After having done a dozen trips to Europe, <BR>including 5 to Italy, in the past 15 years <BR>we have just returned from a fantastic 20 days in Greece---a unique experience. The trip was broken into 3 distinct segments. <BR>First, a week on a charter yacht with 6 other <BR>couples touring the Cyclades. Then, back to <BR>Athens and a flight to Santorini for 3 fantastic days of R&R---staying at a super <BR>"cave house" at the village of Oia on the northern tip of the island--a real highlight. <BR>Then a flight back to Athens to get a rental <BR>car for a week of " off-the-path" travel thru <BR>the Pelopenese--Nafplio,the Mani,Olympia etc. <BR>Greece is unique--the people friendly, and the food wonderful. I love Italy, the Alps, <BR>Iberia, and Bavaria but this trip ranks near <BR>the top of my European adventures. Let me know if I can drop some gems for your trip. <BR> <BR>

Bob, <BR>Could you tell me the name and cost of the "cave house" you stayed at in Oia, Santorini? Was it a house you rented with a group of people, or a hotel? Thanks.

It was a hotel but seperate bungalows <BR>with a small kitchen costing about $120 <BR>for a double. The name is ESPERAS TRADITIONAL HOUSES---we loved it. <BR>You can search to the web site or go into www.greekhotels.com and find it. <BR>There are several of this type in Oia <BR>all built on the caldera slope and not <BR>for people who are not in decent shape. <BR>The contact is a lovely girl named <BR>Yvonne at [email protected]---tell her <BR>I sent you. Be sure to get their transfer deal from the airport---you will never find it on your own and you <BR>will be shocked when the cab takes you to this forsaken road---they will meet <BR>you there for bags and after a 3 minute <BR>walk you will thank me. Try not to <BR>arrive at night. They also have a pool

BOB THE NAVIGATOR: ...you were missed! <BR> <BR>Anyway, my question to you is: what do you consider should be the minimum number of days for a vacation in Greece? What spots should be an absolute DO NOT MISS? <BR> <BR>P.S. My husband is letting me plan a future trip to Greece...I can not mess up! (...is a long story) Please help!!) <BR>

That is a very good but tough question. <BR>I did alot of homework trying to answer <BR>that for myself in Jan. The logistics of <BR>transport are the key factors---it is not easy to get around the islands--- <BR>you must choose private charter, cruise <BR>ship, or ride the ferries. We did the <BR>charter but had the leverage of 6 couples for negotiations. Go find the <BR>site for VALEF YACHTS or call them at <BR>800-223-3845 and ask about their AEGEAN <BR>COCKTAIL deal for the island portion. <BR>You should also do at least 4 days in <BR>the Pelopenese--either by car or tour-- <BR>so, a week on the boat,a nite in Athens <BR>and 4 days in Pelop. adds up to 12. <BR>However, that does not give you any time at one island and Santorini is <BR>magical. You could fly to there for 4 <BR>nites and then use the extensive ferry <BR>system to meander back by way of Mykonos as an option. The whole deal is a compromise---Crete and Rhodes are also super destinations. You pick the time and work backwards to the places. <BR>It would take a month to see it all. <BR>Our 20 days was a good cross section <BR>but we still missed alot of great places. Sorry I can't be more definitive, but if I had one week I would not miss Santorini and I would <BR>stay at Oia. Hope this helps. <BR>

Bob: Can you tell me how long the flight from Athens to Santorini is? Also, how long does is take to get from Athens to Pelopenese by car/bus? One last question...is the weather/water warm in late May/early June on the island of Santorini? Thanks!! <BR>

The flight is about :45 and $130 on Olympic. A drive to Nafplio is about <BR>2+ hours---that is a great starting point. There is a good 4 day bus tour <BR>that does the highlights of the Pelop. <BR>and up to Delphi that is a good price if <BR>you don"t want to drive. The weather will be perfect but the water chilly.

<BR>Bob, Did you stay in Olympia, I've been searching for hotel info but the only web page I've found was for the Amalia Hotel. Any info would be appreciated on Olympia. Also any driving info (rental co.[autoeurope?], fuel prices, etc,) Thanks, Walter <BR> <BR>

We stayed 2 nites in Olympia at the Hotel Europa and loved it. You can book <BR>thru Best Western--800-528-1234.We had <BR>no reservation and looked at the Amalia <BR>since we had stayed at their hotel in <BR>Athens, which we liked, but this one was <BR>nicer and we cut a deal at check-in. <BR>We did the Auto Europe thing, as I have <BR>done on many occasions, and were pleased <BR>If you make it down to the south coast <BR>be sure to stay at the Limeni Village <BR>near Aeropolis--great natural setting. <BR>You will love Greece--try to get off the <BR>path and do not spend all of your time <BR>looking at old rocks.

I am bringing this back to the top for <BR>all of those asking about hotels in <BR>Santorini and Athens.

<BR>Bob, Thanks for the 11/26 reply to my post. I've checked out the Hotel Europa and I'm taking your advice and booking it. Did you stay in Nafplion? If so, how was the hotel you stayed at? I've also noticed that many Peloponnesian hotel's web sites don't list TV's in the rooms, is this just an oversight? I mainly want a TV to plan the following days' activities by watching the local weather forecast.(plus it puts me to sleep. <BR>TIA...Regards,Walter...

The Europa does have TV---rather good as <BR>I recall. The hotel we picked in Naplio <BR>was forgetful. There was a good one just <BR>up the hill from where the big ships <BR>dock---may have started with "A" that <BR>seemed nice. Good places to eat in this <BR>town. We did Mystra from here and liked <BR>it. Good luck !

Your information Bob is very useful. We are planning our first Europe "sojourn" starting April - few questions. How long does the ferry take from Peiraias to Santorini, and approx. cost? Would travelling around the Peloponnese area be possible by public transport - bus/train for 4-5 days? Did you do the "special rack-railway train trip" Kalavrita? <BR> <BR>Thanks for any info <BR>Trish