4 days free between greece and italy

Depending on where in Greece you intend to go you could hop over to Turkey for a couple of days before moving on to Rome.

Thanks for the idea Lee. I see your around and are very knowledgeable. My Greece itinerary is not yet complete, and fitting in Turkey is something we were thinking. Maybe you can help on laying out something with us. We arrive in Athens on the 11th. We ideally would like to see Athens ( I'm really interested in Meteora ) and max 2 islands, as well as Istanbul ( 3 nights, ideally) we have a total of 13 nights, 14 days and need to arrive in Rome on the 24th. I've been trying to throw together something, but ferries and flights and trying to connect everything the most efficient way is tough. Any thoughts or suggestions that could help me out would be amazing! Thanks Lee

With only 9 nights maximizing your time is essential. This is what I suggest you do, budget permitting: Upon arrival at the Athens Airport fly directly to Istanbul. Check airfare for Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Turkish Airlines. After Istanbul make your way to Kusadasi by bus and then to Selcuk to see Ephesus, or fly from Istanbul to Izmir and take a bus to Selcuk to see Ephesus. After Ephesus take the ferry from Kusadasi to Samos. From Samos you can use the Greek ferry system to see some islands on your way back to Athens, where you'll explore Meteora and the city for a few days. An alternative after Ephesus would be to take a bus from Selcuk to Bodrum to catch the ferry to Rhodes or Kos so you can take a ferry from there to Santorini on the way back to Athens. It really depends on which islands interest you. Saving Athens and Meteora for last eliminates any backtracking as well as the stress of having to get back to the mainland from an island at the last minute for your flight to Rome.

That's perfect information. Thanks a lot, I'm going to look into some of those places now. Thanks again Lee

I used Pegasus to go from Rome to Istanbul and back. Unlike some of the budget airlines in Europe, you do automatically get to check bags. It's much more comfy than Ryanair, too! You could try to take a day trip to Ephesus or somewhere else if you'd like, but honestly there is plenty to see and do and eat in Istanbul for 4 nights.

I would agree that there is plenty to do and see in Istanbul for 4 days and since this is a midpoint in your trip you might just want to chill out and enjoy the Turkish people and culture. Its a great place. I flew from Istanbul to Athens and back using Turkish Airlines.

I'd stay in Istanbul. I was there twice last year and there is so much to do and see. It's a fabulous city.