amandadorsey

Hello fellow travelers!

My husband and I are planning a 2 week trip to Italy and Greece (or possibly one or the other) this June to celebrate our 2 year anniversary and would love advice from you experienced travelers! We are able to flex our # travel days a bit, but within reason. We are both turning 30 this year so into fun and city life but also appreciate quality time together and relaxation. We are looking for a good blend of time spent exploring the amazing history of the two countries (or one if we choose to narrow it down), the local culture and lifestyle, etc. as well as some good quality R&R and beach time before heading home! And good food all around!

Here are some places on our wish list! We know we can't hit them all, so hoping that you can help advise us on (1) how many places are comfortable to fit into two weeks and (2) which ones you would cut if you had to make the choice. Thank you SO much for your help!

Italy:
Venice
Florence
Tuscany
Rome
Amalfi Coast

Greece:
Athens
Santorini
Islands

kja

I would STRONGLY encourage you to visit only one country. And if it's Italy, must admit that I think you would be wise to cut your wish list in half.

I can't tell you which to choose -- none of us can, as they are all wonderful destinations!

That said, if beach time is a priority, Greece might be a better destination for you. JMO.

Here's what I recommend: Get some good guidebooks (or spend some time with a few in your local library) and plot your wish list on a calendar. Each time you propose to change locations, pencil in your transportation, add some time on either side (for getting to/from your lodging, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, getting oriented, etc.). (Each change of location can be "costly" as it is time that you will not have to see or do anything.)

Good luck and happy anniversary!

kybourbon

I think you would need to cut some things in Italy from your list. It depends on what you want to see in each location.

Two weeks is a bit vague. How many hotel nights do you have in Italy?

stanbr

This summer we did Italy and Greece. However we were planning a month in Greece so we added on an additional week just to get a taste of Italy. That worked fine for us because we didn't want to go in depth in Italy but rater have a quick experience to determine if we ever wanted to go back.

But to do a week in one country and a wek n the second country just means you are not going to have time to relax and enjoy.

I too would suggest you just do one. The reason, each change of location pretty much uses up half a day. So in both countries you loses a minimum of two days just moving from one location to the next. Thats 4 days sitting on a train or a ferry our of 14. By staying only in one country you can spend longer in each location while making the same number of. The net effect is you spread out those 2 lost days over 14 rather than 4 out of 14.

The experience will be quite different in both countries. Italy is much more sophisticated, refined and expensive. The main attractions tend to be in the cities.

Greece on the other hand tends to be more island focused with relaxation, beaches, hiking inexpensive and delicious simple dining.

Its only your second anniversary. You have lots more anniversaries to come back and do the second country.

suec1

I agree with the others that advise - pick one! Both are wonderful! and in either one, you can have a variety of activities - some relaxed, some more culturally oriented. Food in both - wonderful with plenty of variety for a two week trip. I think Italy could easily tip more towards cultural activities, while Greece could be more relaxed and beachy. Pick one, come back, and we can talk itinerary!