Greece - Island Hopping with Saga

[Jeffo]

Just back from a couple of wonderful weeks on and Island Hopping Greek holiday. An escorted holiday organised by Saga. We flew to Skiathos and spent 5 nights at the five star Princess hotel with its own beach. The first time I've returned since 1981 and it hasn't changed. We're going to make that a once a year trip starting next year (we've got three Fred. Olsen cruises booked before then). Then we had 5 nights on Alonisos. Pretty little harbour at Patitiri, apparently the kind of island to go to if you want to meditate and relax and get away from it a l l . We then took the ferry to Skopelos, where they filmed the first Mama Mia. We only had 4 days there at the lovely Adrina Beach hotel, again with its own private beach. Skopelos is the largest of the three islands, but absolutely beautiful and unspoilt. Definitely want to spend more time there too. The temperature every day was 28 degs at breakfast rising to 36 degs later. Saga's organisation was very good. Setting off from Gatwick the first officer on the plane was taken ill. There was another Thomas Cook plane parked alongside and they thought of getting the first officer off that. He had the necessary experience flying the aircraft but insufficient experience for the special demands of Skiathos Airport (a short runway with the sea either end). So we all sat on board for 1.1/2 hours waiting for a standby first officer. These things happen. We'd spent the previous night at the Premier Inn at Gatwick North. Can't say enough - conveniently located, nice room, excellent food and service. Will do that again next March when we fly from Gatwick to Barbados to join "Braemar" for her cruise back to Southampton.

[Camela]

We island hopped many years ago with an 18 month-old toddler but we had a great time. Now, an escorted tour sounds just the ticket. I love Greek food and wine!

[Carwalsick]

Sounds great Jeff BUT, whilst we are getting to the age where some tour support might be appreciated, we are not into organised tours and do like to try out local restaurants. I'd appreciate your comments. We are certainly thinking about a break from cruising so as to spend time somewhere.

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[Camela]

You say about a break from cruising, pretty much our discussion then when it gets down to it...why be confined to a resort when a ship can take you to new places daily?

[Gillzajoker]

You say about a break from cruising, pretty much our discussion then when it gets down to it...why be confined to a resort when a ship can take you to new places daily?

Yep, my sentiments entirely!

[Jeffo]

Sounds great Jeff BUT, whilst we are getting to the age where some tour support might be appreciated, we are not into organised tours and do like to try out local restaurants. I'd appreciate your comments. We are certainly thinking about a break from cruising so as to spend time somewhere.

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Thank you Carwalsick. Firstly I had sentimental reasons for returning to Skiathos and when I saw this trip in the Saga brochure I couldn't resist it. There were ten people in our group with ages ranging from early sixties to mid eighties. Because it was an escorted tour, we had to unpack and pack three times. The food at the hotels was tip top, but we did go into town at Skiathos for a few lunches. We could easily have gone into Skiathos town at night to enjoy the ambiance and restaurants, but the five nights there went by very fast. Next year we will definitely have two weeks at the Princess hotel in Skiathos, and will have more time to go into town of an evening. The Saga brochure does rate their holidays for the amount of physical capability necessary. This one was rated medium. Another nice point is that they included the travel insurance. The hotel was just a 20 minute bus ride into town with a flat rate of 1 euro 60 cents, and stopped by the hotel. Other travel agents offer holidays to this hotel too e.g. Thomas Cook, and Tui.