Italy and Greek isles in two weeks

Posted by wk (Torrance, CA, USA) on 02/25/09 11:24 PM

I am traveling with a few friends to Europe for the first time in May. We are looking to enjoy Italy for 7 days, then Santorini/Mykonos for 5 days..we are flying from and back to LA.

The top choices for Italy are Rome and Cinque Terre, and we are still debating a 3rd and/or 4th city if possible, all in 7 days. I really need help with figuring out what the best itinerary is to enjoy these cities, what's the best way to get around and should we fly into and out of same city? And if not, where should we start and end, and from that last Italian city, what's the best way to get to Greek isles? It's exciting yet overwhelming to get started! Thanks so much for any advice...!

Posted by pat

victoria, Canada

02/26/09 12:36 AM

11507 posts

To get from Italy to Greece you should fly from Rome to Athens, then then fly to Santorini or Mykonos. You can take a ferry to Athens, but, this takes time up, and with only two weeks why waste time. Just a note, the islands will just be starting up in early May, not ness. guaranteeing you swimming weather yet.

I totally loved Greece( we did two weeks in Mykonos and Paros) ,, but we felt that even with two weeks we did not have enough time, we didn't have budget to fly to some islands, had to use ferries, and they can take a whole day, which is why we didn't do Santorini. So, basically I would recommend doing either Italy or Greece, not both. Of course alot depends on what you want out of holiday.. .

In Italy you could do 4 days in Rome, 3 days in Cinq Terre , 3 days in Florence, and 2 days in Venice.. and don't forget to do some awesome daytrips,, I have never done Pompeii myself but I would think it would be fasinating.. and what about Amalfi Coast..

So, maybe narrow down what youreally want to do, museums, hikes, beaches, nightlife, history??

Posted by wk OP

Torrance, CA, USA

02/26/09 01:28 AM

4 posts

Pat, thanks for the reply. Here are some missing deets- I am traveling with my hubby and another couple, we are all pretty much into sight-seeing, absorbing history, eating great food, and enjoying the nature/outdoors as well. Because we can't get more time off from work, we are trying to see as much as possible without doing a "drive-by" visit. Rick Steves had some great tips on "rome in 2-3 days" etc.

On that note, where can I see about best mode of transport up the coast? if by train, is it cheapest to buy a pass or pay per ride?

Posted by Giovanna

Italy

02/26/09 05:20 AM

247 posts

Fly to Rome. Rome deserves at least three days with a one of those three days for the Vatican.

Take the train from Rome to the Cinque Terre, point to point tickets. Florence is between the two, so a logical third city.

Buy tickets on arrival. Trenitalia does not accept credit cards issued outside Italy online.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ad1ce14114bc9110VgnVCM10000080a3e90aRCRD

Fly Meridicana from Malpensa directly to Santorini or Mykonos. Ferry between Santorini and Mykonos. Most flights would require a connection through Athens.