italy greece trip itinerary

• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• National Parks
• Affording Travel
• Photography
• Responsible Travel
• Worldschool
• Wanderlust Guides
• Travel Planning
• Work with Us

Europe , Greece , Italy , Travel

The complete italy and greece trip itinerary.

Blessed with sunny climates, thousands of years of history, idyllic beaches, and the most delicious and fresh cuisine, both Italy and Greece are both fantastic choices for a Mediterranean vacation. This Italy and Greece itinerary is perfect for anyone that wants to explore both countries.

It can be so difficult to choose one over the other!

On an Italy trip , you can explore a Seventh Wonder of the World, sail on mountain lakes, and see world-famous artworks like Michelangelo’s David. In Greece , you can island-hop in the Cyclades, stroll through white-washed cobblestone villages, and witness Greece’s ancient history at the Acropolis.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit both Italy and Greece. They are both incredible countries that I love. I’ve been getting a lot of questions recently about combining a trip to Greece and Italy. If you’ve got enough time to explore both destinations, I say go for it!

I would recommend allotting at least 10 days to each country. I’ve written this Italy and Greece itinerary to help you decide where to go, but if you’d like a more detailed Italy and Greece Trip Itinerary, I recommend downloading our combo guide written by myself and Kids are a Trip .

Should I go to Italy or Greece?

Both countries have similarities but they offer totally different cultural experiences. So, if you have the time, why not travel to Italy and Greece?!

Combining visits to both countries into a three-week vacation package will result in the most life-changing, memorable trip.

Following a three-week Italy and Greece itinerary also makes sense on a practical level. They’re both Mediterranean countries separated only by the Adriatic Sea, so there are lots of flight, ferry, cruise, and sightseeing tour travel options.

You won’t have to pack for two completely different sets of climates, either. Both countries boast dry and sunny weather for most of the year.

As you digest this three-week Italy and Greece itinerary and learn all the cool things to do in both places, you’ll realize that you simply cannot miss out on any of these amazing experiences.

Best Time to Visit Italy and Greece

The best time to visit both Greece and Italy is in the shoulder season from April – June and September – October. Italy’s and Greece’s warm climate ensures you will still be able to enjoy all the outdoor activities that you can do in summer while avoiding the intense, often dangerous heat of midsummer as well as the crowds and high prices.

Getting Between Italy and Greece

Unless you enjoy long bus rides or hauling your luggage between train connections, the best way to travel from Italy to Greece is either by flying or taking the ferry.

A local specialist in traveling throughout this region will probably tell you that flying is way faster and cheaper. But you might be in the mood (and have the time) for an epic sailing adventure! Either way, you have lots of options.

Fly between Greece and Italy

Thanks to Europe’s several budget/low-cost airlines, you could get round-trip flights booked from Italy to Greece for less than $40! In peak season, you can still find tickets for less than $100 if you book ahead.

Check out airlines like Jet2, Easyjet, and Ryanair for the best deals. Aegean Airlines, ITA, and Volotea also fly between Italy and Greece so it’s worth checking those too.

Ferry from Greece and Italy

The ferry schedule between Venice (where the Italy portion of this itinerary ends) and Athens (where the Greece section begins) is fairly limited. There are only four sailings a week and single tickets start from $250+ per person.

Oh, the journey time for this ferry ride is approximately 33 hours.

So no, you’re probably not going to sail from Italy to Greece or from Greece to Italy, but it’s an option if you have a big pile of books you want to read sitting on your nightstand. You also don’t need to rent a car to follow this itinerary so there’s no reason why you would have to take a ferry.

What’s the Best Way to Visit Greece and Italy in One Trip?

There are several ways to organize your Greece and Italy itinerary and each of them is great for different reasons. You should choose the option that best fits your needs. Take into consideration budget, mobility, time, and style of travel. For example, if you get very sea sick and don’t like being able to be on your own schedule, then a cruise might not be the best option for you.

If you don’t like to be around a lot of people, a tour might not be a good idea fit either. But if you’re traveling solo and you don’t feel comfortable planning and running your own trip, a do-it-yourself option may not be a good choice for you. I’ll lay out the pros and cons of each option below.

Cost Analysis of Italy and Greece Trip Options

Greece and italy tours.

Embarking on a three-week adventure to two countries that you might not have visited before can be daunting, even a guaranteed amazing trip like this one.

If you’re nervous or traveling solo, booking a multi-day Italy or Greece tour has a lot of benefits. You’ll get a tour director who is a local specialist in traveling this region with a lot of insider tips . Often, tours include some meals like a welcome and farewell dinner, plus you’ll get to make friends with your like-minded, fellow group members.

This two week Italy and Greece tour is a great option for anyone looking to travel in a group and not have to worry about any logistics. It’s also a fantastic price for a trip this length and has great reviews. It’s run by Trafalgar which is a very reputable tour company.

Pros of taking an Italy and Greece Tour

• Most things are taken care of for you
• Ability to pay over time
• Great option for solo travelers who want to make friends
• Good for those who don’t drive

Cons of taking an Italy and Greece Tour

• It’s very people-y
• You’re not on your own schedule
• Not a lot of flexibility
• Can be pricey

Italy and Greece Cruises

Another great way to explore these two beautiful countries is to take a cruise of the Aegean and Adriatic seas, allowing you to visit port cities in Greece and Italy. There are several great cruise options. If you’re on a budget, this 16-day cruise is only $3,200 USD and hits so many incredible places in both countries.

Pros of taking an Italy and Greece Cruise

• Accommodations and most food is taken care of for you
• Chances to make friends for solo travelers
• You get to see a lot of ocean

Cons of taking an Italy and Greece Cruise

• Not great if you get seasick
• Can be expensive
• You don’t get to see a lot of the interior of each country
• You’re only in each location for a short time

Do it Yourself Italy and Greece Itinerary

If you don’t think a tour or cruise will be a good option for you, then a DIY Italy and Greece Itinerary is probably going to be the best fit.

This is a detailed, day-by-day itinerary for exploring Italy and Greece over three weeks. If you’re based in the US, there tend to be more direct flights to Italy than Greece and they’re often more affordable.

However, you might personally find it more convenient and cheaper to fly to Greece. Feel free to book round-trip flights to one city in Italy or Greece or fly into one country and out of the other. It all depends on what works for your schedule, vacation time, and the deals you can find.

If you want a more detailed itinerary, I highly recommend downloading our Italy Greece Combo guides. They cover 20 days (10 in each country) and walk you through each day, giving you recommendations, schedules, tours, restaurants, and more. We’ve helped thousands of people travel to Italy and Greece with these guides.

Visiting all of the iconic cities and resort towns in Italy would take months if not years! This 10-day Italy itinerary is the perfect balance between bustling cities and picturesque countryside.

You’ll visit the capital city of ancient Rome, the floating city of Venice, and Florence as well as the regions of the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and the northern lakes.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

If you’re flying from the continental US, Rome is around nine hours ahead to six hours ahead. Excluding early morning departures, this itinerary works for anyone arriving in Rome on a red-eye flight or the day before.

Without delay, welcome to the Eternal City! Rome is Italy’s bustling ancient capital and the best place to begin a first-time Italian adventure.

After breakfast, spend your first morning on a Vespa or walking tour to see the highlights and orientate yourself in this sprawling city. Here are some of the top sights you can expect to see on a guided tour of modern and ancient Rome:

• Trevi Fountain
• The Pantheon
• Spanish Steps
• Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
• Roman Forum
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Piazza Navona
• Piazza del Popolo
• Campo De Fiori Market

Ask your tour director for advice on where to eat a typical Italian meal during your time in Rome. They are a local specialist, after all! Try street food like the Roman suppli (a fried rice ball similar to Sicilian arancini) or porchetta panini as well as delicious dishes in restaurants.

You should leave room in your schedule to visit the Colosseum, not just see the outside. Book a guided tour to avoid long lines and to learn about the history.

On your first free evening, head across the River Tiber to the cool Trastevere neighborhood.

Day 2: Rome

It’s only possible to snap photos of the Trevi Fountain without the crowds if you visit very early in the morning. If you’d rather sleep in, after breakfast, spend your morning in Vatican City.

Don’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, and the Vatican Museums, home of the Sistine Chapel. Book a tour of the Vatican Museums so you don’t have to wait in a long line.

After visiting Vatican City, book a cooking class so you can learn how to make more authentic meals in contrast to the Italian dishes you’re probably used to making at home! And it goes without saying, but you should be eating as much homemade gelato in Rome as you can too.

Walk off all those delicious plates of Roman pasta and desserts in Villa Borghese before spending the evening in the Jewish Quarter.

Day 3: Amalfi Coast

It’s time to leave Rome and head south to the Amalfi Coast . This UNESCO-listed region offers charming hillside villages, calm waters, and beautiful white sands.

It takes around three and a half hours to travel there via Naples on the train , so set off early.

Here are some fun things to do during your free day on the Amalfi Coast:

• Positano Beach
• Villa Cimbrone
• Sunset at Ravello
• Fiordo di Furore
• Emerald Grotto
• Explore Sorrento
• Day Trip to Pompeii

Spend the night on the Amalfi Coast .

Day 4: Florence

Now, it’s time to visit the City of the Renaissance! Florence is the capital of Tuscany and a must for history lovers and culture vultures.

Take the train to Florence from the Amalfi Coast via Naples in the morning and arrive by early afternoon. Here are some of the best things you can do on your free afternoon in Naples:

• Climb the Dome of Florence’s Duomo
• Baptistry of St. John at the Duomo
• Walk Across Ponte Vecchio
• Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
• Uffizi Gallery
• Piazzale Michelangelo for views
• Basilica of Santa Croce
• Boboli Gardens
• Gelateria Santa Trinita
• Piazza della Signoria

Spend the night in Florence.

Day 5: Florence and Pisa

On your final morning in Florence, you may want to check out some of the top attractions you didn’t get around to visiting the day before.

Accademia Gallery, for example, usually opens at 8:15 am. This is a great time to see the Statue of David as it’s usually packed out!

The train from Florence to Pisa takes less than an hour and it’s en route to the colorful, coastal Cinque Terre villages so it’s the perfect stopover. Spend a few hours here taking Instagrammable photos of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral before hopping back on the train to head north.

Ideal towns to stay in on Cinque Terre for this itinerary are Monterosso al Mare or the nearby city of Levanto.

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Start off your full day in Cinque Terre in the picturesque village of Monterosso al Mare. This is the northernmost town of the five lands that make up Cinque Terre. The other four, from north to south, are Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

There are three ways you can explore Cinque Terre:

• By train – Purchase a Cinque Terre rail pass at any station to visit all five villages
• By ferry – Head to the dock for a day pass but note they don’t stop at Corniglia
• By foot – The Blue Trail connects all five villages but parts are often closed for maintenance

Exploring by train is the quickest and most efficient way to see all five villages. Enjoy the epic viewpoints, gelato, seafood, and watching the sunset from any of the Cinque Terre towns.

Day 7: Milan and Lake Como

Wake up bright and early to take the train from Cinque Terre. Plan to arrive in Milan early afternoon for a short stopover.

Here are some things you can see in Milan during your afternoon there:

• Milan’s Duomo Rooftop
• The Last Supper Painting by Da Vinci
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Head to the town of Bellagio on the banks of Lake Como where you’ll spend the night. You can take a train to Como and then a bus, but you might prefer to hire a driver for convenience.

Day 8: Lake Como

There’s only one way to spend your free day in Lake Como : sailing on the lake and exploring charming lakeside villages!

You have three sailing options:

• Catch a round-trip ferry
• Book a private boat tour
• Rent a boat

Spend the day stopping off at as many beautiful villages as you can and seeing incredible villas. Here is some inspiration:

• Town of Varenna
• Town of Menaggio
• Villa Balbianello in Lenno
• Villa Melzi in Bellagio
• Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo

Spend a second night in Bellagio.

Day 9: Venice

It’s time to explore the romantic, floating city of Venice! Book a driver for your return trip to Milan and take the train to Venice.

The first thing you should do is take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and down the waterways that run beside Venice’s narrow streets. You’ll be able to see lots of churches, city squares, and bridges from the viewpoint that Venice is meant to be seen.

Spend your free evening eating cicchetti (Venitian tapas) and if you’re in the mood for after-dinner drinks, head to Harry’s Bar where Hemingway once frequented.

Day 10: Venice

After breakfast, spend your last day in Italy seeing as many of Venice’s top sights as you can. Be an early bird to avoid the cruise ship crowds! Here are some suggestions:

• St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
• Doge’s Palace
• Rialto Bridge and Market
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• St Mark’s Campanile
• Bridge of Sighs
• Libreria Acqua Alta
• Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Depending on your travel plans, either fly out to Athens tonight or enjoy your last night in Venice.

After spending over a week on a sightseeing tour of Italy doing what the Romans do, it’s time to explore the island nation of Greece. This 10-day itinerary offers heaped helpings of ancient history with a side dish of wonderful beaches and glistening turquoise waters on the Greek Islands.

You’ll visit the ancient city of Athens on mainland Greece before venturing on an island-hopping Greece tour of Crete and two islands in the Cyclades, Santorini and Naxos.

Day 11: Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece and its capital city, Athens! Note that Greece is one hour ahead of Italy.

Depending on what time to arrive, you may be able to start exploring Ancient Athens today. Look at the list of things to do on tomorrow’s date as there are endless things to do here to fill your time.

Day 12: Athens

Continue exploring Athens and all of its spectacular ancient sites, some of which are thousands of years old. Here are all of the sites you can visit just within the Acropolis Hill area:

• The Parthenon
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Monument of Agrippa
• Temple of Nike Athena
• Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion
• Old Temple of Athena Polias
• Olive Tree of the Pandroseion

Spend the rest of your day exploring the Acropolis Museum, which has an on-site restaurant, and the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Day 13: Chania, Crete

Take a flight out to Chania airport on Crete, the first of the three Greek Islands you’ll visit on this trip, to start your island-hopping adventure.

Once you arrive in Crete, here are some things you can do in Chania or nearby:

• Samariá Gorge
• Elafonisi Beach
• Adkadi Monastery
• Balos Lagoon

Spend the evening wandering through the old port of Chania. Don’t miss out on tasting local cheeses served with olives and herbs, typically freshly prepared.

Day 14: Chania, Crete

There are tons more places to explore on your full day in Chania. Start your day wandering around Old Chania Market, which is also known as the Agora. You can buy lots of local fresh produce or souvenirs here.

Next, take a day trip to Falassarna Beach which is only an hour’s drive away.

When you get back, check out the Minoan Ruins of Chania and the Church of Agios Nikolaos before enjoying a relaxing evening.

Day 15: Eastern Crete

Who’s ready for a mini road trip?! Rent a car or book a driver and head to Eastern Crete making some stops along the way:

• Stop 1 – Fortezza in Rethymno
• Stop 2 – Rimondi Fountain
• Stop 3 – Neratze Mosque
• Stop 4 – Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon
• Stop 5 – Porta Guora

Stay near the towns of Malia or Elounda.

Day 16: Spinalonga or Heraklion

You have a free day to do whatever you please! Hang out at your resort, book a day trip with a tour director who is a local specialist in Crete, or explore independently with a rental car. Here are some great choices of what to do with your day:

Option 1: Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Option 2: Island of Spinalonga

You can either catch a ferry to Spinalonga or book a sightseeing tour extension online or through your hotel.

Day 17: Santorini

The white-washed island of Santorini is a must-visit on any first trip to Greece. Head to the ferry terminal and hop on a boat to Athinios Port.

Some of the best places to stay in Santorini are Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira.

Spend your first day relaxing on one of the wonderful beaches on this island before enjoying a sunset boat ride. You’ll get the best view of the Oia windmills!

Day 18: Santorini

To make the most of your day in Santorini, book a sightseeing tour of the island’s highlights. Here are some of the hotspots you should aim to see on a day tour:

• Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri
• Santorini Vineyards
• Mount Profitis Ilias
• Monastery of Profitis Ilias
• Fira and Oia Hiking Path

If you drink wine, compare a Greek wine tasting with glasses you enjoyed in Italy. After a few sips, you’ll not be able to say which you prefer.

Day 19: Naxos

Take the two to four-hour ferry from Santorini to your final island in Greece, Naxos. Because it’s a long boat ride and you probably won’t arrive until lunch, spend your afternoon relaxing on one of the best beaches in Naxos:

• Agios Giorgios
• Agios Prokopios
• Plaka Beach

Spend the night at your resort before your last full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 20: Naxos

Rent a car, book a driver, or join a group tour to see the highlights of Naxos.

Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

• Eggares Olive Oil Museum
• Kouroi of Melanes
• Apeiranthos
• Zas Mountain
• Town of Chalki
• Limpertas Manolis Pottery
• Temple of Demeter

Spend your last evening enjoying dinner with a beach view or getting stuck into a Greek cooking class.

Day 21: Return to Athens

Take the ferry or fly from Naxos to Athens. Ferries take around three hours but the flight is only 45 minutes.

Or you can take a direct flight from Naxos to Rome if you booked a round-trip flight to Italy from your home airport.

Use this Guide to Plan an Epic Italy and Greece Trip

This Italy and Greece itinerary includes plenty of inspiration, logistical info, and advice so you can enjoy an incredible three-week vacation.

You do not have to choose between Greece or Italy and there is absolutely no doubt that you will have an unforgettable time on this amazing trip exploring both countries. I hope this helps you have the best trip ever!

And if you need help deciding what to do, the best tours, restaurants and more, be sure to download our Italy Greece Itinerary – an amazing 2 for 1 combo!

Not the Trip You Need?

Not exactly the trip you’re looking for? Don’t worry, I also offer custom trip planning by request for many destinations! Learn more here.

Wanderlust Crew

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Italy and Greece Itinerary

Greece › Itinerary for Italy & Greece Updated: April 21, 2022 By Santorini Dave

• Where to Go in Greece
• Complete Greece Travel Guide
• Where to Go in Italy
• Complete Italy Travel Guide

Magical Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast .

Where to Go in Greece and Italy One Week Itinerary : visit Greece or Italy but not both. Two Weeks or More : divide time evenly between the two countries. One Week in Greece and Italy 7 to 10 days is not enough time to visit both Greece and Italy. Pick one and stick to it. No sense wasting time traveling between the two when time is limited. Be sure to fly into one place and fly out of a different place so you don’t spend time retracing your steps. If you’re somewhere in-between (say, 12 days) it’s a coin flip – though I’d err on the side of spending more time in one country than a limited amount of time in two countries.

One Week in Greece – Itinerary

Suggested Itineraries for Greece (reverse order is fine): • 1 day in Athens , 2 in Mykonos , 4 in Santorini (fly into Athens, fly out of Santorini) • 1 day in Athens, 3 in Naxos or Paros , 3 in Santorini (fly into Athens, fly out of Santorini) • 2 days in Mykonos, 2 in Naxos or Paros, 3 in Santorini (fly into Mykonos, fly out of Santorini) • 4 days in Crete , 3 days in Santorini (fly into Heraklio or Chania, fly out of Santorini)

One Week in Italy – Itinerary

Suggested Itineraries for Italy (reverse order is fine): • 2 days in Rome , 3 in Florence and area, 2 days in Venice (fly into Rome, fly out of Venice) • 2 days in Venice, 2 in Milan , 3 in Lake Como area (fly into Venice, fly out of Milan) • 4 days in Rome, 3 in the Amalfi Coast (Fly into Rome, fly out of Rome or Naples) Two Weeks in Greece and Italy With 14 days spend one week in Greece and one week in Italy. Use the above itinerary recommendations. Like above be sure to fly in and out of different cities. E.g. If you’re coming from London: Fly London to Venice, train to Florence, train to Rome, fly to Mykonos, ferry to Naxos, ferry to Santorini, fly Santorini to London. Three Weeks or More in Greece and Italy With 20 to 30 days you can visit all the must-see places: Rome , Florence , Venice , Athens , Santorini , and Crete . But also some less touristy spots: Naples , Perugia, Matera , Naxos , Milos , and Nafplio come to mind. Oh, and the wonderful Agriturismo in Tuscany and Umbria . Both countries are loaded with wonderful destinations. And when it comes to the Greek islands you really can’t go wrong: point at the map and pick any island. I’d be shocked if you left disappointed.

Map of Greece and Italy with Key Ferry Ports

The 10 Best Places to Go in Greece and Italy Santorini, Greece – Incredible views, great food, fun tours, and fantastic things to do. One of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe. Crete, Greece – The best beach in Greece is Elafonisi in southwestern Crete. The island is loaded with wonderful places to visit: Chania, Rethymno, Samaria Gorge, Agios Nikolaos, and the top notch historical site at Knossos. Naxos, Greece – The magical Chora (capital town) of Naxos island at dusk in the Cyclades. Above the town is the castle of Sanoudos. Naxos is filled with wonderful beaches and great local food. Athens, Greece – One of the greatest historical marvels in the world. Athens’ top sites are in a compact center making a 1 or 2 day visit perfect for seeing the highlights. Mykonos, Greece – The island is famous for dance clubs, nightlife, and lively beaches. But if you’re not interested the party scene is easy to avoid and the island has plenty of quiet beaches. Rome, Italy – The best of history, food, and art all in one city. Rome is a can’t miss destination. Florence, Italy – My favorite place in Italy. The city could easily fill a week of sightseeing but 2 full days can allow for visits to most of the top sights. Nearby Tuscan towns (San Gimignano, Siena, Lucca) make for wonderful day trips. Perugia, Italy – This is an incredible historical city and a delight to explore. Nearby towns like Orvieto, Todi, and Assisi make it a great base for exploring Umbria. Venice, Italy – The magical setting of Venice is one of kind. It shouldn’t be missed but a short visit (one or two days) is enough for most travelers. Agriturismo in Italy – This is a highlight of a visit to Italy. Stay at a working farm and enjoy the local food and wine. Accommodations can range from simple and inexpensive to luxury and boutique. (Those are my boys playing in the pool at an agriturismo in Tuscany.) Getting Between Italy and Greece For most travelers flying will be the best way to get between Italy and Greece. There are ferries from the east coast cities of Italy (Venice, Ancona, Bari, and Brindisi) to the west coast of Greece (Patras, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zante) but if time is any concern these are not the best ways to get between Greece and Italy. There are no ferries from Italy to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, or Athens. Popular Flights Between Italy and Greece Flights from Italy to Athens will fly year-round. Flights from Italy to the Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, and Heraklio, Crete) will typically run May to October. Search Kayak.com for routes, times, and fares. • Rome-Athens • Rome-Santorini • Rome-Mykonos • Rome-Heraklio • Milan-Athens • Milan-Santorini • Milan-Mykonos • Milan-Heraklio • Venice-Athens • Venice-Santorini • Venice-Mykonos • Naples-Athens • Naples-Santorini • Naples-Mykonos

About Santorini Dave

Hi Dave! just curious. I always wanted to go to Naples, primarily for the food. But Santorini is my dream destination. If I had two weeks and wanted to spend a good 4 days in Santorini, what would you suggest as an itinerary?

There are often direct flights (in summer) between Naples and Santorini so a trip that combines both places is easily accomplished. Throw in some time in Rome and Mykonos, Naxos, or Athens and your two weeks will be accounted for. Be sure to fly in (e.g. Rome) and out (e.g. Athens) from different airports to save time and money.

Hi Dave – we are looking at flying into Venice in February for my 30th however we want to avoid the carnival on the weekend of 16th/17th. So I was thinking of flying into Venice for 14/15th then on to Rome for the 16th/17th so 2 days in each City. Do I have to fly from Venice to Rome and is it worth it? Thank you!

Train is more relaxing and less hectic and stressful than taking the plane. It does take a little longer but when you factor in getting to and from both airports and then dealing with check-in and security lines the difference is less than 2 hours.

We are planning a 3 week honeymoon to Greece and Italy. Where in either country would we find the best beach? We’re not huge beach fans but would like one stop (for two or three days) for beach relaxing and swimming. We’d also like good restaurants and a place or two to get a drink within walking distance. Thanks.

Greece has more great beaches than Italy. So, you’ll certainly want to have your beach stop be in Greece. Beaches high on my list would be Saint Georges beach in Naxos (to be close to great restaurants), Agia Anna or Prokopios beachbes in Naxos (if the beach is more important but fewer good places to eat), Platys Gialos beach in Mykonos, and Mylopotas beach in Ios (good restaurants nearby but for the best take the short bus ride in the Chora).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Work with us
• Privacy Policy
• Meet the Team

THE PERFECT ITALY AND GREECE ITINERARY

For many people visiting Italy and Greece is a dream come true but it can be a long way to go and often a once in a lifetime trip. If you have never been to either country but have limited vacation time to use then how can you maximise your Italy and Greece itinerary to make the most of your trip?

This 3-week itinerary for Greece and Italy trip covers many of the main highlights for each country as well as a few hidden gems as well.

PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.

If you are feeling really overwhelmed you might like a Trip Consultation perhaps!?

And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travellers!

Note: This article may contain affiliate links.

When to visit Italy and Greece

The best times to visit the Mediterranean are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and the crowds are generally low.

High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that as will the crowds, the number of cruise ships and accommodation availability.

Despite being busy summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser known spots. The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere.

Orthodox Easter is an especially wonderful time to visit Greece as it becomes very festive with parades, parties, and on many islands bonfires , fireworks and other activities and traditions.

In Italy Carnivale in Venice  ends with the Christian celebration of  Lent , forty days before Easter so it occurs usually in February and March while the La Biennial di Venezia, Europe’s premier arts showcase, starts in May.

Christmas in both countries is very special as are the many religious holidays and celebrations. 

Best beach and swimming weather: June to September Best sightseeing weather: March to June and September/October

DAY 1- Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and home to some of the most iconic and important historical sites and monuments in the world.

There are several ways to get to Athens which cover air, sea, rail, driving and even on foot. Once you’ve arrived it’s easy enough to get into the city centre and having a private driver waiting for you is our favourite way to do it!

With two days in Athens you can see and do a lot and if you can increase it to three or four days you will not be disappointed – there are so many amazing day trips you can do.

Spend your first day in the Athens exploring the ancient centre. Everything is very compact and its easy to get around, in fact most things can be seen easily on foot.

Apart from the many things you can do in Athens including great shopping, incredible food, and all the ancient sites there is also great nightlife with a plethora of bars, tavernas, and clubs to choose from. There are a lot of new hotels and restaurants many with incredible rooftop views , especially of the Acropolis.

The Acropolis Museum is world-class and needs to be enjoyed either before or after you visit the Acropolis so it’s the perfect activity for your second day. Make sure you read our complete guide for lots of great tips including how to beat the crowds!

Where to stay in Athens

For couples : Zillers Hotel has only 10 rooms and some have amazing Acropolis views. There is a lovely rooftop bar and restaurant and it’s right on Mitropolous dining street. Also check out The Foundry Suites in Psiri which is a very cool converted former Foundry with lots of retro elements.

For families and groups : The Pinnacle is a 2 bedroom suite that sleeps 6 or these Twin Lofts can sleep up to 12!

Solo : I love to stay at Ergon House when I’m on my own. Its across from Zillers and part of the famous Ergon House food emporiums. They have a small business centre and very helpful and attentive staff.

Things to do in Athens on Day One

• wander down Ermou Pedestrian Street
• Visit Syntagma Square and see Parliament House and the Changing of the Greek Presidential Guard – the Evzones
• explore Plaka and the many cafes, shops and galleries
• stop by the Monastaraki flea market

DAY 3 – Meteora 

Day 4 – Santorini 

Santorini is a bucket list destination for most people for good reason. It is one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds it.

We love to stay in Oia which is considered the most picturesque village, although a lot of people also enjoy Imerovigli which is about a 20-minute walk along the nice flat footpath that runs along the Caldera seam. For a truly authentic Greek experience consider staying in the interior village of Pyrgos.

There are a surprising amount of things to do on Santorini with beaches, wineries, hot springs, great shopping and some of the worlds most iconic and photographed sunsets.

How to get to Santorini

You can travel to Santorini by ferry or by plane from Athens. Return to Athens from Meteora either on your overnight tour, by driving or by train.

The small international airport has several flights to Athens a day as well as regular flights in summer from other European destinations like Rome and England. Check flight schedules HERE.

There are also many ferries each day, year-round. Most service either the Western or Eastern Cyclades Islands and on to Athens whilst some come from Crete.

TIP : Both the port and the airport can be very busy in summer and there can be long waits for the cablecar, taxis and donkeys. It pays to have a private transfer waiting for you!

Where to stay in Santorini

For couples : Ducato Di Oia ( adults only) suites in Oia or Above Blue Suites in Imerovigli for more isolation and at a lower price point.

For families and groups : White Harmony Suites have 2 bedroom suites or Theoxenia Boutique Hotel have squad rooms and are not far from, dare I say it, McDonalds.

Solo : Kivotos in Imerovigli for a splurge or Abelonas Retreat on a budget.

Things to do in Santorini on Day One

• explore the maze of streets in Oia including Panagia Platsani Church
• visit famous Atlantis Books for a unique bookshop experience
• check out the many upmarket boutiques and jewellery shops in Oia
• walk down to Oia Castle

Day 5 – Santorini 

More cool things to do in Santorini 

• a half day tour of the island
• tour the world renowned wineries with a sommelier
• do wine tasting AND a cooking class
• swim at Black Beach, Red Beach and Kamari Beaches
• visit authentic Pyrgos village and see what Santorini is like for long time locals
• attend a ‘traditional’ Greek wedding !
• have a professional photographic session done – hard to beat the backdrop!

Day 6 – Naxos 

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands and is famous for its lush and fertile valleys, its picturesque, whitewashed villages and towns and beautiful beaches.

Despite being such a large island it has a small local population and there is a surprisingly wide array of things to see and do. It’s a very laid back destination and its easy to see why Naxos is so popular, especially with families .

It’s also a very affordable island and represents great value for money for all types of travellers.

How to get to Naxos 

Most people travel to Naxos from Sanotirini by ferry which takes about 2 hours. There are several ferries each day, year-round. The main town of Chora is also the main port.

It is possible to fly but you will need to connect with another flight back at Athens airport.

Where to stay in Naxos 

For couples : Antony Suites are gorgeous, right near St.George beach and are Adults Only

For families and groups : Ippokampos apartments are in the Chora and can sleep up to 5 while Aegean Land have 2 bedrooms apartments right on the beach at Plaka

Solo : Mystique of Naxos is right near the beach in the Chora and has stunning rooms and a great little rooftop pool and sundeck. You can walk to everything and it’s very affordbale too!

Things to do in Naxos  

• Explore the Chora including the Old Market
• visit the Kastro
• drop into the Bazeos Tower
• spend some time at the Folklore Museum
• Visit the Portara at sunset
• wander down to Saint George Beach for a swim and perhaps stay for dinner

Day 8 – Paros

For many people Paros is the perfect Greek island. It’s not too big nor too small, and there are things to see and do that suit everyone. It’s also a busy ferry stop from Athens to the other popular Cyclades islands being only 30 minutes from Naxos or 60 from Mykonos.

It’s also got a great little neighbour right next door called Anti-Paros which is a wonderful destination in itself.

We like to stay in Naoussa on Paros which many say is like a small, cheaper version of Mykonos with a lively mix of tavernas, bars, and nightclubs as well as lovely whitewashed alleys full of great cafes, bars, beautiful artisan stores and boutiques and gelati shops.

The port town of Parikia is also nice and a little more affordable than Naoussa. Spend your first day on Paros exploring your local town or villages, swimming at the beach and enjoying a long, lazy dinner as the sun goes down.

There’s plenty of time to take in the sights exploring the many things to do on Paros over the next day. Hire a car for at least a day and do a full loop of the island – there’s many wonderful surprises!

How to get to Paros

You can also travel to Paros by ferry from Naxos which takes about 30 minutes.

There are many ferries each day, year-round. The port town is called Parikia and that, or Naoussa are the best options to base yourself.

Where to stay in Paros  

For couples : Lilly Residence is stunning and Adults Only or Senia Hotel is a perennial favourite year round.

For families and groups : Paliomylos Hotel and Spa is where we chose to stay for special birthday celebrations with 38 family and friends and have since returned several times. Chrys and the team are amazing!

Solo : Parian Village Beach Hotel is right across from the beach near the port town of Parikia and have great value single rooms with beautiful sea views and a nice pool.

Further reading: Where to stay on Paros  

Things to do in Paros on your first day

• Explore the villages of Naoussa or Parikia depending on where you are staying.
• Naoussa: don’t miss the Venetian Fort, the old fishing port, Kapopoulos Fine Arts Gallery,  the ducks at the Harbour Bridge and  the Church of the Virgin Mary ( Panayia).
• Parakia: The Church of 100 doors ( and its museum), the Frankish Castle, the Archaic Temple of Athena, the myriad of shops and cafes in the back alleys and the Port.

Lavrio is a town south of Athens on the Greek Mainland. The word Lavrion comes from ‘Lavra’ which means alley or paths and the area is thought to have been inhabited since Neolithic times.

It is a much prettier (and smaller) port than Pireaus and is also closer to the airport which is about 35 minutes’ drive away. Stopping here for a night will give you a feel for the area called the ‘Athenian Riviera” and it’s a very pleasant way to end your time in Greece.

There are not as many ferry connections to Lavrio as there are to Pireaus but there are regular connections from Paros, Mykonos,Syros and Tilos – something only seasoned travellers seem to know about!

The main point of interest in Lavrio is the fishing village itself, the Mineralogical Museum and nearby Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, a 15-minute drive away.

Further reading: Best hotels near Athens Airport

How to get to Lavrio

You can travel to Lavrio by ferry from Paros which takes about 3 hours but you may need to connect on Syros or Mykonos. Timetables for this route are often not released until Spring so keep an eye on schedules HERE.

If a ferry is not running at the time you require you can fly to Athens from Paros and catch a taxi to Lavrio.

Where to stay in Lavrio 

Cape Sounio, Grecotel Exclusive Resort  is a sprawling resort on the beachfront and is a great choice for all travellers.

Day 10 – Rome

The ‘Eternal’ city is one of the most iconic cities in the world and a place that’s sure to capture a piece of your heart.

As the capital of Italy, it has the busiest airport in the country and Rome is where many people visit before moving on to explore other areas.

There is a lot to see and do in Rome and many people will tell you even a week is not enough, but the main attractions are very close together and you can see many highlights in a short time ourselves.

Of course you cannot miss a visit to the Pantheon, the Colosseum or St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican – all in close proximity to each other and all incredible.

The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and the various Piazza’s are also world-famous and wonderfully trattorias, wine bars, high-end boutiques and beautiful gardens are all not to be missed.

Transport Infrastructure in Italy is good and with few islands, it is easy to get from one place to another quickly.

How to get to Rome from Athens

The easiest way to get to Italy from Greece is to fly. Lavrio is close to Athens airport and within a few short hours, you can be on the ground in Rome.

There are regular daily flights between Athens and Rome with Aegean Airlines and Air Italia, sometimes more in Summer. Other airlines servicing the route usually include Easyjet, RyanAir and Lufthansa.

It is also possible to get to Italy from Greece by sea with regular ferries between Patras and the Ionian Islands and Brindisi and Bari in Italy. You would then need to drive or catch the train to Rome.

If you would prefer not to organise everything yourself in Italy check out this very popular 5 day – Best of Italy tour !

Where to stay in Rome

For couples :   It’s hard to beat J.K. Place Roma with its central proximity to the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon and its incredible roof top bar. Casa del Moro is a very romantic loft with beautiful views from the room balcony and is a very affordable option too.

For families and groups : Hotel Cosmopolita is in a great location near the Trevi Fountain and they have quad rooms. Just around the corner is Filo Black , a stylish 2 bedroom apartment that sleeps 6 and is fully self-contained. We also love Raphel’s Pallette which also sleeps 6, is very spacious and a design lovers dream!

Solo : Apollo Rooms Colosseo is a fairly new establishment with friendly owners and quiet rooms. As the name suggests it is quite close to the Colosseum and well located to see most of the highlights of room on foot or by public transport.

Things to do in Rome on your first day

• Walk down the Spanish Steps. Take in the view at the top and wander down slowly exploring Pincio, Piazza Del Popolo and Santa Maria del Popolo Church
• Stop for a coffee or Spritz at the garden of Hotel du Russie, one of Rome’s best-kept secrets
• Stroll down Via Condotti and see all the high-end fashion brands
• Finish at the Pantheon, one of the most incredible buildings in Europe with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome
• do a Foodie Cycling tour with a local Chef
• participate in a Pasta and Tiramisu lovers workshop

Things to do in Rome on your second day

• Start the day with coffee at one of the many cafes on the Borgo Pio
• Beat the crowds and take in an early small-group tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Be sure to add a tour of St Peter’s Basilica as well!
• If time permits and you are up to it climbing the dome will reward you with incredible views
• Walk around St.Peter’s Square. If you are lucky you may get a wave from the Pope!
• Walk back over the Tiber River and over to Palazzo Navona which has so much to see and do
• Take a VIP tour of the Colosseum, Palatine and the Roman Forum
• do a magical Rome-by-night e-bike tour
• explore the creepy hidden Bone Crypts of Ancient Rome

Express entry - Vatican/Sistine Chapel/St Peters

Dont queue with the crowds. Book these tickets in advance for faster than skip-the-line entry!

Day 12 – Amalfi Coast

The stunning Amalfi Coast is located in southern Italy’s Campania region and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located south of Naples the Amalfi Coast starts just behind Sorrento and continues for 60 kilometres (37 miles) along the coast including the towns of Positano, Ravello, Praiano, Amalfi, Minori and Cetara.

The region is bordered by the dramatic Lattari Mountains on one side and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on the other.

It is one of the most popular and most photographed destinations in Europe where people come from all over the world to experience the classic ‘la dolce vita’ atmosphere.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome

The Amalfi Coast does not have an airport, a large port, nor a train station so it is a little tricky to get to. This is probably a good things or visitor numbers would be out of control!

Most people make their way to Naples, either by train or plane and then on to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

You can get the fast train from Rome to Naples very easily but then you do have to change to a local train to get down to Sorrento and then catch a taxi, a bus or book a private driver from there.

The Amalfi Coast is very beautiful but with one narrow coastal road in summer it can be very congested and difficult to get around. There are also a lot of stairs!

Some people choose to stay in Sorrento and explore the coast on day trips . Sorrento is a lovely town and relatively flat with good transport connections to the islands as well as Pompeii and other attractions.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

For couples : Buca Di Bacco has an amazing, much-photographed restaurant with lovely rooms with views over the iconic town. It is located next to much-coveted Le Sirenuse but is much more affordable. Il San Pietro di Positano is our pick for a splurge and is truly a dream to stay at.

For families and groups :  Groups should check out Residence Villa Yiara which is a gorgeous family-run hotel with incredible views and budget-friendly prices. Villa Celentano Apartments Hotel is also a great option as they have well-priced rooms with kitchenettes.

If you would prefer a private villa then check out Claudia’s Fairytale , a simply gorgeous 4 bedroom house that has hosted celebrities and dignitaries such as US Presidents.

Solo : Hotel Dimora Fornillo is a modest small hotel with spacious rooms and beautiful patios that overlook the sea. There is a path right down to the sea and breakfast is included.

Fun things to do on the Amalfi Coast

• Explore the coastline on a luxury cruise
• A private tour of Pompeii and incredible Herculaneum – some say even better than Pompeii
• Join a private walking tour of the hidden alleys high up in Ravello 
• Visit the beautiful,cool and lush Mills Nature Reserve – cool and lush
• Head over to the island of Capri for the day
• A private Wine Tour to Irpinia
• attend a ceramics workshop with a local potter

Tour the Amalfi Coast with a private driver and car

Day 15 – 18 : florence.

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and thought by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Famous for its magnificent Duomo, the Statue of David, the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge and heaving with works by Michelangelo and other artists it is also the gateway to the beautiful green hills of Tuscany and the many wineries, villages and sun-baked olive groves that call it home.

The Duomo of Santa Maria dell’Assunta in Florence is a perfect example of Roman-Pisan Gothic architecture and is completely made of white marble. It’s designed in the shape of a Latin cross with an interior constructed of black, white, and grey marble.

Lucca is just one hour from Florence so it is really worth a day trip to this charming town, and then head to nearby Pisa as well.

Pisa of course is famous for the leaning Tower of Pisa , the huge cathedral, and the Baptistery. Don’t forget the obligatory selfie holding up the tower!

Other day trips from Tuscany that are worth mentioning are visiting the towns of Sienna or region of Chianti or even a visit to Cinque Terre.

How to get to Florence

Florence is well connected with the rest of Italy and Europe and is easy to get to by air or on the ground.

Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola is the International Airport and is located just 4kms from the city centre. The airport is usually serviced by some of Europe’s best-known airlines including Alitalia, Lufthansa, British Airways and KLM.

Florence is also a key stop on the Italian Rail network . It has good connections with Rome, which is only 90 minutes away and the main cities in the north.

It is also possible to arrive by road. Eurolines has the most extensive bus network and is generally reliable and well priced. If driving then the main road artery, the A1, links the north and south of the country running right past Florence.

To get from the Amalfi Coast to Florence you can either reverse your trip back to Rome and continue from there ( train is the most enjoyable) or fly from Naples.

Where to stay in Florence

For couples: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is hard to beat and offer the impeccable standards of service and luxury that this brand is famous for. We also love San Firenze Suites and Spa with their wonderful Duomo views or beautiful Palazzo Castri 1874 with their lovely gardens.

For a great budget option check out BandB Firenze 8 Cittadella 8.

For families and groups: Groups love staying at The Legendary Giulia which is a sprawling Villa in the Tuscan countryside that has 4 bedrooms and a swimming pool as well! If you want to stay in the heart of Florence then Nutmeg is a 4 bedroom apartment right near the Arno River or Jacopo has 3 bedrooms with views over the famous Duomo and rooftops of the city.

Solo: Il Diospero B&B have modest rooms in their family palazzo and friendly home cooked meals and personal service. Hotel David is also worth a look with its great views, excellent service and a pretty garden to use as well.

Cool things to do in Florence

• Uffizi Gallery – VIP priority access!
• Enjoy the original Florentine Steak experience – heaps of fun!
• Join a small group walking tour – an Introduction to Florence  
• A private day trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti
• Take a balloon ride over breathtaking Tuscany
• See Florence from the rooftops – get the best,hidden photo locations!
• Do a Chainti Wine and Food Safari
• A full day private tour to Cinque Terre
• do a wonderful Tuscan cooking class and learn to make Italian like Mama!
• go truffle hunting in the Chianti Hills

Day 18 -21 : Venice

Be sure to plan your arrival in Venice on a Vaporetto – a water bus, which is a great way to get a feel for the city and an exhilarating way to start. The boat will lead you down the Grand Canal towards your hotel, or somewhere near it and you will be speechless as you see the city around you.

After you have settled into your hotel head to Piazza San Marco and St Mark’s Square which is one of the most famous squares in the world. The Piazza houses remarkable buildings like St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Head to Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most magical of Venice’s bridges and then simply stroll through the narrow streets around the area, with its many small canals, trattorias, wine bars, small shops and much more.

Be sure to visit Doge’s Palace with its exquisite rooms and decoration, its prison and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Then head to the most important religious edifice in Venice, the Basilica di San Marco.

After the Basilica, explore the Campanile. This structure is one of the most photographed in Venice and the Cathedral’s bell tower and is the symbol of the city.

Cross the Ponte di Rialto to reach the Rialto Market, one of the best in Venice and bustling with vendors selling produce and handicrafts. Some of the best tomatoes you will ever see, or smell!

If you are an art lover then the Gallerie dell’Accademia focuses on pre-nineteenth century art and is one of the largest in the world. Also be sure to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Punta della Dogana.

The next day take a water bus to the Sestiere Cannaregio, which is located north of the Grand Canal. Get off at “Ferrovia” cross the Ponte delle Guglie and walk to the Jewish Ghetto , a fascinating and somewhat sobering area where the Jews were forced to live during the Venetian Republic.

We also recommend exploring Cannaregio with its charming little canals, pretty houses and churches. It is one of the most authentic areas in Venice and very charming. Fondamenta della Misericordia is also worth checking out especially in the evening when it can get very lively.

Of course no trip to Venice is complete without a Gondola ride which are especially romantic as the sunsets of course.

How to get to Venice

Venice is a series of small islands but it is very well connected to the mainland and other nearby islands. Being one of Europes most popular cities it is relatively easy to get to.

It is possible to fly from Florence to Venice but you will likely connect in Rome. Most people do the trip either by train or car.

Venice’s central train station, Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, connects the city with numerous countries and other Italian towns. Many people fly into Rome or Milan and catch the train to Venice from there. It is the easiest and most comfortable way of getting around Italy and a style of travel we highly recommend.

Check Rail Europe and/or Seat61 for timetables and bookings

Only a small part of Venice is accessible to motor vehicles so you have to leave your car in a parking garage such as  Garage San Marco or Garage Autorimessa Comunale , in Piazzale Roma.

Where to stay in Venice

For couples : The Gritti Palace hotel is considered one of the best in the world for good reason and it is also one of the most photographed, with its central location right on the Grand Canal.  For something cheaper, Hotel Antiche Figure is a small boutique hotel in a wonderful canal location with a small restaurant and bar and excellent service.

For families and groups :  Aqua Apartments are great for families as they have small kitchenettes where you can keep supplies and self-cater. Apollonia is a rather extraordinary grand Venetian home filled with Renaissance Art and with a roof terrace – it sleeps up to 7 in 3 bedrooms. For something even bigger check out Repubblica Heights , a huge 5 bedroom apartment that oozes the splendour of the Doge’s era in every room.

Solo : Charming House IQs have beautiful, designer suites in a converted Palazzo in a quiet spot near the Grand Canal. No crimson bedspreads here!

Cool Things to do in Venice

Best of Venice Tour – St. Marks Square, St. Marks Basilica & Campanile & more

Do a Doge’s Palace: Secret itinerariares Tour

Visit the islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello by boat

Sail, swim and cook in the Venetian Lagoon

Take a private class with a renowned glass artist

Relax in the cool gardens of Giardini della Biennale

Ride a Gondola with a Gondolier seranade

Spend a day in the sparkling Prosecco Hills!

Create a Carnivale mask with a master mask maker

With this Italy and Greece itinerary, you will spend 3 glorious weeks exploring two of the most interesting and most beautiful countries on the planet.

Of course, you can adjust it for a slower pace simply by extending a few places by a day or two – perhaps the Cinque Terra in Italy or Crete in Greece?

We guarantee you will have the trip of a lifetime and will cover some of the very best highlights for both countries that are on offer, and more.

 Salute & Yamas!  

Like this post? Why not Pin it!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

The best greek islands for families – updated for 2024, athens santorini and crete itinerary, athens santorini mykonos itinerary, 7 day itinerary greece.

Welcome to Greece Travel Secrets! I’m Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. We want you to experience the famous Greek ‘Filotimo’ before you even get there.

FERRY TICKETS

RECENT ARTICLES

3 of the Best 2-Week Italy and Greece Itinerary Ideas for Amazing 2 Weeks in Italy and Greece

• June 1, 2021

Table of Contents

Italy and Greece may be the two most iconic countries in the world. Pregnant with countless attractions in terms of art, architecture, food, etc., they are countries worth your time and attention. Exploring them thoroughly would require months, but you can get a fair idea of their offerings if you have two weeks in Italy and Greece. Following are the top three itineraries that will guide you on how to do so.

Related Posts :

• Greece Vacation to The Amazing Hidden Gem of Halkidiki on Mainland Greece
• 5 Best Day Trips From Rome You Will Love
• 7 of The Best Rome Neighborhoods and Areas You Will Love to Stay in Rome

1. The Classic Itinerary: Venice – Florence – Rome – Athens – Santorini

If you are looking to experience what makes Italy and Greece so famous, this 14-day itinerary in Italy and Greece will suit you well. This classic itinerary covers all the important destinations the two countries are famous for.

Begin your vacation in Venice, the floating city of love. Plan to spend approximately three days here, during which you follow the well-trodden path that connects top sights in the city. While you are roaming about in the city, make sure to pause and take in the gorgeous views, for Venice is as picturesque as a city can get. With its romantic canals and pastel-colored buildings separated by columns of narrow cobblestone streets, you will find yourself falling in love with the destination. Some of the top destinations in the city include Campanile Di San Marco , Rialto Bridge , and Doge’s Palace.

From Venice, you should embark on a journey to the city of art and architecture – Florence. Let your inner artist come out and flourish under the exposure of impeccable pieces of art present in sites like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. Florence is also known for its fantastic gastronomical and wine culture, with splendid food tour opportunities. Enjoy the finest cuisine Italy has to offer. Your palette will remember the taste till your dying days!

Rome marks the third stop in your 14-day itinerary in Italy and Greece. Rome is a city that demands no introduction. Once the hub of human civilization, now is the center of attraction of travelers globally. The historical remains in the town are an ode to the splendor of the great Roman Empire. Spend your days here, hopping from sight to sight, exploring famous ruins, like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Marvel at the ingenious architecture and remarkable aesthetic sense of the ancient people at sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Your tours here will be one of the most memorable!

With Rome, your time in Italy ends, and you must hop onto a flight to Greece. As sad as your heart might be on leaving such a fantastic destination, take solace in the fact that what lays ahead is equally charming. You land in Athens, which was the center of the magnificent Greek Empire. The Greeks were a fantastic breed and made sure that the coming times remembered them for that. Therefore, they left behind marvelous specimens like the monuments at Acropolis. Take a walk through history as you explore the awe-inspiring collection of over 3000 ancient artifacts at the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Your 2-weeks in Italy and Greece ended in Santorini, a breathtakingly gorgeous Greek island, with views straight out of your wildest imaginations. Although the land was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16 th century, its residents wore the resulting landscape like a crown and designed their towns accordingly. The result is this spectacular location with cute houses on cliffs and stunning beaches. You will forget to keep your cameras down! The best things to do here are witnessing the sunset, tasting its exquisite wines, and taking boat tours.

Travel Guide & Resources for this 2 Week Italy and Greece Itinerary:

Enjoy this 2 weeks in  Italy and Greece  itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to  Italy and Greece . Also, click here to browse our list of the  best hotels in  Venice , Florence , Rome , Athens , and Santorini   to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 2-week or 14-day  Italy and Greece  itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in  Venice , Florence , Rome , Athens , and Santorini  in addition to what already mentioned here.

2. Sunshine and Turquoise Waters: Sardinia – Amalfi Coast – Santorini – Chania

If you want to experience the best sunshine and turquoise waters of Italy and Greece in 2-weeks, this itinerary is the perfect one for you. You begin your trip in Sardinia , a breathtakingly gorgeous Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of those destinations that feel like a piece of heaven on earth, thanks to their jaw-dropping beauty. Sardinia is particularly known for its beaches and waters, so do not miss the opportunity to visit them. Some of the best ones here include Costa Sud, Capo Testa, and Costa Smeralda. Spend your time here, lazing on the beaches, living the most luxurious life. When you want to walk around, take trips to the island’s mysterious Phoenician ruins and prehistoric stone towers.

From Sardinia, you head to the remarkably aesthetic Amalfi coast. Home to some of the most beautiful coastal cities, like Sorrento and Positano , the Amalfi coast has plenty to offer in terms of aesthetics. Its beaches are known for their excellent weather conditions, fine sand, and clear waters.

Be sure to visit Marina Grande , Cavallo Morto , and Santa Croce – you are bound to fall in love with them!

Next up is Santorini, a destination home to some of the world’s most unique beaches. The beaches generally sport black volcanic sand and deep blue waters, which present an otherworldly view. However, do not worry, for you will not be stuck in monotony here. You have plenty of beach options here, from red sanded ones to pure white, from sandy to pebbly – you will find everything!

You cannot be on a quest to witness the best beaches in Italy and Greece if you do not visit the heavenly offerings of Chania . Imagine huge stretches of fine white sand with emerald, crystal clear waters. Such is the view Chania has to offer. The beaches here offer wowing combinations of exotic landscapes and wild natural beauty, adding to the area’s appeal. Some of the best beaches here include Balos Beach and Seitan Limania beach. You will love it here!

Enjoy this 2 weeks in  Italy and Greece  itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to  Italy and Greece . Also, click here to browse our list of the  best hotels in  Sardinia , Amalfi Coast , Santorini , and Chania   to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 2-week or 14-day  Italy and Greece  itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in  Sardinia , Amalfi Coast , Santorini , and Chania  in addition to what already mentioned here.

3.  Off the Beaten Tracks: Verona – Siena – Olympia

If you want to see the off-beaten tracks of Italy and Greece in 2-weeks, this itinerary will tap right into your feels. All you need is this 14-day itinerary in Italy and Greece to experience the countries like the locals.

Begin your trip from Verona , arguably the most romantic medieval town in Italy. There is no doubt in the romanticness of the city, for, after all, it is the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. The town features Juliet’s tomb, too, so do pay her your regards. Other than this, Arena di Verona and Castle Vecchio are also worth visiting.

Siena is the second stop of your itinerary, and this is a stop you will not want to leave. In Siena you find gems like Piazza del Campo, Torre Del Mangia, and Piazza del Duomo. These are many unique architectural sites featuring the works of brilliant architects. However, they are largely ignored by the masses, meaning that you can enjoy them in peace.

Olympia is a destination that is as Greek as it can get. It is a surprise it is not always flooded with visitors, for the elements its features are incredibly attractive. It has a lot to offer to you in terms of marvelous and very historically important structures like the Temple of Zeus, Ancient Stadium, Temple of Hera, and Palaestra!

Travel Guide & Resources for this 2 Week Italy and Greece Itinerary:

Enjoy this 2 weeks in Italy and Greece itinerary? Here you can find the  best flights ,  train tickets , or  rent a car  for your trip to  Italy and Greece . Also, click here to browse our list of the  best hotels in Verona , Siena , and Olympia to stay in.

Need more ideas to add to your 2-week or 14-day Italy and Greece itinerary? Find  top attractions & things to do in Verona , Siena , and Olympia in addition to what already mentioned here.

Video Guide: Italy and Greece in Two Weeks | 3 Amazing Two-Week Itineraries

Related Posts

Travel resources for planning a 2-week trip to Italy and Greece

To make planning a trip to Italy and Greece for 2 weeks easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip to Italy and Greece.

Agoda : Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.

CheapOAir : You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!

Kiwi.com : What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “ Nomad ” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.

JetRadar : You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.

Agoda : Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.

Hotellook : They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.

Transportations:  

Airport Transfers :  KiwiTaxi ,  Viator

Train :  EuRail ,  Trainline  or  RailEurope  

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

Car Rentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking  (Bikes & scooter rentals) 

Transportation Comparison :  Omio  (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)

Tours & Activities :

TakeWalks  (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.

Tiqets : Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.

Musement : They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.

GetYourGuide : A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Want to spend the best 2 weeks in Italy and Greece?

Want to plan your trip to spend 2 weeks in Italy and Greece but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Italy and Greece for 2 weeks are our specialties.  Contact us  today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can  personalize your multi-city vacations   at the best price.

Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our  marketplace  for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.

To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “ How It Works ” page or check out our video on  “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in  5 Easy Steps”   here.

Have questions for us?  Schedule a FREE Call  with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at  [email protected] , call/text us at  (888)223-2316  today.

Private Travel Coaching & Consulting Call

Want to plan and book your upcoming trip yourself? If this is your first time traveling to any of the European destinations or you are new to multi-city, multi-country travel but prefer to manage every part of your trip on your own, this option is for you! 

For just  $150 per hour , our destination expert can answer any questions you might have as you plan and book your dream trip. From assisting with route planning, and destination selection, recommending the best areas or places to stay, the best transportation options, things to do and see, saving tips and so much more! 

Ready to plan your trip with our help? Book your private coaching session with our destination expert now and we’ll confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

More Travel Inspiration & Guides

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Brussels

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

7 of the Best Spanish Islands You Will Love

2 Days in Barcelona Itinerary & The Best Way to Explore The City You Love

9 Incredible Hidden Gems in Iceland You’ll Love

7 of the Most Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam

10 of The Best Things to Do in Normandy You Will Love

7 of the Best Day Trips from Milan by Train You’ll Love

Travel resources for planning your own trip.

To make planning your European trip on your own easier, in addition to what already mentioned in our travel guide, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in any destination using these travel resources:

European River Cruises:

Uniworld River Cruises : The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:  Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them

The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way.

Airport Transfers & Transportations:  

Airport Transfers: GetTransfer offers both airport transfers & car rentals with a personal driver. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator.

Train :  EuroRail ,  Trainline ,  or  RailEurope are all great sites for train tickets as well as Rail Passes if you would like to add more flexibility to your trip. They are good for most trains throughout Europe. For trains in Italy, we like and recommend ItaliaRail . As for Portugal, you will need to go to the official website for Comboios de Portugal (the Portuguese train company) to book your train tickets when traveling in Portugal.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for bikes & scooter rentals

Travel Insurance:

Travel Guard :  Their comprehensive travel insurance programs, starting at $30, include per-trip & annual plans, coverage for trip cancellation , trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, baggage loss & more! Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center.

DISCLAIMER : Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Trip by Travel Experts

Need help planning a trip and find the best vacation package for your multi-city trip to Europe? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize an amazing multi-city trip to your dream destinations in Europe.

Ready for a trip? Check out our planning options and get in touch with us today!

Featured Pre-Designed Packages

These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs!

8 Nights/ 9 Days Signature Escape to Berlin, Dresden (Day Trip), and Prague

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Athens and Istanbul

6 Nights/ 7 Days Signature Escape to Dubrovnik and Split

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Not sure or can’t decide which planning option is right for you? Schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our travel experts to discuss your travel needs today!

The Classic Madison

Classic style with a trendy twist

italy and greece in 3 weeks + tips for planning a trip from scratch

July 9, 2019

Join the List

• February 2024
• November 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• November 2022
• October 2022
• August 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• August 2019
• August 2018
• February 2018
• January 2018
• December 2017
• November 2017
• October 2017
• September 2017
• August 2017
• February 2017
• January 2017
• November 2016
• October 2016
• September 2016

July 11, 2019 at 3:35 am

This looks like it will be the best trip! What an incredible experience and opportunity! Caitlin http://www.lemonadepressblog.com

November 20, 2019 at 11:49 am

I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. Australia road trips

February 16, 2020 at 6:44 pm

The Tsitouras couple furnished them with carefully chosen antiques and the odd modern, design piece, and then, one by one, turned them into something like a private museum. We specialize in transfers from or to Santorini

July 26, 2020 at 3:39 pm

Oh wow! These pictures look incredible!

Amber | The Unpredicted Page

January 4, 2021 at 5:57 am

How much was the average total cost? I am looking to follow this itinerary for my trip, just looking for a price so I can get a general idea to save up. Looks like you had fun!

July 7, 2021 at 4:40 pm

Hi! I never saw your comment, but as I was approving comments today I saw yours! I believe it was around $3,000, give or take a bit for fancier dinners occasionally and souvenirs. The airfare was over half the cost of the trip. If you do train travel it cuts down on your cost. I also highly suggest staying in AirBnBs or hostels. We found a really great AirBnb in Santorini that was probably half the price of the fancier resorts but gave the same experience. We also found some one or two bed hostels and shared those instead of staying in super crowded hostels. Let me know if you have any other questions!

theclassicmadison

Classic style with a Parisian and sometimes retro twist The Classic Madison Blog Nashville, Tennessee | Marketing 9-5 💌 [email protected]

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of service

Copyright © 2024 The Classic Madison · Theme by 17th Avenue

• South Korea
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Central Asia
• African Safari
• South Africa
• Itinerary Ideas
• 14-Day Best of Italy and Greece Tour

Vestiges & Charm, Sea Echoes & Delicacies

From ancient whispers of Rome to Santorini's whitewashed dreams, Italy and Greece unfold a tapestry of memories. Explore iconic ruins and charming towns, bask on stunning beaches and azure seas. Savor mouthwatering moussaka, wander sun-kissed piazzas, and indulge in history and culture. From Tuscany's warmth to Santorini's charm, a feast for the senses awaits.

This two-week Italy and Greece itinerary is just a starting point, and we will tailor it to your interests and preferences.

from US$6,859 p/p *

First-timers

Apr. - Jun./ Sep. - October

Europe's included (International on request)

Cancellation Policy:

100% Refund 22 Days before Arrival

* The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low tourist season : Nov.-Feb.

Best Italy and Greece Journey Map

Italy and greece tour (suggested route).

• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Tour Highlights

Suggested itinerary for inspiration.

Your preferences design the actual journey. We're ready to create a wonderful European journey for you.

• Welcome to the Eternal City—Rome! Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
• Relax and travel comfortably as you enjoy a private transfer to your comfortable hotel in Rome.
• Step into the Eternal City's heart as your private driver whisks you to the Colosseum. An expert guide awaits, ready to begin unlocking the secrets of this ancient marvel on a stress-free 3-hour journey .
• Skip the queues and immerse yourself in the Colosseum 's captivating history. Witness the arena where epic battles unfolded and feel the echoes of the gladiators still resonating in the air.
• Journey to the Arch of Constantine , a triumphal testament to Roman power. Wander across the verdant slopes of Palatine Hill and delve into the vibrant history of the Roman Forum .
• Conclude the tour with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
• Embark on a journey into the heart of Catholicism with a private transfer to Vatican City. Your expert guide awaits there, eager to unlock its treasures in 3 hours.
• Glide through the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line access and marvel at Laocoon's writhing agony and Apollo's celestial glow. Let the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra dazzle your senses with intricate frescoes and sparkling gems.
• Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel . Feel the weight of Michelangelo's genius as "The Creation of Adam" sweeps across the ceiling.
• Step inside St. Peter's Basilica and be mesmerized by its architectural blend and stunning artworks. Admire Michelangelo's famous dome and the poignant beauty of his Pietà sculpture.
• Upon completion of the tour, we provide seamless transportation back to your hotel.
• Make the most of your free time to explore Rome one last time before your driver transfers you to Roma Termini train station for a fast train to Florence.
• Upon arriving at Firenze S.M. Novella train station, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
• Embrace the rest of the day for independent exploration and have a first taste of Florence at your own pace.
• Uncover the secrets and curiosities of the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery in a 4-hour private tour .
• Skip the queues at the Accademia Gallery and explore Michelangelo's iconic David, gazing in awe at its intricate details.
• Prepare to be dazzled by the Uffizi Gallery , home to masterpieces by Giotto, Masaccio, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
• After delving into Renaissance masterpieces, return to your hotel with lingering inspiration.
• In the afternoon, embark on a delightful 3-hour Florence foodie tour (Join in). Delve into the city's rich culinary history with a visit to the renowned San Lorenzo food market, savoring traditional Tuscan delights and unveiling the secrets of local cuisine.
• Unwind and explore Florence one last time before your driver whisks you away to Firenze S.M. Novella train station for a high-speed train to Venice.
• Glide through the canals in a private motorboat to your Venice hotel upon arriving at Santa Lucia train station.
• Embrace the rest of your Venetian adventure and savor your first taste of the city.
• Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Venice with a 2-hour highlights tour led by an expert guide.
• Enjoy a stroll to iconic Piazza San Marco , home to the legendary Basilica of San Marco and Doge's Palace.
• Discover the opulence and beauty of the Basilica of San Marco , with its stunning golden mosaics, polychrome decorations, five domes, and the legendary Pala d'Oro.
• Explore the dynamic Venetian Gothic masterpiece Doge's Palace , showcasing vibrant cultural connections between the Serenissima Republic and other European states.
• Cross the poignant Bridge of Sighs , a reminder of the prisoners' fate.
• Let the sights and sounds of Venice serenade you as you glide through the canals, past grand palazzos and romantic bridges on a half-hour gondola ride .
• Enjoy a 3.5-hour join-in Venetian Aperitivo Tradition tour in the Cannaregio neighborhood. Discover the aperitivo spots, indulge in the local delicacies, and learn about Venetian culture and cuisine from the foodie guide as you visit five bars.
• Savor a new day Venetian sunrise before gliding through the canals for your flight to Athens.
• Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival at Athens Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.
• The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this historic city and create your first impressions.
• Discover the historical sites of Athens with your private guide.
• Explore the city center , and visit the Hellenic Parliament in the Old Royal Palace, the National Library, and the Presidential Mansion.
• Witness the Evzones in their traditional uniforms at Syntagma Square and the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier.
• Discover the Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium , famed for holding the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
• Ascend the sacred hill of the Acropolis , an ancient citadel crowned by iconic monuments. Immerse yourself in history amidst the Propylaea gateway, the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, and the majestic Parthenon, its grandeur echoing millennia of stories.
• Wrap up your day's exploration with a visit to the Acropolis Museum , where the treasures unearthed from the ancient citadel come alive.
• Make the most of your remaining time in Athens before a private transfer whisks you off to the airport for your Santorini flight.
• Upon arrival at Santorini Airport, settle into your private transfer and relax on the scenic journey to your hotel.
• Spend your free Santorini afternoon : capture the beauty of the caldera, meander through Fira's picturesque streets, or savor delicious Greek cuisine - this afternoon is yours to explore.
• Spend a leisurely morning exploring Santorini before embarking on a 5-hour join-in sunset cruise tour with transfers.
• Sail around the island, visiting the renowned Red Beach and the pristine White Beach, known for its turquoise waters for swimming and snorkeling.
• Enjoy a delicious Greek barbecue and Santorinian wine onboard.
• Witness the awe-inspiring sunset painting the Caldera with fiery hues as you sail beneath the charming village of Oia .
• Conclude this unforgettable evening with a return transfer.
• Glide in a private transfer to the pier, board your high-speed ferry, and whisk away to Mykonos. A smooth transfer awaits at the dock, delivering you straight to the Mykonos hotel.
• Free to choose your adventure! Walk through the local market, say hi to Peter the Pelican, explore the Folklore Museum or head to Paraportiani Church and Little Venice; this afternoon is yours to discover.
• Indulge in a tranquil day on the stunning beaches, reading a book, swimming in the waves, or simply basking in the sun.
• Savor your final moments on the charming Mykonos Island, exploring its wonders before your driver whisks you to the airport for your flight home.

Hand-picked Hotel

Price includes.

*Price from $6,859 per adult

*The price is based on two adults in 4-star hotels during the low tourist season(Nov.-Feb.). We can offer an even more competitive price for groups of 4 or more people. (tour code: gh-eu-1)

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

How would you travel?

Adults number (age ≥ 18 years old)

Children number (age of children at time of trip)

10-17 yrs old

3-9 yrs old

0-2 yrs old

When would you travel?

Select your travel date.

What's your hotel choice?

United States   +1 United Kingdom   +44 Australia   +61 Canada   +1 France   +33 Germany   +49 Italy   +39 Mexico   +52 Netherlands   +31 Singapore   +65 Afghanistan    +93 Albania    +355 Algeria   +213 American Samoa   +1684 Andorra   +376 Angola   +244 Anguilla   +1264 Australia   +61 Antigua and Barbuda   +1268 Argentina   +54 Armenia    +374 Aruba   +297 Ascension Island   +247 Austria   +43 Azerbaijan   +994 Bahamas   +1242 Bahrain   +973 Bangladesh   +880 Barbados   +1246 Belarus   +375 Belgium   +32 Belize   +501 Benin   +229 Bermuda   +1441 Bhutan   +975 Bolivia   +591 Bosnia and Herzegovina   +387 Botswana   +267 Brazil   +55 British Indian Ocean Territory   +246 British Virgin Islands   +1284 Brunei   +673 Bulgaria    +359 Burkina Faso   +226 Burundi   +257 Cambodia   +855 Cameroon   +237 Canada   +1 Cape Verde   +238 Caribbean Netherlands   +599 Cayman Islands   +1345 Central African Republic   +236 Chad   +235 Chile   +56 China   +86 Christmas Island   +6189164 Cocos Islands   +6189162 Colombia   +57 Comoros   +269 Congo (DRC)   +243 Congo (Republic)   +242 Cook Islands   +682 Costa Rica   +506 Côte d'Ivoire   +225 Croatia   +385 Cuba   +53 Curaçao   +599 Cyprus   +357 Czech Republic   +420 Denmark   +45 Djibouti   +253 Dominica   +1767 Dominican Republic   +1809 Ecuador   +593 Egypt   +20 El Salvador   +503 Equatorial Guinea   +240 Eritrea   +291 Estonia   +372 Eswatini   +268 Ethiopia   +251 Falkland Islands   +500 Faroe Islands   +298 Fiji   +679 Finland   +358 France   +33 French Guiana   +594 French Polynesia   +689 Gabon   +241 Gambia   +220 Georgia   +995 Germany   +49 Ghana   +233 Gibraltar   +350 Greece   +30 Greenland   +299 Grenada   +1473 Guadeloupe   +590 Guam   +1671 Guatemala   +502 Guernsey   +441481 Guinea   +224 Guinea-Bissau   +245 Guyana   +592 Haiti   +509 Honduras   +504 Hong Kong   +852 Hungary   +36 Iceland   +354 India   +91 Indonesia   +62 Iran   +98 Iraq   +964 Ireland   +353 Isle of Man   +44 Israel   +972 Italy   +39 Jamaica   +1876 Japan   +81 Jersey   +44 Jordan   +962 Kazakhstan    +7 Kenya   +254 Kiribati   +686 Kosovo   +383 Kuwait   +965 Kyrgyzstan    +996 Laos   +856 Latvia    +371 Lebanon   +961 Lesotho   +266 Liberia   +231 Libya   +218 Liechtenstein   +423 Lithuania   +370 Luxembourg   +352 Macau   +853 Macedonia   +389 Madagascar   +261 Malawi   +265 Malaysia   +60 Maldives   +960 Mali   +223 Malta   +356 Marshall Islands   +692 Martinique   +596 Mauritania   +222 Mauritius   +230 Mayotte   +262 Micronesia   +691 Moldova   +373 Monaco   +377 Mongolia   +976 Montenegro   +382 Montserrat   +1664 Morocco   +212 Mozambique   +258 Myanmar    +95 Namibia   +264 Nauru   +674 Nepal   +977 New Caledonia   +687 New Zealand   +64 Nicaragua   +505 Niger   +227 Nigeria   +234 Niue   +683 Norfolk Island   +6723 North Korea   +850 Northern Mariana Islands   +1670 Norway   +47 Oman   +968 Pakistan   +92 Palau   +680 Palestine    +970 Panama    +507 Papua New Guinea   +675 Paraguay   +595 Peru    +51 Philippines   +63 Poland   +48 Portugal   +351 Puerto Rico   +1787 Qatar   +974 Réunion   +262 Romania   +40 Russia   +7 Rwanda   +250 Saint Barthélemy   +590 Saint Helena   +290 Saint Kitts and Nevis   +1869 Saint Lucia   +1758 Saint Martin   +590 Saint Pierre and Miquelon   +508 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines   +1784 Samoa   +685 San Marino   +378 São Tomé and Príncipe   +239 Saudi Arabia    +966 Senegal    +221 Serbia   +381 Seychelles   +248 Sierra Leone   +232 Sint Maarten   +1721 Slovakia   +421 Slovenia   +386 Solomon Islands   +677 Somalia   +252 South Africa   +27 South Korea   +82 South Sudan   +211 Spain   +34 Sri Lanka    +94 Sudan   +249 Suriname   +597 Svalbard and Jan Mayen   +47 Sweden   +46 Switzerland   +41 Syria    +963 Taiwan   +886 Tajikistan   +992 Tanzania   +255 Thailand   +66 Timor-Leste   +670 Togo   +228 Tokelau   +690 Tonga   +676 Trinidad and Tobago   +1868 Tunisia   +216 Turkey   +90 Turkmenistan   +993 Turks and Caicos Islands   +1649 Tuvalu   +688 U.S. Virgin Islands   +1340 Uganda   +256 Ukraine   +380 United Arab Emirates    +971 United Kingdom   +44 United States   +1 Uruguay   +598 Uzbekistan   +998 Vanuatu   +678 Vatican City   +379 Venezuela   +58 Vietnam   +84 Wallis and Futuna   +681 Western Sahara    +21228 Yemen   +967 Zambia   +260 Zimbabwe   +263 Åland Islands   +35818

I am also available on:

Why Global Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 7-Day Essential Italy Tour | Venice, Florence and Rome
• 10-Day Spain Itinerary with Kids
• 7-Day Rome and Florence Tour
• How to Plan a Trip to Switzerland and Italy 2024
• How to Plan a Trip to Italy and Greece: 6 Tips (2024)
• How to Plan a Trip to Turkey and Greece in 2024
• How to Plan a Trip to Italy and France 2024: 5 Easy Steps
• Italy Weather in January 2024: Places to See in Italy in January
• Italy Weather in February 2024: Crowds and Costs
• Italy Weather in March 2024: Best Places to Go
• Italy Weather in April 2024: Is It a Good Time to Visit Italy
• Italy Weather in May 2024: Places to Go & Travel Tips
• Italy Weather in June 2024: Where to Go and Travel Tips
• Italy Weather in July 2024: Travel Tips for Summer Peak
• Italy Weather in August 2024: Best Places to Go
• Italy Weather in September 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Italy Weather in October 2024: Weather Tips and Places to Go
• Italy Weather in November 2024: Weather Tips and Where to Go
• Italy Weather in December 2024: Travel Tips, Crowds, and Costs

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Global Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Italy & Greece Itinerary For 9 Days – A Blissful Trip

Have you ever strolled the streets of Venice, stopped by Rome’s Vatican Museum to admire the architecture while on your way to the pristine islands of Greece? Our happy customers Vidhi Naredi and Anket Agrawal not only did this in one breath but also fell in love with the journey — and Pickyourtrail couldn’t feel prouder! Listen to Vidhi as she warmly recalls about her trip:)

Our Venice holiday kickstarted with the beautiful views of the city. We took a city bus from our hotel and embarked on a sightseeing tour. How beautiful Venice is! Narrow streets with water taxis passing by made it a complete package to adore. Don’t forget to have gelato in Suso and Captain Candy, they have arguably some of the delicious gelatos in Italy. The clock tower of San Marco square does offer a beautiful Aerial view of the city, but it comes at a cost of 600 steps and 15 bucks per person. Instead, go for Basilica of San Marco which offers breathtaking panoramic views at the backdrop of a gazillion pigeons. As opposed to the usual miniature souvenirs, buy a quirky mask from this city of masks.

Heads up: Do buy city travel passes in advance. Buying tickets on the spot may burn your pockets. Bus tickets cost around 1.5 EUR per person and water ferries a whopping 7.5 EUR per person. Also, water is a bit expensive here so try to manage with 1.5l bottles costing around 2 EUR. Avoid drinking open water from taps/restaurants.

Italy Tour Package Starting @ ₹66,980

Beautiful Stays. Best Sightseeing. Irresistable Itineraries

4-hour Motorboat Cruise to Venice Lagoon Islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello

Our day started off with our cruise ride to the glass island of Murano and the multi-coloured city of Burano. Zoned out by the awe-inspiring beauty of Venice, we reached our location 5 minutes late and missed our ride. Fortunately, Pickyourtrail’s finest travel partner managed to accommodate us in immediate next tour after 30 mins.

We started off our tour from the island of Murano, known for glass-making factories. Our ship docked exactly at the entrance of one of the workshops and we witnessed the amazing glass sculpturing process. Stop at the huge glass shop behind this workshop if you wish to buy some artefacts—they are surprisingly cheaper. But if you feel like taking a walk, take the small exit adjacent to the lobby. You’ll find that the entire island is laden with such small glass shops that are beautiful inside out.

We reached Burano from there, which is known for its multicoloured buildings. We can’t take our eyes off the picturesque buildings towering over clear skylines and once we could, we grabbed some food—delicious but expensive. Here you will find shops with handcrafted artefacts made by indigenous Burano women. Don’t think twice before buying one, as they are worth investing in.

Heads up: Try not to spend much time in Murano’s glassmaking workshops of Murano, rather explore the small shops in the island in small shops which come at a much cheaper price. The vibrant Burano is the best photoshoot spot. Dress up bright to go with the backdrop.

Classic 30-minute Gondola Ride

Aww! The most wonderful part of our Venice tour was the gondola ride. It’s a mandatory thing to do in Venice. I think it’s not too late to call out Pickyourtrail’s amazing concierge service! Wow, never once we had worry about something going wrong! The gondola is usually shared by 6 people and we were lucky enough to share it with two other jolly US couples. Venice is divided into two main islands and the Grand Canal is the main water stream separating them. The gondola ride takes you through the grand canal and en route you will witness the majestic Rialto Bridge. Don’t take your camera out yet, it’s time to gawk at the scenery at peace.

Heads up: A Gondola ride is a shared one, try to get the best seat for beautiful sceneries. Private gondola rides are indeed available by spending 100 Eur, which you can opt for a private experience.

Also read: Italy travel guide

48-hour Roma Pass, Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel skip-the-line

We caught our train from Venice to Rome early morning. Our Roma passes were booked in advance by PYT team—one of the best buys. Believe me, this is your saviour for your Rome travel and your best entry card to the colosseum. Collect your Roma pass in platform number 24 of the Roma Termini. Post dumping our luggage and getting a warm welcome by our hotel host Massimo we proceeded to have lunch in an Indian restaurant called New Delhi just opposite to our hotel. Indian food after 3 days! It was a blessing indeed. After a hefty lunch, we moved on to see the most talked-about colosseum. First-time entry to Colosseum is free with a Roma pass. It is unbelievable. If you really have interest in roman history do take an audio-guided tour from reception. Post colosseum we proceeded towards the Roman forum , Platino, and Piazza Venezia. These are nearby places inside the bounded area. Again, you may use your Roma pass for your first-time entry.

Heads up: Do not take any personal guide outside colosseum. Take a self-guided audio tour instead which is easy to access and available in multiple languages.

Roaming around the streets of Rome

We started our Vatican city tour early in the morning. We went to our travel agent office to collect our ticket and ended up purchasing a guided tour for Vatican city for 25 euros per person. But it was totally worth shelling out these 25 euros! Vatican city is huge and too crowded to be explored on your own. The Sistine Chapel has extraordinary paintings by Michelangelo, leading its way to st. Peter’s basilica . It’s huge! It’s apparently the largest church in the world with a capacity of 60,000 people to conduct mass in a go, worth visiting I must say. You can go up the dome with an additional cost. Outside St. Peter’s basilica is the famous St. Peter’s Square reminding you of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons.

A country in itself, Vatican city the richest country in the world and is a worth visit. Post the Vatican city we moved on to St Angelios castle, just 10 mins walk from there. As the entry fee was a bit high we did not enter the castle. You may avail a direct bus from the castle to Piazza Navona. There are two fountains on either side of the building making it a picturesque scene. A 10-minute walk will take you to the Pantheon—a small but beautiful church in the streets of Rome. The magnificent Trevi Fountain is just 5 minutes walk from the Pantheon. The detailing of sculptures in the fountain shows the richness of Roman art. We took a brisk walk to the Spanish Steps from the fountain and decided to end our tedious day by 7 pm.

Heads up: Do take a guided tour only in the Vatican city else you will get lost. There ought to be lots of walking, preferably go on with sports shoes. Beware of pickpockets.

Greece Honeymoon Starting @ ₹ 52,041

Relaxing Beaches. Breathtaking Sunsets. Private Catamaran Cruises. Best Nightclubs. Romantic Itineraries.

Santorini love

The most awaited destination is here… Even if you aren’t attracted at first, you will fall in love with it at some point of your stay there, that’s the beauty of Santorini. We took our flight from Rome at 12 pm and reached our hotel Nautilus Dome in Santorini by 4 pm. Nautilus dome is a simple yet beautiful hotel situated in the Mesaria area of Santorini. The most wonderful thing about this hotel is that it provided unlimited free pick up and drop at Fira, the main city of Santorini. we spent the evening exploring the beauty of Fira. The white building, setting sun, and the lush blue water by your side compels you to have a romantic dinner with your partner in the beautiful restaurants on the edge of Fira. Fira is known for its quaint, dashing restaurants. Do not miss out on the chill box frozen yogurt and falafel wrap!

Heads up: Do wear sports shoes. Do not try to take a cable car to the old port from Fira in the evening as it’s too crowded. Most of the people residing in cruises opt cable cars to go down, making it a crowdy affair.

Tour of Caldera on Sailing Boat: Volcano-Hot springs- Thirassia-Oia

In the morning we had our ferry planned to the volcano mountains and the island of Thirassia. We took a cable car from Fira to reach the old port of Santorini. Our boat was scheduled at 10.30 am and was sharp on time. We sailed for 15 minutes and reached the Palea Kameni island, the youngest volcanic island there. Trekking to the highest point of the mountain was exhaustive in bright sunlight, but worth a view. At the top of the mountain, we could smell sulphur and the view of Santorini from up there was amazing. The guide will refresh your childhood geography topic of volcanic eruption with technical details. Next, we moved on to a hot spring wherein our boat was stationed approximately 300 meters from the mountain. The hot spring is considered to have medical properties that are good for the skin and people who are comfortable with swimming in the sea can dive down. Our boat then sailed to the island of Thirassia where our boat stopped for 2 hours, giving us enough time to have lunch and take a sunbath in the bright sun. We started off for Santorini by 3.30 and reached the old port of Fira by 4 pm. We took a direct bus and reached Oia, the heart of Santorini by 5 pm. OIA is known to be the most beautiful part of Santorini and is famous for its sunset view. White buildings, blue domes, bright sun, and water till the end of eyesight made it a breathtaking view. As the sun sets you can witness whole of Santorini changing its color from white to orange which is worth capturing for your collection.

Heads up: You may skip the volcanic island tour if you want to relax in Santorini. If possible, take photographs from a DSLR as setting the right exposure in mobile phones is a bit tough. Do not go down to the old port by steps, as it’s too exhaustive and not worth a try. You may use cable cars which costs 6 EUR per person.

Santorini to Athens

On this day, we just had a short visit to the Black Beach in the Southern part of Santorini. There are multiple beaches in Santorini with different colors of sand due to volcanic eruptions. Due to lack of time, we were only able to witness the black beach. Another famous beach is the Red Beach with red rocks around the water. At around 1 pm we started off for the new port of Santorini from where our ferry was scheduled for Athens. The Paros jet was the name of our ferry and is huge with a seating capacity of 1050 people. You will get a feeling that you are travelling on an international flight with elite bars and restaurants on the board. We reached Athens at around 8.30 pm in the evening and ended our day with a famous Greek salad on a plate.

Heads up : Transportation system in Santorini is not that good and would recommend taking a self-driven car/bike or an ATV. Please take an international driving license to avail this. From Athens Port to your hotel, do not take taxi standing from Port taxi stand, they may fool you. You may take an Uber, or download the local app BEAT to book an online taxi. Also, beware of pickpockets in Athens.

Classic Hop on Hop off in Athens

The best way to cover Athens is through a hop on hop off bus tour. We boarded our bus at around 10 am and reached the famous place in Athens, the Slopes of Acropolis. Luckily, we were there during the last weekend of September which was celebrated as cultural days in Greece and we got free entry tickets to Acropolis. As soon as you enter, you’ll see a Dionysus. Walking ahead you will come across the famous Acropolis of Athens. We had taken a self-guided tour of the Acropolis by a free online app called as Rick Steve’s. The app gives you an insight into the monuments and their historic details. Then we visited Zeus, followed by parliament and the Kallimarmaro stadium. This stadium is known for conducting the first-ever modern Olympic game. We got off from our bus at Plaka Street and walked down the streets of Athens. Plaka is famous for its street shopping and local Greek stuff.

Heads up: Do bargain on Plaka street, and beware of pickpockets.

Greece Tour Package Starting @ ₹43,457

Pristine Beaches. Gorgeous Sunsets. Delectable wine. Romantic itineraries

Taking away memories

This day, we didn’t travel much. We had our flight scheduled from Athens Airport to Delhi at 12 pm. We started off from our hotel at 8.30 and took off from Athens with a bundle of memories by 12.30 pm.

FAQ’s

Two weeks would be ideal for exploring both Italy and Greece.

Yes, 10 days would be perfect for visiting Italy and Greece, and for exploring the Mediterranean coast.

Brindisi is the italian city which is closest to Greece.

The most common way to get to Greece from Italy is to take a ferry. Additionally, you can also fly to Greece from Italy.

If you are visiting Greece, then 6 days or 7 days trip would be perfect for visiting Greece.

Loved Vidhi’s story? It’s time to craft your own Italy package or Greece package , your way with Pickyourtrail.

Akshaya Devi

240 posts published..

Scared of driving in Chennai traffic but also planning a solo bike trip to Ladakh. Don't be surprised if you find me all hyper, someone somewhere in the world must've misquoted Martin Scorcese or justified a bad coffee saying "C'mon, coffee is coffee".

Related Itineraries

Stunning 6 Nights Northern Lights Packages

• Flights excluded
• 4 star accommodations
• 3 activities
• Transfers excluded

₹ 64,954

Starting price/person

Fantastic 6 Nights Finland Northern Lights Tour Package

• 2 activities
• Shared transfer

₹ 69,369

Beautiful 10 Nights Italy Honeymoon Package

• Flights included
• 9 activities
• Private transfer

₹ 1,32,869

Ideal 6 day Switzerland Tour Packages for Family

• 3 star accommodations

₹ 99,112

Romantic 8 Nights Bali and Vietnam Honeymoon Packages

• 6 activities

₹ 99,947

Gorgeous 9 Nights Singapore Bali Honeymoon Packages

• 4.5 star accommodations

₹ 90,953

Magical 9 Nights Germany Vacation Packages

• 8 activities

₹ 79,832

Scenic 10 Nights Greece & Turkey Vacation Packages

• 5 star accommodations

₹ 60,718

Magical 7 Nights Croatia Tour Packages

• 10 activities

₹ 57,778

Beautiful 10 Nights Amsterdam Tour Package

₹ 1,84,115, related posts, italy visa for indians – a simple guide for your ravishing italy trip., greece visa for indians – a complete guide for your smooth trip, top 10 things to do on your italy trip in 2024, 9 most breathtakingly beautiful european villages to visit in 2024, 9 top things to do in venice for a romantic holiday in 2024, where to go in may – best places across the world | updated 2024, top 5 amazing things to do in tivoli italy in 2024, 10 best things to do in turin on your italy vacation in 2024, greece visa from dubai for uae residents and citizens, 8 best places to visit in kefalonia on your greece vacation – 2024, greece in august 2024 – all in one guide to greece travel in august, 10 best places to shop in santorini: find treasures, arts & more.

Book a vacation completely online

Our community is growing fast

Sign up for exclusive PYT Club membership and access jaw-dropping deals before the rest of the world!

• Signup with Email
• Facebook community
• Telegram Community

Access exciting travel deals at best prices

Trending Searches on Packages Bali Packages Thailand Tour Package Singapore Tour Package Australia Tour Packages

Trending Searches on Honeymoon Packages Maldives Honeymoon Package Bali Honeymoon Package Thailand Honeymoon Packages Singapore Honeymoon Package Australia Honeymoon Packages

Trending Searches on Packages From India Bali Tour Packages From India Thailand Packages From India Singapore Packages From India Australia Tour Packages From India

Trending Searches on Packages Cost From India Bali Trip Cost From India Thailand Trip Cost From India Singapore Trip Cost From India Australia Trip Cost From India

• New Zealand
• South East Asia
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Switzerland
• Travelogues
• Travel News
• Guest Posts
• Write for us

The Best Way to Plan a Trip to Italy and Greece

From the wine to the architecture, indulge in Italy and Greece's most stunning views in this guide to planning a trip of a lifetime between both countries! From multi-city trips to dos and don'ts, find out everything you need in this ultimate guide to trip planning!

Why choose between Italy and Greece when you can have both? With so many sights to see and activities to do, creating the best itinerary can be a challenge. Here are some of the best ways to plan a trip to these beautiful destinations. 

Italy and Greece have a comprehensive mix of eclectic heritage, vibrant culture, and lively locals. These Southern European countries should definitely be on your  travel bucket list . You'll be on your way to falling in love with their beautiful landscapes, culinary delights, and warm hospitality!  

In this article, find out more about when to travel, where to stay, and other fascinating facts about Italy and Greece. Without further ado, let's dive into how you can prepare for your next big adventure!

Can You Do Italy and Greece on the Same Trip?

Yes, it's very possible to cover Italy and Greece in a single trip as they're close to each other. There are also many transportation options between the two countries. A common way to travel between Italy and Greece is by ferry. There are also many direct flights between the two countries. 

Before anything else, make sure you know exactly what you want to do and the cities you plan on visiting. Italy and Greece offer many activities, so you may miss out on the best adventures if you go without enough preparation and research.

Know your priorities so you can create the ideal itinerary. If you're traveling with others, ask your travel buddies what their preferences are as well. You can make use of  travel planner apps  for help in coming up with the best plan for your trip.

What to Consider When Visiting Italy and Greece

Firstly, I'll break down the most important considerations when visiting Italy and Greece. Follow these tips to make your trip research and planning process smooth sailing all in one go! 

1. Plan the Perfect Time to Visit

Like any destination, there are peak and low seasons to visit Italy and Greece. Italy's peak season happens to be in the summer, around May to September. If you want to score the lowest prices for transport and accommodation, try to avoid these months!

If you're visiting Italy for the wine, you should travel in early spring or fall. These are the harvest seasons, which are fantastic for wine lovers. Still, you should research the exact months because harvest season changes from year to year.

On the other hand, there's no specific best time to visit Greece. However, if you want to avoid the cold weather, it's best to visit Greece from April to June. September through October is also a good option, but temperatures may drop to around 16°C.

Before traveling in the winter, you need to know that many venues, hotels, and  hostels in Greece  will be closed due to a lack of demand. If you want to visit Greece between late October and January, you should first check for suitable accommodation options.

2. Choosing the Right Cities For your Trip

It's hard to say which are the best cities in Italy and Greece since each has irreplaceable characteristics. However, to make planning your trip itinerary easier, here are some of the best destinations to visit in both countries.

Some of the world's greatest painters and artists lived in  Florence . The birthplace of the Renaissance, this city boasts elegant architecture and world-renowned museums.

A unique feature of Florence are the hole-in-the-wall cafes that serve paninis, pizzas, and many other Italian delicacies. If you're a fan of all things vintage, you'll also like the fascinating thrift shops that dot the city.

It's just a short drive to Tuscany from Florence, where you can enjoy the calm and quiet of Italian hills and villages. Some  Tuscany lodgings  also provide farm-to-table dining and natural wines unique to the region.

Rome is definitely a must-visit city. Getting to Rome from Tuscany is easy as you only need to take a 1.5-hour express train ride. Once you arrive in Rome, you'll be hard-pressed not to fall in love with the  delicious food  and iconic landmarks.

It's impossible to see everything that Rome has to offer in a single day. Be sure to set aside at least two or three days to immerse yourself in Italy's capital. Don't miss out on seeing the Vatican and the Colosseum for the ultimate Rome experience!

Moving on to Greece, Santorini is the best place to start your next adventure. You can find everything here, from beaches to high-end shopping malls. Santorini also boasts some of the world's most beautiful sunsets that will leave you in awe.

Mykonos  is the next place to be if you want to experience a more modern side of Greece. Filled with cave hotels and beach clubs, Mykonos is the perfect place for party-goers to let loose on vacation. 

From Mykonos, you can take a direct ferry ride to Athens, where you can experience a bit of everything that Greece has to offer. From city sightseeing to nightlife entertainment, you'll never run out of things to do in Athens!

Tourists love visiting the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon. You should also visit the nearby stores, restaurants, and pubs. Many offer traditional Greek cuisine made with fresh ingredients from local farmers, so you can get an authentic taste of Athens.

3. Consider the Dos and Don'ts in Italy and Greece

Whatever your background, it's critical to remember that Italy and Greece each have distinct cultures and traditions. Each region will have its own set of dos and don'ts, but here are the most crucial things to remember throughout your vacation.

Be Open to Sincere Hospitality

If you meet someone on your journey who invites you to have dinner at their home, be open to accepting their offer. 

People in Italy and Greece enjoy welcoming newcomers into their homes and learning about various cultures. Feel free to share some intriguing anecdotes about your life or history! This could also be a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about the local culture. 

Kick Back and Relax

Italians and Greeks are known for taking their time in life. Even the Italians have a concept they call "dolce far niente," which roughly translates to "the joy of doing nothing." While you're here, learn to forget about your worries! Enjoy your pasta and have a  digestivo  while you blend in with the locals. 

Mind Your Clothing

Who doesn't love wearing denim shorts and a tank top to enjoy the summer sky on vacation? But going to the wrong places with the wrong outfit can make the locals frown, especially when visiting churches and cathedrals. When in Italy and Greece, make sure you dress appropriately for the occasion.

Should You Visit Italy or Greece First?

Italy and Greece share many similarities yet offer entirely different vacation experiences. Italy has a classic elegance, while Greece enjoys a more laid-back island atmosphere. Hence, your first choice of destination depends on the type of travel experience you want.

If you're a lover of museums and galleries, start  planning a trip to Italy  first on your itinerary. Cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan boast fascinating museums that feature centuries-old masterpieces. If you prefer beach and island hopping, you should spend most of your trip in Greece.

Alternatively, if you want to spend the same length of time in each country, you could base your decision on your flight paths. For example, if you're coming from the United States, it makes more sense to begin your vacation in Rome and end it in Athens.

How Many Days Do You Need in Italy and Greece?

You can take as much time as you'd like in Italy and Greece. If you want to fully experience both countries, I recommend you set aside two weeks for the trip. This allows you to visit two main cities within every country and spend one or two nights in each without feeling rushed.

It's a good idea to spend no fewer than 10 days on your trip. A 10-day itinerary for Italy and Greece should allow you to visit around three cities. Of course, this also depends on the places you want to see and the activities you want to do. 

However, if you don't have more time to spare for the trip, it's best to prioritize Rome, Florence, Mykonos, and Santorini on your itinerary.

Explore Southern Europe With Pilot!

Italy and Greece are both beautiful destinations with so much to offer. Whether you're planning a fun holiday with friends or a romantic honeymoon, this guide has hopefully prepared you for an amazing trip. Start planning your travels to Italy and Greece with Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Trending Travel Stories

Discover new places and be inspired by stories from our traveller community.

Related Travel Guides

Step-by-Step Intinerary: Planning a Trip Around Europe

How to Plan a Trip with Friends for a Perfect Getaway

Essentials Packing Guides: Europe Travel Packing Needs

Make the most of every trip.

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

How to spend 10, 14, or 21 Days in Greece & Italy

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  4.9  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1557  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Amalfi Village in Italy

How to plan your Italy and Greece trips depends on how much time you have to travel and where you wish to visit, but our guide provides samples on how to divide your time between the countries.

From the glory of Rome to the ancient marvels of Athens, the luxuries of the Amalfi Coast to the opulent cliffs of Santorini, Italy and Greece are marvels of the Mediterranean, with each offering a marvelous perspective of culture, history, and scenery. Whether eager to sample the food or enjoy a pristine beach, you can discover the splendor of grand canals and hanging monasteries, markets and olive groves.

A custom Zicasso tour allows you to organize your trip however you wish, with each day tailored to how you like to travel and explore to create your perfect Italy and Greece trip.

10-Day Vacations to Greece & Italy

14-day vacations to greece & italy, 21-day vacations to greece & italy, spend the right number of days in greece & italy.

Athenas, Greece

Bask in the wonders of ancient Rome, the splendor of Tuscany, the opulence of Venice, the heritage of Athens, and the beauty of Santorini when you explore the highlights of Italy and Greece in 10 days.

You can embrace the perfect balance of heritage and contemporary culture as you immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Colosseum and witness the captivating image of the Parthenon, indulge in the colors of a Grecian island sunset or witness the masterful works of Renaissance artists in Florence. Ten days is an exciting whirlwind through which you can enjoy the past and present experiences of Italy and Greece.

Where to Visit During Your Vacation

Days 1-2: Rome

Days 3-4: Florence/Tuscany

Days 4-5: Venice

Days 6-7: Athens

Days 8-10: Santorini

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence, Italy

Experience and explore Mediterranean grandeur on a 14-day Italy and Greece trip that can take you from Rome to Athens, Tuscany to Mykonos, and Venice to Santorini as you uncover the breadth of things you must see and do. Witness the works of Raphael at the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia.

Glide down the canals of Florence and view the Parthenon. Find perfect beaches in Mykonos and embrace the remains of an ancient Minoan civilization on Santorini. Whether interested in history or heritage, stunning landscapes or epic sunsets, you can have the trip of a lifetime in Italy and Greece.

Days 1-3: Rome

Days 4-6: Florence/Tuscany

Days 7-8: Venice

Days 9-10: Athens

Days 11-12: Mykonos

Days 13-14: Santorini

Crete in Greece

With a touch of natural beauty and an exploration into the depths of Mediterranean heritage, your 21-day Italy and Greece tour will let you discover the elegance of the Trevi Fountain, the delights of the Amalfi Coast, the charm of medieval Tuscan towns, and the marvels of Renaissance Venice.

Uncover contemporary life on the ancient streets of Athens’s Plaka, wander through the cliff-top towns of Santorini, and embrace the distinct connection between the culture and diverse landscapes of Crete. A 21-day Italy and Greece trip is an immersion into the past and an opportunity to indulge in the present.

Days 4-6: Naples/Amalfi Coast

Days 7-9: Florence/Tuscany

Days 10-11: Venice

Days 12-13: Athens

Days 14-16: Santorini

Days 17-21: Crete

Tuscany, Italy

The heart of the Mediterranean reveals the wonders of the ancient world and contemporary culture that takes pleasure in life’s simplicities when you visit Italy and Greece.

With a blend of ancient ruins and award-winning restaurants, rolling hills and blanketing vineyards, opulent islands and unforgettable artwork, Italy and Greece are an unforgettable pair to explore during a trip customized to your preferences.

Find more inspiration for planning your perfect vacation with Zicasso’s Italy & Greece tours .

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Help Me Plan My Trip

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip

Greece and Italy Itinerary: 3 Best Weeks of Your Life

Learn how to create a travel itinerary

What takes an eternity to get to but only seconds to fall in love with? Italy and Greece. For many, a trip to these two countries may take years of careful planning to realize. While Italy is renowned for scrumptious pasta, stupendous opera and magnificent architecture, Greece is a fitting place for soul-searching and finding peace. Legend has it that you are a fortunate human if you are able to sail the Aegean Sea during your years of inhabiting the Earth. 

To make the most of your time in Greece and Italy, spend a minimum of seven days in each country. Traveling to Italy is best done during spring (March-May) because the weather is getting warm and Easter festivities begin to swarm the country. Late April also marks the travel season for Greece. Considered as shoulder season, April is ideal because the weather is not as sweltering as June to August, allowing you to carry out more outdoor activities such as hiking. We round up the best itinerary for Greece and Italy consisting of activities, places, hotels and food to make sure your journey is nothing short of stellar. 

Day 1-2: Athens

It is only fair and logical to start your journey in Athens. Not only is Athens the place where the main international airport is situated, it is also the country’s capital where modern civilization was born. This city is full of historical sites to get you well-acquainted with Greece. 

1. Ramble the Acropolis of Athens

For historical highlights, Acropolis sends you off to a good start. This particular place dedicated to the worship of Goddess Athena is ancient, complex and striking in the sun. It is best to arrive early to avoid crowds as this site opens as early as 8AM. 

2. Wander the streets of Plaka and Anafiotika

The streets of Plaka and Anafiotika ensure a well-spent afternoon. One of the oldest parts of Athens, the street of Plaka played an important role during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. If the street of Plaka is rife with pastel houses and Islamic structures, Anafiotika reflects the true taste of a Greek island with their whitewashed houses and blue roofs. 

3. Run a full lap in the Panathenaic Stadium

For your second day, don’t miss out on the cultural highlights of the city by stepping foot on the Panathenaic Stadium or widely known by locals as “Kallimarmaro” where the first Olympics was held in 1896. To complete the cultural highlights, the Temple of Olympian Zeus will be worth your time and energy.

More great things to do in Athens:

• Sip cocktails with the view of Acropolis
• Go south of the city center and enjoy the Athenian Riviera
• Savor a fancy brunch in the posh and elegant area of Kolonaki

Athens’ best accommodations:

• Four Seasons Astir Palace ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Coco-Mat Hotel Athens ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Athens’ best restaurants:

• Dinner in the Sky (fine dining)
• Cinque Wine & Deli Bar (great wine)
• To Kyklamino (authentic Greek cuisine)

Day 3-5: Santorini

If we were to sum up Santorini in just a few words, they would be: perfect sunset, picturesque villages and breathtaking caldera views. Fira and Oia are two most popular areas of Santorini, with Fira being the capital of the island and the largest settlement and Oia being dubbed the most picturesque village. 

1. Hike from Fira to Oia

The hike from Fira to Oia will probably be one of the most rewarding highlights while in Santorini. Santorini is known for its active volcanic activities and this 10KM hike will take you tracing volcanic landscapes and the villages of Imerovigli, Firostefani and Fira. The hike itself is fairly easy as the trail is similar to a sidewalk. 

2. Marvel at the Oia sunset

The Oia sunset is one experience that you will continue to treasure for the rest of your life. This picturesque village is blessed with scenery and panorama found in postcards. You can catch the sunset before ending the day with a perfect meal. The Oia Castle is the most sought-after spot to enjoy the sunset, but it can get too crowded. If you are looking for an alternative for a photo spot, the terrace next to the three blue domes of Oia can save you from fighting the crowd. 

3. Cliff-jumping and fresh seafood at Ammoudi Bay

Spending an afternoon in Ammoudi Bay and cliff-jumping sound like a treat that is hard to beat. Ammoudi Bay is a small port and beautiful bay surrounded by flashy red cliffs and whitewashed buildings. Located 300 steps below Oia, you can indulge yourself in mouthwatering and fresh seafood after a hearty afternoon swim.

4. Visit the Ancient Akrotiri and admire the contrasting colors of the Red Beach

Although Santorini is not especially famous for its beaches, the Red Beach near Akrotiri is worth your time of the day. The striking red sand, volcanic rocks and hills combined with the dark blue sea water make for an amusing view to the eyes. You can kill two birds with one stone before visiting this beach. Since the Red Beach is located in the Akrotiri village, this means that a visit to the Ancient Akrotiri (prehistoric Bronze Age settlement demolished by volcanic eruption and the most important archaeological site in Santorini) would be ideal. 

More great things to do in Santorini:

• Visit Santorini’s hot springs in the island of Nea Kameni
• Go on a winery and microbrewery tour
• Get the full local experience in the Pyrgos village

Santorini’s best accommodations:

• Katikies ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Aspaki by Art Maisons ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Noni’s Apartments ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Santorini’s best restaurants:

• Avra Santorini (Mediterranean dishes)
• Metaxi Mas (local cuisine)
• Ariale Restaurant (Mediterranean and seafood)

Day 6-8: Crete

The largest and most populated island of Greece, Crete is a land rife with ancient sites, amazing beaches and interesting outdoor adventures. There is always something for everyone in Heraklion. 

1. Melt away stress at Elafonisi Beach

They say that great things take time, and it may take you a while to get to Elafonisi Beach, as the location is rather hidden and tucked in the southwest of the island, but the greatness that awaits is worth every second and penny. The crystal clear water, pink sand and beautiful scenery will melt your exhaustion. 

2. Visit Moni Preveli and walk down to the Preveli Beach

Before getting to the Preveli Beach, paying a visit to Moni Preveli, the most treasured monastery that served many functions over the years as a center of resistance during the Turkish occupation and was essential in World War II as a hiding place for Allied soldiers from the Nazis. 

3. Step on the said birthplace of Zeus

What better way to immerse yourself in Greek culture than to visit the birthplace of Zeus? Dikteon Andron Cave is located 48km away from the revered Agios Nikolaos (a famous coastal town) and has an upper and lower cave full of various stalactites and stalagmites. The lower chamber boasts a stupendous stone interior with a pond which people toss coins into.   

4. Enjoy a vibrant evening in Agios Nikolaos

To enjoy the most of the evening, the town of Agios Nikolaos that surrounds Lake Voulismeni will give you the vivacious yet serene vibes of Crete. It is said that the goddess Athena used to come to this lake to bathe. Many open air restaurants dot the town and overlook the water. Agios Nikolaos is popular with young adults and sipping drinks by the lakeside cafes is a sure way to inhale the beauty of this seaside town.

More great things to do in Crete:

• Marvel at the ruins of Venetian castle in the abandoned Spinalonga Island
• Experience the true village life in Kritsa
• Sunbathe in Crete’s most exotic beach, the Vai

Crete’s best accommodations:

• Domes of Elounda  ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• DOM Boutique Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Artion City Boutique Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Crete’s best restaurants:

• Peskesi (classic local dishes)
• Pelagos (local and vegetarian cuisine)
• Chrisofyllis (salads and BBQ)

Day 9-10: Thessaloniki

The second biggest city in Greece might not be popular with tourists, especially if they go down the usual Athens-Santorini-Mykonos route, but who says that this city pales in comparison to the ever popular destinations?

1. Ambles and promenades around the White Tower and waterfront

After spending a good hour strolling around the White Tower that has been around since 1535 which is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark of Thessaloniki, be sure to take leisurely ambles and promenades along the waterfront. This is a truly relaxing experience as you embark on a 5km long walk. Quenching your thirst is the last thing you should worry about, because many bars and restaurants dot the seaside.

2. Museum and archaeological site day

You can also squeeze in a day full of museums and archaeological sites during your stop in Thessaloniki. The Ancient Agora which was the religious center during the Greek and Roman periods and the Archaeological Museum full of remains will definitely satisfy your inner Indiana Jones.

More great things to do in Thessaloniki:

• Take a stroll in Ana Poli, Thessaloniki’s old town surrounded by heavy Byzantine Walls
• Visit archaeological sites of Pella and Vergina for history addicts
• Find serenity and stare at the turquoise waters in the beaches of Chaldiki Peninsula

Thessaloniki’s best accommodations:

• Makedonia Palace Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• The Modernist Thessaloniki ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Thessaloniki’s best restaurants:

• Grada Nuevo (Mediterranean and European dishes)
• Opsopoion Manganeiai (Mediterranean, European & Greek cuisine)
• Kanoula (Mediterranean & Greek dishes)

Day 11-12: Venice

The Floating City is a dream come true to many. Venice is like a maze in which every corner and nook makes you go “ooh” and “ahh”. The canals are not the only striking aspects of Venice as this city is festive and full of carnivals and romance. 

1. Gondola ride and walking tour

What is a trip to Venice without a hearty and romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal? If limited time is one of your concerns, taking a Venice walking tour and gondola ride lets you have your cake and eat it too. Besides relaxing in a gondola and passing through the Grand Canal, you get to pass by and adore important landmarks of the city including Piazza San Marco and Ponte di Rialto. 

2. Get aboard the ferry to Murano and Burano

A trip to Venice cannot be whole without stepping foot on Murano and Burano. Murano is the place where glass workers reside, producing high quality, luxurious and handmade Murano glass. This is a practice and tradition that has been passed down from one generation to another. Burano, on the other hand, is a tiny island and home to approximately 3,000 people. This island is situated 9km north of Venice and is renowned for its colorful houses with vivid colors.

More great things to do in Venice:

• Walk around and admire the Byzantine Cathedral
• Browse the personal art collections of Peggy Guggenheim
• Get away from the touristy spots and relax in the Venice Lido

Venice’s best accommodations:

• Hilton Molino Stucky ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Palazzo Veneziano ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Rosa Salva Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Venices’s best restaurants:

• Osteria Alle Testiere (fresh daily seafood)
• GLAM (Italian and Mediterranean cuisine)
• Estro (contemporary Venetian cuisine)

Day 13-14: Florence

Arguably the most beautiful city in Italy, Florence’s charm remains ever pure and untainted by the hustle and bustle of a big city. No skyscrapers are found here, and if you really want to take your time and inhale every bit of magic that lurks in every corner of the city, you can opt to walk from one destination to another because almost everything is within walking distance. 

1. Adore the Duomo and Michelangelo’s David

For starters, to get the true atmosphere of Florence, circle around Piazza del Duomo, also known as Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This building is the definitive spot of the city and catches the eyes with its glorious Renaissance dome and gothic style. When in Florence, you simply cannot miss Michelangelo’s David that was masterfully placed in Galleria dell’Accademia.

2. Catch wonderful sunsets at Piazzale Michelangelo

No trip to Florence is complete without a hike to Piazzale Michelangelo. Florence seen and savored from above is a magical experience, especially just before sunset. Although you can drive or take the bus to get to the piazza, we recommend you take a promenade and enjoy every step of the way, because what awaits above is indescribable. 

3. Savor the authentic and juicy Florentine steak

To close a great day, go for the authentic Bistecca alla Fiorentina experience. This t-bone steak weighs over a pound and is good for sharing. Served rare with all its juiciness dripping, enjoy this beauty with a glass of red. 

More great things to do in Florence:

• Buy scoops of thick and authentic gelato from Gelateria La Carraia 
• Walk slowly down Ponte Vecchio
• Spend hours and hours in Uffizi Gallery for art fanatics

Florence’s best accommodations:

• Four Seasons Firenze ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Arte’ Boutique Hotel ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Hotel Renaissance ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Florence’s best restaurants:

• Trattoria dall’Oste (Florentine steak)
• Ristorante Il Guscio (Tuscan & Italian classics with a great wine selection)
• Culinaria Bistro (French and Morrocan flavors)

Day 15: Tuscan

The Tuscan countryside is another world. With its green and lush fields, rolling hills and endless rows of cypress trees, the sun truly shines differently in Tuscany. It is also known for winemaking and famous wine regions include San Gimignano, Montalcino, Chianti and Montapulcino. This winemaking region is not far from Florence (approximately 2 hours by car) and you can also opt for a wine tour by bus departing from the city. 

For guided wine tours, you have to secure the spots several weeks before the intended date. If you are having a hard time selecting which winery to go to, we highly suggest you visit Montalcino and Chianti. There is a medium-size winery called Altesino in Montalcino that serves exquisite brunello (a wine variety native to Montalcino). You can enjoy 5 kinds of wine and light bites for around 40 euros. As for chianti, there is a great family-run winery called Montefioralle with their exceptional chianti classico. 

Day 16-17: Roman and Vatican City

The Eternal City is one of Europe’s oldest cities dating back to the times of the Roman Empire. When in Rome, besides making a wish and tossing a coin over your shoulder at the Trevi Fountain for good luck, don’t skip the Colosseum night tour. 

1. Brace yourself for the Colosseum night tour

The Colosseum may get too packed and crowded during the day, but here is one secret: you can book a night tour with just a few other people. The magnificence of this amphitheater that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World at night gives private and intimate vibes. The night tour also lets you see the underground area of the theater. 

2. Explore the Roman Forum and have a wonderful dinner at La Pergola

Before joining the night tour, some mandatory activities when in Rome include marveling at the ruins of ancient buildings at the Roman Forum, tracing the 138-step staircase of the Spanish Steps that connect Piazza di Spagna at the base with Trinità dei Monti at the top and treating yourself at La Pergola, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the astonishing and panoramic views of Rome and the only restaurant with 3 Michelin stars in Rome. 

3. Walk around St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square

Vatican City is more than just the headquarter of Roman Catholic, it is also the smallest country in the world that is situated in Rome. If you happen to visit during Easter, you can celebrate it by attending a mass taking place in St. Peter’s Basilica extending to St. Peter’s Square due to overflowing participants. 

4. Delight in Sistine Chapel’s magnificent ceilings

You cannot speak of St. Peter’s Basilica without mentioning Sistine Chapel as the two places are the most significant landmarks of Vatican City. We suggest you book a skip-the-line group tour for these two places as they tend to get swamped by an influx of tourists. Sistine Chapel is where architectural wonders really materialize: its ceilings are the representation of fine Renaissance art painted by the one and only Michelangelo from 1508 to 1512. This is also the place where important ceremonies such as inaugurating new popes occurs.

More great things to do in Rome & Vatican City:

• Shopping sprees at the famous shopping street, Via dei Condotti
• Hop on a train and explore the ruins of Pompeii 
• Send a postcard to a loved one from the Vatican

Rome’s best accommodations:

• The First Roma Dolce ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Spanish Diamond Luxury Suites & Jacuzzi ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• The Radical Hotel Roma ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Rome’s best restaurants:

• La Pergola (Mediterranean cuisine)
• Zia (seasonal Italian produce)
• Pipero Roma (Campanian delicacies)

Day 18-20: Amalfi Coast

Located in the Campania region of Italy, Amalfi Coast is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with its breathtaking coastal landscape and countless cliffs. Not only is it popular for the many fishing villages, Amalfi coast is a significant producer of lemons and limoncello liqueur. Amalfi Coast is so popular because of the idyllic and panoramic views of the sea meeting the hills. 

1. Trace and hike the Path of the Gods

Nothing beats hiking Sentiero Degli Dei (the Path of the Gods). This path is 4 miles long and will bring you on a 2 to 2,5-hour journey to witness the beautiful views along the coastline of Amalfi. This track is especially preferable because it does not require participants to do ridiculous amounts of climbing stairs. Pack your breakfast and make a few short but meaningful stops to enjoy it with postcard views. Make sure to stop at the Belvedere viewpoint to absorb the best views. 

2. Spend daytime in Positano

Positano gives you the best southern Italy holiday vibes with its cascading houses along the hills in their glorious pink, terracotta and peach hues. The best all-around view of Positano can be savored from Arienzo Beach Club. 

3. Hop on a vespa and explore the coastline

Two is a party, and if you come to the Amalfi Coast with a lover, rent a vespa to circle around the coastline and discover the towns of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Other notable spots on this coast include the Atrani, Furore Beach and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

More great things to do in Amalfi coast:

• Take a day trip to Capri
• Descend to a breathtaking marine cave near Amalfi, the Emerald Grotto
• Wander to another magnificent coastal town just 1 hour from Amalfi, Sorrento

Amalfi Coast’s best accommodations:

• Le Sirenuse ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Hotel Santa Caterina ( ⭐⭐⭐⭐ )
• Albergo L’Antico Convitto  ( ⭐⭐⭐ )

Amalfi Coast’s best restaurants:

• Arienzo Beach Club (endless peach bellinis)
• Il Tridente (amazing sunsets and great cocktail bar)
• Gerry’s Pub (Italian & Mediterranean dishes)

Share this:

Join our community so you never miss a deal.

We hunt travel deals, tips, hacks, and more weekly to get the best ones for you.

Browse by category

To Travel Is

Planning a Trip To Italy and Greece: Tips & Ideas

JayWay Travel Blog » Italy » Planning a Trip To Italy and Greece: Tips & Ideas

There’s no doubt that Italy and Greece are two of the most iconic countries to visit in Europe but planning a trip to Italy and Greece might sound a bit overwhelming to some. If that’s you, we’re here to help.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find all the practical information you need to plan the perfect trip to Italy and Greece, alongside suggestions on which destinations to visit during your Italy and Greece vacation. What’s more, we’re recommending some of the best Italy and Greece itineraries according to your travel style. Keep reading and, soon, planning a trip to Italy and Greece will seem like a breeze.

Jump to a section of this article

A Guide To Planning a Trip To Italy and Greece

Best time to visit italy and greece.

Both Italy and Greece are spectacular all year round. That said, when planning a trip to Italy and Greece, you should consider several factors, such as the weather and the places you’ll be adding to your Italy and Greece itinerary, but most importantly, your own expectations.

For instance, are you traveling to Italy and Greece mainly for sightseeing in the major cities or are you mostly interested in a relaxing beach vacation? Whatever the reason behind your desire to visit Italy and Greece though, here are a few tips to help you decide on the best time to visit Italy and Greece. Both countries share similar weather throughout the year, and are typically a little warmer in the south than north, saving us some time!

July & August – Perfect For Beach Trips or Make Savings in The Cities

Italy and Greece have very similar weather conditions. July and August are particularly hot. If you’re used to the heat and are spending your time by the sea, this might be perfect. In the cities, it can be too warm for comfortable sightseeing in the middle of the day.

You might have heard that it’s best to avoid Europe in summer because Europeans take their summer vacations then. Bear in mind that most Europeans are heading just for the beaches (or mountains) and avoiding the cities, so hotel rates are often lower in places like Athens, Rome, and Florence than in the shoulder-season months of May, June, September, and October.

September – The New Peak Month

Across Italy and Greece, September might just be the perfect month in terms of weather. It’s warm but not too hot and the days are still relatively long. But the Goldilocks month comes at a price. September has always been the month that sees more Americans visiting Europe than any other. Over 20% of our trips start in September in fact.

Hoteliers have cottoned on this. Therefore, what might be traditionally thought of as summer destinations, like the Amalfi Coast, or Greece’s big-name islands, are more expensive than in July or August, when more price-conscious Europeans make up the majority of the guests. The cities are busy with locals, freshly returned from their own summer holidays, conferences and events are back in full swing, while seaside hotspots and popular areas like Tuscany are full of your countrymen.

Shoulder Season – The Best Time For Almost Anywhere in Italy & Greece

Based on our own experience, the best months to visit Italy and Greece are April, May, and October. During these months, the temperatures are mild and you can enjoy the outdoors to your heart’s content. Regardless of what the outdoors means to you. It could be sightseeing in grand open-air archaeological sites, hiking, or just sipping a glass of wine in marvelous squares and quaint narrow streets.

For a beach holiday though, aim for late June or early October if you can’t handle the cold sea temperatures. In June, you’ll enjoy the longest days of the year, great for packing a lot in, even if that means a lot of time in the water.

Go All in on Culture in Winter – True Off-Season Bargains

Winter can be a great time to travel if you’re not planning a trip to Italy and Greece for a beach vacation. Although the smaller towns and islands might feel a bit lonely in the winter, with several hotels and restaurants closed until the high season, in the cities, winter might just be the perfect time to have the main sites almost to yourselves and experience the local lifestyle in the best possible way. Sicily is a delight in winter, with the proviso that the purely tourist town of Taormina will be in hibernation mode, but still worthy of a day trip.

How Many Days Each in Italy and Greece?

Although you can explore the basics of Italy and Greece in 10 days, we’d say that you should aim for a minimum of two weeks if you want to enjoy an immersive experience in these two diverse countries. If you have more time to spare, that’s even better. Three or even four weeks would allow you enough time not only to check out the main sites and visit the best cities, towns, and villages in Italy and Greece but also to delve into the distinct cultures of these magnificent countries.

Now, if you’re wondering how to split your time between Italy and Greece during your 2-week trip, we’d recommend setting aside equal amounts of days for each country.

Which Country To Start Your Journey From

With international flights to main airports in both Greece and Italy, it doesn’t make much of a difference which of the two countries you visit first. Both Italy and Greece are abundant in historic sites but are also ideal for laid-back moments with your loved ones. Therefore, your time between sightseeing and relaxing is probably going to be balanced in either country.

The best way to determine which country to enter first when planning a trip to Italy and Greece is to check the international flights available and choose those that are better suited to your Greece and Italy itinerary.

Feel Like One Country Might Be Enough?

There’s no shame in deciding that you might be taking on too much in visiting these two magnificent countries in one trip and focusing on just one. Our travel advisors will be able to craft an itinerary with plenty of variety, even in just one country. And if you’re visiting Greece because you want to see some Ancient Greek temples, well southern Italy has those too, in Paestum, not far from Naples and the Amalfi Coast, and scattered around Sicily.

How To Travel Between Italy and Greece

You can get from Italy to Greece by plane or ferry. The latter though, involves very long journey times that would only make sense if you were on a multi-month trip across Europe. Therefore, flying is the best way to get from Italy to Greece and vice versa. Several airlines – both low-cost and full-service ones – operate direct flights from Italy to Greece, connecting not only the capitals and main cities but also lesser-known cities and island destinations.

Best Way To Travel Within Each Country

Italy is renowned for its modern, efficient, and fast trains. With a railway network covering the entire country, Italy is one of the best countries in Europe to explore by train. On the other hand, Greece is not for train lovers.

Yet, with its so many islands, Greece boasts some of the best, cleanest, and safest ferries in Europe. Getting on board a ferry should be your go-to way to discover the Greek Islands . However, for your mainland Greece escapades, you’d be better off renting a car or – if driving isn’t the best option for you – booking car transfers with a private driver.

Unique Accommodations in Italy and Greece

Both Italy and Greece have been welcoming guests from all over the world for many decades. The tourist infrastructure and hospitality facilities in both countries are second to none. Therefore, when planning a trip to Italy and Greece, get ready to experience some of the finest accommodations you’ve been to during your travels. From high-end 5-star hotels to stylish boutique properties to fully serviced apartments, Greece and Italy can cater to the needs of all types of travelers.

Some destinations within these two countries also offer unique stays that can significantly enhance your overall travel experience and this is why you should make sure you add some of these special accommodation types to your Greece and Italy itinerary.

Some examples would be a farm stay in a centuries-old estate tucked away in the rolling hills of Tuscany , a room with a view of the Grand Canal set in a glorious palazzo in Venice , or one that opens to the magnificent Trevi Fountain in Rome , an atmospheric sojourn in a lakeside mansion on Lake Como or a luxury cave hotel with many tales to tell in Matera or Santorini , or a couple of nights within the walls of Monemvasia in the Peloponnese , a medieval castle town that never ceased to be inhabited throughout the centuries.

These are only a few of the most striking examples of the one-of-a-kind accommodations you can find in Italy and Greece but they’re not the only ones. Both countries offer countless opportunities for a stay to remember.

What To Eat and Drink in Italy and Greece

It’s no secret that both Italy and Greece are culinary gems. Italian and Greek cuisines have transcended the boundaries of their respective countries and can be found everywhere in the world. Yet, nothing beats sampling authentic Italian and Greek food in their birthplace.

Eat Italy’s Regions

In Italy, you can eat your weight in pizza, pasta, and gelato, but Italian cuisine doesn’t stop there. Italian restaurants outside of Italy tend to serve up the greatest hits of Italian cuisine. But there’s so much more to uncover. Make sure you taste the regional dishes of the destinations you’re visiting to discover not only the gastronomy but also the culture and traditions that forged these local cuisines.

In Northern Italy, the typical dishes are usually meat-heavy, but the closer to the south you get, the fresh vegetables, a focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and simple yet hearty recipes work together to put real masterpieces on your plate.

Discover The Breadth of Greek Cuisine

And then there’s Greece. Blessed with sunshine all year long, the Greek land renders top-quality fruit, vegetables, and of course, the most delicious olives and extra virgin olive oil, Greece’s liquid gold. You should definitely try the quintessentially Greek souvlaki but don’t forget that Greek cuisine is very diverse and has a lot more to offer.

From vegetable stews in rich tomato sauce to superb seafood dishes to the omnipresent feta-filled Greek salad, Greece is a paradise for foodies and travelers who are aware that the best way to get to know a destination is through its tastes.

Paradises For Wine-Lovers

Wine lovers will be equally – if not more – satisfied in Italy and Greece. Both Italian and Greek wines are spectacular, made from indigenous grape varieties. One of the best things to do in Italy and Greece is to plan tours of varied wineries where you can sample local wines and discover the differences between the wine-making methods of these two countries, but also the similarities shared by two peoples that have always been neighbors throughout their history.

Two Takes on a Cup of Joe

Coffee enthusiasts are in for a treat, too. From hastily sipping an espresso standing at a bar in Italy among loud locals to taking your time to lazily enjoy a Greek coffee under the bright Mediterranean sun in Greece, the coffee culture in Italy and Greece can never go unnoticed.

Best Destinations To Include in Your Italy and Greece Trip

With so many amazing destinations to choose from, deciding on which places to add to your Italy and Greece itinerary is no easy task. However, we’ve come to the rescue again. In this section, we’ve included some of the best places to visit in both countries, depending on how familiar you are with Italy and Greece.

Italy and Greece Basics

If it’s your first time in Italy and Greece, it makes sense to start with the basics and maybe sprinkle your itinerary with some of the more laid-back destinations if you have enough time.

Rome and Venice

When in Italy, you simply can’t skip Rome and Venice and they are by far the most-visited locations in the country. Yes, they’re both quite busy and often overcrowded but for a reason. In Rome, history is tangible at every turn. Sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill narrate the Italian capital’s ancient history in the most eloquent way. Yet, there’s more to the Eternal City than its ancient past.

From marveling at the wonders of the Vatican City, such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, to snapping the perfect shots at the most emblematic locations like the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, Rome is sure to seduce you in a heartbeat but maybe not as instantaneously as Venice. The gorgeous City of Canals will have you pinch yourselves to make sure you’re not dreaming as you walk past the iconic cafés lining Piazza San Marco or indulge in a mesmerizing gondola ride.

Florence and Tuscany

Another must-see destination in Italy is Florence , a city that feels like an open-air museum with its abundance of art and grandiose architecture. From joining a guided tour along the corridors of the famed Uffizi Gallery to strolling through Piazza della Signoria with its impressive copy of the Statue of David, Florence is a treasure trove of masterpieces that will amaze all art enthusiasts.

But Florence shouldn’t be your only stop in Tuscany. A journey through the region’s celebrated hills, past towns and villages that seem as though they have sprung out of the pages of a storybook, like Siena , Lucca , or San Gimignano, will grace your eyes with beauty.

A Bit More of Italy

In the south, the Amalfi Coast awaits to fill your days with sunshine, lemon scents, and scenic drives. If you have more time to spare during your first trip to Italy and Greece, there are several other destinations in Italy to check out, such as Milan , Naples , the colorful Cinque Terre , or the lush Italian Riviera.

Moving on to Greece, more magic awaits. In Athens , you’ll be immersed in the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest cities as you wander around the sacred ancient ruins of the Acropolis and so many other sun-kissed archaeological sites. But after you’re done with the historic sites, Athens awaits to enchant you with its unparalleled culinary scene and offer you the gift of jasmine-scented nights sipping wine in the company of locals.

The Cyclades Islands

From there, your journey continues to Mykonos and Santorini , the most popular Greek Islands. In Mykonos, try to resist the sirens that call you to spend the wildest party nights before you continue to the Aegean Sea’s ultimate enchantress. Few places can claim the uniqueness and beauty of Santorini, an island born of a volcanic eruption that was responsible for a stunning landscape that was meant to become instantly recognizable to people from all corners of the world.

For an island-hopping adventure to remember, don’t stick to the most famous Greek Islands, though. The nearby islands of Naxos and Paros offer a glimpse into real island life and countless opportunities for the most relaxing moments of your Europe trip.

Lesser-Known Italy and Greece

If you’ve been to Italy and Greece before, you must have covered the basics already. That’s great news because now you can delve into lesser-known Italy and Greece, where pure magic awaits.

Italy’s Strong Second String

In Italy, you can start with the somewhat less popular destinations, such as Romeo and Juliet’s Verona , the ancient cave town of Matera , or the spectacular islands of Sicily and Sardinia , before you move on to the country’s actual off-the-beaten-path parts.

Bologna , the beating red heart of Emilia Romagna, is a foodie’s dream. In the south, the rugged region of Puglia awaits to take you on unforgettable strolls through ancient olive groves, whitewashed villages that resemble the Greek Islands, and long sandy beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters.

Farther south, the unspoiled Aeolian Islands seem to dwell only in a romantic author’s imagination while, in the north, the Dolomites promise the most rewarding hiking and landscape photography sessions amid a scenery of unfathomable natural beauty.

Greece: Beyond Athens and The Cyclades

In Greece, the mystical complex of the Meteora monasteries built atop dramatic gigantic rocks, and the nearby city of Ioannina , dominated by a tranquil lake that has defined the locals’ lives for centuries on end, are among the country’s best-kept secrets. The now-not-so-secret co-capital of Thessaloniki in the north still retains its authentic character and it’s one of the top culinary destinations in Greece. Corfu is the ideal place to add some island time to a northern Greece itinerary.

In the south, no words can describe the alluring Peloponnese , a peninsula of wonders that abounds in vibrant cities, like Kalamata , traditional villages, natural treasures, and beautiful beaches. No second – or third – trip to Greece and Italy would be complete without a stay in Crete , the largest of all Greek Islands, a blessed land that renders delicious local products, a unique destination steeped in history, Greek culture, and long-standing traditions.

Suggested Itineraries For Italy and Greece

At JayWay Travel, we’ve crafted more Italy and Greece itineraries than we can count during the last couple of decades. In this section, we’re presenting you a super small selection of some of our most popular Greece and Italy itineraries. These are not set in stone, though. They’re only there to trigger your imagination and get you started on dreaming of your very own Greece and Italy journey.

Italian & Greek Showstoppers

Ideal for first-time visitors, this Italy and Greece itinerary shows you around the very best these two countries have to offer, with stops in Rome, Florence, Venice, Santorini, and Athens.

Italy and Greece For Foodies

As we’ve already mentioned, Italy and Greece boast two of the most delicious cuisines worldwide. This carefully crafted itinerary is for those wishing to embark on a gastronomic trip through Italy and Greece, featuring destinations, such as Rome, Bologna, Crete, and Athens.

The Ultimate Italy and Greece Honeymoon

There are no better places to create cherished memories with your favorite person in the world than Italy and Greece. Spending a honeymoon in these two countries is the dream of many and, although the sky’s the limit when deciding which places to add to your honeymoon itinerary, our suggestion would include Rome, Positano, Naples, Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens.

Learn a Little of The Language

Wherever you travel, it always helps to learn a few phrases in the local language. We’ve made that easy for you with a couple of short language videos filmed by our locals.

Planning a Trip To Italy and Greece With JayWay

These suggested itineraries are only a tiny sample of the countless amazing destination combinations and themed routes our expert staff can come up with for you. This is because, here at JayWay, we know Italy and Greece quite well.

Our knowledgeable travel advisors and trip planners will help you choose the most remarkable accommodations in Italy and Greece, ensure the most memorable activities, food tours, day trips, and experiences are added to your itinerary, and take care of all the time-consuming and often stressful logistics, such as booking train and airline tickets within Europe or arranging private car transfers, for you.

Like Traveling With a Local Friend

The final touch? Our exceptional staff on the ground in both countries are all eager to show you their beautiful countries through their eyes. Therefore, if you’re currently planning a trip to Italy and Greece, why not leave all the logistics to us and skip to the good part instead? After all, the best way to see Italy and Greece is, of course, with JayWay!

Born and raised in Athens, Maria’s passionate about travel and storytelling, a combination that makes her ideal for her role as our content manager.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

And get regular inspiration for your Central & Eastern Europe travels.

Email address:

Get Your Custom Trip Plan

Thank you for providing these details. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to confirm a few more details so we can start preparing the perfect trip plan for you.

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.

16 Guest Small Group & Private Adventures

Greek Isles & Italy's Amalfi Coast

12 Days Air travel time: 11 Days, 10 Nights Land Journey Athens, the Acropolis, Mykonos, Little Venice, Santorini and Italy's Amalfi Coast

Meet Journey's Greek Isles & Italy's Amalfi Coast

Simply amazing. imagine walking amongst the ruins of the parthenon atop the citadel acropolis... slowly and intently make your way across the terrace to view the setting santorini sun... explore the streets of sorrento as the shadows cast their moving creations against the stuccoed walls of this charming coastal town... discover the isle of capri and find out why ancient roman emperors vacationed on the amalfi coast., why you'll love this journey:.

• We enjoy walking on our sightseeing adventures
• Journey Tour Captain beginning-to-end
• 15 Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, 1 Farewell Aperitif
• Local Cuisine with Premium Wine & Cocktails
• Luggage Portage throughout your Journey, WiFi
• Meet & Greet at Airport with Arrival Transfer
• Accommodation at hand-picked Hotels: 2 Nights Athens, 2 Nights Mykonos, 3 Nights Santorini, 3 Nights Sorrento
• 'Master of Your Day' with our Exclusive Premium Sightseeing
• Special Now Journey Tastings throughout the Journey
• Comfy transportation throughout
• Admission fees, taxes, and gratuities excluding the Journey Tour Captain

See the complete Day-by-Day Itinerary

Journey's Adventure through Greece & the Amalfi Coast

TRIP COMMENCES: ATHENS , 2 Days/2 Nights HISTORY. CULTURE. CUISINE. The perfect beginning in the heart of the Greek Empire. MYKONOS , 2 Days/2 Nights THE FAMOUS ISLE OF MYKONOS. Enjoying the good life on this Greek Isle.

SANTORINI , 3 Days/3 Nights SAINT IRENE WELCOMES YOU. Exploring legends and soaking up the sun.

TRIP FINALE: AMALFI COAST - SORRENTO: 3 Days/3 Nights THE ENCHANTED AMALFI COAST. Only 1 hour, 50 minutes' flight time.

Journey's Hotels on this Journey Journey's  Greece to Italy's Amalfi Coast adventure includes a full, hot daily breakfast (table service or buffet), 4 of the 9 dinners and 4+ to 5 Star hotel properties featuring large, air-conditioned guestrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about this Journey Answers to questions we've been asked about this trip and our approach to travel.

Itinerary at a Glance DAYS 1-2: ATHENS | DAYS 3-4: MYKONOS | DAYS 5–7: SANTORINI | DAYS 8-10: SORRENTO PENINSULA & AMALFI COAST | DAY 11: DEPARTURE DAY

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Consider our Flight and Early Arrival Options Your flight to Athens should land on Day 1 of the itinerary — this means you should depart your home airport the day prior — your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 12 Days (11 Days, 10 Nights Land). Many of our travelers arrive a "full day early" to recover from their overnight flight — Inquire with us about a pre-tour overnight hotel room in Athens. Airfare is not included. Inquire about our Business Class and Premium Economy Airfare.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Amazing athens.

Day 1: Welcome to Athens, Greece: Birthplace of Western Civilization

Upon arrival into Athens Airport, you will meet the Journey Meet & Greet team after clearing customs and then enjoy the included transfer to check in to your hotel in the city's heart. Upon arrival into Athens, check in to your hotel. If you have arrived early, have no fears, you can drop your bags and set off to wander Athen's streets and start to soak up the Greek feel.

Tonight enjoy a special welcome dinner in Athens with your Journey Tour Captain.

Final hotel assignments are made at around 60 days prior to the adventure. A comparable hotel will be utilized should our space be sold out by the time you book —  we will advise you of your final hotels.

This morning we make our way to the ancient citadel that is set atop a high rocky outcropping above the city. The site contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance with the most famous being the Parthenon. A view into ancient Greece and its amazing history is what this morning's adventure is all about.

After the adventure, the balance of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Athens at leisure.

BACK TO TOP

Day 3: To the Isle of Mykonos

Today we make our way to the airport for our quick flight to the island of Mykonos (flights are quoted separately). Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel to check in, freshen up and enjoy some time before our Discovery Walk of Old Town Mykonos.

Enjoy the Discovery Walk with your Tour Captain as we explore Little Venice and the island of Mykonos. 

Your Journey Tour Captain hosts an amazing welcome dinner.  

Our Deluxe Hotels Collection: Deluxe: Myconian Collection or Similar Our Deluxe Package includes these 4 Star and 5 Star properties with most hotels featuring a Standard or similar category room —  inquire if you'd like to upgrade for a larger room and/or category with a specific view (where available). Hotel room assignments are made closer to tour departure. Our Classic Hotel Collection: Classic: Niriides Homes & Villas or Similar Our Lotus Hotel Collection: Lotus: Myconian Collection or Similar Lotus class features exceptional room categories in our world-class hotels.

Day 4: Mykonos: A Day at Leisure

Enjoy a complete day at leisure on Mykonos.

Option for the Day: Mykonos Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos - $185 per person. Approximately 7 to 8 hours. Explore the Cyclades islands on this adventure as you sail the Aegean to these uninhabited islands. Time for swimming and snorkeling, optionally add on a visit with admission to the archaeological site at Delos complete with a :90 minute tour. Included light lunch onboard with beverages and roundtrip transfers. Other Ideas: How about renting a "Quad" (four-wheeler) and exploring Mykonos on your own. So many beaches and sites to see.

Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Mykonos at leisure.

Santorini –  Saint Irene's Island

Day 5: To the Isle of Santorini

Today we make our way to the airport for a quick flight connecting through Athens to the island of Santorini (flight times are about 2:15 hours:minutes and prices are quoted separately –  some itineraries will feature the fast jet ferry - about 2:00 hours). Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel to check in, freshen up and enjoy some time before our Discovery Walk.

On the Discovery Walk we experience a Now Journey exclusive (it's a surprise!) with your Tour Captain as we explore Thera, the capital of Santorini.  

Your Journey Tour Captain hosts an amazing welcome dinner on Santorini. Get ready for amazing sights and cuisine. 

Day 6: Exploring Santorini

Late after the adventure, the balance of the afternoon will be at your leisure.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore at leisure.

Day 7: Santorini: Day at Leisure

Plan Your Day Fill your day with excitement and discovery. Or just find that perfect space to enjoy your good read, or maybe it's time to continue working on your own piece of literature —  whichever you prefer, today is the perfect day to enjoy as you desire.

Option for the Day: Cooking Class in Santorini - $185 per person and includes round-trip transportation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours. Discover the Greek cooking secrets as you learn and prepare classic dishes from the Chef. The small group environment provides for a fun atmosphere and then enjoy the fruit of your labor paired with delicious Greek wine.

Journey is Different: Your Journey Tour Captain will invite you to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Santorini at leisure.

Amalfi Coast

Day 8: Bound for the Amalfi Coast

Today, we make our way to the airport for our included flight to Italy and the Amalfi Coast (flights are quoted separately).

Upon arrival we transfer to our home for the next 3 days and nights in Sorrento. Never been to Pompeii? Read below!

Option for the Afternoon: Journey's Guided Tour of Pompeii with Admission - $188 per person. Some guests may want to optionally experience our tour of Pompeii —  enjoy our Journey Guide as they lead you through the ruins of this amazing lost and now found Roman city. Includes onward transfer to Sorrento later in the afternoon.

Enjoy the Discovery Walk with your Tour Captain as we explore Sorrento. 

Your Journey Tour Captain hosts an amazing welcome dinner at our favorite restaurant on the coast.  

Our Deluxe Hotels Collection: Deluxe: Grand Hotel Capodimonte Our Deluxe Package includes these 4 Star and 5 Star properties with most hotels featuring a Standard or similar category room —  inquire if you'd like to upgrade for a larger room and/or category with a specific view (where available). Hotel room assignments are made closer to tour departure. Our Classic Hotel Collection: Classic: Hotel Bristol or Similar Our Lotus Hotel Collection: Lotus: Grand Hotel Capodimonte: Sky Suite Lotus class features exceptional room categories in our world-class hotels.

Day 9: Exploring the Isle of Capri and the Amalfi Coast

Tonight, consider joining your Tour Captain to an optional dinner tonight or you can explore Sorrento at your leisure.

Day 10: A Day at Leisure

Today, enjoy a complete day at leisure.

Option for the Day: Cooking Class in Sorrento - $188 per person. Approximately 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy a cooking class with cuisine from Campania and the Amalfi Coast in the kitchen of a Chef. A wonderful experience that complements your stay in Sorrento. Includes roundtrip transportation.

Later tonight we meet for our farewell event.

After returning to our hotel, enjoy some leisure time and then meet on the terrace for our special Aperitif to celebrate our time together. It has been a Journey of Adventure and Discovery, along with making new friends! Until our next Journey we wish you health and happiness!

Day 11: Departure Day Or Extend Your Adventure

Your Journey ends this morning after breakfast. May we suggest an extension:

Perhaps extending your stay in Italy is the right next move? Tempting? Please inquire with Reservation about extensions and pricing.

© 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 NOW JOURNEY LLC

 Exploring highlights, important landmarks, ancient sites, beautiful cities and islands in 3 weeks,

Covering * Rome, Florence and, Venice in Italy * Athens, Mykonos and, Santorini in Greece * Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia in Turkey

• Centrally located hotels
• Friendly English speaking personnel
• All airport and ferry port transfers included
• Ferry tickets and return flights included
• All the tours mentioned on the itinerary
• Customization and options to extend and add on more sites and islands available
• Small groups 8 guests or less per group, (private options available)

Daily tour program

Sunday - Day 1 - Arrival in Rome

BENVENUTO! Welcome to Italy!

We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking into your hotel, you will have the rest of the day free to rest and explore Rome on your own.

Overnight in Rome.

- Monday - Day 2 - Rome - (B)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for your comprehensive tour to visit the Vatican and its museums, as well as the Sistine Chapel the home of Michelangelo's Last Judgment.

After that, we will continue to visit St. Peters Square and Basilica, and will also visit the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.

Overnight in Rome -

- Tuesday - Day 3 – Rome – (B)

Breakfast at the hotel – Enjoy the day at leisure.

Optional full-day tour to Pompeii sites available,  contact us if interested >>>>>

- Wednesday - Day 4 - Rome to Florence - (B)

In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel and provide a transfer to the Train station and depart from Rome on a 1-hour 30-minute train ride to Florence.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the train station and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

NOTE: optional Afternoon tour to Tuscany and wine tasting tour available - contact us if interested.

Overnight in Florence.

- Thursday - Day 5 - Florence - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Meet up with your guide and enjoy the rest of the touring Florence

Start with the Panoramic tour and get good knowledge and view of Florence

Then walking tour of the Historic center Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Della Signoria,

Palazzo Vecchio

Visit Uffizi Gallery ( Skip the line tickets )

Florence is famous for its history. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been called the Athens of the Middle Age.

It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the city is noted for its history, culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments.

- Friday - Day 6 - Florence to Venice- (B)

In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel and provide a transfer to the train station and depart from Florence on a 2-hour 30-minute train ride to Venice.

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Venice.

- Saturday - Day 7 – Exploring Venice – (B)

Enjoy a full-day tour of Venice.

See the best of Venice in a day on a combo tour that caps a guided walk with a cruise along the bustling Grand Canal.

Hear the history of St Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge from a local guide, and visit St Mark’s Basilica

Discover the tucked-away treasures of Venice’s backstreet and charming canals, and then finish on a high note: a water taxi cruise on the Grand Canal.

Highlights Three-hour combined walking and boat tour of Venice.

St Mark's Basilica See Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the home of Marco Polo and the Rialto Bridge.

Explore small back streets, narrow passageways, and piazzas, as you learn about historical Venice from your guide.

After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

- Sunday - Day 8 - Venice to Athens - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, met up at the hotel and transfer to Venice Airport and put you  on a flight to Athens

>>>>>> Flight to Athens >>>>>>

KALOS ORISATE! Welcome to Greece!

We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check in to the hotel,

you will have the afternoon free to rest and explore Athens on your own.

Overnight in Athens.

- Monday  - Day 9 - Athens - (B)

Meet up at the lobby of your hotel ( meeting time to be determined)

Will start with a panoramic driving tour of Athens, with your guide and or driver guide, during the driving tour you will be seeing and learning about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Greek Parliament building, and Presidential Palace, then s short photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896,

Also on the way to Acropolis,  you will be pointed and learn about the Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus, the University and, the Academy of Athens, National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral,  Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church

We will then get off the vehicle, near the entrance of Acropolis then continue on visiting Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. the ancient citadel.

The last place of the tour will be the new Acropolis Museum where you will see the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis and every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

After the tour,  we can take you back to your hotel

or we can drop you at the Plaka district if you like to wander and explore at your own pace.

- Tuesday - Day 10 - Athens to Mykonos Island - (B)

Very early in the morning, we will meet you at your Athens hotel take you to Piraeus ferry port. Depart from Athens on a ferry ride to Mykonos Island.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the harbor and transferred to your hotel.

After checking in the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Mykonos.

- Wednesday - Day 11 - Mykonos -  (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 10:00 am Meet up at the harbor,  after a scenic 45 minute boat ride, enjoy a 4 hour to explore the sacred island of Delos,  aka the birthplace famous Apollo and Artemis

See the famous terrace of the Lions, enjoy a short and easy hike to Mount Kynthos....... 45 minute boat ride back to Mykonos and enjoy rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

- Thursday - Day 12 - Mykonos to Santorini - (B)

In the morning, Depart from Mykonos on a scenic ferry ride to Santorini Island.

After arrival, you will check-in at your hotel.

After check-in, you will have a free day to relax and explore on your own.

Santorini is one of those iconic places that will be permanently etched in your mind. Everywhere you turn is a photo opportunity. Essentially, the island is what remains of an enormous volcanic eruption, which destroyed the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island. The aftermath of the explosion created what you see today, a caldera. All of the whitewashed, charming houses cling to the high cliffs of the rim, while the deep blue Aegean Sea wraps around the geological masterpiece, hundreds of feet below. Its spectacular physical beauty, along with its lively nightlife, your Santorini visit will be unforgettable.

Optional Oia Sunset tour available (Contact us if interested)

Overnight in Santorini.

- Friday - Day 13 - Exploring Santorini - (B)

Enjoy a boat trip to the Volcano

11:00 am Meet up at the Athinios Harbor, depart on a scenic sail to Volcano,

Upon arrival have free time to explore and hike to the top of the volcano and have a glance at the active parts, lots of fantastic photo opportunities of the volcano, and from Volcano to the different angles of Magnificent Santorini Island.

Get back to the boat for a short sail to hot Springs (Palea Kameni) Enjoy swimming, then onto Thirassia where you can eat, relax or swim and visit the traditional village of Manola.

After that, sail to back to the Island and enjoy a quick stop at Armeni, then back to Athinios port.

The tour finish time will be around 17:30 pm. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure

Overnight in Santorini. - Saturday - Day 14 - Santorini to Athens then to Istanbul - (B)

In the morning we will provide a transfer to Santorini Airport for your departure to Athens then onto Istanbul.

HOS GELDINIZ! Welcome to Turkey!

We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel

Unpack and go out for an evening walk and dinner on your own around Sultanahmet Square.

Overnight in Istanbul.

- Sunday - Day 15 - Istanbul - (B)

In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel and take you on this enlightening walking tour down to the waterfront near Eminonu.

You'll see hundreds of interesting shops lined up cozily side-by-side, We will then enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus.

Today’s main sites are:

* Walking tour of Golden horn water-front area

* Spice Bazaar and surrounding areas

* Cruise on the Bosphorus Rest of the day at leisure.

- Monday - Day 16 - Istanbul - (B/L)

In the morning we will greet you at your hotel and take you on a guided tour of the historical old part of Istanbul.

* Blue Mosque/Sultanahmet Mosque (Camii)

* Hagia Sophia/Aya Sofya

* Hippodrome of Constantinople

* Grand Bazaar

Rest of the day at leisure.

- Tuesday - Day 17 - Istanbul - Ephesus - Kusadasi - (B/L/D)

Early in the morning we will meet you at your hotel and provide a transfer to Istanbul domestic

airport and put you on a short domestic flight to Izmir.

Upon arrival, we will take you on a guided tour of Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary.

About the sites you will visit ;

*Ancient city of Ephesus

*The Temple of Artemis

*The House of The Virgin Mary

Rest of the day & the evening at leisure

Overnight in Kusadasi.

- Wednesday - Day 18 - Kusadasi - Pamukkale - Kusadasi - (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will depart from Kusadasi to Pamukkale; upon arrival, we will continue on the guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Our drive will take us through a rich agricultural area, teeming with cotton fields and fruit orchards.

Sites we will visit

* Pamukkale, Whitewashed terraces, ancient pools, and more.

* Ancient city of Hierapolis

After the tour,  return to Kusadasi, spend the night.

- Thursday - Day 19 - Kusadasi - Izmir Cappadocia - (B)

Meet up with the driver,  transfer to Izmir Airport

>>>>>>>>>>>> FLIGHT FROM IZMIR TO CAPPADOCIA  >>>>>>>>>

Upon arrival,  meet up with the transfer men and transfer to your hotel.

Check-in & the rest of the day & the evening at leisure Overnight in Cappadocia.

- Friday - Day 20 - Cappadocia - (B/L)

Today will be devoted to exploring more of Cappadocia's unforgettable sites.

(If you have purchased the optional hot-air ballooning tour, please note that you'll need to rise very early in the morning to go to the balloon launch site. After the trip has concluded, we'll come back to the hotel for breakfast and have a rest before setting out in later in the morning to see the rest of the sites listed below.)

Sites you'll see today:

* Goreme Open-Air Museum

* Fairy Chimneys

* Devrent Valley

* Uchisar Castle,

We'll also visit local craftspeople and learn the special art of making dolls and traditional pottery. Rest of the day & the evening at leisure

Overnight in Cappadocia.

- Saturday - Day 21 - Cappadocia - (B/L)

As we have a lengthy drive to our first destination, we'll be starting out quite early this morning. Today, we'll stroll through an amazing subterranean city where ancient Christians once hid from Arab invaders; we'll then wander through the Ihlara Gorge and spend time in a classic Anatolian village.

* the Underground City of Derinkuyu-

* Ihlara Gorge

* Traditional Anatolian villages.

- Sunday - Day 22 - Cappadocia to Istanbul - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel --- Transfer to Cappadocia Airport ---

>>>>>>>> Flight to Istanbul >>>>>>>>

Arriving in Istanbul,  walk to the international departures for your outbound flight.

Program ends

Total cost:  $____________________

Rates are subject to change depending on travel seasons,

Please contact us with your travel dates to get an accurate quote.

Early booking discounts available

Price includes

* All hotels (Superior class centrally located hotels)

* All land transfers in comfortable vehicles

* Train tickets from Rome to Florence

* Train tickets from Florence to Venice

* Flight tickets from Venice to Athens

* Ferry tickets from Athens to Mykonos

* Ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini

* Flight tickets from Santorini to Athens * Flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir

* Flight tickets from Izmir to Cappadocia

* Flight tickets from Cappadocia to Istanbul

* All meals mentioned in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch & D-dinner)

* English-speaking tour guides

* Skip the line Admissions to sites during the tours

* All taxes and service charges

* Optional tours listed on the itinerary - Days

* International flight tickets to Rome and from Athens onto your next destination

* Optional tours listed on the itinerary - on Days 3, 4, 11 and 12

* Travel insurance (Optional)

If you like to get a price quote or have further questions,  please fill in the form below.

We will get back to you shortly

Submitting Form...

The server encountered an error.

Form received.

<<<<< See more Greece and Turkey tours and vacation packages

Best of Greece and Turkey Duration:   14 days Covering:  Athens, Mykonos and Santorini in Greece. Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia in Turkey - Set program From $2.485.00 US Dollars >>>

East Rome to West Rome Duration:  10 Days Covering; Highlights of Istanbul, Athens and Rome in 10 daysFlexible + options to extend and include more days available From $2.785.00

Athens & Istanbul Duration:  7 Days Covering; Highlights of Athens and Istanbul Flexible + options to extend and include more days available From $1185.00 US Dollars >>>

Request a  custom tour of Greece and Turkey Chose the dates Cities, land marks and Islands you like to visit then receive a free, no obligation quote >>>>

Greece Travel and vacation services

 Encounter Greece Tours Athens, GR - Portland OR, Istanbul, TR

Toll-free: +1-800-606-0826

Tel: +1-503-729-9455  -- Fax: 503-844-4030

E-mail:  [email protected] www.EncounterGreece.com

Social with us

STATE LICENSE NO: 97123 LLC COMPANY

Encountergreece.com is official website of Encountertours LLC, company in OR.

All copyrights preserved  - 2001 - 2020

sell 16 Day Italy & Greece Adventure 2025

16 Days / 14 Nights   Starting at $7995 PP (Land Rate)

Join us as we first travel through Italy; starting in Florence we visit all the most famous historical sites and offer insights into Italian cuisine and culture. We’ll take a day trip to Venice and then make our way through the Italian countryside to Rome. We then travel from Rome to Athens and visit the Grecian islands, learn how to create Greek specialties and cruise around the Grecian archipelago for the pinnacle of beauty and relaxation.

Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off on a journey that will remain etched in your memory forever!

Benvenuti a Firenze! Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from Florence airport to your hotel at scheduled times.

This afternoon you’ll have some time to relax or, better yet, explore the Eternal City. There’s so much to see and do!

Tonight, you’ll meet your tour leader for a brief orientation and welcome drink. After the orientation, you’ll be free for the remainder of the evening. Be sure to ask your tour leader for restaurant recommendations – there are so many wonderful places to eat in this amazing city!

Today, you’ll enjoy a ride through the beautiful rolling hills of Chianti for a most unique winery visit. But first, you’ll stop for a tour of San Gimignano along the way. This medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its 14th-century towers that rise above the town's skyline.

Once at the winery, you’ll get to meet our dear friend, Pierluigi Giachi, the world’s most enchanting and entertaining sommelier. You’ll start with a truffle hunt, accompanied by a guide and his trained dogs as they skillfully use their noses to find these delicacies.

Next, enjoy olive oil and wine tasting while taking a fun, hands-on cooking class with a chef. I hope this meal tastes good because it will be served to you for dinner! This will be a truly fun, memorable day.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historical center of this most famous of all Renaissance cities! Visit the majestic Duomo complex built in 1296, including Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with its renowned Gates of Paradise doors.

You’ll follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, guarded by the massive tower of the Palazzo Vecchio.

On to Volterra, about an hour south of Florence. Before the Roman Empire (27 BC to 476 AD) were the Etruscans (900 BC to 27 BC). Volterra is rich in Etruscan artifacts.

Our walking tour will see the Duomo and Baptistery of San Giovanni, the original Etruscan walls, the well-preserved Roman theater, and the Praetorian Palace.

Next, we’ll learn about alabaster quarried right in Volterra! We’ll visit the Rossi Alabastri Workshop to see how they create translucent dishes, vases, and lampshades from a rock. Often confused with marble, remember to ask about the important differences between the two. (Why is alabaster not good for outdoor use?)

Tonight, enjoy a night out on your own. So many wonderful restaurants to choose from! Be sure to ask your tour leader for suggestions.

The Grand Canal is just a short train ride away from Florence. Should we go? SI! ANDIAMO A VENEZIA!

There is no normal life in Venice. Here, everything and everyone floats luxuriously with a sense of freedom, never tormented by traffic or even the sound of a horn.

Your guide will show you all the sights—St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Just around the corner from St. Mark’s Square, we’ll enjoy a special Venetian lunch in a town renowned for its seafood specialties.

This evening, we return to Florence for dinner on your own. Make sure to try Pappa al Pomodoro, a rustic Tuscan soup made with tomatoes, garlic, onions and of course, Tuscan bread!

This morning, we enjoy our drive south to Rome through Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. On the way to the Eternal City, you’ll stop to visit Lucignano, one of the most fascinating but lesser-known medieval towns of Tuscany.

Visiting the historic center, we’ll see the Church of San Francesco with the splendid fresco depicting “The Triumph of Death,” Lucignano’s palaces, its medieval fortress, as well as the museum with its bejeweled ‘Tree of Life’ where sweethearts exchange vows of eternal love.

You’ll arrive in Rome, check into your hotel, and have the rest of the day free to enjoy!

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly can’t see it in one—but we’ll try to show you as much as possible in the next few days!

This morning, we travel ten minutes to another country—Vatican City. With our expert local guide, we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a massive collection of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries, and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next, we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight, we thought you’d enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to try a Supplì, a quintessential Roman specialty: a fried ball of rice filled with tomato sauce, meat, and melted mozzarella.

(Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned by the Pope.)

This morning you’ll enjoy a relaxing, panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, downtown ancient Rome, the Circus Maximus, and the Great Synagogue, built in the heart of the Jewish quarter.

Then you’ll see the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the emperor himself. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to get some shopping done or perhaps one last gelato!

Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner in the characteristic district of Trastevere, one of the centers of the Roman nightlife. This lively area of tiny winding streets gives a taste of what one imagines Italy to be like, with cobbled streets and music-filled trattorias on every corner.

This morning, we head for the Rome Airport for our 2-hour flight to Athens. While you say “arrivederci” to Italy, get ready to say “yia sas” to Greece!

Upon arrival, your Perillo Tour manager will greet you and privately transfer you to your deluxe 5-star Divani Palace Acropolis, in the heart of Athens.

Early tonight we’ll have a short briefing followed by a welcome cocktail and a scrumptious rooftop dinner with breathtaking views at sunset.

After breakfast, we’ll begin your journey back to ancient Greece, “the cradle of civilization”. We’ll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal Palace, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and a stop at the site of the first Olympic Games of the modern era.

You’ll see architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally—the glorious Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum, with their many priceless artifacts.

After the tour, you’ll head to a traditional delicatessen for a wine tasting and Greek “meze,” or appetizers! The remainder of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast, we’ll board our high-speed ferry for Paros.

Upon arrival in Paros, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of its capital, Paroikia (pa-re-KIA). Here, a well-preserved 13th-century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the village center, offering a splendid vista.

Next, we visit one of the loveliest villages in Paros – Lefkes - offering panoramic views from its hilltop location. Conclude your day in Naoussa, a vibrant fishing village with quaint streets and traditional architecture.

Time to relax before dinner tonight.

After breakfast, you’ll set sail for an unforgettable adventure on board the traditional Kaiki (a wooden fishing boat) around the sister islands Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko.

Discover hidden gems of the Aegean Sea only accessible by boat: crystal clear waters will make you feel like you are in paradise! You’ll see some of the most beautiful beaches, sea caves, and small islands. Along the way, there are several stops for swimming in crystal blue waters and to enjoy your delicious BBQ lunch.

After your day on the water, you’ll have the rest of the evening to yourself to enjoy everything else the beautiful island of Paros has to offer.

Kaliméra! After breakfast, we’ll board our high-speed ferry for Mykonos.

On arrival, we’ll head to our 5-star Myconian Ambassador Hotel. Here, on this jet-set island, beautiful beaches, chic boutiques, and elegant nightclubs all vie for the tourist’s attention. Beneath its sophisticated surface, however, lies a quintessential Greek island. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot the island and sheep graze in the shadow of whitewashed windmills.

Tonight, you’ll settle into your hotel and enjoy a beautiful dinner together in the great Kazarma restaurant.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a cooking class to learn a traditional Mykonian dish from some of the freshest Greek ingredients. If you don’t even know how to boil an egg, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Our class is a judgment-free zone!

You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the famous Mykonos beaches, shop, and relax.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Mykonos airport for a late morning flight to Athens. You’ll love this beautiful hotel when it’s time to catch your flight in the morning as you’re ALREADY at the airport!

We’ll have a fun Farewell Dinner in the hotel with our new travel companion friends and our tour leader.

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll board your flight home from Athens, arriving in the USA the same day. Thanks for traveling with the Perillo family – please return soon!

• Centrally located 4 & 5 star hotels
• Airport Transfers at Scheduled Times
• Rome to Athens Flight
• Mykonos to Athens Flight
• Full Breakfast Daily
• 6 Dinners, 3 Lunches
• Truffle Hunt
• Olive Oil & Wine Tasting in San Gimignano
• Cooking Class in San Gimignano
• Full Day Venice Excursion
• Cooking Class in Mykonos
• Kaiki Cruise
• Wine Tasting in Athens
• Wireless Headsets To Hear Your Tour Guide Clearly
• Travel Wallet , Baggage Tags and Travel Documents
• Baggage Handling Throughout (Except at Airports)
• Hotel Taxes, City Taxes , Hotel Service Charges and all Tips For Hotel and Restaurant Personnel
• Professional Tour Directors and Licensed Local Guides
• Complimentary Wi-Fi On Our Buses

Dates & Rates

Triple room deduct $500 per person from the Double rate.

Hotel Indigo Florence, an IHG Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hotel Indigo Florence is a 4-star lifestyle hotel located in the charming Santa Maria Novella neighborhood.

Beyond the famed, nearby Duomo and Uffizi, embrace the city's artistic heritage as you explore local gems like the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a magnificent testament to the city's rich history and artistry.

Discover our boutique hotel's elegantly designed rooms and suites, combining modern sophistication with authentic Florentine charm. Enjoy your morning coffee on our delightful patio, take advantage of our fitness, a serene retreat where you can savor moments of relaxation after a day of exploring.

Hotel Romanico Palace ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Elegance and tradition in the heart of the Eternal City, the 4 star Hotel Romanico Palace & Spa is located in the heart of the city center, in the Via Veneto - Villa Borghese area, near by the most important tourist attractions of the city. The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are just a short walk away.

Hotel Imperiale Rome ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Stroll the city’s main historical attractions– a haven of statues, fountains and centuries-old buildings– or retire to your suite where contemporary interiors are combined with original architectural features. The 4 star historic Hotel built in 1895, with its sublime International restaurant and a locally inspired Spa allows you to spend your afternoons in pure indulgence, just steps away from the cultural heart of Rome.

Hotel Sina Bernini Bristol ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Built in the late 1800's in a palace in the heart of Rome, and recently renovated, the hotel Bernini Bristol offers the glamour of a bygone era along with the most modern appurtenances and amenities. Its ample salons are enchanting with their period furnishings and tapestries, as are its rooms marked by a refined atmosphere and comfortable elegance.

Mykonian Ambassador - Mykonos

Built in sympathy with the slope, mere steps from the fine sand of Platis Gialos, our contemporary architecture borrows from the timeless textures of the local vernacular. Light-filled spaces follow the clean line of sophisticated design, flowing into the quiet comfort of our luxurious rooms and suites, and spilling out onto the spectacular pool deck – all without ever breaking the spell of breathtaking views onto the magnificent Aegean.

Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa consists of five Cycladic architectural style, cubic buildings with arches, which are dominated by white, blue and stone, with an unobstructed view out to the sea and overlooking  Parikia, as each one is built on a hill. The enduring presence and experience of 5-star hotel in hospitality and tourism in general, combined with high quality services and skilled staff, constitute the guarantee for the fulfillment of expectations and demands of its visitors from all around the world.

Divani Palace Acropolis

This luxury hotel is ideally located right on prestigious Syntagma (Constitution) Square, opposite the Houses of Parliament with the changing of the Guards and within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum, Plaka, Monastiraki, Kolonaki, shopping and night life districts.

Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel

The Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel offers generous open spaces and marble floors, an exquisite rooftop restaurant and superb indoor pool, both with spectacular views. Sofitel Athens Airport is your exquisite haven of tranquility only a few steps from Athens International Airport.

Airfares are unpredictable and impossible to estimate at time of brochure printing. Your airfare can range anywhere from approximately $1,000 to $1,900 depending on your departure city. Additionally, current departure tax and fuel surcharges are approximately $650 per person and are subject to change.

Your exact airfare will be advised within 3 business days of booking your tour. You are under no obligation to accept Perillo's air schedule and quote. However, payment for tickets issued by Perillo Tours is due with "final payment."

Airfares DO include your roundtrip airport transfer in Italy at scheduled times, provided you arrive and depart on scheduled tour dates. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, airport transfers are not included.

We strongly recommend you BOOK EARLY as lowest airfares are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plus, more availability on the most convenient flights and best seats.

Affordable Upgrades

When you purchase your Coach ticket through Perillo Tours, you can upgrade to "Premium Economy" on select flights starting at $550 each way. For ultimate comfort enjoy Business Class/First Class for a surcharge of as little as $4,000 per person.

Security Measures

The Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers to provide the exact name as it appears on the government-issued passport, passport number, expiration date, date of birth and gender when making airline reservations. This information will be requested at time of booking for all flight arrangements made through Perillo Tours.

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT: Name corrections are subject to change fees, so please have your passport in-hand when calling us for flight reservations.

Arranging your own air?

Roundtrip airport transfers are provided at scheduled times if you arrive and depart the same day as the tour begins and ends. Click here for the schedule.

Find Your Airport

Or call and let us help you..

format_quote Testimonials

Just returned from the Vesuvious tour from 28 Aug to 6 Sep.  What a wonderful experience! Would consider another Perillo tour for sure! The key to the great experience I had on this tour was largely through the efforts of your tour coordinator, Rosella.

Mr. & Mrs. J.A.

I have to thank Perillo Tours for an absolutely terrific vacation!  The accommodations were wonderful; the side trips were both enjoyable as well as informative but most importantly, Our tour guide, Cousin Burt, was great! 

bookmark Receive travel discounts, our Italy, Hawaii, Spain, and Greece brochures, and the FREE Insider's Guide to Italy in your email! Travel Advisors can request brochures here .

By clicking submit, you are agreeing to the Terms of Use of this website.

bookmark Thank You!

• Everything to love about Italy

Sign up for Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

• Itineraries
• Travel Tips
• Welcome to our Privacy Policy
• Work With Us
• Custom Trip Planning

Italy and Greece Trip Combo

Blessed with sunny climates, thousands of years of history, idyllic beaches, and the most delicious and fresh cuisine, both Italy and Greece are both amazing choices for a vacation. This Italy and Greece itinerary is perfect for anyone that wants to explore both countries.

Italy It can be so difficult to choose one over the other!

On an Italy trip , you can explore a Seventh Wonder of the World, sail on mountain lakes, and see world-famous artworks like Michelangelo’s David. In Greece , you can island-hop in the Cyclades, stroll through white-washed cobblestone villages, and witness Greece’s ancient history at the Acropolis.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit both Italy and Greece. They are both incredible countries that I love. I’ve been getting a lot of questions recently about combining a trip to Greece and Italy. If you’ve got enough time to explore both destinations, I say go for it!

I would recommend allotting at least 10 or a few days to each country. I’ve written this Italy and Greece itinerary to help you decide where to go, but if you’d like a more detailed Italy and Greece Trip Itinerary, I recommend downloading our combo guide written by myself and Kids are a Trip .

Italy and Greece Trip Combo FAQ

Absolutely, you can totally combine Greece and Italy for an epic Mediterranean adventure! You’ll get the best of both worlds—the ancient history and stunning landscapes of Greece, and the art, cuisine, and romance of Italy.

For a good balance, you’d want at least 10 days to two weeks to truly soak in the highlights of both countries. This gives you enough time to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, the beautiful islands like Santorini or Mykonos in Greece, and then hop over to Italy to wander through the streets of Rome, Florence, and Venice.

The best time to visit both Italy and Greece is typically during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are thinner compared to the peak summer months, and you can enjoy a more authentic experience. Plus, you’ll likely get better deals on accommodations and flights. But hey, if you’re a summer beach lover, hitting the Mediterranean shores in July or August can also be pretty magical—just be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

Should I go to Italy or Greece?

Both countries have similarities but they offer totally different cultural experiences. So, if you have the time, why not travel to Italy and Greece?!

Combining visits to both countries into a three-week vacation package will result in the most life-changing, memorable trip.

Following a three-week Italy and Greece itinerary also makes sense on a practical level. They’re both Mediterranean countries separated only by the Adriatic Sea, so there are lots of flight, ferry, cruise, and sightseeing tour travel options.

You won’t have to pack for two completely different sets of climates, either. Both countries boast dry and sunny weather for most of the year.

As you digest this three-week Italy and Greece itinerary and learn all the cool things to do in both places, you’ll realize that you simply cannot miss out on any of these amazing experiences.

Best Time to Visit Italy and Greece

The best time to visit both Greece and Italy is in the shoulder season from April – June and September – October. Italy’s and Greece’s warm climate ensures you will still be able to enjoy all the outdoor activities that you can do in summer while avoiding the intense, often dangerous heat of midsummer as well as the crowds and high prices.

Getting Between Italy and Greece

Unless you enjoy long bus rides or hauling your luggage between train connections, the best way to travel from Italy to Greece is either by flying or taking the ferry.

A local specialist in traveling throughout this region will probably tell you that flying is way faster and cheaper. But you might be in the mood (and have the time) for an epic sailing adventure! Either way, you have lots of options.

Fly between Greece and Italy

Thanks to Europe’s several budget/low-cost airlines, you could get round-trip flights booked from Italy to Greece for less than $40! In peak season, you can still find tickets for less than $100 if you book ahead.

Check out airlines like Jet2, Easyjet, and Ryanair for the best deals. Aegean Airlines, ITA, and Volotea also fly between Italy and Greece so it’s worth checking those too.

Ferry from Greece and Italy

The ferry schedule between Venice (where the Italy portion of this itinerary ends) and Athens (where the Greece section begins) is fairly limited. There are only four sailings a week and single tickets start from $250+ per person.

Oh, the journey time for this ferry ride is approximately 33 hours.

So no, you’re probably not going to sail from Italy to Greece or from Greece to Italy, but it’s an option if you have a big pile of books you want to read sitting on your nightstand. You also don’t need to rent a car to follow this itinerary so there’s no reason why you would have to take a ferry.

What’s the Best Way to Visit Greece and Italy in One Trip?

There are several ways to explore the best of both countries and each of them is great for different reasons. You should choose the option that best fits your needs. Take into consideration budget, mobility, time, and style of travel. For example, if you get very sea sick and don’t like being able to be on your own schedule, then a cruise might not be the best option for you.

If you don’t like to be around a lot of people, a tour might not be a good idea fit either. But if you’re traveling solo and you don’t feel comfortable planning and running your own trip, a do-it-yourself option may not be a good choice for you. I’ll lay out the pros and cons of each option below.

Cost Analysis of Italy and Greece Trip Options

Greece and italy tours.

Embarking on a three-week adventure to two countries that you might not have visited before can be daunting, even a guaranteed amazing trip like this one.

If you’re nervous or traveling solo, booking a multi-day Italy or Greece tour has a lot of benefits. You’ll get a tour director who is a local specialist in traveling this region with a lot of insider tips. Often, tours include some meals like a welcome and farewell dinner, plus you’ll get to make friends with your like-minded, fellow travellers.

This two week Italy and Greece tour is a great option for anyone looking to travel in a group and not have to worry about any logistics. It’s also a fantastic price for a trip this length and has great reviews. It’s run by Trafalgar which is a very reputable tour company.

Pros of taking an Italy and Greece Tour

• Most things are taken care of for you
• Ability to pay over time
• Great option for solo travelers who want to make friends
• Good for those who don’t drive

Cons of taking an Italy and Greece Tour

• It’s very people-y
• You’re not on your own schedule
• Not a lot of flexibility
• Can be pricey

Italy and Greece Cruises

Another great way to explore these two beautiful countries is to take a cruise of the Aegean and Adriatic seas, allowing you to visit port cities in Greece and Italy. There are several great cruise options. If you’re on a budget, this 16-day cruise is only $3,200 USD and hits so many incredible places in both countries.

Pros of taking an Italy and Greece Cruise

• Accommodations and most food is taken care of for you
• Chances to make friends for solo travelers
• You get to see a lot of ocean

Cons of taking an Italy and Greece Cruise

• Not great if you get seasick
• Can be expensive
• You don’t get to see a lot of the interior of each country
• You’re only in each location for a short time

Do it Yourself Italy and Greece Itinerary

If you don’t think a tour or cruise will be a good option for you, then a DIY Italy and Greece Itinerary is probably going to be the best fit.

This is a detailed, day-by-day itinerary for exploring Italy and Greece over three weeks. If you’re based in the US, there tend to be more direct flights to Italy than Greece and they’re often more affordable.

However, you might personally find it more convenient and cheaper to fly to Greece. Feel free to book round-trip flights to one city in Italy or Greece or fly into one country and out of the other. It all depends on what works for your schedule, vacation time, and the deals you can find.

If you want a more detailed itinerary, I highly recommend downloading our Italy Greece Combo guides. They cover 20 days (10 in each country) and walk you through each day, giving you recommendations, schedules, tours, restaurants, and more. We’ve helped thousands of people travel to Italy and Greece with these guides.

Visiting all of the iconic cities and resort towns in Italy would take months if not years! This 10-day Italy itinerary is the perfect balance between bustling cities and picturesque countryside.

You’ll visit the capital city of ancient Rome, the floating city of Venice, and Florence as well as the regions of the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and the northern lakes.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

If you’re flying from the continental US, Rome is around nine hours ahead to six hours ahead. Excluding early morning departures, this itinerary works for anyone arriving in Rome on a red-eye flight or the day before.

Without delay, welcome to the Eternal City! Rome is Italy’s bustling ancient capital and the best place to begin a first-time Italian adventure.

After breakfast, spend your first morning on a Vespa or walking tour to see the highlights and orientate yourself in this sprawling city. Here are some of the top sights you can expect to see on a guided tour of modern and ancient Rome:

• Trevi Fountain
• The Pantheon
• Spanish Steps
• Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
• Roman Forum
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Piazza Navona
• Piazza del Popolo
• Campo De Fiori Market

Ask your tour director for advice on where to eat a typical Italian meal during your time in Rome. They are a local specialist, after all! Try street food like the Roman suppli (a fried rice ball similar to Sicilian arancini) or porchetta panini as well as delicious dishes in restaurants.

You should leave room in your schedule to visit the Colosseum, not just see the outside. Book a guided tour to avoid long lines and to learn about the history.

On your first free evening, head across the River Tiber to the cool Trastevere neighborhood.

Day 2: Rome

It’s only possible to snap photos of the Trevi Fountain without the crowds if you visit very early in the morning. If you’d rather sleep in, after breakfast, spend your morning in Vatican City.

Don’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, and the Vatican Museums, home of the Sistine Chapel. Book a tour of the Vatican Museums so you don’t have to wait in a long line.

After visiting Vatican City, book a cooking class so you can learn how to make more authentic meals in contrast to the Italian dishes you’re probably used to making at home! And it goes without saying, but you should be eating as much homemade gelato in Rome as you can too.

Walk off all those delicious plates of Roman pasta and desserts in Villa Borghese before spending the evening in the Jewish Quarter.

Day 3: Amalfi Coast

It’s time to leave Rome and head south to the Amalfi Coast. This UNESCO-listed region offers charming hillside villages, calm waters, and beautiful white sands.

It takes around three and a half hours to travel there via Naples on the train, so set off early.

Here are some fun things to do during your free day on the Amalfi Coast:

• Positano Beach
• Villa Cimbrone
• Sunset at Ravello
• Fiordo di Furore
• Emerald Grotto
• Explore Sorrento
• Day Trip to Pompeii

Spend the night on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 4: Florence

Now, it’s time to visit the City of the Renaissance! Florence is the capital of Tuscany and a must for history lovers and culture vultures.

Take the train to Florence from the Amalfi Coast via Naples in the morning and arrive by early afternoon. Here are some of the best things you can do on your free afternoon in Naples:

• Climb the Dome of Florence’s Duomo
• Baptistry of St. John at the Duomo
• Walk Across Ponte Vecchio
• Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
• Uffizi Gallery
• Piazzale Michelangelo for views
• Basilica of Santa Croce
• Boboli Gardens
• Gelateria Santa Trinita
• Piazza della Signoria

Spend the night in Florence.

Day 5: Florence and Pisa

On your final morning in Florence, you may want to check out some of the top attractions you didn’t get around to visiting the day before.

Accademia Gallery, for example, usually opens at 8:15 am. This is a great time to see the Statue of David as it’s usually packed out!

The train from Florence to Pisa takes less than an hour and it’s en route to the colorful, coastal Cinque Terre villages so it’s the perfect stopover. Spend a few hours here taking Instagrammable photos of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral before hopping back on the train to head north.

Ideal towns to stay in on Cinque Terre for this itinerary are Monterosso al Mare or the nearby city of Levanto.

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Start off your full day in Cinque Terre in the picturesque village of Monterosso al Mare. This is the northernmost town of the five lands that make up Cinque Terre. The other four, from north to south, are Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

There are three ways you can explore Cinque Terre:

• By train – Purchase a Cinque Terre rail pass at any station to visit all five villages
• By ferry – Head to the dock for a day pass but note they don’t stop at Corniglia
• By foot – The Blue Trail connects all five villages but parts are often closed for maintenance

Exploring by train is the quickest and most efficient way to see all five villages. Enjoy the epic viewpoints, gelato, seafood, and watching the sunset from any of the Cinque Terre towns.

Day 7: Milan and Lake Como

Wake up bright and early to take the train from Cinque Terre. Plan to arrive in Milan early afternoon for a short stopover.

Here are some things you can see in Milan during your afternoon there:

• Milan’s Duomo Rooftop
• The Last Supper Painting by Da Vinci
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Head to the town of Bellagio on the banks of Lake Como where you’ll spend the night. You can take a train to Como and then a bus, but you might prefer to hire a driver for convenience.

Day 8: Lake Como

There’s only one way to spend your free day in Lake Como: sailing on the lake and exploring charming lakeside villages!

You have three sailing options:

• Catch a round-trip ferry
• Book a private boat tour
• Rent a boat

Spend the day stopping off at as many beautiful villages as you can and seeing incredible villas. Here is some inspiration:

• Town of Varenna
• Town of Menaggio
• Villa Balbianello in Lenno
• Villa Melzi in Bellagio
• Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo

Spend a second night in Bellagio.

Day 9: Venice

It’s time to explore the romantic, floating city of Venice! Book a driver for your return trip to Milan and take the train to Venice.

The first thing you should do is take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and down the waterways that run beside Venice’s narrow streets. You’ll be able to see lots of churches, city squares, and bridges from the viewpoint that Venice is meant to be seen.

Spend your free evening eating cicchetti (Venitian tapas) and if you’re in the mood for after-dinner drinks, head to Harry’s Bar where Hemingway once frequented.

Day 10: Venice

After breakfast, spend your last day in Italy seeing as many of Venice’s top sights as you can. Be an early bird to avoid the cruise ship crowds! Here are some suggestions:

• St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
• Doge’s Palace
• Rialto Bridge and Market
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• St Mark’s Campanile
• Bridge of Sighs
• Libreria Acqua Alta
• Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Depending on your travel plans, either fly out to Athens tonight or enjoy your last night in Venice.

After spending over a week on a sightseeing tour of Italy doing what the Romans do, it’s time to explore the island nation of Greece. This 10-day itinerary offers heaped helpings of ancient history with a side dish of wonderful beaches and glistening turquoise waters on the Greek Islands.

You’ll visit the ancient city of Athens on mainland Greece before venturing on an island-hopping Greece tour of Crete and two islands in the Cyclades, Santorini and Naxos.

Day 11: Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece and its capital city, Athens! Note that Greece is one hour ahead of Italy.

Depending on what time to arrive, you may be able to start exploring Ancient Athens today. Look at the list of things to do on tomorrow’s date as there are endless things to do here to fill your time.

Day 12: Athens

Continue exploring Athens and all of its spectacular ancient sites, some of which are thousands of years old. Here are all of the sites you can visit just within the Acropolis Hill area:

• The Parthenon
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Monument of Agrippa
• Temple of Nike Athena
• Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion
• Old Temple of Athena Polias
• Olive Tree of the Pandroseion

Spend the rest of your day exploring the Acropolis Museum, which has an on-site restaurant, and the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Day 13: Chania, Crete

Take a flight out to Chania airport on Crete, the first of the three Greek Islands you’ll visit on this trip, to start your island-hopping adventure.

Once you arrive in Crete, here are some things you can do in Chania or nearby:

• Samariá Gorge
• Elafonisi Beach
• Adkadi Monastery
• Balos Lagoon

Spend the evening wandering through the old port of Chania. Don’t miss out on tasting local cheeses served with olives and herbs, typically freshly prepared.

Day 14: Chania, Crete

There are tons more places to explore on your full day in Chania. Start your day wandering around Old Chania Market, which is also known as the Agora. You can buy lots of local fresh produce or souvenirs here.

Next, take a half a day trip to Falassarna Beach which is only an hour’s drive away.

When you get back, check out the Minoan Ruins of Chania and the Church of Agios Nikolaos before enjoying a relaxing evening.

Day 15: Eastern Crete

Who’s ready for a mini road trip?! Rent a car or book a driver and head to Eastern Crete making some stops along the way:

• Stop 1 – Fortezza in Rethymno
• Stop 2 – Rimondi Fountain
• Stop 3 – Neratze Mosque
• Stop 4 – Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon
• Stop 5 – Porta Guora

Stay near the towns of Malia or Elounda.

Day 16: Spinalonga or Heraklion

You have a free day to do whatever you please! Hang out at your resort, book a day trip with a tour director who is a local specialist in Crete, or explore independently with a rental car. Here are some great choices of what to do with your day:

Option 1: Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Option 2: Island of Spinalonga

You can either catch a ferry to Spinalonga or book a sightseeing tour extension online or through your hotel.

Day 17: Santorini

The white-washed island of Santorini is a must-visit on any first trip to Greece. Head to the ferry terminal and hop on a boat to Athinios Port.

Some of the best places to stay in Santorini are Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira.

Spend your first day relaxing on one of the wonderful beaches on this island before enjoying a sunset boat ride. You’ll get the best view of the Oia windmills!

Day 18: Santorini

To make the most of your day in Santorini, book a sightseeing tour of the island’s highlights. Here are some of the hotspots you should aim to see on a day tour:

• Ancient Ruins of Akrotiri
• Santorini Vineyards
• Mount Profitis Ilias
• Monastery of Profitis Ilias
• Fira and Oia Hiking Path

If you drink wine, compare a Greek wine tasting with glasses you enjoyed in Italy. After a few sips, you’ll not be able to say which you prefer.

Day 19: Naxos

Take the two to four-hour ferry from Santorini to your final island in Greece, Naxos. Because it’s a long boat ride and you probably won’t arrive until lunch, spend your afternoon relaxing on one of the best beaches in Naxos:

• Agios Giorgios
• Agios Prokopios
• Plaka Beach

Spend the night at your resort before your last full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 20: Naxos

Rent a car, book a driver, or join a group tour to see the highlights of Naxos.

Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

• Eggares Olive Oil Museum
• Kouroi of Melanes
• Apeiranthos
• Zas Mountain
• Town of Chalki
• Limpertas Manolis Pottery
• Temple of Demeter

Spend your last evening enjoying dinner with a beach view or getting stuck into a Greek cooking class.

Day 21: Return to Athens

Take the ferry or fly from Naxos to Athens. Ferries take around three hours but the flight is only 45 minutes.

Or you can take a direct flight from Naxos to Rome if you booked a round-trip flight to Italy from your home airport.

Use this Guide to Plan an Epic Italy and Greece Trip

This Italy and Greece itinerary includes plenty of inspiration, logistical info, and advice so you can enjoy an incredible three-week vacation.

You do not have to choose between Greece or Italy and there is absolutely no doubt that you will have an unforgettable time on this amazing trip exploring both countries. I hope this helps you have the best trip ever!

And if you need help deciding what to do, the best tours, restaurants and more, be sure to download our Italy Greece Itinerary – an amazing 2 for 1 combo!

I Heart Italy

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ways to Plan Your Ideal Italy and Greece Vacation Package for 2024

W alk in the footsteps of historical figures. Italy and Greece are beautiful, culturally rich countries that offer an engaging travel adventure. Whether it is the historical sites of Rome, the works of art in Florence, or the sunny Greek islands , the actual process of organizing your Italy & Greece tour packages is actually half the fun! This guide will help you plan your Italy & Greece tour to the fullest and ensure you have an amazing time.

Why Italy and Greece?

Italy and Greece are two of Europe’s top tourist destinations, and for good reason. Both countries are full of historical and cultural sights, as well as scenic landscapes. From the historical sites of Rome and Athens to the picturesque coastlines of the Amalfi Coast and Greek islands, there is something for everyone. Looking for italy and greece vacation packages 2024 could be helpful since they are professionally organized and include tours, accommodations, and transportation to these two destinations effectively without much effort and time that might be required for an average traveler to organize such a trip on their own.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Both Italy and Greece are countries that have been leading Western civilization for thousands of years. In Italy, you can see what is left of Rome, the cradle of the Renaissance in Florence and the beauty of Venice. Greece, the home of democracy and philosophy, offers the opportunity to visit ancient temples, theaters, and the Parthenon in the Acropolis of Athens.

Natural Beauty

Both countries are endowed with beautiful natural scenery. Italy boasts various terrains, from the hilly regions of Tuscany to the steep landscapes of the Amalfi Coast. Greece is famous for its turquoise waters and beautiful islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, which are ideal for both leisure and exploration.

Culinary Delights

The cuisines of Italy and Greece are famous globally. Tantalizing Italian pasta, pizza, and gelato; moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava are waiting for you. You can’t claim to have toured these countries without indulging in their respective food cultures.

How to Plan Your Italy & Greece Tour Packages

Here are some guidelines to follow when planning your Italy and Greece vacation packages for 2024.

1. Determine Your Travel Dates

The ideal time for tourism in Italy and Greece is between April and June and September and October, when the climate is favorable, and the tourist traffic is lighter. Summer, particularly July and August, is also preferred but can be extremely hot and tourist crowds throng to prominent attractions.

2. Decide on Your Destinations

Both countries offer many options, so it’s better to decide which attractions and activities are a priority. undefined

• Rome: Some of the most famous places include ancient structures such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum.
• Florence: Art connoisseurs would be captivated by the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral, and this famous ‘Old Bridge’.
• Venice: Visit the canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace.
• Amalfi Coast: Other attractions include the beautiful coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
• Athens: Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon as well as the ancient marketplace or Agora.
• Santorini: Renowned for the white buildings and beautiful sunsets.
• Mykonos: A popular tourist destination famous for its active night life and stunning beaches.
• Crete: Travel back in time and explore archaeological sites, sun-kissed coastlines, and picturesque towns.

3. Choose Your Mode of Travel

Traveling between Italy and Greece is convenient, with various options available:

• Flights: The fastest mode of transport between cities. Most budget airlines offer flights between Italy and Greece.
• Ferries: Perfect for island-hopping in Greece and for moving from the Italian peninsula to the Greek archipelago.
• Trains: Italy has extensive rail connections, making it easy to travel from one town to another. Greece also has a train network, though it’s not as developed as Italy’s.

4. Book Your Accommodation

Italy and Greece both offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget:

• Luxury Hotels: For a luxurious experience, book historic hotels or resorts with great views.
• Boutique Hotels: Experience customized customer care and interior design.
• Vacation Rentals: Recommended for families or groups as they offer more space and facilities.

5. Create Your Itinerary

A well-planned itinerary will help you get the most out of your Italy and Greece tour. Here’s a sample 14-day itinerary:

6. Plan Your Activities

It’s always recommended to book activities in advance to secure a spot, especially for popular attractions. Consider guided tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and boat excursions to further immerse yourself in the experience.

7. Budgeting

Set your budget for the trip, including accommodation, transport, food, and activities. Discounts on Italy and Greece vacation packages for 2024 are easy to find.

8. Packing Tips

Dress appropriately for the weather and planned activities. Wear good walking shoes, as both countries have many historical sites and cobblestone paths. Be sure to pack swimwear for the beaches and appropriate attire for visiting sacred places.

Italy & Greece Vacation Ideas

Here are some additional vacation ideas to inspire your Italy & Greece tour:

1. Cultural Immersion

Familiarize yourself with the community by visiting fairs and local markets, and engaging with the people. Engage in traditional Italian and Greek activities, such as pasta-making classes in Italy or Greek dance lessons in Greece.

2. Food and Wine Tour

Organize a culinary trail to explore the food culture of Italy and Greece. Taste wine in the Tuscan countryside, eat pizza in Naples, and savor seafood in the Greece islands.

3. Romantic Getaway

For a couple’s getaway, take a walking tour of the countryside of Tuscany, a boat ride at Santorini at sunset, and stay in cozy boutique hotels.

4. Family Vacation

Both Italy and Greece can be considered child-friendly countries. Go to museums that can be explored through games, sunbathe on the beach, and participate in family-friendly excursions.

5. Adventure and Outdoor Activities

As for tourists in search of thrills, both countries provide many opportunities for outdoor activities. Try hiking through the Cinque Terre trails in Italy, cruising in the Greek islands, and exploring the caves and gorges of Crete.

Deciding on your perfect Italy and Greece vacation packages for 2024 can be a fulfilling process, offering you the best of both worlds: culture and scenic beauty. Following this guide will help you build an itinerary that is interesting and enjoyable, ensuring a successful Italy & Greece tour. Whether discovering historical monuments, tasting fantastic meals, or sunbathing on charming shores, your trip to Italy & Greece will be a thrilling journey.

When is the best time to go to Italy and Greece?

The best time to visit is in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) because the weather is fine and tourists are few. This is also a busy season with July and August being hot, humid, and crowded especially in areas that many tourists flock to.

What are the ways to get from Italy to Greece?

The fastest method of transport from one city to another in Italy and Greece is by air and there are many cheap flights that connect the countries. Ferries are also a wise choice, especially for island hopping in Greece or for traveling from the Italian peninsula to the Greek islands.

What are some must-visit destinations in Italy and Greece?

In Italy, you should not travel without visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast for historical and sightseeing destinations. The popular places to visit in Greece are Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete due to historical sites and sceneries.

The post Ways to Plan Your Ideal Italy and Greece Vacation Package for 2024 appeared first on Mom and More .