Eastern Europe- Krakow, Prague and Bratislavia.

There is no right answer to this. Its what you want to see. Functionally spending all of your time in Greece/Region or Central/Eastern Europe is more efficient.

Krakow, Bratislavia and Prague. Interesting selection of stops. You have already been to Vienna? With two weeks you could do:
Prague, Vienna, Bratislava (if you must) and Krakow. Of course you are missing Budapest and thats the best city in the region. But not enough time to add another city. Personally I would do Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Krakow; because Prague is easy to add to the next trip that includes Prague and Germany while Budpaest is at the margin and if you miss it this time, its hard to come back.

But, I is what lights your fire, and if a week in Greece and a week in Eastern Europe does that, then go for it. I would keep Greece to Athens and one island and Eastern Europe down to Prague and Krakow.

I would substitute Vienna for Bratislava.

Bratislava is only an hour away from Vienna and is an easy day trip.I think there is more to see and do in Vienna than Bratislava so I would focus on that.

As for going to Greece, well, that's personal preference. You could go in the opposite direction and head to the Baltic states. I've become of big fan especially Riga in Latvia.

Ok this is really interesting feedback. Have never been to Eastern Europe so it is hard to imagine what to expect. I just watched the rebuild of Warsaw which looks fascinating too. Thanks For tips on Vienna. I'll take a look at the Baltic but we are drawn to Eastern Europe and somewhere to sit in the warmth and eat sefood by the water.

Athens and one island is a great tip. I was look at Hydra and Nafplio? Any other suggestions? Basically have the travel bug now so will have to plan for more trips I think.

I'll take a look at the Baltic but we are drawn to Eastern Europe and somewhere to sit in the warmth and eat sefood by the water.

What time of year are you considering? In the summer months you can certainly enjoy the warmth and eat seafood by the water all along the Baltic coast. Obviously it won't be as hot as Greece but personally I find Baltic summer temperatures to be a lot more comfortable than Greek summers.

We will be there end of April.

I feel compelled to say that locals in these areas would never describe this region as Eastern Europe. Be careful with that terminology as it can ruffle feathers. What you are describing is Central Europe to people who live there.

If you want to see Greece and eastern Europe, I would consider combining Greece with the Balkans. You could start in Athens (maybe with a visit to one of the Saronic islands), work your way up to Thessaloniki and then into North Macedonia and beyond. These countries are some of my favourite places to visit in Europe- loads to see, not very expensive, lots of history, and April would be a good time. Just a suggestion, I think you'd enjoy the other cities you listed as well. Good luck deciding!

Thank you Emily, I really need to do more research!

but we are drawn to Eastern Europe and somewhere to sit in the warmth
and eat sefood by the water.

Emily got it correct. And given the statement above the Balkans are perfect. Now we are moving into my favorite places in the world. I was in Montenegro (again) a few months ago and just booked a trip back to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

For the first time I would keep it simple and get some good advice because transportation in that part of the world isn’t like Western Europe. You have two weeks, which isn’t a lot. So still, Athens and an Island for a week and a short Balkans tour.

There are a thousand ideas, but I would fly from Athens to Dubrovnik. There are non-stops, and Dubrovnik is a classic landmark city. April won’t be terribly crowded.

Then the choice becomes, do you follow the ant trail and the $$$$$$ north up the coast or do you go for something more unique and still developing and a lot more affordable and go south down the coast. Well, the way I phrased that you know I say go south. So go here and watch the videos: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/podgorica-to-dubrovnik-by-car

Let’s say you have 14 days in Europe.

Day 1 Arrive Athens.
Day 2 Athens
Day 3 Trip to Poros and Hydra
Day 4 Athens
Day 5 Morning flight Athens to Dubrovnik (Aegean non-stop in about 90 minutes).
Day 6 Dubrovnik
Day 7 Dubrovnik and an island trip. I would do Šipan but there are more choices (research) or go to
Day 8 Now you get a guide out of Montenegro. They don’t cost that much because Montenegro isn’t Western Europe. This is where going EAST pays off. After you add up all the costs in Montenegro including the transfers, a good chance it will be very close to the cost of Croatia on the bus. Where was I? Oh, yest, depart Dubrovnik, first stop Cavtat, second stop Herceg Novi, third stop Perast. Night n Perast.
Day 9 do a boat trip to the islands in the bay and to the Blue Cave and just have a relaxed day. Night in Perast.
Day 10 drive to Kotor, go up above Kotor for Prosciutto and the great mountain road. Stop at winery along the way and end up in Budva. Night in Budva
Day 11 sightseeing around Budva
Day 12 Budva to Stari Bar to Ulcinj night in Ulcinj
Day 13 Sight seeing around Ulcinj maybe the lake maybe olive oil production location maybe another winery up in the mountains on the Albanian border
Day 14 transfer to Podgorica airport for the trip home.

To see these places go here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/podgorica-to-dubrovnik-by-car and there is one suggestion for a trip planner in that forum post as well. If not that person, find someone because the small amount of money invested will really make a difference.

Well Mr E this is very insightful and truly an amazing itinerary. I had a brief look at the Balkans but now I am very interested. Thinking of leaving Central Europe for another trip (once you have this bug you clearly can't stop). Can you please enlighten me about the guide out of Montenegro. Do you mean a private driver? Can we not just hire a car?

Sure you can rent a car but I suspect a transfer won't cost much more in the long run, and you can spend your time looking out the window and have someone who knows the best stops along the way. One of the advantages of the Balkans is that the price allows you to kick things up a little bit ... or save money. The downside of getting a rental will begin with finding a company that will let you cross th border, then 30 euro a night to park it, then the drop-off fee could be more than the rental cost.

There was a guide mentioned in that thread linked above. She will plan your stay for a nominal amount (including car rentals i assume) at one end of the spectrum to booking the whole thing, guides, activities and all st the other end of the spectrum. There are some others mentioned in other threads. This is the only one I have used, and the only one I know of that does all the Bslkans.

It's my favorite place in Europe outside of Budapest. I go back in September for fky fishing and a little tourism, and I will probably be there in April or May fly fishing.

Thanks Mr E! I will check you link out.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/podgorica-to-dubrovnik-by-car