We will be traveling to Rome then down through Pompeii, Amalfi Coast then I guess back up through Naples to fly to Santorini then having to go back through Rome to come home to the states. I looked at traveling back through Athens but it was double the price.
This will be first June through mid June. I had initially looked at 12 days. We are flexible…. But suggestions if this is enough time in 12 days. It’s a graduation present for my daughter who really wants Santorini but I would like to see some of Italy if we are over there as well. And suggestions in each area and how to get to the areas as well.
We have never been to either one. Suggestions and possibilities welcome!
Thank you
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12010 posts
How many total nights do you have for the trip?
On the premise that Santorini is a 'must' I would start there and then fly Athens to Naples ( there does appear to be a one non-stop per day) train to Rome and fly home from there.
I would look at multi-city (open jaw) USA-Santorini, FCO-USA and book the other flight(s) separately
But suggestions if this is enough time in 12 days
It is definitely an 'ambitious' schedule; many would suggest more days or pick one country.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Since you haven’t been to either, might I suggest an alternative to Santorini.
Look at Ischia, an island of comparable size located in the Bay of Naples. It too is of volcanic origins, has several towns and villages, excellent beaches, thermal springs, excellent food. Many modes of transportation.
The only thing missing are the iconic white buildings.
https://www.ischiareview.com/to-see--do.html
Doing so will compress your vacation into one area.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16168 posts
Both RyanAir and Volotea fly non stop from Naples to Santorini (and back) in summer. Check their websites to see if that would work for your dates of travel.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23650 posts
....I looked at traveling back through Athens but it was double the price...... Not sure that is accurate. I rarely find open jaw tickets to be more expensive --- Maybe a hundred dollars but never double. Just ran a quick check.. Don't know your home airport but using Chicago as a starting from Jun 1-15. I found RT Rome from Chicago around the $650-700 depending on schedule and open-jaw coming home from Athens at $750 to $800. Far cheaper when you add in the expense of time and money returning to Rome. Make sure you are using multi-city option and not two, one-way tickets.
Twelve days is barely enough to cover Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi coast and Naples. Santorini and Greek is another trip. Or fly into Athens and spend a couple of days around Athens and then Santorini would fit nicely into a 12 days. You really don't have time for both unless you are just interested in making a quick, drive-by type of vacation.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
How much time are you planning on spendings in Rome? This is based on the above itinerary I suggested.
You need at least 4 nights (5days) for Rome which I’d put at the end of your trip.
On arrival Rome, train immediately to Naples. Then take the Circumvesuvian (commuter train) to Sorrento. Deciding exactly what you want to see besides Pompeii will give you the nights you need. 4 nights minimum.
You can reach Ischia from Sorrento by ferry, short stop at Capri to drop passengers. It’s about an hour and a half. 3-4 nights should give you adequate time to explore the island.
This would give you a total of a 16 night trip.
Remember you arrive the day after you leave and your last day is packing, checking out, and getting to the airport for your flight home.
If you decide on Greece, I agree with flying there first it will save some time.