Hotel on Samos?

You'll get to see a few islands for a few minutes each. That's about it. Just be sure it's not an overnight ferry or you won't see anything for most of the time.

Heather, You may find it helpful to have a look at Matt Barrett's website for lots of information on Samos, including Hotels. You could also check Trip Advisor for good reviews of various Hotels. I'm not sure about the flight options. Thirteen hours is a bit a bit of a "long journey" IMO, and by the end it may not be the "enjoyable cruise" you envisioned. If flights are available, I'd choose that option as it would provide more time for touring and would be a more efficient use of valuable holiday time. Happy travels!

About flight options: Both Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air fly between Samos and Athens, and both periodically offer promotional saver fares on their websites. Fares can be as low as €39, all taxes included. If you sign up for their email newsletters and keep a sharp eye out on their webistes you're sure to catch the promo. Expect September promo fares to be offered during the summer months if not sooner.

Hi We traveled to Samos in 2005 and stayed in a lovely wee apartment, Dias Studios, in Pythagorio. It doesn't have a pool but it was about a 10 min walk to a beautiful beach with warm waters to swim in. The first night we were on Samos we stayed in a hotel with a pool - the pool was not heated (nor very clean) and the room not very comfortable. We went to the local tourist information and they referred us to the Dias. We were there in early October and the water temperature of the sea was great. Since being there, we have referred 2 other couples to the apartment - and one couple from Holland have returned to it almost every year since. The apt can be found at http://www.dias-studios.gr/ I would recommend booking directly with them versus through any of the agencies they are listed with on the net. Effie, one of the owners, speaks English very well. If you go there, please let her know that you received the referral from the Canadians who bought her spring bulbs to plant in the big pots by her front door. She will remember us and give you extra special attention. And I would definitely opt to fly from Samos to Athens. The ferry is just over water while you may see a few islands in the distance. The airport in Samos is close to Pythagorio - maybe a 5 minute taxi ride from Dias Studio apartment.
Bev, Coquitlam, BC

Fly. Fly. Fly. Aegean has el cheapo special-rate flights (go to website & sign up for "newsletter" which really are e-alerts to price s). I would only do it if you had a ferry sailing at 6 pm so you could enjoy the sundown on deck, then have dinner and got to a cabin & sleep all night. But I see the Samos sailings instead sail either all day, or start late at night. You will not see that many views, and will only stop at one place I think... an September can get rough seas. If you want a little ferry fun, from Athens take a ferry with an open deck (NOT hydrofoil) over to Aegina (1 hour) or Angistri as a day trip or one-night trip. Stand on the deck, watch the wake etc. For 1 hour.

Heather, I flew with Aegean for the first time last year. I'd definitely recommend them - a real class act! I actually enjoyed my two flights with them (something I can't say with some other airlines). Cheers!