Greece Travel Answers

Hi, this sounds like a great trip you're planning! Everything looks good, in terms of the excursion to either Epidarus or Mycenae, they're both great but I'd go for Mycenae. The sights there are amazing and all the history and architecture is stunning. When you're in Athens, I would take an excursion to a nearby island like Aegina or Hydra, they're beautiful and again the historical sites are great to visit. Hope you have fun! Claire

I'd spend one more full day at Meteora area. There are six monasteries to visit. Crete is a large island. I think you should stay there at least a week. Otherwise you could skip it and add two more days in Santorini to your itinerary. Enjoy Greece!

I know something only about Mykonos and Santorini. I have experienced some delays on transportation by boat on August 2006. I don't know if this issue has been solved. If not, I'd exclude the possible visit to Delos. I found Mykonos and Santorini very different. I'd classify the first very "party people", the second "to be visited deeply". Some links I usually suggest to have some ideas, not necessarily to follow SANTORINI greeka.com/cyclades/santorin... travel-to-santorini.com/beac... greek-islands.us/greek-beach... google.it/images?hl=it&q=pan... http://www.kooclub.gr/ http://www.enigmaclub.gr/default.htm MYKONOS greeka.com/cyclades/mykonos/... http://www.skandinavianbar.com/ Have a good travel! Fabrizio

I would recommend that you go to Mycenae, and try to find a bit more time for Crete,if you can. It's a far larger island than Mykonos or Santorini.

And if you really want to be inspired about Greek history and why you should go to Mycenae and Knossos, try to get hold of a copy of the DVD of Michael Wood's TV series 'In Search of the Trojan War'. It was made in the 1980s, but his enthusiasm really brings the ancient world to life.

Thanks for the feedback! It is good to hear that Mykonos and Santorini differ significantly. I don’t want to be on a 3hr ferry (or whatever it is!) to go to virtually the same island! Thanks for the links microsensazione. I expect to be in Greece around April, though because this is merely a component of a broader trip this may fluctuate. So at least some time in the spring. Exact dates are certainly not possible for a (potentially) 10 month trip! I won’t be there in August that’s for sure though. Admittedly, checking World Heritage Sites off a list is definitely a primary objective! Spending a considerable amount of time travelling does not bother me greatly (although I think 75% is slight over statement; perhaps 25%). I would rather see as much of the specific country as possible even if it means sacrificing time spent lazing on a beach or partying. I would prefer to spend limited time in multiple places than a great slab in just a couple. If however I have been too restrictive of time for any of the above mentioned destinations to see the sites to an adequate degree, then change is certainly necessary and will be implemented following advice (which is the case for Meteora). I know I have left limited time for Crete; but have I left enough time for Chania and Iraklion specifically? And are they the best destinations to visit in Crete? Thanks again Erfe

> here in Greece we say that you need a month for Creta! Which means one week for each of the 4 prefectures! :) If you ask me the best one is CHANIA, with RETHIMNO at second place, LASITHI at third and HERAKLION at forth. With such limited time you have I'd explore CHANIA only.

Erfe, Seen your question also in the middle east forum - and i feel i have to say something: this is a marathon your are planning, and in the end you'll be exhausted but without really enjoying the places. I agree with the statement about the 75% of the time traveling. Remeber, you are using public transport, you need to get the ticket, wait for the buses, etc. Yes, I know, one day is enough for Olympia and Delphi but if your tour will consist only of 1-2 days sites you'll be very tired after a month. My advice - balance between rapid parts and longer breaks (up to a week). Enjoy your trip - it's a chance of a lifetime, Ori

Ok I've created an updated itinerary: DAY 1: Thessaloniki (arriving around 6am on overnight train from Istanbul) 2: Thessaloniki, day trip to Vergina 3: Meteora 4: Meteora 5: Delphi 6: Olympia 7: Nafplio 8: Nafplio, possible to Epidarus 9: Athens 10: Athens 11: Athens 12: Athens 13: Mykonos 14: Mykonos 15: Mykonos, possible excursion to Delos 16: Santorini 17: Santorini 18: Santorini 19: arriving early afternoon, Crete- Iraklion 20: Crete- Iraklion, half day at Knossos Palace 21: Crete- Chania 22: Crete- Chania, day trip to Samaria Gorge 23: return to Athens and continue onwards internationally

You could stay only two days in Athens and spend two more days in Crete. This is a big island.