isabel

I'm considering Greece for my vacation next March. I'll have somewhere between one and two weeks. I'm just starting to read up but thought I'd get some opinions first. I definitly want to see the Greece from the posters - the white domed churches and houses agaisnt the blue sea background. I know that means Santorini, but does it mean other places as well? Would probably fly into Athens, then maybe two, three or four other destinations. I don't want to spend all my time traveling between places, and I know some of the ferry rides can be very long. So what are your opinions? Thanks

elaine

I haven't been to Greece for a long time, but will make some basic suggestions.
Are you flying to Greece from North America? That means your first day there will not be most efficient in terms of sightseeng. I'd allow in total, 3 days for sightseeing in Athens including your arrival day. Take one more day and do a one-day cruise (daytrip) to the Saronic Gulf islands (usually the ones included are Hydra, Aegina, and Poros.)
Now you've got six days left. I'd say two other islands at most, and since the weather won't really be warm enough for swimming, pick two that allow for some sightseeing, and that allow for short ferry or plane rides between them. (also check ferry schedules for March, as that is a slower season).
One popular combination is Santorini and Mykonos. If you wanted to go to Crete, which is large and has lots of sightseeing, you could spend the whole 6 days there, but it's not the same look as Santorini.

elaine

see also this thread

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34663921

isabel

Thanks Elaine. That info, and the link to the other thread, was helpful. I've never had as much trouble getting a handle on a country before. Maybe because the other countries I've traveled to I had some sense of where things were in relation to each other, but when it come to Greece I'm at a loss. Guess that's where the expression "it's Greek to me" must come from.

So anyone else out there want to gvie me some pointers. I guess I'm looking for one or two more destinations besides Athens and Santorini that will be picturesque, not totally closed down in March, and not incredibly complicated to get to (from Athens, which is where I assume I will need to fly into from the Northeast US).

smalti

Hi, isabel!

Do you want only island destinations? If not, then you could see Delphi (ancient ruins in a splendid mountain setting), the Byzantine monastery of Osios Loukas, and some picturesque mountain villages, all a couple of hours' drive northwest of Athens. Very nice for an overnight trip, or even doable as a day trip.

Wherever you end up going, have a wonderful trip!

Ozarksbill

I would recommend classical antiquity sites out of Athens if that's of interest...Mycenae, Corinth, Epidarus, Delphi. While some may go for the sunny islands, this get you in touch with fascinating history. Of course, there is indeed Crete. All depends on what draws you to Greece. Yes, a few other trips out of Athens, too.

BTW, though Athens is your typical large city, every trip will include the Parthenon, Agora, and National Museum I would think. I also agree with elaine: the one day three island cruise out of Piraeus might be enough unless you want to do a more extended island hop.
Ozarks Bill
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