Although I don't have a personal experience from the ferries between Greece and Italy, I have Italian friends who very often do that trip. SuperFast Ferries are the fastest way (20h) between Ancona and Patras (and Bari-Patras) http://www.superfast.gr BlueStar (Strinzis lines, From Ancona, Brindisi, Venice) http://www.bluestarferries.gr , ANEK (especially from Ancona and Trieste) http://www.anek.gr and Minoan Lines (Ancona and Venice) http://www.minoan.gr are other very good alternatives.

To go to Crete, you can take a ferry boat (ANEK, MINOAN or BlueStar Ferries, depending on the port) or go by plane. Personally I'm going every year to Chania area, by plane.

I know very well Crete, so if you want any recommendations, or any assistance to create your itinerary, don't hesitate to ask me.

For Santorini I recommend HighSpeed ferries (the fastest way) or plane. Last time I went there, I have gone by HighSpeed ferries and returned by plane.

I strongly recommend to stay in Firostefani or Imerovigli area.

I stayed in Firostefani, in an excellent hotel, not exactly hotel, but fully equipped apartment, the Agali Houses ( http://www.agalihouses.gr ) It was PERFECT!!!! They have the best view in the volcano!!!!

For other Informations about the island have a look at http://www.santorini.gr (photos, places to visit etc.)

Some restaurants I tried and recommend are: Vanilia at Firostefani, very close to the Agali House 1800 at Oia (or Ia) Ampelos at Fira Ntomata at Monolithos

A must is a visit with lunch and guide to Boutaris winery!!! Very cheap, delicious, accompanying with wine - testing. Ask your hotel to make a reservation for you. If you need anything, feel free to ask me.

Many regards from a R in Athens (where there is still summer!!!) Joanna

Mod´s note : Joanna was really helpful when we were preparing our first time in Greece two years ago (although she is not being very good mentioning the fine weather there right now :) ) Covadonga Regil