Hey Rick Steves-ers!
You folks have already been so helpful so here goes two more questions.
We are planning on touring the Greek Islands by way of Easycruise. If we go with this company we will visit Poros, Mykonos, Paros, and Sifnos over a span of 3 1/2 days. Except for Poros, we will arrive at each island around noon and the boat will not depart until very early the next morning. The cost is $150 pp but does not include any food or on-board entertainment. The rooms are small but manageable with a very small shower/toliet. Here are my questions:
Question #1: Does anyone know of any negatives regrding EasyCruise?
Question #2: Does anyone have any suggestions regarding Poros (just there 4 hours), Mykonos, Paros, and Sifnos?
Your help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
James Michael
Posted by
Reseda, CA, USA
196 posts
I have been to Greece twice and have met two people who cruised. They told me that the amount of time in the Port of call was just too short. In my opinion 4 hours on any island is too short. It just seems you will only see the toursit traps near the harbor. I don't mean to bash cruises but have you considered island hopping on the ferry system?
This site has schedule info:
Or how about "small group" travel?
like rick steves travel group or www.adventures-abroad.com
Good luck!
Posted by
OP
Piggott
31 posts
Thanks! I will check into it...James
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I have to agree.
My friend and I did Mykonos and Paros, years ago. By ferry, which are pretty cheap. Soon as you get off the boat people greet you and call out for you to stay at their places, often holding up pictures etc. Pretty cheap too as i recall.
We stayed two weeks, and we ALWAYS felt sorry for the people we saw getting off the ships , rush into to town , and then have to leave.. they missed so much.
Why not just pick two or three island, take the ferrys, and stay a bit in each place??
Posted by
OP
Piggott
31 posts
Thanks everyone for the info! I'm checking it out and will benefit from your advice. Thanks again!
James
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
131 posts
Hi James,
I have to agree with others - there is no way you can see an island in 4 hours. I've been to each of the islands you mentioned except Sifnos and we've spent "days" there and it still wasn't enough time. This June we'll be in Greece again. We're staying 3 days on Milos; 3 days on Sifnos; 4 days on Naxos; and 2 days (again) on Santorni. I would take your time on the islands. Pick where you want to go and stay there for awhile. It's the only way to get to know the culture.
I'm sure you'll have a great time whatever you decide...after all..it's Greece. :)
Posted by
OP
Piggott
31 posts
Thanks for the tips and advice! By the way, does anyone know about the metro link between the Athens airport and downtown being closed Feb - November 2008?
James
Posted by
OP
Piggott
31 posts
THANKS to everyone for the tips and advice. Happy Travels!