Greek Isles without a cruise ship

[KyRoamer]

We were to be on the Ruby Princess June 10 cruise but I hurt my back. It is healing. Except for the Star Princess' September 23 cruise we have found nothing affordable until next year.

 

So we were thinking about flying into Athens or Istanbul and then picking three Islands and spending two to three nights on each.

 

We need a good tour operator to put together a seamless trip with transfers from hotel to ferry to next hotel etc. Any recommendations?

 

If not comfortable posting here, email me at

 

fritz at ourstogether dot com.

 

Thanks. We are hoping to go in late September or anytime in October and stay about two weeks.

[Podie]

A few years ago my daughter and I flew to Athens, spent three days, took a hydrofoil to Paros, spent three nights, then a ferry to Mykonos for two nights, and then returned by ferry to Athens. As I recall we used Dolphin Hellas Travel.

[tom_uk]

I don't know about a tour operator to do this, but there's an invaluable book - 'Greek Island Hopping' - which you might be interested in reading. It gives you all the information you might want about ferries between Athens and the islands, and between islands. It's publshed annually, and it's available from Amazon.

[KyRoamer]

Thanks to you both.

[pacmom]

We leave Sunday, taking 2 granddaughters as grad. gifts. Fly into Athens, next ferry to Mykonos for 3 nites, then Santorini for 3 nites, Crete for 3 nites and back to Athens for 3 nites. We used a TA who booked us with a company creativetours. We were able to pick our own hotels and fly back to Athens instead of an all day ferry ride from Crete. Believe the company is out of Chicago. The best part is they meet you at all stops and all transfers are included. Pat

[Oakman]

Check with www.EuroVacations.com and click "Custom Vacation Builder". This allows you to customize your vacation. We did a land trip to Greece 6 years ago (Athens,Santorini, and Mykonos) and LOVED it. so much better than stopping for the day like cruises do. Good Luck!!!

[Skeezics]

My husband and I did this about 15 years ago. Athens for 4 days, Crete for 3 (rented a car here), Rhodes for 3. Took flights from one to the other. Had our guide book. Did Athens on our own, with the exception of a tour booked at our hotel to Delphi. Crete, again a guide book, and this time drove around the island. Rhodes, no car, able to walk to most areas. Have since visted Mykonos and Santorini on cruises, each has its merits. All I can say is, NO crowds 15 years ago!