familyplanner222

I am thinking about traveling to Italy and Greece for two weeks in August. I am worried about the reports of terrible heat and stickiness, but it is the only time we can get away for two weeks. Any suggestions of where to be in these areas to minimize the heat problem? I am traveling with my husband and 12 and 15 year old daughters. My initial thought is to go to Rome and Venice then fly to Athens and then beach bound. My daughters have been looking forward to going to Greece ever since seeing Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Mamma Mia! I would like to combine exploring with some relaxing beach time. I would like to get to at least one beach with beautiful blue water and white sand. Preferably calm water (as my younger daughter gets a bit scared of big waves!). I was thinking of Santorini and Mykonos, perhaps with a day trip or two to explore some other areas. I would like to include some adventure if possible (snorkeling, etc.). I am looking for any and all suggestions: locations, places to stay, things to do....

brotherleelove2004

I'm a proponent of "less is more" when it comes to travel. Take your time. Trying to fit 2 countries into 2 weeks is too much, especially if you try to do everything you've described. I know it's a temptation to try to see as much as possible but stick with one country and you'll have a much better experience and be using your short time much more wisely. Which country to choose? Which one has the historical/cultural significance you relate to the most?

nytraveler

I don;t think there is anyway to get around the heat and humidity. In August in Rome, Florence or Venice ou can expect highs in the 90s - or even 100 - and a lot of humidity. Also, many modest hotels, restaurants and even shops do NOT have AC - you just sweat.

Athens will be similar. Greek isles will have beaches - but still a lot of heat.

You simply can't change the weather (the reason we go to Italy in May).

Also agree that rome, Venice Athens and Greek isles in 2 weeks is a lot of territory to cover - you will spend the best part of 3 days just getting from one place to another and 2 more in transatlantic travel. I thik yuo need to decide if you want a largely beach vacation or a historic/cultural one. Difficult to do it all in the time yuo have.

dreamon

Just as a general observation, I find it usually feels hotter in a city than beach or country. Partly because the concrete and buildings absorb the heat. You may also get a sea breeze at the beach.

Also consider where everyone else will be. The Europeans will be on holidays, often the beach, themselves, leaving the cities quieter.

Agree that Rome, Venice, Athens and one or two islands in two weeks is too much for a relaxing holiday. When visiting the Greek islands obviously pick islands close to each other but don't assume that there will be ferry connections between them as sometimes there isn't. You'll need to check the timetables.

clausar

Regarding the weather August isn't a bad monthto visit the Islands of the Aegean Sea, as there is the Meltemi wind blowing ( Northern winds), and temperature is not getting very high as on Mainland Greece.

As far as Greece is concerned even the last private room on a tiny island will have A/C.

If you are dreaming of nice white sandy beaches, then you should forget about Santorini.... and head to the Sporades.
Skiathos, Skopelos ( the Mamma Mia Island) and Allonisos, are 3 beautiful islands with fantastic beaches and you could visit at least 2 of them in combination with a stay in Athens plus day trips.

Mimar

All Europe goes to the beach in August. So once you decide where you want to go, make reservations immediately.

The Mediterranean doesn't have big waves so don't worry about that.

Sounds like Greece is a must. In August Mykonos will be party-central. And Santorini will be cruise ship-central. Consider other islands like Naxos and Paros.

Fly into Athens, then directly on to an island. Maybe skip Athens this trip. Instead, after your island experience fly from Athens to Venice and train to Rome.

BTW, there's an island off Venice, the Lido, which has a long beach lined with hotels. There's frequent vaporetto (waterbus) service from the Lido to Venice proper. However, you lose the unique experience of staying in Venice with no traffic except that on the canals.

familyplanner222

I appreciate all responses! Still haven't given up my dream! Looking for a taste of Italy (for my kids-I have been there), and an opportunity to tour but also have some delicious food there! Thinking of 2-3 nights in Rome with a private tour of Rome one day. Then high speed train to Venice for 2-3 nights . Then flight to Athens with 1/2 day city tour including Acropolis the following day (2 night Athens). High speed ferry to Mykonos for 2-3 nights and high speed ferry to Santorini for 2-3 nights. Then maybe fly or ferry back to Athens to fly home. I know it is a lot but I think we could get some relaxing in the last 5-6 days. Any suggestions on places to stay, eat, and not to be missed activities in any of these locations?

Mimar

The usual advice is, upon arrival at Athens airport, to fly on to an island, do your island travel and save your time in Athens for the end of the trip. So as to be near the airport for your flight home. Not sure if this is such good advice in current political conditions in Greece. Because of those conditions I would definitely put some ease in your schedule in Greece. And such ease is also useful in Italy, where everything doesn't always run like clockwork.

Now is the time to look at your itinerary in detail. Lay out your itinerary in nights. 2 nights in Rome is one full day and maybe part of your arrival day. If you're arriving after a long, overnight flight, you will be jet-lagged and sleepy for the first day or two. By the time you're alert, it will be time to leave Rome.

Check out flights and flight times. Make sure all this is possible. As for hotel suggestions, you need to give us a budget. Do you will want a quad room or 2 hotel rooms? Quad rooms are rare.

familyplanner222

Thanks for your suggestion on ending in Athens. I have looked into some flights and think I could arrive in Rome in the AM. and just wander Rome that day (leaving a lax plan to account for jet lag!). The following day a tour of highlights of Rome. The third day train to Venice. Day 4 and 5 explore Venice. Day 6 fly to Athens and take high speed ferry to Mykonos (looking for suggestions on places to stay in Mykonos-would prefer either quad room-with apt/suite style to allow for some privacy, or two rooms-budget $500 US per night. I am not planning to have a car and would like access to a beautiful beach, pool and view, walking distance to some restaurants, etc.). Day 7-8 Mykonos, day 9 mykonos to Santorini. Day 10-11 Santorini (Need suggestions on places to stay-as above!). Day 12 Santorini to Athens. Day 13 tour Athens. Day 14 home!