Greece!

[eunike]

The plan is to spend 4-6 weeks in Greece from mid-June to July. Horrible time to travel if I want to save $$, I know, but alas, I'm traveling with my bro, who's still in high school.

1) I've been hoping (in vain, I think) for some miraculous cheap flight from Los Angeles to Athens to show up on TravelZoo, but February's halfway over and I'm getting nervous. So far Travelocity has coughed up British Air $1036.00USD (w/o taxes) for R/T fare from LAX to ATH. This looks decent like a decent ballpark to me -- or, er, am I wrong?

2) I've considered doing that LA to London/Paris to Athens thing, but thus far it's looking a little head-achey. And equitable in price with above, once everything adds up.

3) Any advice on ferrying around the Aegean? Primarily, which ferry lines would you recommend or recommend to avoid? I don't want to end up hanging out with the broken pots at the bottom of the sea!

4) I was wondering if anyone's done a Greece trip and managed to sneak in some time in Istanbul. I won't be terribly upset if we can't manage it, but, hey, you never know.

Any help at all would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[olabueno]

I booked from JFK to Athens for 1125.00(tax incl.) after much searching and consideration(economy travel).

Yes, you can fly somewhere cheaper like london, paris; but you lose time/money overall w/ increased travel days, daily exp., etc.

You can prob. find something cheaper than mine (800$+) but these flights could not fit my time restraints.

Hope this helps...

[olabueno]

Didn't see your 3rd and 4th questions earlier but I would love to find out about these concerns too! Doing some research about Greece in general tonight, check tomorrow. I really want to make it to Ishtanbul!

MJL

[eunike]

I'm going to try and book this sometime this week. Yay finalization!

Also, as far as ferries go, my friend said:

As to ferries, I travelled on the Blue Star ferries line (http://www.bluestarferries.com/intro.htm) and felt safe the whole time. And I'm scared of water, somewhat. I sat near some Greek travellers, as announcement were made in Greek, and watched their reactions to announcements. So I understand your fears. This one seemed a sturdy line, with a good reputation.

So yay!

Still not sure about the Istanbul situation. I'm not keen on driving from Thessaloniki to Istanbul and then, what, driving back? Besides, border crossings on the road? OY.

So maybe a cheap flight. Or maybe I can just save it for some other time.

[ajb3000]

There is a coach that runs from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, it costs about US$50 each way and takes 12 hours.

[olabueno]

Thanks for the info. guys, never made it to do research. Busy as hell. Will post when I do get something nnoteworthy.

[eunike]

Originally posted by ajb3000@Feb 21 2006, 07:21 AM
There is a coach that runs from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, it costs about US$50 each way and takes 12 hours.

[snapback]103614[/snapback]

Hmm, 12 hours. And we still have to factor in travel time from Athens to Thessaloniki.

Thanks for the info!