Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
Apr 8th 2007, 12:29 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
To all,
I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
expierience culture
We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
runners.
Trip 1:
Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
Day 8 - Return flight.
Trip 2:
Day 1-3 - Athens.
Day 4-6 - Santorini
Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
expierience culture
We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
runners.
Trip 1:
Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
Day 8 - Return flight.
Trip 2:
Day 1-3 - Athens.
Day 4-6 - Santorini
Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
Apr 8th 2007, 4:57 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
[email protected] a �crit :
> To all,
>
> I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> expierience culture
> We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> runners.
>
> Trip 1:
> Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
> Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> Day 8 - Return flight.
>
> Trip 2:
> Day 1-3 - Athens.
> Day 4-6 - Santorini
> Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
> The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
>
There is something special in the atmosphere of greek islands that you
should not have experienced in Florida. If you are a photographer, don't
miss them. I don't know what you like to photograph people, cities,
nature, but all three will appear different.
If you are in a hurry Hydra and Poros are just a day trip from Athens.
Your wife will see some recent and ancient culture there.
http://www.athensguide.com/aegina.html
> To all,
>
> I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> expierience culture
> We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> runners.
>
> Trip 1:
> Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
> Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> Day 8 - Return flight.
>
> Trip 2:
> Day 1-3 - Athens.
> Day 4-6 - Santorini
> Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
> The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
>
There is something special in the atmosphere of greek islands that you
should not have experienced in Florida. If you are a photographer, don't
miss them. I don't know what you like to photograph people, cities,
nature, but all three will appear different.
If you are in a hurry Hydra and Poros are just a day trip from Athens.
Your wife will see some recent and ancient culture there.
http://www.athensguide.com/aegina.html
Apr 8th 2007, 8:58 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On 8 Apr 2007 17:29:39 -0700, in rec.travel.europe, [email protected] arranged some
electrons, so they looked like this:
... To all,
...
... I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
... like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
... First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
... are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
... wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
... critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
... expierience culture
... We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
... deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
... runners.
...
... Trip 1:
... Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
... Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
... Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
Give more time to these three - include Epidaurus if possible. Leave the islands for
another trip.
Whatever you do, do not miss Delphes and its museum!! Go on early spring if you can manage
it.
... Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
... Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
... Day 8 - Return flight.
...
... Trip 2:
... Day 1-3 - Athens.
... Day 4-6 - Santorini
... Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
...
... The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
... at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
... Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
... to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
... to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
... and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
Visit at least a couple of monasteries. Fantastic pics to be taken from up there, don't
forget the 300+ mm.
... If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
... photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
electrons, so they looked like this:
... To all,
...
... I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
... like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
... First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
... are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
... wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
... critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
... expierience culture
... We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
... deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
... runners.
...
... Trip 1:
... Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
... Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
... Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
Give more time to these three - include Epidaurus if possible. Leave the islands for
another trip.
Whatever you do, do not miss Delphes and its museum!! Go on early spring if you can manage
it.
... Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
... Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
... Day 8 - Return flight.
...
... Trip 2:
... Day 1-3 - Athens.
... Day 4-6 - Santorini
... Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
...
... The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
... at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
... Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
... to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
... to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
... and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
Visit at least a couple of monasteries. Fantastic pics to be taken from up there, don't
forget the 300+ mm.
... If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
... photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
Apr 8th 2007, 9:01 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
<[email protected]> wrote:
> To all,
>
> I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> expierience culture
> We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> runners.
>
> Trip 1:
> Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
> Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> Day 8 - Return flight.
>
> Trip 2:
> Day 1-3 - Athens.
> Day 4-6 - Santorini
> Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
> The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
I'm not a photographer, so can't really comment on that aspect of it,
but I've taken a couple of trips relatively recently to Greece which
were of a similar length. First one was like this-
Day 1- arrive Athens- sightsee a bit
Day 2- full day in Athens
Day 3- catamaran to Naxos
Day 4-6, laze around in Naxos- day trip to Delos and Mykonos.
Day 7- ferry back to Athens
Day 8- return
From a photographer's point of view, you might like the trip to Delos,
as you can easily get away from people, and there are some great shots-
though on the trip we took, we were fairly limited in the amount of time
on the island- 2 hours IIRC.
Second trip went like this
Day 1- arrive at Athens on overnight flight, connect to flight to
Heraklion, then bus down to Matala
Day 2-4- stay in Matala, side trip to Phaestos. (Some of the rocky shore
at Matala and the more remote beaches you can walk to would be good for
you, maybe.)
Day 5- go to Heraklion, visit site at Knossos, evening ferry to
Santorini.
Day 6-7 Santorini, lots of walks etc.
Day 8 afternoon flight to Athens- spend leisurely evening there
Day 9 return
I worked in Delphi for a couple of weeks in the 90s, and it was a great
place. However, it is at its best in the very early morning, which you
might miss on a day trip. By noon, the place is packed with tourists,
and I imagine that the light isn't so great anyway. If you consider
Delphi, try and spend a night there, so you can take advantage of the
morning. I was there in August, and would wake at around 6am to take a
walk- hardly anyone around.
--
(*) ... of the royal duchy of city south and deansgate
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
(don't email yahoo address) usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
> To all,
>
> I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> expierience culture
> We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> runners.
>
> Trip 1:
> Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
> Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> Day 8 - Return flight.
>
> Trip 2:
> Day 1-3 - Athens.
> Day 4-6 - Santorini
> Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
> The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
I'm not a photographer, so can't really comment on that aspect of it,
but I've taken a couple of trips relatively recently to Greece which
were of a similar length. First one was like this-
Day 1- arrive Athens- sightsee a bit
Day 2- full day in Athens
Day 3- catamaran to Naxos
Day 4-6, laze around in Naxos- day trip to Delos and Mykonos.
Day 7- ferry back to Athens
Day 8- return
From a photographer's point of view, you might like the trip to Delos,
as you can easily get away from people, and there are some great shots-
though on the trip we took, we were fairly limited in the amount of time
on the island- 2 hours IIRC.
Second trip went like this
Day 1- arrive at Athens on overnight flight, connect to flight to
Heraklion, then bus down to Matala
Day 2-4- stay in Matala, side trip to Phaestos. (Some of the rocky shore
at Matala and the more remote beaches you can walk to would be good for
you, maybe.)
Day 5- go to Heraklion, visit site at Knossos, evening ferry to
Santorini.
Day 6-7 Santorini, lots of walks etc.
Day 8 afternoon flight to Athens- spend leisurely evening there
Day 9 return
I worked in Delphi for a couple of weeks in the 90s, and it was a great
place. However, it is at its best in the very early morning, which you
might miss on a day trip. By noon, the place is packed with tourists,
and I imagine that the light isn't so great anyway. If you consider
Delphi, try and spend a night there, so you can take advantage of the
morning. I was there in August, and would wake at around 6am to take a
walk- hardly anyone around.
--
(*) ... of the royal duchy of city south and deansgate
David Horne- http://www.davidhorne.net
(don't email yahoo address) usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
Apr 8th 2007, 9:15 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On 8 Apr 2007 17:29:39 -0700, [email protected] wrote:
>To all,
>
>I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
>like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
>First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
>are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
>wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
>critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
>expierience culture
>We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
>deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
>runners.
>
>Trip 1:
>Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
>Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
>Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
>Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
>Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
>Day 8 - Return flight.
>
>Trip 2:
>Day 1-3 - Athens.
>Day 4-6 - Santorini
>Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
>The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
>at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
>Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
>to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
>to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
>and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
>If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
>photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
Have a look at the blog and the preceding page or two; all
in the Argolid so far but possibly some ideas for you.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Epidaurus
>To all,
>
>I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
>like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
>First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
>are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
>wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
>critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
>expierience culture
>We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
>deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
>runners.
>
>Trip 1:
>Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
>Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
>Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
>Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
>Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
>Day 8 - Return flight.
>
>Trip 2:
>Day 1-3 - Athens.
>Day 4-6 - Santorini
>Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
>The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
>at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
>Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
>to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
>to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
>and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
>If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
>photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
Have a look at the blog and the preceding page or two; all
in the Argolid so far but possibly some ideas for you.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: Epidaurus
Apr 9th 2007, 1:59 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
Thanks all!
At this point, based on some advice I have gotten, and things I have
been reading, our plans have changed. We are now going to try to book
this trip on our own.
Before we were going through a travel agent and I suspected the
pricing we were getting was high...I just didn't know how high it was.
We have discovered that by booking our air/hotel/trips ourselves we
can save a LOT.
Now our plan is to book Air and 2 nights in Athens from here and
secure a car rental for the next few days of the trip. We plan to
drive north to Meteora with lots of stopping between.
The money we think we will be saving not doing a package deal and
driving ourselves should allow us to do at least the nearby islands
(maybe Hydra) or even Santorini if time premits. The basic framework
for the trip still stands but now we will be able to go where and when
we want around the country.
I am still a bit nervous about driving in Greece after all I have
heard about it not being the safest place to drive but the freedom to
explore more than offsets this slight worry. Even my more nervous wife
agrees.
The bottom line is that we are NOT package tour travelers. We explored
Ireland by car last year and had the time of our lives, mainly due to
the fact that we were free to change our plans whenever we wanted and
include or exclude destinations as we learned more about them from the
locals and info we couldn't get from home.
What do you all think of this? Just an example of the pricing
difference I am talking about; the travel agent was trying to book us
passage to Santorini and had us on flights that were $429 to & $379
return (that's over $800 if you're counting). I was able to get quotes
of $169 ROUND TRIP by going directly to airlines and ferry companies
in Greece. I tried this because I read that local booking is the best
way to get around Greece. So far, that seems to be VERY true.
I would love any more imput.
On Apr 9, 5:15 am, Alan S <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 8 Apr 2007 17:29:39 -0700, [email protected] wrote:
>
>
>
> >To all,
>
> >I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> >like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> >First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> >are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> >wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> >critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> >expierience culture
> >We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> >deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> >runners.
>
> >Trip 1:
> >Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> >Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> >Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
> >Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> >Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> >Day 8 - Return flight.
>
> >Trip 2:
> >Day 1-3 - Athens.
> >Day 4-6 - Santorini
> >Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
> >The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> >at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> >Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> >to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> >to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> >and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> >If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> >photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
>
> Have a look at the blog and the preceding page or two; all
> in the Argolid so far but possibly some ideas for you.
>
> Cheers, Alan, Australia
>
> http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
> latest: Epidaurus
At this point, based on some advice I have gotten, and things I have
been reading, our plans have changed. We are now going to try to book
this trip on our own.
Before we were going through a travel agent and I suspected the
pricing we were getting was high...I just didn't know how high it was.
We have discovered that by booking our air/hotel/trips ourselves we
can save a LOT.
Now our plan is to book Air and 2 nights in Athens from here and
secure a car rental for the next few days of the trip. We plan to
drive north to Meteora with lots of stopping between.
The money we think we will be saving not doing a package deal and
driving ourselves should allow us to do at least the nearby islands
(maybe Hydra) or even Santorini if time premits. The basic framework
for the trip still stands but now we will be able to go where and when
we want around the country.
I am still a bit nervous about driving in Greece after all I have
heard about it not being the safest place to drive but the freedom to
explore more than offsets this slight worry. Even my more nervous wife
agrees.
The bottom line is that we are NOT package tour travelers. We explored
Ireland by car last year and had the time of our lives, mainly due to
the fact that we were free to change our plans whenever we wanted and
include or exclude destinations as we learned more about them from the
locals and info we couldn't get from home.
What do you all think of this? Just an example of the pricing
difference I am talking about; the travel agent was trying to book us
passage to Santorini and had us on flights that were $429 to & $379
return (that's over $800 if you're counting). I was able to get quotes
of $169 ROUND TRIP by going directly to airlines and ferry companies
in Greece. I tried this because I read that local booking is the best
way to get around Greece. So far, that seems to be VERY true.
I would love any more imput.
On Apr 9, 5:15 am, Alan S <[email protected]> wrote:
> On 8 Apr 2007 17:29:39 -0700, [email protected] wrote:
>
>
>
> >To all,
>
> >I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> >like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> >First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> >are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> >wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> >critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> >expierience culture
> >We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> >deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> >runners.
>
> >Trip 1:
> >Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> >Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> >Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
> >Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> >Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> >Day 8 - Return flight.
>
> >Trip 2:
> >Day 1-3 - Athens.
> >Day 4-6 - Santorini
> >Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
>
> >The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> >at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> >Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> >to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> >to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> >and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> >If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> >photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
>
> Have a look at the blog and the preceding page or two; all
> in the Argolid so far but possibly some ideas for you.
>
> Cheers, Alan, Australia
>
> http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
> latest: Epidaurus
Apr 9th 2007, 2:09 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
I think my previous post made it seem like I had not paid attention to
your responses. I did. Really, what i got from them was the sense that
I needed more freedom to change my mind once I was over there and got
a feel for the country. There is SO much to see and do, and an equally
large number of opionins about which of those things are best.
I think based on what I am reading, one or two of the smaller, closer
islands may give us our fill of that aspect of Greece, and while they
are not as spectacular as Santorini, should be enough for us. If time
still permits, we may still try to catch a ferry, hydrofoil or plane
to one of the bigger islands, but I think we may just concentrate on
exploring the mainland and if we return, that trip will be to the
larger islands and maybe Turkey.
Like I said, please keep the advice coming. I appreciate it all!
On Apr 9, 4:58 am, Magda <magda@eu> wrote:
> On 8 Apr 2007 17:29:39 -0700, in rec.travel.europe, [email protected] arranged some
> electrons, so they looked like this:
>
> ... To all,
> ...
> ... I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> ... like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> ... First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> ... are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> ... wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> ... critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> ... expierience culture
> ... We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> ... deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> ... runners.
> ...
> ... Trip 1:
> ... Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> ... Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> ... Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
>
> Give more time to these three - include Epidaurus if possible. Leave the islands for
> another trip.
>
> Whatever you do, do not miss Delphes and its museum!! Go on early spring if you can manage
> it.
>
> ... Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> ... Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> ... Day 8 - Return flight.
> ...
> ... Trip 2:
> ... Day 1-3 - Athens.
> ... Day 4-6 - Santorini
> ... Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
> ...
> ... The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> ... at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> ... Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> ... to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> ... to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> ... and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> Visit at least a couple of monasteries. Fantastic pics to be taken from up there, don't
> forget the 300+ mm.
>
> ... If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> ... photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
your responses. I did. Really, what i got from them was the sense that
I needed more freedom to change my mind once I was over there and got
a feel for the country. There is SO much to see and do, and an equally
large number of opionins about which of those things are best.
I think based on what I am reading, one or two of the smaller, closer
islands may give us our fill of that aspect of Greece, and while they
are not as spectacular as Santorini, should be enough for us. If time
still permits, we may still try to catch a ferry, hydrofoil or plane
to one of the bigger islands, but I think we may just concentrate on
exploring the mainland and if we return, that trip will be to the
larger islands and maybe Turkey.
Like I said, please keep the advice coming. I appreciate it all!
On Apr 9, 4:58 am, Magda <magda@eu> wrote:
> On 8 Apr 2007 17:29:39 -0700, in rec.travel.europe, [email protected] arranged some
> electrons, so they looked like this:
>
> ... To all,
> ...
> ... I have been reading some posts here about travel to Greece. It seems
> ... like you all dispense some good advice and I need some.
> ... First of all, I am a photographer and so most of MY travel decisions
> ... are based around photographic opportunity. I am also married and my
> ... wife's travel decisions are, well, not necessarily based on the same
> ... critieria. For some reason she seems to like to see museaums, shop and
> ... expierience culture
> ... We are planning a 8-9 day trip to Greece and are having trouble
> ... deciding on an itinerary. So far we have two that seem to be front
> ... runners.
> ...
> ... Trip 1:
> ... Day 1 - Arrive in Athens/Afternoon to explore a bit.
> ... Day 2 - Sightsee in Athens
> ... Day 3-5 - Leave for a 3 day trip through Delphi, Olympia and Meteora.
>
> Give more time to these three - include Epidaurus if possible. Leave the islands for
> another trip.
>
> Whatever you do, do not miss Delphes and its museum!! Go on early spring if you can manage
> it.
>
> ... Day 6 - Return to Athens/Afternoon free
> ... Day 7 - Athens (maybe a day trip somewhere)
> ... Day 8 - Return flight.
> ...
> ... Trip 2:
> ... Day 1-3 - Athens.
> ... Day 4-6 - Santorini
> ... Day 7-8 - Athens (maybe a day trip to Delphi)
> ...
> ... The decision is really to take a trip inland from Athens or try to see
> ... at least one island. We are not really resort/beach people (we live in
> ... Orlando, Florida) so the islands don't have as much appeal as they may
> ... to some. That said, especially Santorini looks stunning. It also seems
> ... to me the Meteora is almost a "can't miss" place if we get to Greece
> ... and the decision basically comes down to Meteora vs Santorini.
>
> Visit at least a couple of monasteries. Fantastic pics to be taken from up there, don't
> forget the 300+ mm.
>
> ... If you had 8-9 days, which would you do, taking into consideration the
> ... photography angle? Any and all advice appreciated.
Apr 9th 2007, 12:06 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On 9 Apr 2007 06:59:25 -0700, "[email protected]"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Thanks all!
>
>At this point, based on some advice I have gotten, and things I have
>been reading, our plans have changed. We are now going to try to book
>this trip on our own.
>Before we were going through a travel agent and I suspected the
>pricing we were getting was high...I just didn't know how high it was.
>We have discovered that by booking our air/hotel/trips ourselves we
>can save a LOT.
>Now our plan is to book Air and 2 nights in Athens from here and
>secure a car rental for the next few days of the trip. We plan to
>drive north to Meteora with lots of stopping between.
>The money we think we will be saving not doing a package deal and
>driving ourselves should allow us to do at least the nearby islands
>(maybe Hydra) or even Santorini if time premits. The basic framework
>for the trip still stands but now we will be able to go where and when
>we want around the country.
>I am still a bit nervous about driving in Greece after all I have
>heard about it not being the safest place to drive but the freedom to
>explore more than offsets this slight worry. Even my more nervous wife
>agrees.
>The bottom line is that we are NOT package tour travelers. We explored
>Ireland by car last year and had the time of our lives, mainly due to
>the fact that we were free to change our plans whenever we wanted and
>include or exclude destinations as we learned more about them from the
>locals and info we couldn't get from home.
>
>What do you all think of this? Just an example of the pricing
>difference I am talking about; the travel agent was trying to book us
>passage to Santorini and had us on flights that were $429 to & $379
>return (that's over $800 if you're counting). I was able to get quotes
>of $169 ROUND TRIP by going directly to airlines and ferry companies
>in Greece. I tried this because I read that local booking is the best
>way to get around Greece. So far, that seems to be VERY true.
>
>I would love any more imput.
I'd do what you intend - but that's the way I do things
anyway. Re-read my blog comments on Greek "Tollways" - and
study the Greek alphabet. Unless things have changed,
outside the major cities (and often in them) all the road
name and town signs were in Greek only.
Being able to phonetically pronounce the name often gave a
recognisable English equivalent.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Thanks all!
>
>At this point, based on some advice I have gotten, and things I have
>been reading, our plans have changed. We are now going to try to book
>this trip on our own.
>Before we were going through a travel agent and I suspected the
>pricing we were getting was high...I just didn't know how high it was.
>We have discovered that by booking our air/hotel/trips ourselves we
>can save a LOT.
>Now our plan is to book Air and 2 nights in Athens from here and
>secure a car rental for the next few days of the trip. We plan to
>drive north to Meteora with lots of stopping between.
>The money we think we will be saving not doing a package deal and
>driving ourselves should allow us to do at least the nearby islands
>(maybe Hydra) or even Santorini if time premits. The basic framework
>for the trip still stands but now we will be able to go where and when
>we want around the country.
>I am still a bit nervous about driving in Greece after all I have
>heard about it not being the safest place to drive but the freedom to
>explore more than offsets this slight worry. Even my more nervous wife
>agrees.
>The bottom line is that we are NOT package tour travelers. We explored
>Ireland by car last year and had the time of our lives, mainly due to
>the fact that we were free to change our plans whenever we wanted and
>include or exclude destinations as we learned more about them from the
>locals and info we couldn't get from home.
>
>What do you all think of this? Just an example of the pricing
>difference I am talking about; the travel agent was trying to book us
>passage to Santorini and had us on flights that were $429 to & $379
>return (that's over $800 if you're counting). I was able to get quotes
>of $169 ROUND TRIP by going directly to airlines and ferry companies
>in Greece. I tried this because I read that local booking is the best
>way to get around Greece. So far, that seems to be VERY true.
>
>I would love any more imput.
I'd do what you intend - but that's the way I do things
anyway. Re-read my blog comments on Greek "Tollways" - and
study the Greek alphabet. Unless things have changed,
outside the major cities (and often in them) all the road
name and town signs were in Greek only.
Being able to phonetically pronounce the name often gave a
recognisable English equivalent.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
Apr 9th 2007, 6:18 pm
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
to interpret Greek signs. =R
> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
to interpret Greek signs. =R
Apr 9th 2007, 9:40 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
Make credence recognised that on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:18:18 -0400,
"Rog'" <[email protected]> has scripted:
>"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
>> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
>
>Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
>I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
>to interpret Greek signs. =R
I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
bilingual.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
"Rog'" <[email protected]> has scripted:
>"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
>> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
>
>Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
>I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
>to interpret Greek signs. =R
I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
bilingual.
--
---
DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
---
--
Apr 9th 2007, 9:51 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:40:25 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:18:18 -0400,
>"Rog'" <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
>>> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
>>
>>Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
>>I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
>>to interpret Greek signs. =R>
>I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
>bilingual.
Like in Japanese and Greek?
I never understood why people don't make the minimum effort to learn the Greek
alphabet before going to Greece.
--
Martin
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:18:18 -0400,
>"Rog'" <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
>>> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
>>
>>Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
>>I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
>>to interpret Greek signs. =R>
>I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
>bilingual.
Like in Japanese and Greek?
I never understood why people don't make the minimum effort to learn the Greek
alphabet before going to Greece.
--
Martin
Apr 9th 2007, 9:55 pm
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:51:25 +0200, in rec.travel.europe, Martin <[email protected]>
arranged some electrons, so they looked like this:
... >
... >I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
... >bilingual.
...
... Like in Japanese and Greek?
...
... I never understood why people don't make the minimum effort to learn the Greek
... alphabet before going to Greece.
Same here. I never understood how they have the nerve to complain, either!!
arranged some electrons, so they looked like this:
... >
... >I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
... >bilingual.
...
... Like in Japanese and Greek?
...
... I never understood why people don't make the minimum effort to learn the Greek
... alphabet before going to Greece.
Same here. I never understood how they have the nerve to complain, either!!
Apr 9th 2007, 10:05 pm
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:55:51 +0200, Magda <magda@eu> wrote:
>On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:51:25 +0200, in rec.travel.europe, Martin <[email protected]>
>arranged some electrons, so they looked like this:
>
> ... >
> ... >I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
> ... >bilingual.
> ...
> ... Like in Japanese and Greek?
> ...
> ... I never understood why people don't make the minimum effort to learn the Greek
> ... alphabet before going to Greece.
>
>Same here. I never understood how they have the nerve to complain, either!!
Yes! They have no shame
)
--
Martin
>On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:51:25 +0200, in rec.travel.europe, Martin <[email protected]>
>arranged some electrons, so they looked like this:
>
> ... >
> ... >I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
> ... >bilingual.
> ...
> ... Like in Japanese and Greek?
> ...
> ... I never understood why people don't make the minimum effort to learn the Greek
> ... alphabet before going to Greece.
>
>Same here. I never understood how they have the nerve to complain, either!!
Yes! They have no shame
)--
Martin
Apr 9th 2007, 10:29 pm
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:40:25 +0200, Deeply Filled Mortician
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:18:18 -0400,
>"Rog'" <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
>>> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
>>
>>Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
>>I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
>>to interpret Greek signs. =R>
>I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
>bilingual.
>--
>---
>DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
>---
To be fair, the signs in Oz are monolingual. However, the
thing that helped in the major streets in Athens was an
attempt on some signs for bi-alphabet rather than bilingual.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
<deepfreudmoors@eITmISaACTUALLYiREAL!l.nu> wrote:
>Make credence recognised that on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:18:18 -0400,
>"Rog'" <[email protected]> has scripted:
>
>>"Alan S" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> ... Unless things have changed, outside the major cities (and often
>>> in them) all the road name and town signs were in Greek only.
>>
>>Hence the expression, "Its all Greek to me." The few complaints
>>I've heard from Americans who've been to Greece is their inability
>>to interpret Greek signs. =R>
>I never understood why they don't insist on making all the signs
>bilingual.
>--
>---
>DFM - http://www.deepfriedmars.com
>---
To be fair, the signs in Oz are monolingual. However, the
thing that helped in the major streets in Athens was an
attempt on some signs for bi-alphabet rather than bilingual.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
Apr 9th 2007, 10:31 pm
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Greek Vacation...HELP PLEASE!
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:55:51 +0200, Magda <magda@eu> wrote:
>
>Same here. I never understood how they have the nerve to complain, either!!
I didn't, but I thought the comment may help the OP.
The only significant complaint I expressed in Greece was to
a hotel manager about the early start on his pool
construction site near the room.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
>
>Same here. I never understood how they have the nerve to complain, either!!
I didn't, but I thought the comment may help the OP.
The only significant complaint I expressed in Greece was to
a hotel manager about the early start on his pool
construction site near the room.
Cheers, Alan, Australia
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/
latest: A Pause to Reflect
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/
