London/Greece Travel Advice?

[swwake]

Hi everyone. I hope maybe someone in the UK forums can help me. I am trying to plan a family vacation for this summer, as my daughter graduates from high school in June.

Our current plan looks a little like this:
Day 1 - travel to London
Day 2 - london
Day 3 - travel to Athens
Day 4 - travel to Santorini
Days 5 and 6 - Santorini
Day 7 - travel to Mykonos
Days 8 and 9 - Mykonos
Day 10 - travel to Athens
Day 11 - Athens, travel to London late evening
Day 12 - London
Day 13 - travel home from London

We are a family of 3. We have never been to Europe. I am looking for advice in the following:
- hotel(s) in London
- getting around London - rent a car? public transportation? taxi?
- Gatwick airport for travel to/from Athens - is this airport ok?
- Athens tours (I have heard Athens is not pretty and we should get in, take a guided tour, and get out). Reputable tour companies?
- Athens hotels
- Santorini/Mykonos hotels - what areas are most convenient? We would like to be close enough to walk to many places
- for all hotels, we don't need super-luxurious, but we do like 3+ stars if possible. Most of all, in a safe part of "town"
- I have read advice to use a local Greek travel agency to book the hotels on the islands, and they can arrange for the ferries and provide travel insurance. Is this our best bet?
- Is three nights each in Mykonos and Santorini too long? I'm sure we won't get bored. I want to make sure we aren't rushed and have enough time to feel like we are seeing some sights.
- Any tips on "must see" and/or "must do" experiences in these four places?

I know this is a lot of information, but I'm a bit overwhelmed. Hoping some of you might be able to help us.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dimplenose]

I've never been to Greece but live quite near to London.

Gatwick is one of the major London airports and can be reached by train from London Victoria station. Gatwick Express
Are you arriving here from USA too?

Definitely stick to public transport and taxis in central London. The traffic is very heavy and it's not easy to find somewhere to park.

I'm not sure what you'll get out of your first full day in London as I think you'll have jet lag to overcome. I'm assuming seeing the London sights isn't a major part of your holiday.

 

[walden]

I can only address the London part. I am originally from London and go back frequently but now live in the States.

London's 2 airports are Heathrow and Gatwick. Both are outside central London, but have express trains to Paddington and Victoria stations respectively. I prefer Gatwick because it is smaller and less confusing than Heathrow's 6 terminals. Some of the larger hotels have their own transport to and from the airports.

It looks like you have 2 days total in London. That is a very short time so plan ahead. What do you want to do? There is something for everyone in London; it is a wonderful city! Are you primarily interested in the "sights," or shopping, history, art, museums, theatre . . ? We may be able to give you more hints if we knew your preferences.

TripAdvisor can help you pick a hotel close to activities that interest you most. Be advised that most London hotels in the 2 - 3 star range are perfectly nice and safe, but not all have AC and rooms will be smaller than most American equivalents.

As others have said: Please do not rent a car. Even if you could manage driving on the left and navigating a very complicated road system with jet-lag, there is also a surcharge for driving private cars in London. It makes life for the pedestrian much pleasanter although it was designed to reduce congestion and air polution. The subway (tube or underground) is easily navigated and buying an "Oyster" pass will give you unlimited transport for a day. There are also tour buses that travel to all the major tourist spots.

Hope this helps, and have a great vacation.

 

[Tammy Stringer]

Hi and firstly good luck with your planning.

All I can say is you have made a great choice in picking a visit to Santorini. I love Greece and we went to Santorini in 2008 and I must say it lived up to all my expectations. I would have said 3 nights in Mykonos and Santorini will be fine - it is great just to soak up the atmosphere, maybe get around on the local buses, visit some sites and some beaches and enjoy the wonderful Greek food and drink.

We did a trip report of our visit to Santorini and it can be found here
http://www.kevinstringer.co.uk/med%20cruise%202008/day9.htm- as you can see we only had a matter of hours there but we found the buses good and locals friendly - we have vowed to return one day and spend some more time there - I imagine it will be magical in the evening when the sun goes down and all the little villages are lit up.

I only visited Athens on a school trip and found it fascinating, but the traffic and intense heat can be a bit overwhelming. I suggest you look at Trip Advisor for all the places you intend on visiting and plan exactly what you want to see so that you maximise your touring time

I am sure you will have a magical trip.

Tammy

 

[Clare D]

Phew what a busy schedule you'll have.

For information on hotels I would visit the web site of one of the main travel companies to Greece in the UK for more information about the hotels and areas. Once you have seen a hotel you like check out the price on Expedia and the reviews on Trip Adviser.

www.olympicholidays.com is the holiday company I would personnaly recommend rather than using a local Greek company. You may find it an issue if they don't speak great English. I think 3 nights on the islands will be fine to allow you to unwind after a hectic time you'll have.

I assume you're arriving and departing from/to the States into/from Heathrow? I would check out the shops at the terminal you will be leaving from to go back home as you won't pay the tax on any goods you buy unlike if you shop in London. The chances are you'll find a Harrods there and other high end shops in case you don't get time to look when sight seeing in London.

Gatwick is fine to leave to Greece others will be able to give you advice about travel to and from there.

Have a great trip.

 

[tazz23]

This turned into a huge essay, so I have PM'ed you.