We have 5 days between the Rick Steves Greece tour and a Holland America Cruise in October. The cruise will visit Mykonos and Kos and Rhodes in Greece, Ephesus and Istanbul. I have heard that Santorini is crazy with tourists, so I have been exploring other less known islands to go to for the gap. Any recommendations would be helpful in deciding our itinerary.
Posted by
Kirkland
238 posts
My wife and I spent 4 absolutely wonderful days on Hydra after a cruise that finished in Piraeus. It's an easy fast ferry ride from Piraeus where your cruise ship is likely to depart.
Posted by
Rick Steves Europe
387 posts
Hello lutzgal,
You might consider going to either Naxos or Paros, two very nice islands in the Cyclades that are relatively easy to get to by plane or boat from Athens or the port of Piraeus. Both islands are covered in Rick's Greece guidebook, which you will receive as part of your free tour kit. The book has recommended hotels, restaurants, sights to see and the Connections section at the end of each destination chapter gives you details on how to get to/from there. I use www.skyscanner.com for looking at flight options.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1929 posts
We went to Naxos after our RS tour. Easy to fly to. Beautiful place with very friendly people and not crowded.