I was considering Naxos. I found rooms in a place that got extremely high ("paradise" was how one person decribed it!)ratings from numerous travelers on that site that would cost less than $100E a night! Do your research and definitely don't sweat it!

hedgepath: you could fly to athens, stay there for a few nights, then take an internal flight to crete (olympic and aegean fly over and back to crete several times daily). the fare the last time we did this (a year ago) was about 70+ euro return. on crete you could either stay in the city, iraklion, and do day trips (the main roads are good now). 150-200 dollars per night should get you a good hotel. just google hotels crete and see what's available. the village of elounda is very nice, as is sissi, both on the north east of the island and only about 40 mins drive from the airport. you can then take a boat to santorini from crete. (on crete DO NOT stay in malia - it is dreadful). also when in crete, have a meal in the loukoulos restaurant in the centre of iraklion. it is just lovely, great food (french/italian style), wine, service, and setting (in a little courtyard covered over with greenery).

and about the prices: a meal in the likes of loukoulos (more upmarket style restaurant) is around 20-30 euro each including a nice bottle of wine. the traditional restaurants are very much cheaper, say around 10-12 euro each including wine. drinks are roughly: 3-4 euro for a pint of larger, g&t 4 euro, coke and soft drinks 2 euro, water about 50c for a half litre (although it is safe to drink the water on crete, but it is usually a bit warm and the bottled stuff is so cheap (and chilled) you really wouldn't bother).

car hire is around 80 euro for three days, although prices vary. petrol/gas is around .80c a litre. (if a car behind you toots his horn at you, he is just asking you to move aside a bit so he can overtake you). taxis are about a couple of euro for a short journey and around 40 euro from the airport to sissi. (the prices for taxis from the airport are posted inside the airport so you can check before taking one).

most beaches charge for the sun beds and umbrellas (about 10 euro for as long as you want for 2 beds and one umbrella/shade).

some historical attractions are free on a sunday (zeus' cave for instance) on crete. if you are going to visit the palace of knossos, don't bother with the bus if staying in the city, just take a taxi - it's not too far and not very expensive. go early, not so many tourists and not as hot. also, definately hire a guide: it is worth every penny (or euro :)). don't bother eating in the place, overpriced plastic food. instead stroll across the road and dine in one of the numerous tavernas for a cheaper and tastier meal. there are also many beautiful churches on crete and are free of charge to go into and view the fabulous icons there.

we were there May 2003. Highly recommend Naxos ....perfect stop between Athens & Santorini and beautiful beaches as well as a great scenic drive through the mountains & fishing villages. we loved Villa Marandi ...wonderful service, quiet & beautiful large rooms

I agree...spend more on room in Santorini We LOVED Sunrocks (couples only). Made out trip and perfectly romantic for an anniversary trip. Take a look: http://www.sunrocks.gr/

Best wishes... you got me dreaming about it all over again!