help planning a trip to Greece

You can see a lot in 10 days. Driving allows you to move at your own pace and stop wherever you want. Be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit, no test or membership required. $15 plus a photo charge if you don't bring 2 passport photos. Mythos is a beer, not a 'place' in Greece. Did you mean Mykonos Island? If you want an island, what sort of activities do you want to experience? For example, Mykonos is great for sunbathing, shopping and partying but there's not a lot else to see or do there. For accomodation recommendations you need to name the destinations you want them for, and state your maximum daily COMBINED room budget in Euro, not Dollars. Do you want full-service hotels or self-catering apartments? Also please mention what sort of activities you want access to and if anyone has mobility issues. Think about saving Athens for the end of your trip so you won't have any problems (due to mechanical breakdowns or bad weather) getting back out to the airport for your flight home.

Thanks for the info,especially about the driving permit.One of our group is a 14 yr girl,so we are interested in history,couple of museums,and experience a island. Rick mentioned Hydra as fairly close and accessible. As far as places to stay,bought the most recent Rick Steves book,so will call some of his recomendations-just clean,not fancy. Thanks for responding.

Ruth, As you're planning to travel in June, I'd suggest starting to make Hotel reservations and other arrangements SOON. You might find it helpful to have a look at This Website. At least two days in Athens would be a good idea, as you'll probably want to tour the Acropolis and other historic sites. A visit to the Archeological Museum would be a good idea. One location you might want to visit is Nafplio (formerly the capital of Greece). It's a fantastic city with an interesting history, and you could use public transport rather than driving. For accommodations, try Pension Marianna. With such a short time frame, Hydra would be an excellent choice as it's easily accessible from Athens. You might consider Hotel Leto there. One tip for travel on Greek Islands (and some locations in the Pelopponese) - plan to drink bottled water! It's easily available and cheap. Happy travels!

Thanks so much for all the info, will get started right away.

These are places we visited and would recommend. I know you don't have time for all so these are just for your consideration. On the mainland: Athens - I think at least 2 full days to see everything and shop Meteora - magnificent monasteries built on rock pillars. Suggest you look it up. The pictures are stunning. You could drive by Thermopylae on the way (site where the battle of 300 took place and made into a movie) Delphi - site of the Greek Oracle and many spectacular Greek ruins On the Peloponesse: Olympia - site of the first Olympic games and more spectacular ruins Corinth Canal - incredible sight Mycenae - ancient city and archaeological site Nafplio - (Agree with Ken) beautiful seaport town. great for exploring On the islands: Santorini - spectacular, unforgettable, "wow", caldera. Flight takes 30 min. Aroma suites is nice with very helpful owner. Rhodes - beautiful, lots of stuff to see Naxos - beautiful with less tourists Agree with Lee about Mykonos. Great for parting, not much to see. Also agree with Ken about making reservations........Now!

Another vote for Delphi, Nafplio and 2-3 days in Athens. Outside Nafplio is Myceanae and Epidavros but the city is also worth a day and couple night. Make sure you see the archaeological museum in Athens, the Agora and of course the Acropolis and its new museum. You pretty much must drive outside of Athens (never in Athens) though there are tour companies that make daytrips. You must have an IDP to drive in Greece but overall driving is very easy as long as you stay outside central Athens.

Another nearby island to consider is Aegina. It's only 30-60 minutes by ferry from Athens and could be a fun island daytrip for you.