My 16 year-old daughter and I are traveling to Europe for our first time next week. We are flying into Athens and out of Rome; we have 20 days. Will you recommend favorite Greek islands for the two of us? Less touristy, less expensive would be great.
Next, we are thinking about Istanbul and then Italy. Does that seem reasonable? And when we are ready to head home we will stay in Rome a couple of nights. Will someone recommend a part of the city to stay in?
Thanks!
Am I reading this correctly? You are going next week and nothing is planned? You are covering a lot of ground with some complicated travel connections.
You have some logistical issues getting from the Greek Isles to Istanbul. You could go to Samos which is less tourist -- not sure anything in the Greek Isles is less expensive. From Samos cross over the to Turkey mainline and a bus to Istanbul. Santorini and Mykonos are the popular islands will be tourist simply because they are great island. Staying with the more northern islands would make more sense if continuing on to Istanbul.
As for Rome, we stay in the Termini area simply because of the convenient to local transportation and the airport.
Katie-
I sent you a Private Message.
Katie,
My thoughts were the same as those mentioned by Frank. Taking a first trip to Europe in the peak of summer tourist season with no planning is not something I'd recommend.
To answer your questions, you might consider Naxos and Mykonos. Both will probably be busy and crowded, and you may have difficulty even finding a Hotel room. Santorini will probably be packed at this time of year, so I didn't recommend that (it's also NOT "less touristy, less expensive). I was there in June, and the crowds were bad enough then.
You might find it helpful to have a look at Matt Barrett's website as there's a LOT of information there on travel in Greece.
Given the circumstances and the fact that you only have 20 days (which includes travel times), I'd drop Istanbul this time and focus on Greece and Italy. There's more than enough there to keep you busy for 20-days! I'd also suggest increasing your time in Rome. Two days is not enough.
Regarding a "part of the city to stay in" I also like the Termini area, again as it's so convenient for transportation links. However, if you don't already have a Hotel booking, you may have to take what you can get.
You might want to pack along copies of the Greece and Italy Guidebooks, as they'll be a good source of reference if needed.
Happy travels!
Katy, I do believe Lee has alot of experience in Greece. What ever he emailed is probably good advice.
If you can get a flight (Agean Airlines?), I would recommend Lesvos. Aphrodite Hotel is on Vatera Beach which is sandy and has some night life. At the Aphrodite hotel, there will likely be a few other teenagers. The hotel rents cars and there are plenty of villages, hot springs and country side to explore. Lesvos is the third largest island in Greece. Google Matt Barrett as he has the best travel info. on Lesvos Island.
With 20 days, I would probably drop Istanbul and visit Italy and Greece. I could spend the entire 20 days in Greece alone.
Katy --
You should probably make some decisions quickly and get reservatons; it may be difficult -- August is a really busy month in Greece & Italy.
I agree with Athena that Lesvos would be a good choice. It is definitely less touristy and much less expensive than Santorini and Mykonos. I'd save those for a future trip in spring or fall when they're less crowded.
You'd need to fly to and from Lesvos from Athens (Aegean Airlines). I'd recommend flying directly to the island upon arriving in Athens. Vatera Beach is a good place to start; Aphrodite Hotel is a great place, inexpensive and right on the beach. Getting to Vatera Beach is a little tricky; we arranged with Aphrodite Hotel to have a taxi meet us at the airport -- about 40 Euros, I think. You could rent a car but I wouldn't recommend it after that long flight.
After 4 days you could move to the other side of the island, for a completely different experience, to Hotel Votsala in Pirgi Thermi. What I like about this place is that they offer optional excursions for their guests, to various places on the island almost every day and even to Pergamon in Turkey every week or two. It too is very inexpensive -- wonderful breakfasts -- right on a beach (albeit rocky). This is one of our favorite places ever.
After 4 or 5 days at Votsala you could fly back to Athens for a couple of days, and then on to Rome for 3 or 4 days.
Whatever you decide, I'd recommend you do it quickly!
katie, i am flying into athens from barcdelona in two weeks. my husband has family on kasos island but says we cannot, cannot, go to greece without going to Tinos island...not far from Mykonos. He says it a must see. Julie
