This is probably the last trip my husband and I will be able to take without hauling along our children (and yes, vacationing with kids is wonderful too, but in a different way). I've been to Italy a couple times but he has not (and I really want him to experience it); both of us want to see Istanbul, and we'd enjoy seeing a Greek isle and having one or two days of vegging on the beach. We pondered an eastern Mediterranean cruise, but would much prefer to stay and to eat in more local style, rather than a whitewashed and sanitary cruise ship with restaurants and entertainment like what we have at home. We will probably have between two-three weeks. Is it realistic to think we could see a bit of Istanbul, a couple places in Greece, and a few spots in Italy? I'd love some itinerary recommendations. I know this won't be a comprehensive or exhaustive trip, but hopefully we'll be back to each of these countries again. We are in our early thirties, active but not sporty (hiking is fine; hiking 25 miles is not), music lovers, and casual history buffs. My idea of the perfect vacation day is hiring a private guide for a walking tour of the city, tasting lots of new foods, and maybe a concert at night; his idea of the perfect vacation day involves sleeping late, lounging on the beach as long as he can before getting sunburnt, and an evening at a pub. So we're hoping to compromise... Thanks for any ideas!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2127 posts
I think you could do it. Lots of options. Here's one: * Fly into Istanbul, stay 2 or 3 nights * Fly to Athens, then directly to Santorini, stay 2 or 3 nights * ferry to Paros, stay 2 or 3 nights, day trip to Delos * ferry to Athens, stay 2 nights * fly to Rome, stay 3 nights
* train to Venice, stay 3 nights, fly home from Venice Santorini and Paros will give him beach time; Istanbul, Athens and Rome will give you the cities; and Venice would end it nicely for both of you.
Posted by
Gilbert, AZ
80 posts
Charlene's trip is almost our trip last year in reverse, except we visted Tuscany instead of Venice. Venice would be a great spot to end your trip, you would be doing alot of driving or train travel in Tuscany. If you are going in the summer, I would suggest that when you go from Istanbul to Athens, you first visit Athens then go to Greek islands. If Santorini is your last isalnd stop you can catch a flight on BluExpress directly to Rome and skip a return thru Athens. Good luck