My wife and I thought it may be cheaper and more enjoyable to plan our own itinerary on these islands rather than pay for the over priced Royal Caribbean tours. I just worry about knowing what to do and making sure we give ourselves enough time since it takes so long to get on and off the ship and make sure you don't get left behind. We like active things, are 30 years old (no kids), and will be there in September 7-10th. Any advice and suggestions would be awesome.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23238 posts
You should probably use Cruise Critic to review the ports along with a Fordor's guidebook on European ports so that you know and understand your options. Corfu is a good size port with a TI and local tours. Katakolon is a sleepy little port town with absolutely nothing to do. A train at the port connects you to Olympus and the museums in that town. If you want to see the ruins you probably should take the ship's tour. There is a winery in the country side. We will be there on Sept 30th and plan to rent a Vespa to the winery. There is a big rental shop right at the end of the dock. Again, Mykonos is equally sleepy so you can just hang out in the town.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
Re: Mykonos
It's not too long a walk from where the cruise ships anchor to either the main tourist harbor or to Mykonos Town. That area is not large and you can just wander around from the harbor area to the Little Venice area. Aqua Taverna is a wonderful restaurant in the Little Venice area (right on the water). Sea Satin Market is also supposed to be very good (it was still closed when we were there). If you've ever seen the movie, "The Bourne Identity", the Sea Satin Market is at the end of the movie -- it was the motorbike rental shop.
Wandering around in Mykonos Town is part of the charm.
Have fun!
Posted by
OP
Orlando, Florida, USA
2 posts
I'm a huge fan of the Bourne movies so I will def. check that out thanks! Also, I was planning on renting an ATV or scooter in Mykonos, does that seem to be a good way to go?
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Hi Carson - I've been to the places you mentyion for the past 30 years - each year - A great choice of Itinerary. You are absolutely correct in thinking you can do these ports on your own. In Corfu, the main town is large and you can easily spend the day shopping, having lunch, walking the area -OR - you can rent a motorbike or car and go up in the mountains - your choice. In katakolon, it is basically a single lined shopping street with Restaurants on the water - An easy walk from the ship. In Mykonos it is about a mile and a hlf walk into Mykonos town or the ship runs a shuttle, usually free - sometimes they charge a few euros each roundtrip. Not sure what Frank was saying when he suggested Mykonos was a sleepy town. Apparently he's never been out to Paradise Beach or any of the other beaches. And the town itself is full of shops and tavernas where you can sit and have lunch and watch the people go by. Enjoy!!!!!
Greg
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
When we docked at Katakalon last October, we opted not to go to Olympus and we really enjoyed just walking around the town of Kataklon itself. We looked in the shops, meandered through the back streets, had some excellent seafood for lunch and watched a charming wedding scene as a beautiful bride entered the church, teetering on her high-heeled white sandals, to the applause of us all. It was a pleasant, relaxing visit to a rather sweet little town.