I probably should have looked at Rick Steves travel forum first before looking at putting a trip together for Greece. (I've done that for other trips to Europe) I am 72 and wife is 60 and in relatively good health and physical condition. I was looking at Greece from 5/15 to 5/27, though all dates are flexible, though I do not want to be in Greece in June/July. I put together trip flying from Orlando to Athens on 5/14 arriving 5/15 and staying at Athens Gate till 5/18, then ferrying to Mykonos to stay at Androkonis Hotel till 5/21, then ferry to Paros and stay at Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel till 5/24, then ferry to Santorini and stay at Santorini Secret Premium Hotel till 5/27. Flight to Athens from Santorini to connect back to US. I've seen some say start in Athens and work down; others say the opposite. Trip do able, too much, too many islands or better island choices? After looking at forum realize I may have waited too long, and options seem to be overwhelming when compared to Italy, France, Prague, Vienna, Budapest etc.
John
Posted by
5315 posts
You are right that many plan to fly to an island on arrival day and work their way back, but if you have everything booked I would not sweat it too much. However, if your flight back from Santorini is delayed, you could miss your outbound flight, so you might want to share those details for advice on if you have enough cushion between.
I am not familiar with the islands so cannot advise, but you might want to share some details about what you wish to see and do so others can better offer input. Good luck!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12111 posts
Flight to Athens from Santorini to connect back to US.
Is the flight to the US the same day as the flight from Santorini to Athens?
If it is two separately booked tickets on the same day, you have issued an unnecessary 'invitation to disaster'.
( I couldn't find any JTR-ATH-MCO single ticket flights, so presumably you have 2 separately booked flights)
You may want to look at taking remedial action now and not on 5/27.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
As far as trip, have not booked anything yet. Dealing with agent but have told her to hold off. Also, flight back to US was on same day, Santorini to Athens with a two hour layover in Athens. Must admit concerned about that, tho told that was sufficient, and extra night in Athens not needed.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12111 posts
Is the Athens to Orlando flight on Delta via Atlanta?
That being the case you would have to retrieve any checked bags you have from the Santorini to Athens flight then check them for the US bound flight, go through passport processing/control ( exiting the Schengen zone) go through security and get to your gate.
Doing all that in 2 hours requires everything to work like a Swiss watch.
This is why there is the frequent suggestion to 'do Athens last', is to avoid the risk and drama of a flight from an island to Athens to catch a same day (but separately ticketed) flight to the US.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20945 posts
Its a lot of work. If I didnt have a lot of confidence I would pay the few hundred a trip planner charges ... but one that works that area. And you are correct, Prague, Vienna, Budapest is simple by comparison, but what you are trying to put together can be a really wonderful trip. So stay wiht it. Just get good reliable professional help.
Posted by
93 posts
I’m curious why you don’t fly from Athens to Mykonos. It would save you close to half a day or more and it’s cheaper than the ferry.
Posted by
Oregon
291 posts
Last year my May flight from Rhodes to Athens was cancelled "due to weather". I'm guessing it was too windy for the preceding flight FROM Athens, as our plane never materialized.