We're going there for maybe 10 days in late April. Buying the tickets tomorrow. The plane of course will be flying into and out of Athens, but we don't really want to stay there the whole time.

I've been doing a lot of looking around the internet and I'm in a state of confusion about which historical places are where, and which island is in which group and how to get from here to there to where.

Anybody been to Greece? Travel advice?

We just basically want to get out of the urban rat race and look around, check some interesting historical places, and relax. Our budget is limited. We're willing to wing it without room reservations but I have no idea what a do-able itinerary might be. It's a spread out country with umpteen islands. The beach is not a priority for us (ohmygod am I going to have to get a new bathing suit? )

Your suggestions and input are welcome.

I've been to 20+ countries, unfortunately Greece is not one of them. You may have seen the below website, yet looks interesting:

http://www.greektravel.com/

I imagine Greece will be warmer than Moscow!

I spent 3 wks. in Greece about 20 years ago. Was travelling with 2 Greek-Canadians who could speak and read language.

We did stay in a hotel in Piraeus near a road where buses went frequently into downtown Athens. From Pireaus there are Greek ferry companies that take you to the islands. So we didn't use /prebook at all an expensive cruiseliner.

Just be prepared these are local ferries where you will have to sleep in your seat. We went to islands of Santorini and Crete. Crete is different than Greece. To me, more green, the historic paintings and architecture is different. Went inside alot of old churches,etc. I have no idea about Greek Orthodox church but St. George is their favourite patron saint.

En route our ferry passed islands of Naxos, Paros. Hiked alot and took local buses. I am not a beach person but they were. So I obliged for about 3 different beaches. All different.

On the "mainland", we went to Delphi, the site of Oracle of Delphi.

Many wonderful memories...maybe when I get my butt in gear, I'll do some paintings of those whitewashed buildings with bright blue domes.

Athens is crowded, noisy and not that pleasant. It does, however, have the Parthenon, which is a must see. I would recommend staying 2-3 nights in Athens at most, perhaps one more on the back end so you can easily get to the airport. You can book day trips to visit most of the important city sights with the hotel concierge wherever you are staying. This would include visits to Delphi and Cape Sounion (Poseidon's Temple...great to visit at sunset). You should also spend at least an afternoon at the Plaka in Athens...sort of their shopping, strolling, area. There are ferries from the port that will also do day trips of up to 3 islands, I believe...very interesting to see how different they all can be and fun to stroll around. Islands I would recommend spending some time at (2-3 days each, or 4-6 days on one) would be either Santorini or Mykonos, and Rhodes. Rhodes has a well-preserved medieval town area, great beaches, and ruins...not sure how far it would be on the ferry, however. We were there as a port on a cruise ship that then went on to Athen.
Try tripadvisor.com and the fodor's website (forums) for more information from people who have traveled there recently. Enjoy...sounds like a great vacation!

Does anyone remember the name of the movie about a single woman who vacations in Greece? It is about 10 years old. A laugh riot and a good introduction to Greek culture.

Was that Greece? I've seen a movie about a single woman in Toscana. She's an author and falls in love with the landlord.

Okay, the movie I was trying to remember is Shirley Valentine. It is a lot of laughs.

You should also see Zorba the Greek and Never on A Sunday before you go. It's always fun to see some of the country before you actually go! At least it is for me.

Just be prepared for Plaka to be abit touristy. And bargain abit. I stayed in Athens for a few days with my friends' relatives. Athens has some beautiful/great museums.

When we got off the ferry in Irakilon on island of Crete, we didn't know exactly where to go to downtown,...so our little crowd, followed a black-robed local priest who just happened to be around.

We stayed at pensions that were very clean and cheap (at that time). Not sure about now. One of the pension, we slept outdoors on the roof.

When we hiked /walked along the hot dusty roads (over 85 degrees F), we ate fresh baked bread, fresh sliced tomatoes and feta cheese with bottled water. That was our typical lunch. Very Greek. One friend stopped by an olive farm where she plucked off some olives after asking permission from farmer, as we walked along. THis was on Santorini Island.

With my friends we went to a pop concert in Athens that was in a sports stadium and the whole Greek crowd singing....

Or fantastic cheap souvlaki ...at mom and pop places on Crete. Be not your typical tourist, but venture off abit.

After we returned to Canada, we found out that summer was Europe's serious heat wave.

And be prepared for some topless beaches.

here's a website that might be helpful.
www.greektravel.com

I visited Greece 33 yrs ago when I was traveling with my parents. I was just 15yrs old at the time, but the Parthenon made an enormous impression on me. I can still remember climbing the dirt track and up the steep steps to get to it. It was an experience I shall never forget. I saw it on TV some time ago, covered in scaffolding. Apparently the ravages of pollution is causing problems.
We also wandered through the Plaka which was like an open air market in those days, and sampled the local Souvlaki, which was mouth watering and delicious. Never had one like it since. We also visited the island of Hydra for the day, which was also spectacular...Blue, blue ocean and white as white buildings, with yachts visiting from all over the world. Magnificent! I shall return - one day! Enjoy your trip, will be thinking of you.