My adult daughter and I have decided to spend a week in Greece and a couple of days in Istanbul in May. We'll be coming from New York City. I know it's a short time frame to see a lot, but it's what we have available. We are traveling from New York City. We are trying to figure out how to make the most of our admittedly limited time. 1. Would it be better to start in Istanbul and end in Athens or the other way around? 2. What to see in Greece. Athens of course, but how much time there? Then Santorini and/or Crete? And best ideas for transportation between these places and howbest ot see the without a car?
Thanks to all in advance for your help! We have gotten wonderful advice here for past trips!
Posted by
OP
New York
2 posts
Or perhaps other suggestons for islands to visit other than Crete or Santorini? Maybe Hydra?
Also, any recommendations on where to stay in Athens and on whatever island you would recommend? And how to see the island - will we need to book a tour or what? Hire a driver? Obviously I am just beginning my research. Thanks to all, and Happy New Year!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32220 posts
Cynthia, I suspect the question on whether to start in Greece or Turkey may depend on the cost of flights. Using open-jaw flights is of course the best idea, so the first thing I'd do is look at flight options and costs. In planning your time, be sure to allow for your two travel days and the fact that you'll be jet lagged for the first day or two so probably won't be up to "touring speed". I'd suggest spending at least two days in Athens, to see the main attractions such as the Acropolis and the Archeological Museum. With more time, a visit to Nafplion would be nice but I'm not sure you'll have time for that in this case. Regarding which islands to visit, Hydra is certainly a good choice as it's relatively easy to reach from Athens via Hydrofoil. I'd suggest skipping Crete on this occasion, as you simply don't have time for it. It's a huge island and it would be better to leave that for a future visit when you have more time. Santorini is also a good choice as it's an easy flight from there back to Athens to connect with a flight home (have a look at flights with Aegean Air). You could possibly also fit in a short visit to Naxos, as it's on the same Ferry route as Santorini. However, you won't have time to visit too many islands with such a short time frame. You may find it very helpful to have a look at Matt Barrett's excellent website. Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
Dallas, United States
705 posts
1. You will probably want to fly open-jaw using Athens and Istanbul. I can't see that the order makes a difference other than possibly price and which islands you choose to visit. But the islands are Greek and so transportationair or seais between the island and Athens/Pireaus, with only a few islands having transportation connections to Turkey. 2. Two or three days in Athens will get you the highlights. We hired a taxi and bilingual driver to take us out of the cityDelphi, Nafplion, Epidavros, Corinth, etc. -IslandsSantorini is a long ways from Athens and Crete is further. Consider flying. If you only have 9-10 days total at your disposal you'll want to plan well for these islands. -HotelsIn October we stayed in the Phaedra and the Adonis in Athens, both recommended in the RS guidebook. The Phaedra rooms were too tiny and the breakfast was minimal. The Adonis was better on both counts and they gave us a very good rate. Other threads here will suggest equally good hotels.
Good luck.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I'd start in Istanbul and then work my way south. With your time frame, I'd spend 3-4 days in Istanbul, then fly to Athens for 2-3 days, then fly to Santorini for 3 days. From Santorini then fly back to Athens for your flight home. I don't think you'll have time for Crete, once you allow for travel time. I'd pick Santorini because in my mind it's a must-see world destination. It's spectacular; it's the Greece of postcards and calendars. There's no place quite like it. It also has the advantage of easy flight connections back and forth to Athens. Also, you can easily explore the island without a car, which is not true for Crete.