We are fortunate to travel to Europe every other year and through these past 8 years have been very proud of what my family of 5 has accomplished. We've seen many great things, as well as understand the importance of picking a spot to squat for a handful of days, and enjoy the surroundings. Our goal is to teach them how to travel, be smart about it and mostly appreciate different cultures and history.
In Rome 2 my then 12 year old son was disappointed to not see as many temples as he believed we'd see from all the junior adult novels he's read. He asked to go to Greece next. So, that was the plan. As I started researching temples, 2/3 of my kids asked to see, I realized some are in Sicily. I cannot please everybody, I realize.
We have about 16-18 days tops and will come from the Chicago. Because of schedules, likely go at the hottest temp time of mid-July. :(
My current plan is to
1. fly into Naples and spend 2 days along the Amalfi coastline. I'm thinking further south in this area to cut down on driving. Secondly, if I can get away with not having a car around Amalfi, I'd consider that, but then we need a wonderful town, with passage to a wonderful beach, pool (always!)
2. drive along the coast toward Sicily. Do we stop at Pasteum? How much time should I plan for seeing temples in southern Italy. I'm thinking a condensed trip would be best so perhaps another 2 days. Now, which part of southern Sicily should we see? Since I'm a bit of a photog, I love a great shot so I keep looking at pictures already posted and read about those areas. Unfortunately that does not help me to consolidate our trip.
3. from there we would like to spend a bulk of days relaxing on/near a wonderful Greek beach, with good connection (either ferry or plane) to Athens. Perhaps 5 days on the island of Crete. I'm open to ideas, but Santorini is so expensive that time of year and not sure as fun for the kids. Perhaps a day trip from somewhere... (haven't researched yet)
4. assuming 3-4 days in Athens and surrounding. So much to do in that part so may extend this time period.
5. fly home from Athens.
This is my very, very rough plan as you can see. I've allowed time to expand on an area or two. Or did I just really allow for all the travel time?
My kids are teens and at departure will be nearly 16, 16, 13.
If you were me, where would you stay in these general areas, and why?
You've helped me nail down my itinerary in my head many of times from all of your helpful posts throughout the years, and some directed to me personally.
Thanks for any direction, or re-direction you might provide.
Posted by
5277 posts
Of course stop at Paestum--I thought the trip was to see temples?
Is Pompeii in the plan? If so, two days is going to go by pretty quickly on the Amalfi coast. Maiori has a nice wide beach, it looked more appealing than the one at Vietri, though either of those wold be good for staying at the mainland end (and parking the car).
This type of trip just requires a lot of legwork-- drive times (driving to Sicily seems like it would be time consuming) and carriers between Sicily and Greece.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1003 posts
Ironically what you will see in Sicily are Greek temples! Southern Italy was colonized by the Greeks, called Magna Grecia. Paestum is a must see, 3 temples set in the ruins of the Greek city. It also has a very nice, small museum. Why not fly from Naples to Sicily? A lot less wear and tear on the nerves. Don't if it applies to Italian car rentals but people have experienced insurance issues taking cars on ferries, make sure you are covered.
Sicily and temples - I think by the time you are done your boy will never want to see another temple or will end up wanting to be the next Indiana Jones! Heading west to west to east the sites are: Segesta, temple and theatre; Selinute, huge city site. One area has 3 temples close together in various states of ruin. A short distance away, on the coast, is the remains of the city and acropolis.
The Valley of Temples is stunning. With a number of temples set along a ridge. The temple of Concordia is the most complete, probably as it served as a church from the sixth century. It is considered one of the best preserved Doric temples in the World. There are a whole series of smaller sites just over the road which is interesting to wander around. This is a huge site, in area and is deserving of spending a full day there.
Syracuse has a large archaeological park with a magnificent theatre still in use today. Also an amphitheatre in a poor state of repair. The area of Syracuse called Ortygia is interesting as the cathedral incorporates many elements of a Greek Temple (Athena?). After seeing many temples you will realize where the traditional church design came from!
I am sure there are many more temples but these are the ones I have visited. I do also recommend a visit to Taormina, a delightful town with a Greek/Roman theatre with the incredible backdrop of Mt Etna.
I love Crete and there are lots of things to do there; hiking the gorges, visiting the beaches on the west coast, archaeological sites, great food, friendly people. I find the Rough Guide is the best resource for ideas.....
Posted by
Washington DC
28450 posts
I'll be the one to say it: For a 16-to-18 day trip, I think mainland Italy + Sicily + Greece is not practical. You are going to spend a lot of time on transportation. Sicily could easily fill all the time you have, as could Greece (of course). And then there's southern Italy.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I would stick with Sicilia and Campania (regions with Greek temples). Campania includes Napoli, the Amalfi Coast, and Paestum, as well as the Roman amphitheatre at Capua. Sicilia has, as mentioned, Selinunte and Agrigento (I would choose Agrigento if you only have time for one), Segesta, Siracusa (the cathedral is built on the Greek temple), and Taormina.
Sicilia has lots of beaches near the ruins.
On the mainland, Paestum has a very good museum, a beach, and mozzarella farms in addition to the temples.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
141 posts
Helloooo!
I am so appreciative of these comments.
I've decided to rule out Amalfi at this time. Yes, Pompei would be of interest, but I know that we will be back in Italy at some time and could easily focus on that then.
We will focus on 3 areas within Sicily, quiet time on Crete and 4-5 days in Athens.
Does anybody have recommendations for a lovely beach/view/accommodation?
I would love some opinion on taking the trip to Meteora and is seeing the Corinth canal worthwhile? Remember, only 4-5 days in Athens and surrounding area, and there's so much to do there. Should I make Meteora and Corinth separate trips?
While in Athens, I'm looking at either staying in a nice hotel, great walking area with a view of the acropolis or in a nearby airbnb type place. Are there areas I should stay away from? Traveling with a family, safety over cost.
Again, all of you are helping me frame this. I truly appreciate your time!