Italy, Spain and Greece: 10-Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors

© 2004 YaninaTravels

I was determined to see Rome, Florence, Venice, Barcelona, Athens, Myconos and Santorini. All of them! In 10 days. It took me a few months to plan this trip, since it was involving so many combinations and matching in between various kinds of transportation (flights, rails, water buses, regular buses, ferry rides, etc.)

WHAT TO BRING

Read my other post Traveling with Less: Travel Gear Guide

Flight from USA to Rome, Italy. Get a taxi or a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Hotel in Rome: Holiday Inn Express Rome – San Giovanni (2 nights)

Explore Rome. Take a walk and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city.  I loved the Trevi Fountain, the massive Colosseum, the narrow streets with romantic little restaurants and outside tables, decorated with fresh flowers and the smell of delicious food around!

Take a rail from Rome to Florence. Book your one-way ticket online at Rail Europe . Take any of the city sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses to explore Florence on the same day. Hotel in Florence: Hotel Olimpia (1 night)

Take a rail from Florence to ‘Venice – Santa Lucia’ (this is the central train station to Venice). Book your one-way ticket online at Rail Europe . Take a water bus to the hotel with Vaporetti, which are public water buses. They run 24 hours a day, however, less frequently after midnight. Different lines travel different parts of the city at various speeds. You can buy ticket on the boat from the boat attendant. Contact the hotel where you decide to stay and ask them what boat number you should take and where to get off. Hotel in Venice: Hotel Villa Tiziana (1 night)

Take a water taxi to go back to the train station Mestre-Venezia, from where you can get on a train or bus to the airport Treviso, in order to get on a plane with Ryan Air to Girona Airport (Barcelona, Spain). Purchase in advance your round trip air ticket (Treviso-Barcelona) from Ryan Air . Get on a bus from Girona Airport to Barcelona to your hotel. Hotel in Barcelona: Barcelo Hotel Sants (2 nights)

Take any of the city sightseeing buses in Barcelona to explore the city in a day.

Take a bus back to Girona Airport (Barcelona) to get on the flight back to Treviso Airport (Venice). Get on ATVO bus from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma to the port where you get on Minoan Line’s bus-shuttle (grey Brusutti bus) and they will drive you to the sea port for your ferry to Greece. Get at the sea port and take off to Greece with Minoan Lines Ferry to Korfu-Igumenitsa-Patras. You will spend one night on the ferry and will get off the next day at the last stop – Patras. Buy your tickets online and in advance.

Arrive in Patras and get on a bus to Athens. Hotel in Athens: Acropolis View Hotel (1 night)

Explore Acropolis in Athens in the morning. In the early afternoon, get on a taxi from the hotel in Acropolis to the port in Piraeus. It is about 20 min drive and costs no more than 15 Euro. From the port of Piraeus, get on Paleologos Travel high speed ferry to Myconos, which brings you there in about 4 hours. Hotel in Myconos: The Myconian K Hotels (1 night in Myconos). This hotel provides transportation on arrival and departure from/to the port/hotel, free of charge. Ask them for arrangements.

Get on a ferry to Paros and from there on ferry to Santorini Hotel:  El Greco Hotel Apartments (2 nights)

After Santorini, my trip continued with a flight back to Athens, Greece and then another flight to my native Varna, Bulgaria for a 13-day stay. Later on, I got on a flight from Varna to Paris, where I had a chance to spend a night, go for a night walk and get on the Eiffel Tower. In the morning I took another short walk and had coffee and pastry at one of the Paris’ charming little coffee shops. Lastly, I got on my flight back to the US!

5 thoughts on “Italy, Spain and Greece: 10-Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors”

Would you do anything differently? Most folks say not to do it All . Did you like your hotels and recommend? Rec ferry to Greece w so little time?

Hi Sheryl, I apologize for missing your message! The only thing I would do differently – I would entirely skip visiting Barcelona, Spain, which would give an extra day in Italy or Greece, which were my favorite. Did you do that trip?

What did you use for your research about where you wanted to go and the different methods of transportation? Also, how much did the whole trip cost you?

Internet 🙂 About $2,000 for accommodation and transportation, without food included and without the air ticket from USA to Europe and back. Keep in mind that I took this trip in 2004, which is 16 years ago! Nowadays you can find better deals on accommodations with AirBnb, as well as air tickets deal.

This is very helpful

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On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures. As you walk down bustling roads and beaches, cultures and history fill the air. Uncover divine legends at the Acropolis, admire religious relics at Dubrovnik’s Cathedral or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soak up sweeping views of the emerald landscapes.

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Mediterranean (From Barcelona)

The gateway to greatness

On these Mediterranean cruises, travel from Spain through some of Europe’s most famous ports as you make your way to Italy. Begin in Barcelona where archaic artwork is on display throughout the city. Then saunter through the lavender fields of Provence when you cruise to Marseille. Or visit Il Campo dei Miracoli, also known as “The Field of Miracles,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa

Mediterranean & Aegean (From Rome)

From one sea to another

Embark on a Mediterranean cruise through the Aegean Sea and stroll through highlights of Italy and Greece while also visiting hidden gems like Montenegro. Sail along the Amalfi Coast and tour ancient ruins, including Pompeii. Then cruise to Mykonos, where windmills and bright white architecture accent the turquoise sea. Continue indulging in dreamy landscapes in Athens where mythology comes to life.

Mediterranean & Adriatic (From Athens)

Culture, cuisine and connections

Marvel at world-renowned landmarks on a Mediterranean cruise through the Adriatic Sea. Arrive into Athens early to explore the original Olympic stadium. Then sail to the black-sand beaches of Santorini before feasting your eyes on the culinary creations of Italy. Fill up on pizzas and pastas in Sicily and Naples before cruising into Barcelona.

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1 night Valencia

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Explore Gibraltar, Provence, Genoa and Florence

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13 - 27 Nights

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Then sail to Naples and Sicily, depending on your itinerary

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Rooted in Greek mythology, Athens is alive with stories from civilizations of the past. On a cruise to Europe departing from Athens, arrive early to tour the remains of ancient lores — like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis — dine at the city’s lively tavernas and admire iconic sculptures bathed in natural light within the Acropolis Museum.

Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes. Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city.

As one of the greenest islands in Greece, Corfu is an emerald treasure amidst the colorful Mediterranean landscape. From Paleokastritsa, hike to the mountaintop for unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea. Or get a taste of Corfu when you team up with a famous chef, and handpick local produce that they’ll use to prepare your lunch. Experience it all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

On a Mediterranean cruise to Livorno, travel to Florence or Pisa where artifacts abound. Capture snapshots of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stop by Michelangelo’s David statue at the Accademia and walk up to the “Gates of Paradise” at the Baptistery. Or explore the countryside and meander through the region’s rolling hills that bear vineyards and green olive groves.

Nestled within Boka Bay lies a medieval gem. Kotor is enrobed in ancient houses, palaces and churches that speak to its 12th-century origins. On a Greek cruise, dine on Montenegrin cuisine in the home of a local chef, appreciate 14th-century Venetian art at St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and taste regional wines along the riviera. Or see another side of the city when you kayak through the tunnels of Lipa Cave.

As the largest port in the Mediterranean, Marseille is the gateway to opportunity. On a Mediterranean cruise, spend the day in Arles, and explore the landscapes that inspired much of Van Gogh’s artwork. Stroll through the MuSaMa, a soap museum, and create your own blend alongside a master soap maker. Or roam the city’s most popular landmark, Notre-Dame de la Garden, a Catholic basilica that overlooks the city.

Famous for its beaches and spirited lifestyle, Mykonos is the heartbeat of Greece. Embark on a jeep safari past the city’s windmills, lighthouses and lakes. Walk past temples and marble-lined sanctuaries in Delos, the birthplace of famous Greek gods. Or soak up a day of relaxation on the beach with the city’s Cycladic architecture as your backdrop — all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

Italy’s capital city is something of a dream. Grand chapels and stone angels line the roads, whispering secrets of Rome’s past. On a cruise to Europe from Rome, arrive early to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, you’ll be guaranteed return to The Eternal City. Then walk in the footsteps of Emperors at the Colosseum, and receive a blessing from the Pope at St. Peter’s Square.

Santorini is the epitome of Greece. Wander into the welcoming cafes in Oia, a village teeming with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs. Continue to some of the world’s oldest vineyards and taste the bouquet of wines produced on the island, making sure to visit the black-sand beach of Kamari before heading back to your Mediterranean cruise ship.

Why Cruise the Mediterranean

In lands where the culture is as flavorful as the cuisine, the splendor of the Mediterranean speaks for itself.

World-Class Dining

Captivating cuisine

With mouthwatering entrees and confections, the Mediterranean invites you to embark on a gourmet tour through iconic cities. Reawaken your taste buds with Italian classics like pastas, pizzas and gelato. Or fill your plate with gyros, keftethes and baklava on a Greek cruise. From breakfast to dinner and every delectable dessert in between, the best is before you with Princess.

Bold reds and crisp whites

The countryside of Italy and Greece are home to some of the most flavorful wines around the globe. With sun and warm temperatures year-round, vineyards are flourishing with grapes by the harvest season. Sip on Italy’s red wines, or sample Greece’s white blends. From sweet Lambruscos to earthy Bordeauxs, fill up your glass on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Ancient Ruins

Where history comes to life

From towers and temples to cities and shorelines, the Mediterranean is sprinkled with remains of civilizations past. Step back in time on a tour through ancient ruins on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess. Imagine life as a gladiator at the Colosseum, explore Greek mythology at the Parthenon and discover the archeological excavations of Pompeii — a lost city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art Galleries & Museums

Artistic ingenuity abounds

From the treasures on land to the jewels within museums, the Mediterranean is a true work of art. On an Italian cruise, see portraits from the Renaissance period at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Vatican Museum in Rome. Or walk in the footsteps of celebrated artists that called these regions home — like Picasso and Dali — and allow their work to spark your creativity.

Sun-Kissed Beaches

A vision of natural beauty

Visions of sparkling coasts and crystalline waters welcome you to the Mediterranean. Dip your toes on the black-sand coast of Santorini on a Greek cruise. Head to Salerno to spend the day in Positano relaxing on the white beaches and admiring the pastel houses that decorate the cliffs around you. Or travel to Mykonos with your loved ones and daydream on the city’s long stretch of golden sand and stroll in the sunshine.

Mediterranean excursions

Our award-winning Mediterranean cruise shore excursions bring you to iconic beaches, landmarks and ancient artifacts. See the yacht-lined shores of Kotor while riding on a tuk tuk, an electric rickshaw. Savor the flavors of “Koum Kouat” liqueur, created from Corfu’s exclusive citrus plant. Or stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old town, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Local connections

From chefs and beverage makers to artists and guides, meet the many personalities that call the Mediterranean home with our Local Connections program. On a Mediterranean cruise, voyage to an olive tree farm just outside of Provence, and join your hosts for a unique olive oil tasting. Or explore the Archaeological Museum of Naples with a local artist, and accompany them for lunch to dive even deeper in Italy’s art scene.

More ashore

Enjoy even more opportunities to experience the colors, cultures and flavors of the Mediterranean with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Witness the beautiful sunset in Mykonos on a Greek cruise. Sit front-row for a flamenco dance, and savor a paella dinner during an evening in Barcelona. Or stroll the illuminated streets of Genoa with gelato in hand after a traditional Italian dinner.

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Curated comfort, world-class entertainment and international flavors await you.

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Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Flavors that inspire

From the zest of Provencal ratatouille to the sweetness of Greek Halva, the Mediterranean is bursting with flavor. On board most Princess ships, indulge in a pasta dinner at Sabatini’s℠, or savor local seafood at Crown Grill. While ashore, treat yourself to gelato in Italy or churros in Spain. From ship to shore, appease your appetite with one-of-a-kind dining experiences on every Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

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Find your joy

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of  Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Celebrations and Romance

Love blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. While on board your European cruise, we cater to your sentimental side with private dining on your balcony — like breakfast for two or a sunset dinner — honeymoon packages, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

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Step outside the classroom

Our European cruises were crafted with every guest in mind — even the younger ones. From 6-month old babies to 17-year old teens, kids can unwind and relax or play and explore. In partnership with Discovery™, kids can learn even more with special insights about Italy, Greece and everywhere in between. With engaging activities on board and ashore, kids can see history books come to life before their eyes.

Vegas hits the seas

Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments.

Ships sailing Mediterranean cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise.

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Europe , Greece , Italy , Travel

The complete italy and greece trip itinerary.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

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 .

spain italy and greece 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?!

spain italy and greece trip

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

Italy Packing List

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.

Kefalonia Greece

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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

Kefalonia Greece

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

Kefalonia Greece

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.

Italy-Itinerary-Cinque-Terre

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

Things to do in Rome in One Day

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.

Italy-Travel-Guide-Amalfi

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 .

Italy Itinerary

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.

10 Day Italy Itinerary

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.

Things to do in Cinque Terre

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.

10 Day Italy Itinerary

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.

Italy Itinerary

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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!

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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.

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Across the Med: Spain to Greece

9-NIGHT SAILING FROM BARCELONA TO ATHENS

Volcano views and vineyards in Catania

There’s no more idyllic way to catch some rays than by island hopping through Greece and Italy and skirting the French Riviera. Start this nine-night odyssey in Barcelona, before visiting Cannes, Sardinia, Sicily, Mykonos, and the famed white-walled cycladic island of Santorini, before capping off the trip with a dose of ancient history in Athens.

The Virgin Voyages Experience

From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here.

Premier dock in Barcelona

Explore Barcelona’s must-see sights and soak up its unique Spanish vibes with must-see spots like La Barceloneta.

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Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes.

Late stays and overnights

No more rushing from A to Sea. Our itineraries feature late stays and overnights, so you can explore it all from morning to night (and morning again).

Keeping it local

We’ve teamed up with locals in each of our ports to reveal sides of places you’ve yet to explore — from the people who know the destinations best.

The places you'll go

More than just a late-night party town, the capital of Catalonia is full of tranquil, museum-lined mornings and afternoons sipping cava with gorgeous views of the Med.

An iconic and stunning resort destination in the French Riviera, Cannes' unparalleled natural beauty rivals the A-list celebrities who vacation here.

Cagliari, Sardinia

A medieval hilltop town, friendly shepherds, pristine beaches, and impressive shipwrecks — this Sardinian city has it all.

Catania, Sicily

Mount Etna in the morning. Architecture in the afternoon. Just a day in this city and its electric energy will have you yearning to return... as soon as possible.

Known for its hip beach clubs and electric nightlife, this famous Greek Isle has a notably quiet side, too — and it's truly spectacular.

From the hills of Oia to the Caldera coast, this island is known for its fiery, orange and pick sunsets and postcard-worthy beaches.

Piraeus (Athens)

Bright blue skies, sand-fringed shores, and a bustling street art scene — few places are as colorful as this ever-evolving city.

We have even more in our curated catalog.

An ocean of opportunities calling your name.

There’s nothing more liberating than having the freedom of charting your own course. No pre-assigned seating, no fixed schedules, no limited options, no nonsense — just a shipload of opportunities to rejuvenate your body and transform your soul.

WANDERLUST SATISFIED

We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Because we didn’t build a cruise, we created a voyage.   Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.

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A flexible, pay-over-time solution, up to $375 in value, add a splash for your bash, limited-time cruise deals.

You deserve a vacation. And you deserve a deal. So we’re making both of those things happen. Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

Rest Your Head

These are the spots you might be calling home. Whether you prefer coffee (or cocktails) overlooking the waves, or waking up late in your own cocoon, we're holding space for you.

Always Included Luxury

We’ve taken care of all the details — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. Everything below is included.

From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.

Soft Drinks & Water

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee.

Browse, post, and stay connected with wifi — whenever you want, and wherever you are on the ship.

We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences.

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Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered.

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7m Tours LLC

Spain, Italy & Greece Tour

spain italy and greece trip

15 Nights / 16 Days

https://www.tourtravelworld.com/packages/spain-italy-greece-tour-136204.html INR 0 Offered by : 7m Tours LLC https://www.tourtravelworld.com/packages/spain-italy-greece-tour-136204.html

Package Overview

Baggage handling and airline Baggage Charges Cost of Visa for USA citizen only (7M Tours is not responsible for rejection in Visa by consulate ) Early check in in the Hotel. Anything not included in the package Any tours, transfers or event tickets not mentioned in package Travel and medical Insurance to participate in tour Airports Departure Taxes Meals other than what is mentioned in your itinerary Tips of any nature i.e. drivers, guides, tour managers etc Any expenses of personal nature such as porterage, laundry, wines, mineral water, food and drink not in the regular menu provided by us, mini bar, telephone calls, pay channels etc. Cost of excursions, city sightseeing, entrance fees and local guides availed of by the passengers, other than that mentioned in ‘Inclusions’

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Day wise Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Madrid (Spain)

Arrive at Madrid International airport. Meet, greet and transfer to hotel & check-in. Depending on time of arrival. Overnight at Madrid hotel.

  • Meals & Drinks : Dinner

Day 2 : Madrid – City Tour

After breakfast we proceed for a city tour with an experienced English speaking local guide. Visit the Royal Palace - considered by many to be one of the finest palaces in Europe. Visit the Prado Museum - The quality and variety of its collection makes the Prado Museum one of its kinds. After lunch, proceed on an orientation tour of this city. See stunning sights like the Plaza de Espana, Sabatini Garden, Cervantes Statue, the Parliament and many more interesting sights.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : Madrid – Transfer by train to Barcelona – Visit Barcelona Aquarium

Proceed to Barcelona by Train. Due to its superb location on the Mediterranean, its vibrant street life, fascinating Gaudi architecture, superb cuisine and its world famous football team, Barcelona has become Europe's one among most popular destinations. Barcelona, Spain's second largest city, and the 2,000-year-old capital of Catalunya, is a thriving port town with an excellent year-round climate, a cosmopolitan attitude, and enough art, architecture, nightlife and gastronomical delights to satisfy travelers of all ages On arrival visit Barcelona Aquarium. Late free time at Barcelona beach front.

  • Hotspots : Barcelona Beach , Climate , Nightlife , Climate , Nightlife

Day 4 : Barcelona – City Tour – Visit Sagrada Familia & Casa Mila – Spanish Village

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, join an English speaking local guide for a full day tour of this city. Visit the magnificent Sagrada Familia - a massive Roman Catholic Basilica and Gaudi's masterpiece. The sight of this masterpiece is nothing short of dramatic. Next, visit the Casa Mila - an expressionist and unconventional apartment block created by Gaudi. It breaks traditional architecture by not using a single straight line. Later, after lunch, visit Les Ramblas - the bustling city centre. Later we continue to the Montjuich Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city and harbour. Next we see the Pueblo Espanol, a Spanish village giving us a glimpse into the country's many architectural styles.

Day 5 : Barcelona – Rome (Italy)

Today proceed to the airport to board flight to Rome (Italy). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6 : Rome – City Tour

Relish a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel. Later, proceed towards City Tour with entrance to entrance to the Rome Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Next visit Parthenon, the Capitoline Museum and Trevi Fantam. Experience Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam with you own eyes as you explore the Sistine Chapel and wander Raphael`s Rooms. After taking in the Museums, be humbled by the imposing beauty of Saint Peter’s Basilica, where you will encounter another of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, La Pieta. For a fascinating finish, you will stop to admire the magnificent Saint Peter’s Square, as your guide points out Bernini’s ingenious use of optical illusion. Evening we will back to hotel, you can relax in the rest of the day.

Day 7 : Rome – Vatican Tour with Guide

Today proceed for Vatican Tour with guide. Enjoy visits to the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel and many other interesting places in Vatican. On Wednesday, due to the Papal Audience, the church of St. Peter will be visited only from outside. (Vatican museum will be closed on Sundays, so tour might be shifted.)

Day 8 : Rome – Florence – Pisa

Today after breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Florence by bus. Check in at the hotel and relax for a while. In the afternoon, proceed to visit Tuscan countryside and the historic city of Pisa. As soon as you arrive in Pisa, proceed for a guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and many other important monuments. Return to Florence and indulge in shopping or sightseeing (on your own). Return to Florence for overnight stay.

  • Hotspots : Shopping

Day 9 : Florence – Venice

Today proceed for City Tour of Florence. Visit Medici Chapel and Basilica di San Lorenzo. Later, enjoy visiting Piazza del Duomo (Duomo Comples), Palazzo del Bargello, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Florence Market, Ponte Vecchio, Church of Santa Croce, and Pitti Palace. (NOTE: The Cathedral cannot be visited on National Holidays, this is beyond our control). Later, depart to Venice by train.

Day 10 : Venice – City Tour – Flight to Athens

Today enjoy a brief City Tour of Venice, featuring Basilica of Marco, St. Mark Square, Barano and Torcello Island. Enjoy flight to Athens. Upon arrival, enjoy overnight stay in Athens.

Day 11 : Athens – City Tour

Today after breakfast, enjoy Half-Day City Tour of Athens and drive along a scenic coastal road which offers a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens's most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varzika) to Cape Sounion. Visit the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world (on a clear day, one can see at least seven islands). The precipice is a sheer 197 foot drop into the sea. Visit the Doric columns of local marble which have 16 flutings instead of the usual 20. The precipice is a sheer 197 foot drop to the sea. Later visit the town of Nafplion and Archaeological Site of Olympia.

Day 12 : Athens – Piraeus/Rafina (Embarkation) – Mykonos

In the morning, after breakfast, we will start our City Tour of the center of Athens, including The Constitution of Greece (Sintagma). It was created by the Fifth Revisional Parliament of the Hellenes and entered into force in 1975The Constitutional history of Greece goes back to the Greek War of Independence, during which the first three revolutionary Greek constitutions were adopted. Afterwards we will visit Old Parliament House. The Old Parliament building, which is located at Stadiou Street in Athens, housed the Greek Parliament between 1875 and 1932. It now houses the country's National Historical Museum. In front of the building stands a large equestrian statue of General Theodoros Kolokotronis, cast in bronze. It was sculpted by Lazaros Sochos in Paris in 1900, and erected in its current place in 1904. Continue our tour, we will go to The National Library of Greece which is situated near the center of city of Athens. It holds 4,500 Greek manuscripts, which is one of the greatest collection of Greek scripts. There are also many chrysobulls and archives of the Greek Revolution. Then we will continue driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see The Evzones in their picturesque uniform and The Presidential Palace, which is the official residence of the President of the Hellenic Republic. It previously served as the Royal Palace, until the abolition of the monarchy by referendum in 1974. On your way to The Acropolis you will see the Hadrian's Arch, visit The Temple of Olympian Zeus. and you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium which was refurbished a second time in 1895 for the 1896 Olympics, with completion funding provided by the Greek benefactor George Averoff whose marble statue now stands at the entrance, based on designs by architects Anastasios Metaxas and Ernst Ziller. Upon arrival Acropolis, we will visit Acropolis Museum which is focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. Also, we will visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, The Temple of Athena Nike, The Erechtheion and The Parthenon, which is a temple in Acropolis, which has harmony between material and spirit. Early evening we will back to hotel, you can relax in the rest of the day.

  • Hotspots : History

Day 13 : Athens – Mykonos

Today we depart to the Island of Mykonos. Mykonos is the most famous Greek island around the world. The cosmopolitan air of Mykonos, the celebrities that visit it, the frantic nightlife as well as its beaches have made the island especially loved among Greeks and foreigners but also an endearing destination for holidays almost around the year. During summer, the cosmopolitan beaches of the island, such as Paradise and Super Paradise, are totally full of people and frantic dances take place during the day. There are also other beautiful and perhaps quieter beaches on the island, such as Mersini, Megali Ammos and Korfos. The beaches of Mykonos are countless and you will need several days to visit them all. The narrow alleys of Hora with the numerous stores, restaurants, bars and clubs, are always full of people and the friendly and hospitable locals are ready to assist you and offer you everything you need on your holidays. The white-painted traditional little houses of Mykonos match perfectly with the modern tourist infrastructure of the island and together offer a unique place for holidays, rest and entertainment. You will surely get the best hospitality possible in the hotels and rooms to rent in Mykonos. You can also visit Little Venice, where you can admire the beauty of the landscape as well as the magnificent, colored buildings. There are also a lot of churches and chapels on the island, which you can visit and admire the architecture and the unique icons.

  • Hotspots : Entertainment , Nightlife

Day 14 : Mykonos – Santorini – Transfer by Ferry

Today after Breakfast at the hotel we depart via ferry to beautiful islands of Santorini.

Day 15 : Santorini

After buffet breakfast proceed for a day of stunning yourself on the sands and swimming in the cool waters of the Aegean, or explore Fira for a dose of culture. Look out for the picturesque ruins of windmills and pose for pictures against the pretty whitewashed houses and the blue sea. Pay a visit to Ormos, the old port, to visit the quaint restaurants and tavernas that line the bottom of the caldera’s cliffs. Access to the old port is tricky with some 600 stone steps down, so we enjoy the same on cogwheel cable car instead. The short jaunt lends itself to unforgettable views. Overnight in Santorini Island.

  • Hotspots : Culture , Culture

Day 16 : Santorini – Athens – Departure from Athens

After breakfast, depart to Athens. From Athens, depart from airport back home.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast
  • Sightseeing
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Deluxe Hotel Accommodations on Double Occupancy
  • All Transfers & Transportations in an air-conditioned
  • coach in each city
  • Cost involved Sightseeing per Itinerary with entrance fees
  • Cost of English speaking Tour Guides
  • 24/7 Tour Manager
  • Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Indian Dinner mentioned in your
  • itinerary (Only Vegetarian) NOTE: (All the meals are
  • preset and cannot be changed)
  • Baggage handling and airline Baggage Charges
  • Cost of Visa for USA citizen only (7M Tours is not
  • responsible for rejection in Visa by consulate )
  • Early check in in the Hotel.
  • Anything not included in the package
  • Any tours, transfers or event tickets not mentioned in
  • Travel and medical Insurance to participate in tour
  • Airports Departure Taxes
  • Meals other than what is mentioned in your itinerary
  • Tips of any nature i.e. drivers, guides, tour managers etc
  • Any expenses of personal nature such as porterage,
  • laundry, wines, mineral water, food and drink not in the
  • regular menu provided by us, mini bar, telephone calls, pay
  • channels etc.
  • Cost of excursions, city sightseeing, entrance fees and
  • local guides availed of by the passengers, other than that
  • mentioned in ‘Inclusions’

A Deposit of 25% WILL BE REQUIRED to start booking process. Remainder 75% of payment due no later than 7 DAYS prior to client arrival.

Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions Surcharges apply for any trade fair/special event/weekend in any other event in city. We reserve the right to use alternative accommodation, sightseeing tours and transfer of equal or higher standers. No refunds either in part or full will be made for any unused services in above package like ground transportation, meals, accommodation, sightseeing tours. We are not responsible for any missed breakfast, lunch or dinner due to flight timings. No Intercity surface transfers are included unless specified in the package. We are not responsible for any baggage charges by any airlines for the clients. Payment for the tour must be made as per the invoice & payment terms and conditions. Changes to any part of the agreed itinerary cannot be made once partial and/or full payment has been made to 7M Tours. Tour will not start on a weekend unless previously arranged by 7M Tours. Booking Conditions Each traveler is required to fill out a Disclaimer Form, duly sign in and return along with a copy of the valid passport (Photo page for US Citizen). ❖ Meals: The location and menus are pre-set for the meals provided on the tour. We reserve the right to change the location and the menu under events which occur beyond our control. ❖ Hotels: We tend to select hotels which are more comfortable after a long day of sightseeing. All baggage and personal belongings are at all times and under all circumstances your responsibility. 7m Tours will not be responsible or liable in case of loss / breakage of such items from the hotel or transit all along the duration of tour. The company is not liable for any damages done to the room or the hotel during your stay there. ❖ Transportation: We use air-conditioned/air-cool luxury coaches for ground transportation. No seat numbers will be allocated and daily seat rotation will be done as to be fair to every traveller. The tour manager has the final authority for the seating arrangement/rotation in the coach. ❖ Cancellation due to VISA rejection: All clients travelling with 7M Tours must possess a valid visa, if applicable. However, kindly note that Visa issuance is entirely at the discretion of the concerned Consulate/Authorities to grant/reject visa even after submitting all relevant documents and the company will not be held responsible for the same. The company will not be responsible for non-issuance of the visa due any reason whatsoever. ❖ Travel Insurance: We highly recommend you purchase a comprehensive Travel insurance in order to protect your trip from any unforeseen cancellations, medical problems during the tour, trip cancellations etc. Disclaimer: We reserve the right to change any information or attractions before or after our booking the tour due to events beyond our control like bad weather, any natural calamity, or any accident. All rates and hotels are subject to change without any prior notice. Major road works may necessitate route change in the itineraries. Closure of Indian restaurants or change in the management may cause us to make changes in the itinerary. We will notify you in advance where we know about these changes beforehand, otherwise our tour managers or local representative will inform you of the changes during the tour. We cannot be responsible for any loss or damages, injury, sickness, accident, delay, discomfort, death, increased expenses, which is caused by the act or default of the company, and management or employees of any hoteliers, airlines, shipping company, coach owner/coach operator who are the company’s independent contractors residing outside our normal selection and inspection process. Any claim or complaint by the client must be notified to the company in writing with 7 days after the end of the tour.

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  • 1415 McCoy Rd Suite A Orlando, Florida (Fl), USA - 32809
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Washington - New York - Houston

Huntsville Rocket CenterSpace Camp Tour

Huntsville Rocket CenterSpace Camp Tour

New York - Atlanta - Huntsville

Orlando KSC Space Camp Tour

Orlando KSC Space Camp Tour

Argentina & Chile Tour

Argentina & Chile Tour

Buenos Aires - Santiago

Cusco & Lake Titicaca Special Tour

Cusco & Lake Titicaca Special Tour

Colombia Tour

Colombia Tour

South America with Amazon Tour

South America with Amazon Tour

Tour packages for 16 days and 15 nights.

Shimla,Kinnaur,Manali,Amritsar Romantic Package

Shimla,Kinnaur,Manali,Amritsar Romantic ..

Shimla - Kinnaur - Manali - Amritsar

08048026916

Hill Station with Vaishno Devi - 15 Nts./16 Days Tour

Hill Station with Vaishno Devi - 15 Nts...

New Delhi - Shimla - Manali - Dalhousie - Dharamshala

Everest Base Camp Trek - 16 Days Tour

Everest Base Camp Trek - 16 Days Tour

Laos Adventure & Eco - Tours

Laos Adventure & Eco - Tours

Muang Xay - Vientiane

Amazing Rajasthan Tour

Amazing Rajasthan Tour

New Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Chittorgarh - Jodhpur - ..

Beauty of Andaman Tour

Beauty of Andaman Tour

Luxury Tour with Vilases

Luxury Tour with Vilases

New Delhi - Shimla - Agra - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Mumbai - Udaipur

Grand Tour Of Rajasthan

Grand Tour Of Rajasthan

New Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Pushkar - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Uda..

Spiritual India Amritsar - Himalayas - Jim Corbett Tour

Spiritual India Amritsar - Himalayas - J..

New Delhi - Amritsar - Shimla - Chandigarh City - Rishikesh

Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Athens, Mykonos, Barcelona Beach, Climate, Nightlife, History, Culture Tour Package

Paris-Zurich-Florence-Rome

Paris-Zurich-Florence-Rome

Paris - Zurich - Florence - Rome

08048405835

Splendid Europe

Splendid Europe

Zurich - Lucerne - Milan - Rome

08049671478

Greece and Turkey with Celestyal Idyllic Aegean Cruise

Greece and Turkey with Celestyal Idyllic..

Athens - Thessaloniki - Kusadasi - Heraklion - Santorini - Mykonos - Milos

08049671316

16 Days and 15 Nights Europe Tour Package

16 Days and 15 Nights Europe Tour Package

London - Paris - Venice - Amsterdam - Rome - Interlaken - Lucerne

08047019066

Student Group Holidays in Greece – Ovad F 1004

Student Group Holidays in Greece – Ova..

Athens - Hydra - Bahraich - Warora - Osmanabad

Italian Collection

Italian Collection

9 Day 3 Island Greece Tour

9 Day 3 Island Greece Tour

Athens - Mykonos - Santorini

National Park Vikos-Aoos tour

National Park Vikos-Aoos tour

Athens - Ioannina

Majestic Europe with Disney

Majestic Europe with Disney

London - Brussels - Amsterdam - Heidelberg - Interlaken - Lucerne - Innsbruck - Ven..

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Greece and Italy Tours & Trips

Experience incredible Italian food, tour the romantic countryside of Tuscany, or the olive groves and blue-roofed houses of Greece. Partygoers should head to Mykonos or Crete, while those who enjoy sailing will find relaxation among the Greek islands. We’ve collected the best 7-day and  10 day Italy itineraries , 10 day Greece itineraries , and even honeymoon cruises .

48 tour packages in Greece and Italy with 199 reviews

Best of Italy and Greece with 3-day cruise Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Best of Italy and Greece with 3-day cruise

Wonderful, we really liked it.

Best of Italy and Greece (14 Days) Tour

  • Ocean Cruise

Best of Italy and Greece (14 Days)

Accommodations for the cruise quarters was the only disappointment. We were not given the opportunity to upgrade our cruise cabin even though we purchased this trip well in advance.

Best of Italy and Greece (10 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Best of Italy and Greece (10 Days)

My family enjoyed the trip. Loved to travel to small towns along the way.

Italy & Greece combo Tour

Italy & Greece combo

Italy and Greece 4 Star w/Catamaran in Santorini Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Italy and Greece 4 Star w/Catamaran in Santorini

We encountered very helpful people at each location. We had very nice accommodations and each tour set up was perfect for our family.

Italy & Greece with Iconic Aegean Islands Cruise Tour

Italy & Greece with Iconic Aegean Islands Cruise

The Highlights of Greece & Italy - 15 Days (Self-guided) Tour

The Highlights of Greece & Italy - 15 Days (Self-guided)

Me and my family had smoothly vacation.We were very satisfied from the provided services. Especially the guide in Athens was so experienced and give us a detailed narration of the monuments. In addittion, the hotels were very clean and cozy and their staff very helpful. I definitely recomend this tour!
  • $65 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Italy & Greece Tour

Italy & Greece

Our tour was great with the help of our Tour Director. The meals included was okay but we felt overall, they could have been better. Accommodations were all great except our last hotel was very hot.

Italy and Santorini Tour

Italy and Santorini

Greece, Italy and Switzerland Tour

Greece, Italy and Switzerland

The whole experience was amazing. I would definitely do it again

Venice Rome & Santorini 4 Star W/BBQ on a Boat Tour

Venice Rome & Santorini 4 Star W/BBQ on a Boat

Italy and Greece - Mediterranean Trip Tour

Italy and Greece - Mediterranean Trip

Greece, Italy, Switzerland and Paris Tour

Greece, Italy, Switzerland and Paris

Well-organized, punctual, great local guides, Tour operators were very helpful. Overall had a great trip .

10 Days Athens, Olympia, Mycenae, Argolis, Nafplio, Peloponnese, Delphi and Meteora Tour

10 Days Athens, Olympia, Mycenae, Argolis, Nafplio, Peloponnese, Delphi and Meteora

Discover the Beauty of Southern Italy & Greece Tour

Discover the Beauty of Southern Italy & Greece

Reviews of greece and italy tours.

Vacation of a lifetime Very well organized, accommodations were great, food was excellent but what made the difference was the travel Director which was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Trip overall was a good experience the tour director and our coach driver's were awesome!!! The hotel in Venice was awful outlet and lights didn't work their staff was rude and unaccomodating we couldn't use the pool on a hot day cause it was always closed thank God we only spent 1 day there with its filthy walls inside our room. We paid for one optional guide in Venice that was a joke the guide walked us to a abandoned church gave us some history on it and that was it went to St. Marks where none of us got to see the tomb and the tour was over didn't get close to our money's worth the entire group felt this way.
  • Fully Guided (39)
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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Griechenland-Italien Rundreisen
  • Français: Circuits en Grèce et Italie
  • Español: Circuitos y Viajes por Grecia e Italia 2024/2025
  • Nederlands: Griekenland en Italië Rondreizen in 2024/2025

spain italy and greece trip

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  • 99% of customers would recommend us to a friend
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  • Travel Disruption Protection included in your trip
  • Stress-free package with accommodation & transport included

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  • Book online with only a 10% Deposit
  • Pay the remaining balance 90 days before departure
  • Tell us your travel preferences and we book your bespoke trip
  • Receive your personalised travel pack and head off on the trip of a lifetime!

Mediterranean Wanderer: 5 Weeks

La dolce vita or la vida loca.

  If you’re a sun worshipper & culture vulture with a passion for the Mediterranean lifestyle then this is the ideal getaway for you! Got a study or career break coming up? Our 5 week option gives you plenty of time to travel Europe by train; see the best of Greece and Italy, Southern France and Spain all in one go. With 2 – 4 nights in each destination you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in each city and have time spare for a few day trips.

Really want to top up your tan? Check out the 6 week version !

Route: Chania Athens Sorrento Catania Rome La Spezia Nice Montpellier Barcelona Palma

Countries: 4

Transport: Train and ferry

Sustainability: This trip creates 223 kg of carbon emissions! Flying the same route would create 1190 kg.

Reviews:     All independent reviews

Span sun-drenched Southern Europe with a route that ties four hot nations together – Greece, Italy, France and Spain. Taking this route around the Mediterranean you’ll travel all the way from Crete to Palma – not bad for 5 weeks’ work! No matter how long you travel for, the only difficulty will be in deciding whether to explore the city or sun yourself on the beach first!

Start your trip off in beach-beautiful Crete, Greece’s largest island! With everything it has to offer, you might never want to leave; with white sandy beaches to lounge on, the White Mountains to hike and eerie caves to explore, you’ll have more than enough to fill your 3 nights here! This is even without mentioning the oodles of mythology and rich history that there is to delve into…

Working your way across Greece, you’ll reach the capital of Athens. This stunning city is so full to the brim with historical and archaeological sites that you probably won’t see everything during your stay, but it’ll show you just how much another trip would be worth it! Be sure to follow the locals to an authentic taverna to sink a silky wine or refreshing beer, all soaked up with a mezze platter.

Carry on to Sorrento for rugged coastlines peppered with sandy beaches and the occasional ethereal cove to explore. Here, you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy views, tasty traditional dishes, and mind-blowingly good limoncello to sip on… and that’s without even mentioning the lively nightlife! With 4 nights here you’ll easily have time to take a quick trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius, too!

Next up, is the beautiful ancient Sicilian port city of Catania, nestled at the foot of the imposing Mount Etna. Explore its stunning religious sites and fascinating museums for a welcome escape from the sun, or, if you can handle the heat, round off your days here lounging on its beautiful golden beaches and sampling the delicious seafood specialties on offer by the coast.

Then head to Rome, the Eternal City, and marvel at the ancient monuments which still stand majestic amongst the centuries-old streets, fancifully furnished with sophisticated cafes and piazzas. Enjoy authentic Italian espresso and tuck into some well-deserved cicchetti before sampling the city’s lively nightlife.

Next up, you’ll spend a couple of days in the picturesque port town of La Spezia. Not only is this a quaint town in its own right, but it’s also the perfect hub to take a day trip to Cinque Terre! If you do decide to head there, be sure to take advantage of the chance to take in the bright and colourful higgledy-piggledy houses climbing the craggy seaside cliffs of each town.

Then you’ll make your way to the glittering French Riviera. You’ll stay in Nice where a twilight stroll along the Promenade Des Anglais is a must! Rub shoulders with celebrities whilst dining al fresco and breathing in the sea air by the golden city beach. If you have time for a day trip make sure to stop off in Monaco! If you’re feeling lucky, flash your cash alongside the filthy rich at the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Who knows, you might even take them to the cleaners!

A short train ride away, Montpellier will be next on your agenda! We reckon that this could be the French Riviera’s most cosmopolitan city, with lively and friendly locals and a cultural melting pot of French influence with a feel for Spain and a taste of North Africa.

Soon after, you’ll arrive in Barcelona and discover Gaudi’s cakebread architectural style permeating the city.  The Sagrada Familia is also a majestic bucket-list sight to behold, before spending the day popping into the boutiques and bars on the side-streets off Las Ramblas. Once you’ve reached culture overload, Barca will take care of your night on the town with plenty of clubs to see your through until the morning.

To round off your trip you’ll take a night ferry to the balmy paradise of Palma, Mallorca! Enjoy laidback island life here and get a load of this little island’s abundant natural beauty; from ethereal caves to unspoiled sandy beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to see and do to end your 5 week adventure with a bang!

– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map.

– Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.

– All possible seat reservations – not just the compulsory ones!

– Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels – tested by us

– Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.

– Travel Disruption Protection – alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.

– 24hr emergency phone number to use while you’re away.

– Personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location.

– Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.

Trip Details

Trip Description

What's included.

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the map.
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.
  • All possible seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries.
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels - tested by us
  • Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
  • Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you’re away.
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more.
  • Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at our partner hostels.
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.

Chania (3 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

With a wealth of natural beauty, Crete is so varied in things to see and do that you’ll never be stuck for ideas! Beaches, mountains, forests and ruins define its landmarks, whilst the locals’ laidback lifestyle reflect its relaxed atmosphere.

Hire out a boat and explore Chania’s beautifully blue waters – you won’t even need a boat license!

Hike the Samaria Gorge for an action-packed day.

Hit up Elafonisi beach for pink sands and awesome surf!

    Night Ferry to Athens – 10 hours

Athens (4 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

Both historic and modern, edgy and traditional, Athens is famous as the capital of the Ancient world. Here you’ll find iconic structures like the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon, but also a wealth of great coffee houses, delicious restaurants and buzzing bar scene. This is a truly young city, with a big student population – and the vibrant atmosphere that comes with it.

Head to the top of Fillopapou hill, overlooking the Acropolis for the best photo opportunities

Explore famous Greek sites – the Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Temple of Poseidon among many others

Drink Greek wine and cocktails al-fresco at one of Athen’s many bars and enjoy the vibrant nightlife

     Overnight Travel to Sorrento – 26 hours (Bus to Patras, Night Ferry to Bari, Train to Naples & Ferry to Sorrento)

Sorrento (4 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

Famous for its golden sandy beaches and mouthwateringly good limoncello, Sorrento is the perfect place to unwind and get a taste of that  dolce vita . With a couple of nights here, be sure to take a tour of the beautiful cloisters and cathedrals before popping to a liqueur tasting to cool off!

Go beach-hopping around the beautifully rugged coastline

Get a taste of the city’s famously good limoncello

Take a load off by getting lost in the city’s cloisters and gardens

     Ferry to Naples & Train to Catania – 9 hours

Catania (3 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

This ancient and quaint port city perched on the eastern coast of Sicily, lies beneath the imposing and breath-taking Mount Etna. With old-world architecture and charm, incredible locally sourced seafood, and breezy open-air bars by the sea, what more could you ask for?

Visit and even hike up Mount Etna if you’re brave!

Head to Castello Ursino to get your fill of the city’s history

Take a tour around any of the many art galleries dotted around the city

    Train to Rome – 10 hours

Rome (4 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

Home to endless culture, stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife, Rome is one of the classic quintessentially European hubs to tick off your travel checklist. Take in the unreal food, fascinating culture and laidback lifestyle!

Marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum

See the world-famous Colosseum

Try real Italian coffee, gelato and pizza

    Train to La Spezia – 4.5 hours

La Spezia (2 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

This little port city focuses most of its culture around the sea, with plenty of interesting museums by the sea, specialty seafood restaurants serving up fresh dishes, and of course, quaint neighbouring seaside villages to explore. A short train ride away from Cinque Terre, it’s also the perfect base for a day trip!

Explore the colourful cliffside towns of Cinque Terre with ease from here

Take in the city’s imposing Castello di San Giorgio

Lounge by the sea in any of the laidback open-air bars!

    Trains to Nice – 5.5 hours

Nice (2 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

Nice is effortlessly charming, with French Riviera sophistication and some of the best food and wine in Europe. Check out the quirky art museums, laze on the star-studded beaches, or take a trip to Monaco or Cannes from here!

Explore the old-world town of Nice

See the sunset from the Promenade des Anglais

Take a sightseeing cruise of the Cote d’Azur

    Trains to Montpellier – 5.5 hours

Montpellier (2 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

Popular with students and shopaholics alike, highly cosmopolitan Montpellier is a massively underrated city. Full to the brim with cultural wonders, have a browse of its modern galleries and boutiques, wander around the gorgeous botanical garden and get a flavour of the great nightlife!

Admire the ornate architecture of the Antigone district

Shop until you drop!

Get to know the rich foodie and bar scene

    Train to Barcelona – 3.5 hours

Barcelona (4 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

It may not be the capital city, but Barcelona sure is one of Spain’s main cultural hubs and is definitely not to be missed! Home to amazing art, surreal architecture and vibrant Catalan culture, you won’t be disappointed to know that the nightlife scene and food are just as incredible.

See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter

Spot Gaudi’s distinctive architecture in Parc Guell

Crawl the bars around Las Ramblas

    Night Ferry to Palma – 8 hours

Palma (4 nights)

spain italy and greece trip

Despite the development of its resorts, Palma remains beautifully unspoilt in many coastal areas, with golden sandy beaches and clear blue seas to dip into. The stunning collection of coves and inlets that surrounding this sleepy island are the perfect place to unwind, unless you’d prefer to get a taste of Mallorca’s world-famous island parties, of course!

Explore the whitewashed hill towns

Pick from the range of waterside chill-out spots

Party at Ibiza’s sister club Mallorca Rocks

How to get there

You can arrange a flight to Chania International Airport and a flight home from Palma de Mallorca Airport, whilst we take care of the transport in between your cities!

Alternatively, if you’d like to start or end your trip elsewhere, just request a custom route and we’ll work with you to create your perfect personalised route!

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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

See Full Itinerary

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.

Discovery Walk

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

Journey Hotels Icon

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.

Sightseeing Icon

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.

Orientation Walk Icon

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: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, 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: Suites of Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, 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.

Prosecco Icon

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.

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Santorini, Greece

Gems of the Mediterranean: 14-Day Italy and Greece Tour

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration.

Discover history, culture, and natural beauty during your two-week best of Italy and Greece tour. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Parthenon in Athens and from Venice’s canals to Santorini’s Caldera, you will have an experience that immerses you in over 3,000 years of Western Civilization and contemporary luxury. Specialized guided tours, private transfers, and gorgeous accommodations help bring the best of the Mediterranean to light.

Customizable Itinerary

Rome – introductory tour of rome.

Historic Rome collides with contemporary culture as the layers of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture rise above the cobblestone streets. Your flight will land at Fiumicino Airport, where your private transfer will greet you at customs and escort you to your accommodation. After you settle in to the comforts of your new surroundings, your guide will meet you in the lobby to lead you on an immersive monuments tour, beginning with the Trevi Fountain. The water will trickle into the waiting pool as you find the iconic image of Oceanus at the heart of the fountains.

What's Included:

Rome – Ancient Rome and the Vatican

Your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and lead you to the Colosseum to begin your tour of Ancient Rome. The exterior walls stand 159 feet tall and represent the engineering capabilities of the empire. The scent of antique stone will fill the stadium as you find seating that could support up to 50,000 spectators. You will continue to the Vatican to explore the details of St. Peter’s Basilica and the galleries of the museum. You will then end your tour in the Sistine Chapel, where you hints of frankincense linger beneath Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam .

Rome – The Appian Way and Borghese Villa

You will make your way to the ancient Roman road of the Appian Way, which once connected the capital to the port at Brindisi 350 miles away. The Basilica of San Sebastian was constructed around the 3rd century AD and has preserved frescoes, epigraphs, and stucco work. Your guide will lead you through the subterranean labyrinth to find the early Christian iconography. You will continue to the Villa Borghese, where your guide will introduce you to the captivating works that have been collected by Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

Florence – Historical Tour of Florence

You will have a private transfer to the train station, where you will board a first-class train to Florence. After settling in to a gorgeous hotel in the heart of Florence, your guide will take you on an immersive tour of the city’s historic center. The Duomo contains 44 stained-glass windows that are set beneath the soaring figure of the iconic Dome. You will also view the Gates of Paradise, which are Ghiberti’s 15th-century bronze doors that depict scenes from the Old Testament.

Florence – Renaissance Art and Cooking Class

After breakfast, your guide will escort you through Florence to the famous Accademia Gallery, which is home to Michelangelo’s celebrated David . You will find Michelangelo’s incomplete works that depict slaves that have been half-carved from large pieces of marble. It looks as though each figure is breaking free from the stone. The statue of David stands 17 feet tall with exceptional detail. In the afternoon, you will partake in a cooking class in a private kitchen to learn the art of crafting authentic pappardelle pasta.

Venice – Padua and the Brenta Canal

You will travel in the luxury of a first-class train car to Padua for a private tour of the tranquil city. You will discover the unique works of Cappella degli Scrovegni and the 14th-century Madonna dell’Arena. Master artist Giotto draped the interior in frescoes that depict important moments of Jesus’s life, including the Kiss of Judas. In the afternoon, you will board a boat and cruise the Brenta Canal to Venice to find opulent villas from the 16th century. Weeping willows frame Villa Foscari, and you will also find a reception floor that is covered in mythological figures from the Metamorphoses .

Venice – Venice’s Charms and History

Your guide will lead you along the canals in the morning to experience the vibrant aisles of the Rialto Market. Here, merchants display fresh seafood and fruits, such as apples and pomegranates. In St. Mark’s Basilica, you will find glistening mosaics that cover 45,638 square feet. The golden altarpiece shines with 2,000 gems and precious stones. In the evening, you can board a gondola and wind along the narrow canals for which Venice is famous.

Athens – Immersive City Tour of Athens

You will venture to Marco Polo Airport by private transfer for your flight to Athens. When you arrive, you will settle in to your accommodation at the heart of the vibrant city that possesses 3,000 years of history. Your guide will take you through the highlights of the city and immerse you in ancient life, from the Temple of the Olympian Zeus to the cobblestones of Plaka. At the top of the Acropolis, you will come face to face with the famous Parthenon. The temple dates back to the 5th century BC and was dedicated to Athena.

Athens – The Islands of Hydra and Poros

The ferry ride along the Aegean Sea will take you to the island of Hydra. Marble-cobbled lanes frame the marina and wind along the hillside. The scent of cappuccino and the sea will fill the air as you visit the shops, watch the waves crash against the cliffs, and wander through the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral. You will continue to Poros, which is a town that is separated from the greater Peloponnese by a narrow channel. Here, you can find the 6th-century remains of the Temple of Poseidon.

Mykonos – A Day for Self-Exploration

You will have a brief flight to Mykonos in the morning. Here, you can indulge in the comforts of your luxury resort that overlooks the azure water of the Aegean Sea. The whitewashed walls and blue trim of the architecture embody the classic ambiance of the Cycladic islands. You can take your time strolling down the maze-like lanes of Mykonos Town. The little Venice quarter consists of old merchant homes that have been wedged between the water and the lanes. Boutique shops will showcase elegant fashion, and restaurants will fill the air with the scent of grilled calamari.

Mykonos – Delos’ and Mykonos’ Beaches

The rugged landscape hosts the former spiritual capital that was once home to the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. You can view the Terrace of the Lions that looms over the water of the Sacred Lake. The museum hosts the original sculptures, but the replicas capture the drama and grandeur of the original designs. When you return to Mykonos, you can spend the day on the golden sands of Elia Beach. Rows of recliners offer tranquil seating from which you can enjoy the view of the horizon.

Santorini – Oia and a Sunset Cruise

After traveling to Santorini, your private transfer will meet you at the harbor and escort you to a gorgeous hotel on the northern cliffs in the village of Oia. The panorama that overlooks the caldera enchants visitors with its whitewashed walls, blue trim, and cobblestone lanes. You can visit the charming shops, art galleries, and the Venetian tower before your sunset cruise. The boat will stop at select beaches, including the Red Beach. Here, you can snorkel in the water close to the rusty hue of the volcanic sand.

Santorini – History and Wines of Santorini

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Akrotiri, which is a Minoan city that has been buried in volcanic ash since the 17th century BC. A protective structure covers the wooden walkways and multi-storied buildings. Here, you can find drainage systems and pottery that has been filled with wine. Your tour will continue with a visit to a number of celebrated wineries that will highlight the unique basket method the region uses for growing vines. You will sample the iconic white grape of Assyrtiko to find hints of mango and a lingering aroma of sea air.

Santorini – Depart for Home

At breakfast, you can enjoy the stunning panorama that sweeps across the caldera. The shops of Oia will open their doors and return the vibrant images of local artists to the streets. The aromas of freshly baked bread will begin to fill the lanes of the village. Your private transfer will escort you from Oia to the airport for your return flight to Athens, where you will connect with your flight home.

Trip Highlights

  • Embrace the Renaissance when touring the preserved grandeur of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
  • Delight in the immersive history of Athens on a private tour that brings you to the remarkable Parthenon
  • Witness the breathtaking detail of Michelangelo’s David during a private tour of the Accademia Gallery
  • Sample the authentic flavors of Italy and the special ingredients of Tuscany with a private cooking class in Florence
  • Find elements of the divine when visiting the ruins of ancient Delos, which is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis
  • Bask in the beauty of the unique red sand of Santorini when enjoying a sunset cruise
  • View the enchanting design and embodiment of the history of St. Mark’s Basilica when discovering the treasures of Venice
  • Traverse the beauty of the Brenta Canal to view elegant villas that possess unique artistic details
  • Discover the depth of history in Santorini on a private tour of Akrotiri, which is a Minoan civilization that has been preserved under layers of volcanic ash
  • Experience the spirit of Florence on a private walking tour that uncovers the particular layers and characteristics of the Renaissance city

Starting Price

$5,595  per person (excluding international flights)

What's Included

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Italy and Greece Itinerary

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

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

Best coastal town in Italy and Greece.

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

Map of suggested itineraries for one week in Greece

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

Map of suggested one week itineraries for Italy

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

Places to go in Greece and Italy.

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
  • Italy Travel Guide
  • Greece Travel Guide
  • Italy or Greece?
  • When to Visit Greece
  • When to Visit Santorini
  • Best Places to Visit in Greece
  • Best Hotels in Santorini
  • Best Hotels in Mykonos
  • Best Hotels in Athens
  • Best Hotels in Crete
  • Best Hotels in Naxos
  • When to Visit Italy
  • When to Visit Rome
  • Best Hotels in Rome
  • Best Hotels in Florence
  • Best Hotels in Naples
  • Best Hotels in Venice
  • Best Family Hotels in Rome
  • Best Family Hotels in Florence
  • Best Family Hotels in Venice
  • Best Family Hotels in Milan

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio.

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?

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Greece Travel Secrets

THE PERFECT ITALY AND GREECE ITINERARY

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!

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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

italy and greece itinerary

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

spain italy and greece trip

DAY 3 – Meteora 

spain italy and greece trip

Day 4 – Santorini 

caldera view

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 

italy and greece itinerary

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!

italy and greece itinerary

Day 6 – Naxos 

naxos chora

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

spain italy and greece trip

Day 8 – Paros

italy and greece itinerary

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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

italy and greece itinerary

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

italy and greece itinerary

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

italy and greece itinerary

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.

spain italy and greece trip

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

italy and greece itinerary

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!  

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about Greece Travel Secrets

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.

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Travel and Leisure

Italy  and  Greece  make for a marvellous Mediterranean vacation. These two countries with a long and intertwined history are home to some of history’s most important sites. A vacation combining Greece and Italy is like a greatest hits of Europe’s top sights.

Popular Itineraries for Italy & Greece Tours

Although every tour we build is unique, there are some popular routes and itineraries that we are asked for frequently. Our sample itineraries provide some ideas for you to consider as a basis for your own private tour combining time in both Italy and Greece. For each of these itineraries you can get a rough idea of the price using the Price Guide function. We cover many more destinations than those listed in these popular Greece & Italy itineraries. Our expert trip planners will work with you to incorporate any places in Italy and Greece you want to go.

Italian and Greek Classics Custom Itinerary

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Italy & Greece Vacation Reviews

Our Italy & Croatia tour packages provide a hassle-free way to see both these captivating countries. We take care of all the details. All you have to worry about is enjoying the one-of-a-kind experiences that will make this the vacation of a lifetime. Below you’ll find some recent testimonials from guests who have visited Italy and Greece with our help recently.

Review by Tina, William, Chance & Caleb

JayWay made planning a complicated trip over multiple countries easy and more enjoyable. We would have been lost on where to stay and what to do without the help of amazing staff at JayWay.

Review by Elizabeth, Scott, Shelley & Stiles

I would highly recommend JayWay Travel to help organize a trip. It is very helpful to always have a driver and not have to figure out how to get from place to place. I would use JayWay again!

Review by Kenna, Gerald, Jayme & Thomas

We could not have asked for a better experience. JayWay Travel handled every detail from start to finish. We cannot wait to plan our next trip!

spain italy and greece trip

Italy & Greece: A Classic Duo

Two of the greatest civilizations the world has known, the Greek and Roman Empires, left their mark on Southern Europe for eternity. You’ll be treading in ancient footsteps on your Italy and Greece tour. More recent empires, kingdoms, republics and dynasties have contributed to the rich art and culture you’ll find in both countries.

Culinary Edens

Italian cuisine might have the edge when it comes to worldwide fame but Greece holds its own too. In both countries we’ve picked the best foodie experiences for you to try, from food tours to cooking classes, as well as olive oil and wine tastings. We’ll provide tips on the best places to eat in all your destinations too.

Just want to hit the highlights?

If you want to hit the main hotspots, you could start your trip in Rome, the eternal city. Here you can visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Roman Forum and many more archeological sites of Ancient Rome. Picture yourself in Florence’s historical center, the cradle of the renaissance, where you can admire the signature Duomo, Michelangelo’s David at the Uffizi and stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, or St Mark’s Square in Venice, the iconic floating city. Then jump on a quick flight to dream vacation destinations Santorini or Mykonos in the Aegean Sea then finish up in bustling Greek capital Athens, site of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. If you’ve never been to either country, that’s definitely a good way to start.

Or dig deeper?

But that’s just the beginning of the story and our knowledge of both these countries goes much deeper than that. You could spend some of your trip discovering Crete, Greece’s largest island. Santorini’s beautiful, but the other Cyclades islands, Naxos and Paros, reward the more curious traveler. Buck the island-hopping trend and spend your time exploring mainland Greece. Meteora and Thessaloniki are of particular interest. If you’re on the trail of ancient Greek sites, then Sicily is a must, with Greek temples galore. Puglia can easily be combined with Greece thanks to either overnight ferries between Bari/Brindisi and Northern Greece or low-cost direct flights. Check out all the destinations we offer in  Greece  and  Italy .

You’re in the best hands

Our Italy and Greece expert travel advisors and trip planners will work with you to create your dream vacation itinerary. You’ll stay at the very best hotels, apartments or villas. You choose how you want to spend your days, either enjoying day trips and city tours with our trusted partners or taking a day off to wander on your own. Before you arrive and during your trip our on-the-ground staff in both Greece and Italy are on hand by phone or email for any help you need. With staff in both countries, we’re perfectly placed to create the most memorable trip you’ve ever experienced.

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Why Travel with JayWay?

You only travel somewhere for the first time once. By taking a custom tailored trip you get a seamless trip, to your choice of destinations and at your own pace, planned by professionals and supported by locals on the ground in Europe.

Save Precious Time

Planning an amazing trip takes time. Our friendly travel advisors and experienced trip planners will listen to your needs and craft your personal dream itinerary. We will maximize your vacation time and enjoyment – we know the best way to get around and how to spend your hard-earned time off.

Have Peace of Mind

You’re in safe hands from the very beginning. Even before you arrive your dedicated tour manager in Europe will be in touch to help you prepare. When you arrive they’ll meet you and be available by phone, email and IM for the rest of your journey with us, for anything you need.

Make Memories Forever

Travel can create memories that last a lifetime. You’ll return home with indelible recollections of beautiful sunsets, magical vistas, fascinating stories, and meals so delicious you’ll want to fly back every time you think of them. This is why we do what we do.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to Greece & Italy

Most of our guests travel to Italy and Greece from the US by air, unless they are already traveling in a neighboring country.

Starting in either Rome or Athens makes sense. Buying an open jaw ticket is usually only a little more than a standard return and we’ll include any intra-European flights in your package. Our travel advisors will help you pick the best flights for your itinerary.

It very much depends on your priorities. If you want to visit the most famous places then Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens and Santorini might be top of your list. If you’ve been to Italy before but not to Greece, we can arrange a trip combining lesser known destinations such as Bologna, Siena or Lucca with Greek destinations such as Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. In Greece and Italy you’re never far from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we can build an itinerary around anything that’s on your must-see list.

Absolutely! That’s the whole point of working with a custom tour operator like us. We’ll work with you to tailor the perfect trip for you, so you can be sure you have enough time to see what you want, without having to worry about any of the details like how do you get to the train station, or making reservations at a local restaurant. We take care of all of that!

Our tour packages are designed to make touring Italy & Greece effortless. From working with our travel advisors and expert trip planners to craft your ideal itinerary, to the moment you get on the plane to return home, we will take care of everything. Your custom tour package will include accommodation, airport transfers and any kind of transportation between destinations, walking tours, day trips, and most importantly the support of our local staff in Europe. They’ll be in touch with you before your trip to finalize any details, and when you land we’ll give you a local SIM so you can be in touch by phone, email or instant messsage. It’s like having a tour director, but still traveling “independently”.

Our Italy and Greece packages start from around $350 per person per day. The largest element is often accommodation, but private full day tours can increase the cost. All our sample itineraries have a price guide function to give you an idea of the cost for different levels of accommodation, month of travel and number of travelers.

No. As our tours are completely customized to you, you choose the dates, and destinations you want to visit.

The best time of year for your trip will depend on what you want to do. Italy can be a great place to travel year round. Greece’s islands can be more seasonal with some almost shutting down in winter. If you want to swim then you should travel between mid May and mid October. If you are more interested in sightseeing and avoiding the hottest time of year then mid July and August could be too warm for you. High season on the islands and in coastal destinations like Amalfi is the opposite in the cities, so while July and August are the most expensive times of year to travel to

Both countries have some fabulous beaches. For the best Italian beaches you need to go beyond the most popular easily-reached locations like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre and instead head to Sardinia , or Puglia ‘s western coast. In Greece, some of the most popular island destinations also have wonderful beaches, particularly Crete , Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Rhodes. While Santorini’s beaches are pleasant, they’re not its best feature.

We can arrange rental cars for all or part of the trip, but bear in mind that dropping off a rental in another country incurs high one-way fees and taking a car on a frry adds significantly to the cost. Your JayWay trip planner can arrange for separate rentals where needed so you can avoid unnecessary expenses and have the freedom to get around by car when you need. In Italy’s countryside in particular a car is useful. Should your trip be mostly city-based in Italy, then trains and private transfers will be much more convenient. If the Greece portion of your trip concentrates on the islands, we advise against car rental.

Among all the guided tours we offer in Rome, our most popular are culinary-based, whether food tours or cooking classes. Similarly in Athens food-based experiences are very popular, as well as tours of Ancient Athens, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. On the Greek islands, sailing trips are perennial favorites. Tours of the interior of an island provide a wonderful way to get to know the character of the place better.

Absolutely. Your itinerary will be customized to your wishes. You don’t have to fill every day and we encourage leaving some free time aside simply to appreciate the destinations you’re visiting. Getting lost in Venice’s narrow streets, with just the occasional glimpse of St Mark’s Campanile and encounter with the Grand Canal to guide you, is part of the fun!

We don’t sell cruises of Greece and Italy. We believe you enjoy a far richer experience by spending as much time as possible on land, soaking up the culture and enjoying the local cuisine, while taking part in a more responsible type of travel. A day trip on a sailboat or catamaran is another matter entirely and our guests love half-day or full-day sailing trips we offer from many of Greece’s islands. All of the thrills of getting out on the water without the cramped conditions and other sacrifices that sleeping on a boat brings.

This is mostly a question of how many places you want to see. Each time you move to another destination, you’ll spend half a day traveling. For this reason we recommend three nights in most destinations. Fewer destinations means less time and money spent moving between them, and more time soaking up the atmosphere and seeing the sights.

The short answer is: no. The long answer: yes, if you’re willing to spend several days traveling. It’s far simpler, and cheaper, to fly.

The quickest way to travel between Italy and Greece is by air. Flights between major tourist destinations in both countries are quick (maximum 2 hours) and relatively cheap thanks to lots of low-cost airlines providing service. We can include these intra-European flights in your vacation package to simplify your planning. There are also overnight ferries from Puglia to northern Greece. This is another, lower-carbon-footprint, way to cross the sea.

Yes, thankfully the Euro is the currency of both Italy and Greece, so any coins and banknotes you have left after the first country can be used in the second.

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Best of Italy and Greece Guided Tour

10-Day Italy and Greece Tour of Rome, Venice, and Athens

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Admire the art and architecture of Rome and the rich cultural heritage of Florence. Visit the monasteries of Meteora and see the site of the most important oracle in the classical world.

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10 days itinerary trip from Rome to Athens visiting 3 countries and 10 cities Choose a land only journey or extend with a 4 night Greek Cruise

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10 Day Italy and Greece Tour of Rome, Venice, and Athens

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This tour spends an additional 3 nights exploring the Greek Isles. 

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Sightseeing highlights.

Fast Track Entrance to the Vatican Museums

Explore Rome, Florence, Delphi and Athens with a Local Specialist

View the ancient sites of Rome, the Duomo and Baptistery in Florence, the Doge's Palace and the Basilica in Venice and the Parthenon, Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus in Athens

See Hadrian's Arch in Athens

Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Travel highlights

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Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

European flight from Milan to Athens

Optional Experiences and free time

Four-night Aegean Cruise

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

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Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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how to best travel to italy, spain and greece - Italy Forum

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spain italy and greece trip

What are your interests?

Southern Spain and Greece during August is normally 40C or higher. Sunny. Italy isn't much cooler

spain italy and greece trip

IF you want to visit all 3 countries, it would be best to fly into one end of your itinerary (e.g. Madrid ) and out of the other (e.g. Athens ) - neither of which is in Italy, so why are you asking here?! There is an air travel forum: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i10702-Air_Travel.html

As to how best to travel within and between these countries, it depends on where exactly you would be visiting in the countries concerned. For example, between Madrid and Barcelona I would take the train, between Barcelona and Rome , flight ; then train to most places in Italy and then flight to Greece - unless perhaps you want to take a ferry ( http://www.directferries.co.uk/ferries_from_italy_to_greece.htm ).

It seems to me you need to do a lot more thinking about what EXACTLY you want to do, in how much time, and also research cruises to plan around, before there is any point asking about how best to travel in Italy.

spain italy and greece trip

How much time should we allow to do this kind of vacation?

That question is like someone asking how much time do I need to see the United States. Obviously the answer would be based on how much of it do you want to see and how much time do you have.

If you have anything less than 2-3 weeks I would stick to one country since that is hardly enough time in any of them.

spain italy and greece trip

My honest answer to see all 3 would be about 3 years, can you spare that amount of time?

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It will be a big trip haha!! for your help and to save money, try to find discount here: http://descuentos.libertaddigital.com/cupones-descuento/expedia . They are running a hotels coupons for Expedia. For your trip, try to look at how many days you need to see each city, remember you are going to lose 1 day changing cities.

With a trip of that magnitude, you will not want to be packing and unpacking, changing hotels and standing in train stations and airports all the time....you also can't "see it all" and if you try to jam in too many destinations, you'll be exhausted/miserable. It takes time to get from point A to point B within each country and time to change countries.....each inter-city change is 1/2 day and if you change countries, it could be up to a day. So TRAVEL TIME needs to be included in your itinerary. The WEATHER and CROWDS are a criteria---advise to avoid June-August....and even September is quite hot & crowded. Do research on the annual weather patterns in each country.

The PACE of your trip must be considered.....if you were only going to Italy , you could reasonably visit 3 destinations and maybe a day trip in 10 days - but - when you start doing that again in another country and again in another, you will be "on the move" much too often. Time to do some homework and figure out what TYPE OF EXPERIENCE you would like.

I agree with the others, you have to be realistic as to how much you can do with the time you have, for it to be enjoyable. With 2 weeks, just one country (and you'll still have to be very selective)

Book flights to your final destination, wherever it is, whether you have the connecting flight in the States or in Europe. That way you don't have the hassle of dealing with your luggage between flights , and if you miss a connection, the airline has the responsibility of getting you to your final destination. Even if you visit only one country, in the case of Spain and Italy , it is still best to book multi-city so you don't have to backtrack to the airport you arrived at (I think that for Greece, you will have limited options beyond Athens , and in any case, Athens is the hub for connections to the islands )

Since you mention "economical", another option could be the Iberian Peninsula, Spain + Portugal.

Portugal is also a bit cooler than the Mediterranean basin as it gets the Atlantic winds

Edit: As to an approximate estimate of time needed to do some touch and go? Perhaps six weeks?

No matter what you decide and where you go, expect it to be very hot.

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spain italy and greece trip

Wandering our World

Your Journey Begins Here

  • by Wandering our World
  • Posted on March 17, 2023

Greece Or Spain: The Honest Comparison You Need [2023]

Last updated on March 17, 2023 by Wandering our World

T he question when trying to decide between Spain or Greece, is what separates these iconic European beach destinations from each other?

Yet while both nations have similar climates and are great coastal destinations, each has its own distinct histories, cultures, sights to visit, and cuisines that set them apart. All of which makes them very different holidays.

For example, Greece has over 6000 islands and its coastline is spectacular, making it arguably the more special country for a beach-focused holiday.

On the other hand, Spain is perfect for tourists who love exploring cities as the country has some of the best urban centers in the world. But it’s also great for those who want to spend some time sunbathing and swimming on Spain’s gorgeous coastline too. 

However that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to how these two countries are different. Which is why after visiting each several times, we decided to pit Spain vs Greece below.

We compare the beaches, culture, cities, look at which is cheaper and more. We also look at the sights to explore, the food you can try, what natural attractions you can see in each, as well some amazing towns and cities you should visit.

All so you can get a good idea about which of these beautiful countries will suit your holiday needs best.

  • A Quick Overview Of Spain vs Greece
  • How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare
  • How Does The Culture, Cities & Vibe Compare
  • How Does The Cuisine Compare
  • Which Should You Choose

spain italy and greece trip

A Quick Overview Of Greece vs Spain

Both countries offer unique and exciting holidays, but which one is better depends firmly on your priorities.

Where Greece really excels is on the coast, as it boasts over 6000 islands! Therefore if you’re looking for a holiday where beaches are the priority, then Greece may be the better choice.

In our opinion, Greek beaches tend to be better than Spanish ones, and often prettier too. Plus the weather and water temperature is often more favourable for swimming and sunbathing.

Additionally, Greek islands often have a real rustic regional charm to them. These islands have incredibly rich histories too, and countless centuries-old architecture, some of which stretches back to Ancient Greece and beyond!

For history and culture, very few places on earth can rival Greece.

Beautiful Naousa village, Paros island, Cyclades, Greece

However Spain is one of those countries that does give Greece a run for its money. This nation has a rich history and has many stunning architectural gems. Whilst cosmopolitan cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville are famous for their galleries, museums, and beauty.

In fact, when it comes to sightseeing Spain has it all. Every city and region of the country is packed with things to do and see. A trip to Seville or Barcelona, for example, can easily last a few days and you still won’t be bored.

The food scene is also excellent in Spain (home of iconic tapas ), so if cuisine is top of your holiday list then Spain may be a better choice. The transport system is also very good, so traveling around the country is relatively easy.

Overview of Santa Cristina beach in Lloret de Mar in Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain

In essence Spain is perfect for urban tourists, art and food lovers. So if you’re looking for a holiday which involves many city scenes, Spain will likely suit you better.

Although that’s not to say Spain doesn’t have gorgeous natural sights too. The Pyrenees mountain range in the north, and beaches on the Mediterranean Coast are popular and photogenic spots for a reason.

In contrast to Spain, Greek cities tend to have far less to do than their Spanish counterparts, and the transport system is not as efficient. That said, it is possible to travel cheaply between mainland Greece and the islands by air or ferry.

In fact Greece does win when it comes to cost. We’ve found that Greece tends to be a little cheaper than Spain in regards to accommodation and eating out.

For us, Greece is also the better holiday destination if you’re looking for relaxation, time spent outdoors, and an island hopping adventure.

Below we look at some of the natural sights you will come across in Greece and Spain, as well as comparing their cuisines and cities!

By doing so, we hope to build up a better picture about what you can do in each country, which should help with your decision about which one suits you more.

Corfu sea view

How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare?

Greece: beaches & landscape.

With so many islands, it will come as little surprise to hear that Greece is packed with natural wonders.

The Ionian archipelago is a popular destination for tourists, and one of the best places to see nature at its greatest. Visit the Melissani Lake Cave on Kefalonia for an other-worldly experience. Situated 20 meters underground, you can explore this magical cave by rowing boat.

The island of Zakynthos has some of the best beaches in Europe, like Shipwreck Beach (photo below) and is a popular destination because of that.

Also named Zante , this island has an energetic nightlife scene so is perfect for tourists who want to sunbathe and swim in the day, but dance and drink when the sun goes down.

Zante is also home to the Blue Caves, a series of pretty underground waterways that wind their way into the coastline.

View of Navagio beach, Zakynthos Island, Greece. Vacation time. Aerial landscape from drone. Blue sea water. Rocks and sea. Summer landscape from the air.

Of course Greece is packed with many stunning islands, and one of the best things about this country is the ability to island hop and discover your own favourite.

The amazing thing is you can find an island in Greece for pretty much any holiday you want. Want lively nightlife? Choose Mykonos or Paros . Want lots of family friendly activities, then head to Crete or Corfu. Or if you want an authentic Greek experience, why not head to rustic Naxos. The fact is, Greece is one of the most diverse places in Europe.

One of our favourites is the island of Milos , which is where the Venus de Milo was found! This gorgeous little volcanic island has dozens of beaches, breathtaking turquoise waters, and a welcoming local population.

Mainland Greece also has some spectacular scenery that should be explored. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora (see photo below) in central Greece is well worth visiting.

The atmospheric rock formations there jut out of the ancient landscape, and sitting on top of them are centuries-old monasteries. Those used to be reached by ladders, but thankfully can now be reached by foot via stairs. It’s a place which really transports you back in time.

In fact mainland Greece is full of fantastic hiking trails – many long distance – that take you between ancient villages that have existed for generations.

One of our must-do hikes is the Menalon Trail , a 45 mile trek in southern Greece that takes you between the photogenic mountain villages of Stemnitsa and Lagkadia. Look out for wildlife as you hike .

Holy Trinity Monastery on cliff rock top, Meteora, Greece and Kalampaka town in the valley

Spain: Beaches & Landscape

Spain is a great holiday destination because you can easily enjoy a day at the beach and then spend that evening in one of the country’s iconic cities. It has the perfect mix of natural scenes and city delights (more on the cities later), and definitely beats Greece in that respect.

Some parts of Spain have gorgeous beaches too. The protected coastline at Cabo de Gata (Andalusia) is wild, isolated and rarely visited by tourists. Expect hidden coves, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs in this national natural park.

Spain’s Costa de la Luz  in the south has vast expanses of sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and a cocktail under blue skies.

But if you want something livelier, then head to the party island of Ibiza , where drinks, dancing and celebrity spotting is the aim of the game on the island’s most popular beaches. Ibiza is Spain’s equivalent to Zante , although we think it’s a little more lively and wild.

If you’re feeling adventurous then get the ferry from Ibizia to Formentera – the smallest of Spain’s  Balearic islands. The beaches here are beautiful and the water is crystal clear and Caribbean-esque. As it’s quite remote, there are very few tourists in comparison to other parts of Spain too.

Aerial view of Cala dHort, Ibiza islands, Spain

If you pry yourself away from the coast you’ll find Spain has a huge amount to offer inland. Take a visit to El Tajo de Ronda – a spectacular gorge not far from the Costa del Sol, which has a town perched on the clifftop above. It almost looks like a movie set.

At the opposite end of the country is the majestic Pyrenees mountain range in the north. Made up of over 200 mountains that are over 3000 meters tall, this region is comprised of quaint villages in the foothills connected by some of Europe’s best hiking trails. It’s a great place to go hiking and camping – as we’ve written about before .

Another set of Spanish mountains – the Cantabrians – make up part of the Somiedo Natural Park . This lush park, which was voted one of Spain’s seven natural wonders, is home to spectacular lakes, thick forest, and is a stronghold of the endangered Cantabrian brown bear.

A young man enjoys the view of the mighty mountains of Valle de Pineta in the Spanish Pyrenees

How Does The Culture, Cities & Vibe Compare?

Stepping away from package holiday resorts and into the cities and towns of Greece and Spain will give you a richer, cultural experience.

Greece : The Culture, Cities & Vibe

Whilst Spain probably edges the battle when it comes to cities worth visiting (as we’ll show you further down), Greece still excels when it comes to towns and pretty islands with the ‘wow’ factor.

One of the islands which has that in abundance is Santorini . The two biggest towns there, Fira and Oia, hang on to the cliff-face of this volcanic island, and the buildings within them – whitewashed and often with blue-domed roofs – stand strikingly against the backdrop.

This is a must-visit place in Greece, but also one of the most popular spots throughout the country being visited by around two million tourists per year!

Elegant traveler woman enjoys the classic setting of white houses and colorful flowers on the cyclades islands of Greece during summer time

The historic and ancient capital of Athens is well worth staying in for a night or two, and is home to iconic buildings such as the 5th century BC Acropolis and Parthenon . The museum at the Acropolis is full of artefacts from Ancient Greece and is a must for any history buff.

Situated beside the Acropolis is our favorite area of Athens – Plaka . The quaint streets in this neighborhood wind their way up hilly slopes and are adorned with flower pots and tiny independent shops selling jewellery and clothes. With family-run taverns and boutique coffee shops, this is one of the best places in Athens – and Greece – to grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by.

But the title of Greece’s most picturesque town may go to Agios Nikolaos – a little port settlement on the island of Crete.

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, this town has several waterfronts which have a great selection of shopping and dining opportunities.  The infamous ‘leper island’ of Spinalonga – which was in use up to 1957 as a quarantine center – is close by and can be visited via a boat that leaves from the town.

In essence, when it comes to towns and diverse regions, Greece is exceptional. Many of the towns on the islands are fairytale-esque and the regions can be vastly different despite being so close. On top of that, scattered amongst them are remnants of Ancient Greece which only adds to the beauty of Greece.

Houses in Santorini

Spain: The Culture, Cities & Vibe

Spain is packed with beautiful towns that appear little-changed in centuries. However it’s the cities that really pull in the crowds.

City breaks to the likes of Barcelona are popular throughout Europe due to the cosmopolitan feel, and perfect mix between old and modern.

The stunning Basilica of the Sagrada Familia should be one of your first visits in the city, followed by a walk around Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter .

Barcelona is also famous for its shopping, with Passeig de Gracia and the streets around it providing some of the best places to spend your money. In fact if shopping is important to you, then Spain will likely be the better choice than Greece.

View of barcelona skyline at night

The capital of Andalusia, Seville , is popular and no wonder. Myth has it that this city was built by Hercules, and while that may not be true, the culture there is certainly Herculean.

Seville is the home of Flamenco dancing and experiencing a show at the Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos will take your breath away. As the capital of Muslim Spain during the Al-Andalus period, Seville’s spectacular buildings from that time will transport you back in time too.

Nearby Córdoba was an important city during that period as well, and is famous for the immense La Mezquita mosque.

However this city is also one of our favourites to visit due to its historic Old Town which is full of flowers, fountains, immaculate winding cobbled streets and lovely little eateries.

Spain has stunning cities, and if you can pull yourself away from the beaches, you’re in for a real treat. The mix of new and modern, from cultural icons like Flamenco to streets where you can shop the biggest and best brands, Spain’s urban centers can be a holiday in their own right – that doesn’t quite feel the same with the cities in Greece.

Man and woman in flamenco costume performing a dance on the shadow of the Spain Square in Seville

How Does The Cuisine Compare?

The traditional food of Greece and Spain is a Mediterranean cocktail of the various people that have inhabited these nations. 

Their food cultures are comparable, and we can’t say one is better than the other. Ultimately it’ll come down to personal preference. Enjoy tapas and sangria in chic city bars? Head to Spain. Want moussaka and ouzo in a island taverna looking over the Aegean? Then Greece will be a dream.

Greece: The Food

Like many Mediterranean cuisines, Greek food involves a lot of fresh vegetables, olive oil, grains, and a good dose of wine!

One of the most famous food exports from Greece is moussaka . This mincemeat and potato or eggplant dish is served everywhere in the country. It’s almost always guaranteed to taste excellent if you get it at any family-run taverna.

Greece is famous for its dips, such as tzatziki – which is made up of garlic, yoghurt and cucumber – and fava , which is made from split peas.

To wash everything down, you must try Greece’s national drink, Ouzo . This strong liquor is made from aniseed, and is usually served with cold water which turns the clear drink a cloudy white.

Mediterranean dishes

Spain: The Food

Expect fresh vegetables, a lot of herbs, and a good amount of olive oil when eating out in Spain.

However, Spain’s most famous cuisine is surely tapas . This is a selection of appetizers that are served in both restaurants and bars, and will almost always include jamon iberico – an air-dried Spanish ham.

For hot days you should try gazpacho – a thick soup made from vegetables that is typically served cold.

There’s some good wine made in Spain, but a favourite holiday drink of many is Sangria .

This punch is made up of red wine and chopped fruits, and sometimes other spirits depending on the house style of the bar or restaurant you’re in. It’s delicious, colourful and pairs well with tapas.

Spanish tapas

Greece Or Spain: Which Should You Choose?

Which country is the better destination depends entirely on what you want from your vacation.

If beaches are your priority then Greece may be a better holiday choice than Spain.

Greece has over 6000 islands, and the coastline is spectacular. It also has great hiking opportunities, and tends to be a cheaper destination than Spain too.

On the other hand, Spain is perfect for tourists who love exploring cities, but also want to spend some time sunbathing and swimming.

The opportunities for sightseeing are probably greater in Spain, and the food scene is arguably better than Greece too.

Recommended For Your Trip To Greece Or Spain

spain italy and greece trip

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Wandering our World

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.

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Author: Wandering our World

Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe. View all posts by Wandering our World

Greece or Spain: Which Mediterranean Gem is Best?

greece or spain

When it comes to deciding the next European vacation, it doesn’t get much trickier than Greece or Spain. Both boast a wealth of stunning scenery, awe-inspiring architecture and an enviable Mediterranean diet . Not to mention hours of scorching sun for the cherry on top.

While Spain is more westernized and advanced, something which is greatly highlighted in their remarkable infrastructure, Greece is a bit less developed, offering up a much more authentic and homely vibe, where you can truly feel the patriotism of the country. And while Greece’s 6000 island options may please the beachgoer, Spain’s incredibly cultured cities, with some epic tapas bars are hard to resist.

Whether you’re concerned about how much you’ll have to spend, the kids getting bored, or your after-dark options, we have you covered. Greece or Spain – which one is for you?

Table of Contents

Greece or Spain: Things to do

Athens, Greece.

When it comes to things to do, both countries offer an abundance of choices but in quite different ways. Greece has a much more relaxed pace of vacationing, with much of the to do list centering around ancient ruins and island hopping , whereas Spain offers more urban tourism feel, mainly focused on art, food and architecture .

But when it comes to history, very few places can rival Greece and a trip to Athens is the perfect starting point for exploring this fascinating and rich history. Be sure to check out the Acropolis, a site dating back to the Neolithic era, or visit The National Archaeological Museum (considered to be one of the most important museums in the world).

Of course, something Greece can offer a bit more of than Spain are the island choices. Corfu is always popular with tourists but the pricier island of Santorini is another must-see. The whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and stunning vineyards are the epitome of a picture-perfect setting

So, while Greece may just win for the history and idyllic settings, Spain can certainly do culture a bit better, as it has a more multi-cultural society in general. The bustling cities of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona offer a fantastic array of art galleries, museums, and jaw dropping sights, such as the phenomenal Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Under construction since 1882, this remarkable church is architect Antoni Gaudi’s best-known work and is now a symbol of Barcelona.

The islands of Spain tend to be a bit more developed for tourists compared to Greece. So, if you’re on a family vacation, the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote will be what you’re looking for, as there are many waterparks and activities to keep the kids happy. But if you’re looking for serene relaxation, it may be slightly harder to find on the Spanish islands.

Winner: Spain, for the variety.

Greece or Spain: Accommodation

A Spanish villa

So, with plenty to see and do in each vacation, does Greece or Spain offer the best base for doing so? Well, luckily both offer superb accommodation choices, with Greece boasting many island paradise spots and rustic B&Bs and Spain enticing tourists with their budget-friendly grand hotels and apartment complexes, popular for family vacations.

There are plenty of places in Greece to match your needs. For the ultimate in luxury, the Kinsterna Hotel in the Peloponnese Peninsula awaits. This 5-star hotel, set amongst vineyards and olive trees, offers guests an award-winning spa and an array of activities. Or for something a little more authentic, the Kókkini Porta Rossa may suit you better. With a carefully curated selection of Greek antiques and artifacts, charm oozes around every corner here. But no matter where you stay, you can be sure that the surrounding landscape will be 5 stars at least.

Although many of the accommodation choices can live up to what’s offered in Greece, Spain just can’t compete with the plethora of island resorts. Renting villas are a popular choice here and you can get them for as little as €53 ($60) a night. However, for even cheaper alternatives, guesthouses, hostels, and camping sites can be found throughout the country. And if you’re in Spain on a family vacation, you may want to stay at Zimbali Playa Spa Hotel in Almeria, which has its own mini waterpark.

Winner: Greece, for the abundance of choice.

Greece or Spain: Beaches

Shipwreck Beach, Greece.

When it comes to beaches, you don’t get much more stunning than the likes of Greek beaches (sorry Spain). With hundreds of inhabited islands offering miles of sandy shores and sparkling waters, paradise is never far.

A highlight on any Greek beaches tour has to be Navagio Beach, better known as Shipwreck Beach . Its white sand, marble cliffs, bright blue waters, and, of course, that shipwreck planted right in the middle make it one of the country’s most photographed spots. If you’re opting for a more secluded beach trip, you may want to try the likes of Fteri Beach in Kefalonia or Glyka Nera in Crete (but be warned the secluded beaches are often harder to reach).

Although Spain does have several sandy heavens, such as the likes of Gran Canaria and Costa del Sol beaches, and amongst the whitewashed landscape of Andalusia (known as the Tropical Coast), it simply can’t compare to the vast number of choices you have in Greece. Also, Spanish beaches tend to have a busier feel to them, with it being an ever-popular vacation choice for families.

Winner: Greece, as many of the islands are just too hard to beat.

Greece or Spain: Food

A plate of Paella.

Both Greek and Spanish cuisines are a powerhouse of flavors for your tastebuds and while there are many similarities, like their love of appetizers (known as meze in Greece and tapas in Spain), there are also several differences.

Greek food tends to revolve much more around meats and cheeses, which can be found in some of their favorite dishes, such as saganaki (fried cheese), beef stifado (stew), and national dish, moussaka (mincemeat with potato or eggplant). In general, they typically rely less on frying (something for which the Spaniards are well known for) and opt for more healthy options and use of vegetables, hence why the Greek salad is a popular go-to for many.

The fried specialties of tortillita de camarones (fried shrimp fritters) and tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet) over in Spain may not be quite as good for you, but they will certainly leave you feeling satisfied. You will also find plenty of cold meats over in these parts, with jamon and chorizo being popular additions to any dinner spreads. Seafood is a popular choice around these parts, with paella (rice, meat, and seafood) being one of their most famous dishes. And Spain’s cuisine has also been highly influenced by many international cuisines due to settlers throughout history.

Winner: Draw.

Greece or Spain: Nightlife

Cocktails.

Greece or Spain for nightlife is a tough one. Greece is home to many household names in the party scene, including Zante, Mykonos , and Corfu, to name a few. But equally, over in Spain you have Ibiza, commonly referred to as ‘the clubbing capital of the world’. So, which one to choose?

Well, if this was the 90s, Spain would be winning hands down. But in more recent times, with several Greek spots being dubbed ‘the new Ibiza’, there’s definitely no ruling Greece out.

In Zante (or Zakynthos), the infamous Laganas Strip is jam-packed with the 18-30s crowd. Over in Mykonos, partying by the beach is the order of the day, with Paradise Beach boasting the best parties, bars, and nightclubs of the island, including the world-renowned Paradise Beach Club. And the long stretches of coastline in Corfu is the perfect place for a few cocktails, looking out onto incredible views of the Ionian Sea.

So how does Spain compare? Well, as well as being home to the iconic Ibiza, it does have a few other spots worth noting for a bit of a wild night. Magaluf, on the island of Majorca has also been luring partygoers for quite some time too, with an array of bustling bars and clubs to choose from. And the island of Gran Canaria is home to several recommended nightlife hubs, including Maspalomas and Las Palmas.

But, while they each offer a plethora of party spots , the way the Greeks and Spaniards do things are pretty different. In general, the Spaniards tend to be more of the party animal, with music and dancing being the central theme of nights out, while the Greeks have a more melancholic aura, centering on a lot of talking and plenty of coffee.

Winner: Greece, for several famous party destinations.

Greece or Spain: Price

A hand holding out Euro notes.

With breathtaking beach resorts, the best in fine dining and luxury yachts sailing the seas , many equate a trip to Greece with a pretty sizeable dent in the bank account. However, it is actually one of the more affordable European destinations – depending on the type of vacation you’re after of course.

In Greece, you should easily be able to get by on a budget of around €60-70 ($69-81) per day (excluding accommodation), with the average meal costing between €10-15 ($11-17). However, cost racks up when you start doing a bit of research and adding more and more islands to your itinerary. If you’re on a tight budget though, perhaps give the likes of pricey Santorini and Mykonos a miss.

Over in Spain you’re looking at a daily budget of around €55 -60 ($63-69) a day for food and transport costs, so slightly more affordable than Greece. Although the popular cities of Barcelona and Madrid may hike up the cost a little, it is still considered to be a pretty affordable destination. While it’s tempting to take advantage of the many whitewashed luxury villas and apartments, your bank account may take a hit. So, for a more budget-friendly trip there are many hostels with dorm rooms as cheap as €15 ($17) or mid-range hotels offering rooms starting from around €40 ($46).

Winner: Spain.

Greece or Spain: Nature

Mount Olympus, Greece.

For the nature lover, both Greece and Spain offer plenty to catch your eye. While Greece has one of the longest coastlines in Europe, Spain is home to some truly spectacular mountain ranges.

But with a captivating landscape of alpine lakes, rugged mountains, exquisite caves and even a few volcanoes, Greece is a nature lover’s haven. And if a bit of hiking is what you’re after, head to Mount Olympus (the highest mountain in Greece), where you are greeted by a variety of trails to suit all capabilities. Or if you’re looking for that next prize-worthy photo, the natural wonders of Giola Lagoon, in Thassos (natural pool inside rocky seaside cliffs) and Melissani Cave, in Kefalonia (featuring ancient stalactites and changing water colors) are sure to satisfy. With one of the longest coastlines in Europe, it’s no surprise plenty of Mother Earth’s gems lie in this country.

So, can you be just as one with nature over in Spain? Well, offering up many of the same natural features, it seems that you probably can. With Spain being home to the magnificent Pyrenees mountain range, you can be rest assured you won’t struggle too much to find an epic hiking spot here (just watch out for the snakes !). A couple of other natural wonders we would recommend adding to the Spain itinerary are Picos de Europa National Park (a dreamland of mountains, lakes, meadows, and villages) and Tabernas Desert (Europe’s only desert and a filming location of many Hollywood classics, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).

So, when it comes to Greece or Spain to satisfy the nature lover, we’d say they are probably pretty equal.

Greece or Spain: Conclusion

Well, after having exhausted both countries’ potential, we’ve come to the conclusion that Greece may have a little more to offer, thanks mainly to its plethora of island choices and fascinating ancient history.

However, if you want a bit more bang for your buck and a more varied itinerary, Spain just might be the better option.

But regardless of whether you’re in Greece or Spain, you can be sure you’ll be blessed with stunning scenery, great nightlife, and of course, a ton of mouthwatering Mediterranean culinary delights.

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Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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New travel rules for Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy and France

H olidaymakers heading to European destinations including Spain, Greece, France, Italy and Portugal face new travel rules and restrictions, including a new visa system when entering the European Union from the UK. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system that registers travellers from third-countries, including those with short-stay visas and visa-exempt travellers, every time they cross an EU border.

The scheme, which has been delayed a few times, is now due to start on October 6 this year. Since Brexit, UK travellers will fall under the third-country rules, and therefore will need to adhere to the new EES, reports Birmingham Live.

The new EES system will be followed by a new 'visa' system within a few months - meaning most people from the UK who want to go to Europe will need to buy a cheap form allowing access. No date has yet been set for that.

This system will record the traveller's name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, all while respecting fundamental rights and data protection.

The new system won't apply to non-EU nationals who have a residence card and are directly related to an EU national. It also won't apply to non-EU nationals who have a residence card or permit and are directly related to a non-EU national who can travel freely around Europe like an EU citizen.

Additionally, it won't apply to non-EU nationals travelling to Europe for an intra-corporate transfer, research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes, educational projects, or au-pairing.

The new rules will also apply to those with residence permits and long-stay visas, as well as people who don't need border checks or have been given special privileges (like heads of state or cross-border workers).

A number of other travel rules have already changed for UK holidaymakers. The validity of your passport needs to meet new requirements after Brexit.

Under post-Brexit regulations, UK passports need to be less than 10 years old on the day of travel, and must have at least three months remaining after you return. Although these requirements have been in place for a while now, some travellers are still getting caught out, meaning they're denied boarding and losing out on the cash they spent for their trip.

In some instances, airport workers themselves have gotten the rules wrong and turned people away so make sure your documents are well within the required window of dates.

There have also been changes to the rules that mean you can't take more than 100ml of liquids onto a plane. But unfortunately, not all airports have the right scanners in place so you need to check before you travel.

You also need to check your passport

‘Hardly any travellers have heard of it’: Spain’s best hidden gems according to a tour guide

El Hierro is one of Timon's recommendations for unusual spots to visit in Spain

Timon van Basten explored 40 countries before making Spain his home.

If you’re a travel aficionado, it’s likely you’ve been to Spain, maybe exploring Barcelona, Madrid and at least one Canary or Balearic island - but if you’ve ever wondered where in Spain is still relatively unexplored, we have some suggestions.

Euronews Travel spoke to Timon van Basten, a tour guide in Spain and the founder of Travel Spain 24.

Tour guide Timon pictured in his office

He’s Dutch and has travelled to more than 40 countries but has been settled in Spain for the last five years.

We asked him for the very best places off the beaten track in his adopted country.

“It's the Spanish spirit that makes this country so special. That love of life that fills the streets late into the night, as we float from tapas bar to tapas bar, chattering and laughing. The fastest drums at the festivals of Semana Santa. The sheer bravery of the runners in Pamplona. That spark that turns even ordinary days into a vibrant celebration. It's alive!”

Los Pueblos Blancos in Andalucía

“Most tourists don't make it past Ronda or Seville ,” while in Andalucía Timon tells Euronews Travel but, he says, “the white villages dotted throughout the mountains and hills are like stepping back in time.”

“Towns like Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema offer winding streets, tasty tapas and breathtaking views without the crowds.”

A view of the quaint Zahara de la Sierra in Andalucía

Timon recommends the historical destinations for their “white houses and small castles.” Painting an evocative picture, he adds, “olives grow around hills and cliffs. Hiking and relaxing in the village squares are fun things to do. Wildflowers bloom in spring.”

If that doesn’t sound idyllic, we don’t know what does! 

Las Médulas in León

“Hardly any travellers have heard of it, but it's one of the most unique sights I've come across,” Timon says of this breathtaking spot in the north west of the country.

It has a rich history, with Romans taking gold from mines centuries ago. Today, Timon explains, Las Médulas has “a surreal landscape of towering reddish cliffs and stone pillars that is unlike anywhere else in Spain.”

Las Médulas are known for their awe-inspiring reddish hues

While it is not a particularly well known spot, it is entirely possible to learn more about the region’s ancient heritage thanks to countless hiking trails crisscrossing the landscape and a small museum, Aula Arqueologica, too.

Timon says it’s a year round destination, with “nearby farms offering tastes of local wines in autumn's colours” - something that makes an especially stirring experience in that season.

La Garrotxa in Catalonia

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain, so it’s no surprise this Catalonia hotspot is overcrowded and, Timon tells Euronews, packed with “tourist masses”.

Perhaps best known for its goat’s milk cheese and the Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa - a huge natural park with many extinct volcanic cones - there is so much more to the region.

Timon suggests a visit to the “rugged volcanic region dotted with mediaeval towns”, like Santa Pau, built around a castle or Besalú with its picturesque Romanesque bridge. 

Pretty magical - the Milky Way on show at Santa Pau

“Santa Pau and Castellfollit de la Roca lack major attractions but more than make up for it in small-town charm and excellent Catalan cuisine,” he says.

It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, Timon adds, explaining that the walking and biking there is top tier. He also says not to miss the forest which “grows in old volcano flows with birches and oaks”.

If goat’s cheese isn’t your thing, you’re in luck: “sausages, roasted veggies and creamy desserts” are all regional specialities, too. 

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El Hierro in the Canary Islands

While many fans of Spanish culture will likely have already visited the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, not many will have set foot on El Hierro.

The furthest south and west of the island group, it’s also the smallest - and boasts some of the best weather in all of the Canaries.

“The tiny, remote island has an end-of-the-world vibe with lava flows, volcanic craters, and lush cliffs plunging into the Atlantic,” Timon says.

Why not dive into the smallest Canary Island of El Hierro?

He suggests renting a car to get the full experience and “explore at your own pace, with quaint towns, secluded beaches, and tranquil hiking trails to discover.”

It’s a truly unique landscape with its coast featuring “forests, cliffs and waves”, while the El Golfo lake, formed in the crater of an old volcano and given its unique hue by unusual algae is a magnificent sight to see.

For those looking to travel in an environmentally friendly way, El Hierro is a good bet, too.

The island is constantly expanding its ability to combine hydro and wind power which may, one day, allow it to get all its energy from renewable sources.

Sierra de Francia in Castilla y León

Halfway between Madrid and the Portuguese border, you’ll come across the mountain range of Sierra de Francia.

It’s just a stone’s throw from the city of Salamanca, but the entire region is sparsely inhabited - and its few towns are known for their great cultural value.

“From chestnut forests to rolling green hills dotted with stone villages, this unspoiled rural region has a simple beauty”, Timon says, “Base yourself in sleepy La Alberca to roam the countryside and enjoy home-cooked migas sheepherder stew without fanfare.”

Part of the beautiful vista of the Sierra de Francia mountain range

It’s another destination for those hunting for an escape from the rat race with Timon says, excellent “hiking and biking [to] explore the green countryside [which] offers tastes of rural life.”

Together with neighbouring Sierra de Béjar, Sierra de Francia constitutes a Biosphere Reserve, meaning that officials are making sure to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity of the area with its sustainable use.

What’s more, some of the mountain range’s towns have been officially declared Conjunto Histórico-Artístico - an endeavour which seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects and landscapes of particular historical significance.

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A cruise ship at the end of the square at San Marco in Venice which is crowded with tourists between the old buildings

Entrance fees, visitor zones and taxes: how Europe’s biggest cities are tackling overtourism

From Seville to Venice to Amsterdam, Europe is learning to improve locals’ lives by curbing tourists’ enthusiasm

O riginally built for the grand Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, Seville’s ­flamboyant neo-Moorish Plaza de España has for nearly a ­century been one of the city’s major ­attractions, an ornate ­showcase for Spanish architecture and ­decorative tiling.

But the several thousand visitors from around the world who throng the plaza every day, on foot or in horse-drawn carriages, may soon have to pay for the privilege, with proceeds from a planned entry fee going towards its upkeep.

“We are planning to close the Plaza de España and charge ­tourists to finance its conservation and ensure its safety,” Seville’s mayor, José Luis Sanz, announced on X last week, posting a video showing missing tiles and damaged facades.

Sanz made clear local ­residents and visitors from Andalucía ­province would not have to cough up to visit the plaza, which served as a backdrop in a Star Wars film, and is used regularly for concerts, fashion shows and theatrical performances.

Many residents objected to the scheme nonetheless – but their ­criticism was mostly that it would be complicated to administer and not very effective. Far better, many locals said, would be a hefty tourism tax on all visitors to Seville.

“Mass tourism,” said one, “is destroying our city.”

It’s a refrain heard in historic ­cities across Europe , from Prague to Barcelona, Athens to Amsterdam. Mass tourism, promoted by cash-hungry councils since the 2008 crash and fuelled by cheap flights and online room rentals, has become a monster.

After plummeting during Covid, tourism numbers are soaring again and set to exceed pre-pandemic ­levels this summer. The number of low-cost airline seats in Europe, which rose 10% annually from 2010 and hit 500m in 2019, could pass 800m in 2024.

A sticker saying “Tourism kills the city” with a skull and crossbones image on a post in Barcelona

Before lockdown, Airbnb, the ­biggest but far from only ­platform for short lets, saw triple-digit growth in some European ­cities. The net result is that the most ­popular city break destinations now annually host 20 or more visitors for each local.

What to do about it, though, is no easy question. Delicate ­balances need to be struck between the much-needed revenues and jobs generated by tourism, and the ­quality of life of residents; between managing tourism and ­discouraging it.

One strategy that Seville – 3 million tourists a year for 700,000 inhabitants – may adopt is to charge for the big attractions. Since January, foreign visitors to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, which gets about 3.5m ­visits a year, have been paying €25 for the privilege.

Venice is so overrun by visitors it has introduced what amounts to an entrance fee for the entire city, ranging from €3 to €10. Paris has almost trebled its tourist tax rates, from – depending on area and accommodation type – €0.25-€5 to €0.65-€14.95.

A dense crowd of tourists in sunglasses, some in baseball hats, others in vests, stand with the Acropolis in Athens in the background

Other cities are relying on better management – Athens, for example, last summer introduced a time-slot system for visits to the Acropolis, while summer access to Marseille’s Calanques is now regulated through a free reservation scheme.

Some places are launching ­information campaigns aiming to reshape tourist flows. France, where 80% of visits are concentrated in 20% of the country, will this spring roll out a €1m campaign urging domestic and foreign tourists to head more off the beaten track .

From Mont Saint-Michel and the ­seaside resort of Étretat in Normandy to the Atlantic beaches of the south-west and the Riviera, ­peak-season influxes now threaten the environment, locals’ quality of life and the visitor experience, authorities say.

They are also setting up a tourism observatory to accurately measure flows and identify possible overloads. “France is the world’s biggest tourist destination, but we have a serious lack of data to help manage the crowds,” the government said.

Some anti-tourism ­measures, however, turn out to be just rumours. Last summer, the walled Croatian town of Dubrovnik, said to be the most over-visited ­destination in Europe, with 36 ­visitors per resident, was widely reported to have banned wheelie suitcases.

In fact, as part of a Respect the City campaign urging visitors to dress appropriately in the historic centre and avoid climbing on monuments , the town hall had just asked them to carry their bags over cobblestones to reduce the noise level for locals.

The Netherlands

In the capital of the country that coined the term overtoerisme , ­tourist might be a dirty word – but Amsterdam is also increasingly ­desperate for visitors’ cash.

A plan last March to dissuade partying young British men with “stay away” videos warning of fines, hospital and criminal records made headlines worldwide. It’s unclear what effect it had, though, as Amsterdam’s overnight tourist numbers last year hit almost pre-pandemic levels at 9 million – 21% more than in 2022.

A soft-soap Renew your View campaign highlighting positive aspects off the beaten track (rather than sex and drugs) launched in November. Meanwhile the city is expected to expand its stay-away campaign to dissuade nuisance tourists from Germany, France, Spain and Italy after the summer.

A crowd of young people and lots of bicycles outside a cannabis/coffee shop

Since last spring there has been a ban on smoking cannabis in ­public space in the red light district, while bar closures at 2am instead of 4am have reduced street numbers by between 30% and 60%. However, after complaints about safety, sex-worker brothel windows are open until 6am again rather than 3am.

Amsterdam is reducing the number of licensed B&B premises by 30%, has voted to close a city centre cruise terminal and is trialling tougher licensing measures to remove “rogue” tourist businesses such as candy shops suspected of being criminal fronts.

The council says it is monitoring tourist numbers to try to maintain a balance. But multimillion budget shortfalls and a bill of billions to repair crumbling canalsides mean tourism is essential for Amsterdam: this year, the tourist tax rose from 7% to 12.5%, the highest in Europe , with a day tax of €14 a head for visiting cruise ships. Senay Boztas

Spain received 85 million ­tourists in 2023, nearly 2% up on pre-­pandemic 2019 – and in a country where ­tourism generates 13% of GDP, after the economic ­devastation of the Covid years, voices ­calling for curbs on numbers have been ­virtually silenced.

The hospitality business, however, continues to chant the mantra of quality over quantity – nowhere more so than in the Balearic Islands, where a new law is being drafted to crack down on drunk tourists.

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Last year about 15 ­million ­people visited the Balearics (­population 2 million), more than half British and German, with a ­significant percentage coming for what the regional government calls “tourism of excess”: a week-long drinking binge.

The new law to crack down on booze tourism is expected to be in force when the season kicks off at Easter. Under a 2020 law, areas such as Magaluf in Mallorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza were named as ­trouble spots.

Heavy fines were imposed for “balconing” (leaping into a pool from a balcony), shops were banned from selling alcohol after 9.30pm, and organised pub crawls, beach parties, party boats and two-for-one happy hours outlawed, Local businesses faced fines of up to €600,000.

But after areas such as Magaluf complained of being stigmatised, the new law will focus more on ­individuals. Among the planned measures are deportation for antisocial behaviour and a blacklist of people banned from visiting the islands.

Lawyers warn that this would infringe the EU’s principle of ­freedom of movement, although as the UK is no longer a member, rowdy Brits – who are among the worst offenders – could soon find themselves personae non gratae . Stephen Burgen

After years of talk, Venice is the first major tourist hotspot in Italy to introduce an entrance fee for day trippers. The measure kicks off at the start of peak season on 25 April, and in a first experimental phase will apply only on certain days until 14 July.

The €5 tickets have been bookable online since mid-January. Time will tell whether the controversial initiative works, but with visitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels – an average of 40,000 day trippers on peak days – and the perennial threat of the fragile lagoon city losing its Unesco heritage status, authorities were forced to act. The city is also poised to limit tourist groups to 25 people from June and to ban the use of loudspeakers because they “generate confusion and disturbances”, Venice council said in late December.

Florence has long suffered from similar overtourism woes and an exodus of residents from its historic centre, prompting the council in October last year to ban new short-term lets in the historic centre from Airbnb and similar platforms.

The city’s mayor, Dario Nardella, said that while the initiative was not a “panacea”, it was a “concrete step” for tackling the issue in a city with a population of about 720,000 that records, on average, more than 16 miilion overnight visitor stays a year.

Elsewhere in Italy, drivers along the Amalfi coast will again be hit by a measure aimed at ­preventing a perpetual jam along the ­winding 35km coastal road described as “a nightmare” by locals. Cars with number plates ending in an odd number are allowed to use the road one day, and those ending in an even number the next.

In Cinque Terre, another Unesco site, local authorities are also pondering how to manage overtourism. “We don’t want fewer tourists, but we want to be able to manage [tourism] in a sustainable way,” Donatella Bianchi, president of Cinque Terre national park, said last month. Angela Giuffrida

In Greece, one of the most ­visited places in the world, soaring ­tourist numbers are not only ­straining infrastructure on island idylls but increasingly stretching ­capacity in Athens, where residents, as ­elsewhere, are up in arms.

Once a stopover for travellers en route to isles, the Greek ­metropolis is now a “must-see” destination in its own right, drawing more than 7 million tourists – an all-time record – in 2023, with Americans and Britons topping arrivals.

To cope with an influx that is only expected to grow when the Asian market rebounds, Greek authorities have announced that crowd control policies – implemented in pilot form at the Acropolis in September – will be expanded to other archaeological sites next month.

A cruise ship docks at Mykonos.

Last year, at the height of the ­season, more than 20,000 ­tourists a day climbed the hill to see the fifth-century BC site. “We got to the point of as many as 23,000 a day,” the Greek culture ­minister, Lina Mendoni, said. “Tourism is ­obviously desirable for the country, for all of us, but we have to ensure overtourism doesn’t harm the monument.”

The visitor zone scheme, in ­operation from 8am to 8pm, aims to ease congestion, with authorities introducing a time-slot system, ­electronic ticketing and fast-lane entry points for organised groups. “It will help ensure the safety of the monument and those who work there, and improve the experience of visitors,” Mendoni said.

Museums will also cap visitor numbers from April.

The spectre of the country enjoying another bumper year of tourism has been met with mounting fears among environmentalists on islands where communities have increasingly struggled with waste management, water scarcity, insufficient public services and illegal construction.

In the face of local disgruntlement the government has been forced to step in. On Santorini, where complaints of ­oversaturation have grown steadily over the years, a berth-allocation system for cruise ships was introduced, with the number of disembarkations in any 24-hour period being limited to 8,000 passengers.

On Mykonos – like Santorini, one of the most popular islands in the Cycladic chain – authorities have clamped down on illicit construction, bulldozing illegally built bars and eateries in prime sites. Helena Smith

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New travel rules in Spain, Greece and Portugal - but some Brits will be exempt

New travel rules are coming into force in popular EU holiday destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Greece - but there are some exceptions for UK travellers

Close-up shot of a mid-adult woman holding a UK passport in her hand while waiting in the airport terminal.

  • 11:36, 7 Mar 2024

UK holidaymakers heading to the likes of Spain , France , Greece , and Portugal are being warned of a host of new travel rules and restrictions they need to navigate for their holidays .

That includes a new visa system when heading to the European Union . The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system that registers travellers from third-countries, including those with short-stay visas and visa-exempt travellers, every time they cross an EU border. The scheme, which has been delayed a few times, is now due to start on October 6 this year.

Since Brexit, UK travellers will fall under the third-country rules, and therefore will need to adhere to the new EES, reports Birmingham Live .

This system will record the traveller's name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, all while respecting fundamental rights and data protection.

However, there are a handful of exemptions. For example, the new system won't apply to non-EU nationals who have a residence card and are directly related to an EU national. It also won't apply to non-EU nationals who have a residence card or permit and are directly related to a non-EU national who can travel freely around Europe like an EU citizen.

Additionally, it won't apply to non-EU nationals travelling to Europe for an intra-corporate transfer, research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes, educational projects, or au-pairing.

The new rules will also apply to those with residence permits and long-stay visas, as well as people who don't need border checks or have been given special privileges (like heads of state or cross-border workers).

Ahead of the EES, it's worth noting that a number of travel rules have already changed for UK holidaymakers. For example, the validity of your passport needs to meet new requirements.

Under post-Brexit regulations, UK passports need to be less than 10 years old on the day of travel, and must have at least three months remaining after you return. Although these requirements have been in place for a while now, some travellers are still getting caught out, meaning they're denied boarding and losing out on the cash they spent for their trip.

In some instances, airport workers themselves have gotten the rules wrong and turned people away so make sure your documents are well within the required window of dates.

To give you a helping hand we've got a guide to passport rules for TUI, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and British Airways , but if you're unsure whether your documents are valid for your destination, you should always get in touch with your airline or tour operator as soon as possible, in case you do need to get any of your documents updated or renewed.

Still, in a boost ahead of the summer holidays, UK airports are currently in the process of rolling out new scanners that mean those pesky 100ml liquid restrictions will soon be scrapped , although some airports have warned that it's unlikely they will be able to fully meet the June 2024 deadline set by the UK government.

Check out more of Daily Mirror's latest travel stories by signing up to our free weekly newsletter.

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Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

Learn about the options and benefits for using eSIM while traveling abroad.

Learn about the benefits of traveling with eSIM

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home and another eSIM for the place you're visiting.

You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later

A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally

Learn more about eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao . For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers .

Roam internationally with your existing carrier

Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees.

Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination.

International roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.

Your carrier might offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.

To learn more, contact your carrier.

Learn more about cellular data roaming options for traveling internationally

Purchase an eSIM from a local carrier in the country or region you're visiting

Find carriers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone .

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, it can be used only by that carrier. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that carrier. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock. Learn how to unlock iPhone for use with a different carrier .

Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app. Depending on local regulations, you might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to purchase. These prepaid carrier options might offer more affordable local plans for data, voice, and text. Check with individual carriers for details.

In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you might wish to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time.Carriers around the world that support eSIM offer postpaid plans. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established local bank account, or credit card.

On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time . Carrier fees might apply. Contact your carrier for information.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans . These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

Apps that offer data only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone .

While you're abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.

The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for cellular data. For example, you might keep your primary line for your home and set up a data-only eSIM plan as your secondary line while traveling.

To choose your data line, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage, and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you're traveling.

You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Carrier fees might apply.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region

You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone . Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan. Also, check iPhone cellular band support for country compatibility.

Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.

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IMAGES

  1. Sail along the shimmering waters between Greece and Italy on a 15-day

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  2. The best Italy and Greece itinerary

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COMMENTS

  1. Italy, Spain and Greece: 10-Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors

    Day 1. Flight from USA to Rome, Italy. Get a taxi or a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Hotel in Rome: Holiday Inn Express Rome - San Giovanni (2 nights) Trevi Fountain in Rome. Day 2. Explore Rome. Take a walk and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city.

  2. Mediterranean Explorer: Greece, Italy & Spain Vacation

    Athens - Immersed in a 16th- and 17th-century Greek Neighborhood. Plaka has distinct energy as a maze of whitewashed alleyways leads you to small squares and churches. Rows of small shops line both sides of the streets, often their wares spilling out onto cobbles. Families walk and gather on the squares while groups of friends bring chatter ...

  3. Greece, Italy and Spain Tours & Trips

    Nederlands: Griekenland, Italië en Spanje Rondreizen in 2024/2025. Browse the best tours in Greece, Italy and Spain with 57 reviews visiting places like Barcelona and Venice. All Major Brands. Biggest selection. Best Prices.

  4. Mediterranean Cruises

    2 nights Florence. 2 nights Rome. Escorted by a Tour Director. Then sail to Naples and Sicily, depending on your itinerary. Longer Mediterranean cruisetours may also visit ports in Greece, Turkey, France and beyond. Select sightseeing included. Most meals included. Find Cruisetours. 10 - 25 Nights.

  5. The Complete Italy and Greece Trip Itinerary

    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.

  6. Cruise from Spain to Italy & Greece

    Across the Med: Spain to Greece. 9-NIGHT SAILING FROM BARCELONA TO ATHENS. Volcano views and vineyards in Catania. There's no more idyllic way to catch some rays than by island hopping through Greece and Italy and skirting the French Riviera. Start this nine-night odyssey in Barcelona, before visiting Cannes, Sardinia, Sicily, Mykonos, and ...

  7. 10 Best Italy and Spain Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Find the right adventure for you that goes to Italy and Spain. With 14 tours to choose from, ranging in length from 9 days to 19 days passing through places like Tuscany and Barcelona. The most popular month to visit these countries is August, which has the most number of departures. Find here the best 10 day Italy itineraries or 10 days Spain ...

  8. 10 Days in Italy & Greece

    Itinerary #1: Highlights of Italy & Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos & Santorini. Ten days in the Mediterranean is enough time to see the capitals of Italy and Greece, as well as spend a few days each in Florence and Venice for some Renaissance art and regional fare. Add in a few sunny beach and sightseeing days on Mykonos and Santorini, and this trip plan truly hits it all.

  9. Spain, Italy & Greece Tour

    Book Spain, Italy & Greece Tour (136204) - Get Holiday Package to Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Athens, Spain, Italy & Greece Tour for 16 Days / 15 Nights in Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Athens , tour packages with complete details ... Travel and medical Insurance to participate in tour Airports Departure Taxes Meals other than what ...

  10. 2 Weeks in Italy & Greece

    Itinerary #1: Highlights of Italy and Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini. For a chance to explore bustling piazzas and sun-filled beaches, opt for this highlights trip plan that brings you to the best of both worlds. You'll visit major historic landmarks in the capital cities and spend time relaxing on two of Greece's ...

  11. 15 Best Tours of Greece and Italy in 2024/2025

    Amazing trip that covered the highlights that we wanted to see. All top spots in Greece & Italy were visited. We had a lovely tour and thank Dot Travel Greece. Destinations Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice +5 more Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, French, Dutch +3 more Operator

  12. Discover the Mediterranean's Best: 5-Week Wanderer's Journey

    DESCRIPTION. WHAT'S INCLUDED. Route: Chania Athens Sorrento Catania Rome La Spezia Nice Montpellier Barcelona Palma. Nights: 35. Countries: 4. Transport: Train and ferry. Sustainability: This trip creates 223 kg of carbon emissions! Flying the same route would create 1190 kg. Reviews: All independent reviews.

  13. 11 Days Simply Amazing: Greece & Italy's Amalfi Coast

    THE ENCHANTED AMALFI COAST. Only 1 hour, 50 minutes' flight time. 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.

  14. Gems of the Mediterranean: 14-Day Italy and Greece Tour

    Suggested Duration. 14 Days. Discover history, culture, and natural beauty during your two-week best of Italy and Greece tour. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Parthenon in Athens and from Venice's canals to Santorini's Caldera, you will have an experience that immerses you in over 3,000 years of Western Civilization and contemporary luxury.

  15. 3 Weeks in Italy & Greece

    Itinerary #1: Highlights of Italy and Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini. Consider this trip plan if you want to explore some of the main highlights of the Mediterranean region while still leaving time for a few visits to lesser-known locales. You'll see historical sites in Rome and Athens, visit art museums in ...

  16. Spain, Italy & Greece Student Tour

    Trip Length: 14 - 18 days. Stroll through Madrid's bustling city square, visit Spain's most popular vacation spot, set sail for imperial Rome, boat to the stunning island of Capri, and get a taste of Ancient Greece with a stop at the archaeological site at Mycenae.

  17. Greece & Italy

    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.

  18. The best Italy and Greece itinerary

    1 When to visit Italy and Greece. 2 DAY 1- Athens. 2.1 Where to stay in Athens. 2.2 Things to do in Athens on Day One. 3 DAY 2 - Athens. 3.1 Things to do in Athens on Day Two. 4 DAY 3 - Meteora. 4.1 How to get to Meteora from Athens. 4.2 Where to stay in Meteora.

  19. Italy & Greece Tour Packages 2024 & 2025

    Our Italy and Greece expert travel advisors and trip planners will work with you to create your dream vacation itinerary. You'll stay at the very best hotels, apartments or villas. You choose how you want to spend your days, either enjoying day trips and city tours with our trusted partners or taking a day off to wander on your own.

  20. Best of Italy and Greece Tour 2024

    Book your 2024 Italy and Greece tour with confidence. Free 3 day booking hold and flexible change options. Explore Rome, Venice, Athens and more with Trafalgar.

  21. how to best travel to italy, spain and greece

    9. Re: how to best travel to italy, spain and greece. No. 1 - I think you need to get a map of the continental Europe, inclusive of Greece, so that you can appreciate the magnitude of your plan. No. 2 - do some homework as to which specific areas in each country you want to visit. Italy is big, so is Spain.

  22. Greece Or Spain: The Honest Comparison You Need [2023]

    In fact Greece does win when it comes to cost. We've found that Greece tends to be a little cheaper than Spain in regards to accommodation and eating out. For us, Greece is also the better holiday destination if you're looking for relaxation, time spent outdoors, and an island hopping adventure.

  23. Greece or Spain: Which Mediterranean Gem is Best to Visit?

    Over in Spain you're looking at a daily budget of around €55 -60 ($63-69) a day for food and transport costs, so slightly more affordable than Greece. Although the popular cities of Barcelona and Madrid may hike up the cost a little, it is still considered to be a pretty affordable destination.

  24. 10 Days in Spain & Italy

    With 10 days in Spain and Italy, you can check out each country's iconic landmarks and idyllic countrysides on a highlights tour or focus on the picturesque coastlines of the Costa Brava and the Amalfi Coast during a sun-kissed adventure. Foodies will find Naples, Rome, and San Sebastián the perfect places to visit, while active explorers delight in a three-day hike in the Italian Dolomites ...

  25. New travel rules for Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy and France

    Holidaymakers heading to European destinations including Spain, Greece, France, Italy and Portugal face new travel rules and restrictions, including a new visa system when entering the European ...

  26. 'Hardly any travellers have heard of it': Spain's best hidden gems

    Euronews Travel spoke to Timon van Basten, a tour guide in Spain and the founder of Travel Spain 24. ... Portugal, Italy, Spain: Top 3 beaches in the world are all in Europe

  27. Entrance fees, visitor zones and taxes: how Europe's biggest cities are

    Spain received 85 million ­tourists in 2023, nearly 2% up on pre-­pandemic 2019 - and in a country where ­tourism generates 13% of GDP, after the economic ­devastation of the Covid years ...

  28. New travel rules in Spain, Greece and Portugal

    New travel rules are coming into force in popular EU holiday destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Greece - but there are some exceptions for UK travellers

  29. Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone

    You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active simply by changing your selections in Settings. This might be helpful if you travel regularly to the same places. What you need. An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later. A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM. Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*