I'm planning on doing the RS Greece tour, but really want to see Meteora as well, preferably for more than a one day trip. I'd appreciate knowing of any tour companies people have had good experiences with.
I also must see Santorini, for 3 or more days. I'm considering flying vs taking a ferry - any experiences, suggestions?
Thanks!
Santorini, do not stay more than three days. It is very crowded, many tourists, small island. Flying is best as it is father away from mainland than the other islands.
We flew to Santorini after the RS Greece tour - stayed 3 nights (enough time to see all the sights). IMHO - Flying is the best option - short flight versus a long ferry ride. We were there in late April - not crowded - very few cruise ships. I recommend staying in Oia - much quieter and the sunsets are best there. We did not rent a car - public transport took us all over the island just fine. Enjoy! We loved the Greece tour!
Latha, for Meteora, I had a good experience with Visit Meteora Travel, a few years ago. My 2-day experience included round-trip train, nice hotel with breakfast, guided sunset tour of some monasteries, then guided morning tour of other monasteries, plus some free time to explore Kalambaka, with dinner then lunch on my own. They have different length experiences, some include hiking tours among the monasteries. All went smoothly and on schedule. The train ride between Athens and Kalambaka was 5.5 to 6.0 hours each way, quite tedious I found, so I cannot imagine doing this as a day trip. One would spend so much time on the train, with very little time at the monasteries.
I also took the excellent RS Greece Tour, and followed with 3 nights on Santorini, the 3 nights on Naxos. I flew to Santorini, took a 2.5 hour afternoon ferry to Naxos, then flew back to Athens. On Santorini, I stayed in Firostefani, central on the coast, more affordable, also great views, restaurants, etc. I took a day-long bus tour around the island, including winery stop, guided Akrotiri tour, lunch stop at a beach, and time in the quaint small town Megalochora, then Oia for sunset, all for €50 at the time. Loved Naxos!
We did the RS Greece Tour last April - you will love it! We flew in and spent 3 nights in Oia on Santorini and ferried over to Naxos and spent 3 nights there, then flew to Athens to join the tour. Afterwards we drove to Meteora and spent 2 nights there. It is an amazing place! We did two tours with https://visitmeteora.travel/, the sunset tour and the hiking tour and really liked both of them. I would have been happy to spend 3 nights and do more hiking, but we had planned several nights in the Pelion, so needed to go.
One of the best places is away from the city lights. There are several meteor showers scheduled in the coming months that will be visible from Greece.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who responded, so quickly, and with such excellent information! I'll plan to fly to Santorini now and know I can get around well by bus, rather than having to rent a car.
Larry, thanks for all the detailed info. on Meteora and Santorini, it's most helpful. I'll check out the tour group you and another person suggested, and maybe even stay an extra day.
Why am I hearing such great things about Naxos, what's special there? I've read enthusiastic reviews of it before.
Also, I'm impressed that everyone seems to have loved the RS tour, although it doesn't include the famous islands like Santorini, Crete, Rhodes nor Meteora on the mainland. I'm a huge ancient history and archaeology fan, so Greece mainland is a must, but I really also want to go to these islands and Meteora! I've been torn about taking a more comprehensive tour with other companies to make it easier and more efficient, but so far have only traveled with RS, so automatically just went to their site! With the RS tour, I'd have to add on another two weeks or so to do everything else.
Being a retiree who's experienced disability before, I want to do everything I can, while I can!
I can second using Visit Meteora Travel. Last year we took the train from Athens to Meteora and used them for two tours-the daytime tour and the nighttime tour. They have different itineraries and nicely dovetail. From there we went to Thessaloniki for a few days, then flew to Milos>ferry to Naxos>ferry to Mykonos.
Several years ago we flew from Athens to Naxos after the RS Greece tour>ferry to Santorini>flight to Athens. Santorini is pretty, but only worth one night. Stay in Oia, and once the cruise ships leave the town will be empty and lovely. Naxos is fantastic! No cruise ships so not crowded like other islands. It's big enough to spend a week. We've been twice; one time without a rental car and one time with. The car is only useful if you want to visit the other side of the island or venture to the beaches in the south.
Meteora is one of the most beautiful sights in the world and IMHO, not to be missed. If you're tight on time, go to Meteora and Naxos, skipping Santorini.
If you join Agean Airlines newsletter, they'll let you know when the cheap flights between Athens and the islands occur. It's usually around now, I think.
Thanks JS for more good information.
What's better about Naxos vs Santorini? Is it the lack of crowds only? Are the views beautiful like Santorini, or what else is there to do there without renting a car?
And do you or someone have a hotel and location suggestion in Naxos?
I had really hoped to go to Rhodes and Crete in addition to Santorini, but it seems like a lot of work and time to do or plan all of them. And of course now thinking of Naxos as a possibility!
Thanks.
**What's better about Naxos vs Santorini? Is it the lack of crowds only? Are the views beautiful like Santorini, or what else is there to do there without renting a car?
They are two very different islands. Naxos is geared for relaxation while Santorini is much more touristy. The views are very beautiful for both islands, but much more dramatic on Santorini. If you had time, you could do both islands--they are on the same ferry route. Naxos is the stop before Santorini.
And do you or someone have a hotel and location suggestion in Naxos?
The first time we went we stayed at Galaxy Hotel, which was lovely. It was an approx. 15 minute walk to the main town, where we went each night for dinner.
https://www.hotel-galaxy.com/?utm_source=gmb
The second time we went we stayed at Spiros Hotel, which was also very nice. The pool was better at Galaxy Hotel, if that matters to you.
https://www.hotelspiros.com/
I had really hoped to go to Rhodes and Crete in addition to Santorini, but it seems like a lot of work and time to do or plan all of them. And of course now thinking of Naxos as a possibility!**
I've heard Crete needs two weeks alone, which we may do next year. Naxos is just so pleasant, with no crowds and a walkable, lively town.
Whatever you decide, you will have a great time!
