I will be finishing a 17 day tour in Turkey on 10/12. Thought I would spend about 8 days in Greece (islands) to relax and learn. I want to take advantage of travelling since I'll already have paid my way . I am a fit
70 woman travelling alone first time. Any suggestions as to where to go and how to stay within a modest budget are appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
It should be quite easy to stay within a modest budget in the Greek islands in mid-October. I've typically shown up on an island and found a basic single room for about €20/night in a small, family-run place. Meals are also cheap and menus posted outside, as in all of Europe.
If your tour ends at Ephesus and Kusadasi, you take the local ferry from there to Samos island (Samos town a.k.a. Vathi). Buy the ticket a day ahead so they can register your passport. From there, ferries along the Dodecanese chain might leave from the other side of the island at Pythagorio and you'll probably spend a night on Samos.
See my recent post at https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/turkey/istanbul-to-greek-islands for more transfer points between the two countries.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
At that time of year, it can be hard to plan ahead for ferries. So, as Laura said, if your tour ends at Ephesus/Kusadasi, take a ferry to Samos. Visit a travel agency along the port, check the ferry schedules, and map out a plan. You would probably want to end up in Rhodes. If you're flying home from Istanbul, you can take a (daily, reliable) ferry from Rhodes to Marmaris and then a bus back to Istanbul. If you can fly home from Athens, then fly from Rhodes to Athens. Allow a couple of days to see Athens, if you've never been there.
Some of the smaller islands will be closing down by mid-October, but you should definitely find lodging/restaurants in Patmos (where you can visit the monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse) and Kos. From Kos, you may be able to take a daytrip to the island of Nisyros and see the volcano, which I found fascinating. Rhodes, of course, is busy year round and has lots to see.
I would bring a guidebook along and be prepared for last-minute changes. The Greek islands can be windy and starting to cool down at this time of year, but they are absolutely gorgeous. You will have a great time.