Short one-week trip - trying to figure out logistics

Actually it’s looks like a very doable trip and should be fun. I was in Greece last year for the Rick Steves tour and I fell in love with Greek food and the people of Greece.

You are spending less than 24 hours in Naxos which doesn't seem to me to be worth the trouble. I would add that day to Nafplio (stay 2 nights instead of 1) or stay in Naxos for 2 nights instead of going to Nafplio for 1.

Beth

Thank you both so very much for your input. This is what I have been wondering - if it is worth it and do-able. Appreciate your time and thoughts.

I initially thought I would:
1. Ferry to/from Santorini/Naxos on Monday (spend night in Santorini) & fly from Santorini to Athens on Tuesday - then get the car & drive to Nafplio; then, I thought it might be just as easy to:
2. Ferry from Santorini/Naxos on Monday & spend night in Naxos (as mentioned in my first post), then ferry to Athens on Tuesday.

I thought maybe taking the ferry might be better than going to the airport, taking a flight, etc.

The more I look at everything, the most confusing it appears to be.

Thank you!!!!!

Given this is such a short trip I would not even consider taking a ferry anywhere. Even the short two hour ferry hop to Naxos is going to eat up the morning because you have to be out of your hotel so you can't do much other than sit around waiting for the taxi to take you to the port. It pretty much take close to 20 minutes just for the drive down the switchbacks to the port. Taking a ferry back to Athens from Naxos is also a half day of travel. Frankly Naxos requires several days just to start to explore.

Here is what I would do. Fly to Santorini immediately on arrival. Which you are planning to do.
Spend your time on Santorini. Fly back to Athens and rent a car at the airport. It is a two hour drive to Nafplio although I would recommend a stop at Nemaia and Ancient Coritnh on the way. Spend your time in Nafplio return the car at the airport and fl;y home.
I know it sounds crazy to not do Athens but you really don't have sufficient time. I suspect you will want to return to Greece and that would be the time to do Athens.
Santorini http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632154800782/
Nafplio and Peloponnese http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632094108982/

Thank you. That totally answers my question, and seemed to be the sensible thing to do once I kept reviewing the itinerary. Awesome advice - thanks!

You are welcome. Enjoy your trip.

I was just going to add that a number of years ago we had a week in Spain. Our daughter was studying overseas and my husband's brother stayed with our other two kids. We went to only two places (Granada and Seville) and spent the last night in Madrid near the airport. It was a relaxing and fun trip, even though it was short.

Less is sometimes more.

Beth

You are right, and this makes me feel so much better about not "doing it all." Appreciate your input.

Nafplio is worth at least two nights, preferably three, for itself and the nearby sights like Mycenae and Epidavros.