How to plan Italy & Greece (without rushing)
The “secret” to a great Italy + Greece trip is staying disciplined: two bases (or at most three) and short travel days. Your trip feels more premium when you have time for slow mornings, long lunches, and an evening stroll—rather than constant transfers.
These routes are built around easy logistics and “wow” moments. Choose based on your vibe: classic cities, coastline, or islands.
Rome → Athens + one island (Santorini or Naxos). Big icons + one dreamy reset.
Rome → Amalfi Coast (or Sorrento) → Athens. Best for views, beaches, and slow dinners.
Lisbon-style simplicity: do Athens + Naxos (or Paros). Less “crowd pressure,” more chill.
Rome → Florence → Athens. Works, but it’s tighter—expect earlier mornings and fewer “free” hours.
Rome
Rome is the easiest Italy entry point for U.S. travelers: world-class history, walkable neighborhoods, and the kind of city where you can do one “major” sight per day and still feel like you’ve seen a lot.
Amalfi Coast (or Sorrento as your base)
If you want coastal energy without constant ferry hopping, base in Sorrento and do day trips. You get sea views, iconic cliff towns, and sunset dinners—without packing up every morning.
Florence (only if you love art + compact cities)
Florence is beautiful and efficient—perfect if museums and architecture are your focus. If you add Florence, cut something else so the trip doesn’t become a sprint.
Athens
Athens is best when you treat it like a neighborhood city, not a checklist. Do one “big” historical stop, then spend the rest of your time on cafés, markets, and evening walks.
Santorini (iconic, but plan it right)
Santorini is the postcard—amazing views and high demand. It feels luxurious when you plan for it: book early, choose a base you can walk, and reserve one special sunset dinner.
Naxos or Paros (more relaxed, great value)
If you want beaches, good food, and less “crowd intensity,” pick Naxos or Paros. These are often the best “happy medium” islands for a 7–10 day trip.
7 days: Rome + Athens (simple, city-forward)
- Days 1–4: Rome (one major sight/day + neighborhoods)
- Day 5: Fly to Athens
- Days 6–7: Athens (history + food + relaxed pacing)
7 days: Athens + one island (best for a “reset”)
- Days 1–2: Athens
- Days 3–7: Santorini or Naxos/Paros
10 days: Rome + Athens + one island (most balanced)
- Days 1–4: Rome
- Days 5–6: Athens
- Days 7–10: One island (Santorini for views, Naxos/Paros for beaches/value)
10 days: Rome + Amalfi + Athens (coast lovers)
- Days 1–3: Rome
- Days 4–6: Amalfi Coast (or Sorrento base)
- Days 7–10: Athens
Ferries are part of the fun—but flights can save hours. For short trips, choose whichever gives you the most “usable” afternoon time.
- Choose ferries when you’re staying within the same island group and timing is smooth.
- Choose flights when the ferry is long, early, or requires multiple connections.
- Pro tip: plan travel days around lunch, not sunrise.
For U.S. travelers, this trip gets expensive when you chase ultra-central locations in peak season or book late. The “premium” move is a great base (walkable) and fewer transfers.
- Hotels: book early in high-demand areas; prioritize walkability and views if that’s your “wow” factor.
- Tours: use guided tours strategically for one or two must-do experiences.
- Transfers: pre-book airport transfers if arriving late or with luggage-heavy routes.
- Flights: lock in your best routing first (fewer connections beats tiny savings).
- Hotels: use refundable rates when available, then re-check prices later.
- Travel insurance: consider it for nonrefundable bookings and island-heavy trips.
- Timing: shoulder-season can feel dramatically better and often costs less.