Greece or italy
Mar 9th, 2015, 07:00 AM
#1
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Greece or italy
Hi,
My husband and I are planning our honeymoon early/mid April for 12-14 days. We have shortlisted two options.
1. Rome/Florence/amalfi (2-3 days each)
2. Greece/crete( will split accordingly)
We are so confused and could really use some help.
We want a both relaxation as well as touristy/niglife experience.
And we have a budget of 2.15 lakhs ie. 3161 Euros for the whole trip.
Any suggestions?
PS. We have already delayed our honeymoon thinking it will be cold and we cannot delay it anymore.
My husband and I are planning our honeymoon early/mid April for 12-14 days. We have shortlisted two options.
1. Rome/Florence/amalfi (2-3 days each)
2. Greece/crete( will split accordingly)
We are so confused and could really use some help.
We want a both relaxation as well as touristy/niglife experience.
And we have a budget of 2.15 lakhs ie. 3161 Euros for the whole trip.
Any suggestions?
PS. We have already delayed our honeymoon thinking it will be cold and we cannot delay it anymore.
Mar 12th, 2015, 04:43 AM
#2
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Based on your criteria, Greece is a better choice. Italy is more into urban tourism, Greece is probably the best choice in the world for relaxation. There are hundreds of islands to choose from, and each one is unique and rich in culture gastronomy beaches and great landscapes. It's also cheaper, warmer and has the best nightlife in Europe, If I were you I would do a Cycladic island hopping, choosing islands like Santorini, Sifnos and Folegandros, ideal for honeymoon.
Mar 12th, 2015, 04:56 AM
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I have no idea why PetrosB3 thinks that "Italy is more into urban tourism." Zillions of people travel to Italy every year and stay in small towns, on wineries, on islands, at the seaside, or hike in mountain villages with cows.
But Greece is also an exceptionally beautiful and thrillng country, and it probably has more nightlife than Italy in April.
It is not particularly beach weather in Greece in April, so I would not choose Greece expecting that. If you are going during Easter holidays, you need to plan a trip to Italy more carefully.
But Greece is also an exceptionally beautiful and thrillng country, and it probably has more nightlife than Italy in April.
It is not particularly beach weather in Greece in April, so I would not choose Greece expecting that. If you are going during Easter holidays, you need to plan a trip to Italy more carefully.
Mar 12th, 2015, 05:01 AM
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Italy is more into urban tourism? That will be a real revelation to all the people who travel to the Dolomites, the Tuscan countryside, the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, Sardegna, and the great lakes.
But, then you're Greek, aren't you?
In April, both Rome and the Amalfi coast should be warm, but not unpleasantly hot. There are never any guarantees about the weather, though. (Neither in Italy nor Greece.)
Easter in Italy falls on April 5th this yeaar, so you might want to plan around that. The week after Easter is often a big vacation week in Italy, so prices are sometimes higher that week. I'm not a big nightlife person, but I would expect to find more of that in Rome than on the Amalfi Coast.
Remember when dividing your time that it will take a good part of one day getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. You say you have 12-14 days, so I don't know why you're limited to having only two or three days in each place. I would spend no fewer than four nights in Rome if you plan to see the big "must-see" sites. If you can't spend that long, I would advise you to skip most of the very popular sites and seek out the hidden gems.
If you want to take day trips from the Amalfi Coast, you should add one night for each day trip, plus two nights to enjoy a full day in the place where you're staying, with maybe an excursion to a nearby town.
But, then you're Greek, aren't you?
In April, both Rome and the Amalfi coast should be warm, but not unpleasantly hot. There are never any guarantees about the weather, though. (Neither in Italy nor Greece.)
Easter in Italy falls on April 5th this yeaar, so you might want to plan around that. The week after Easter is often a big vacation week in Italy, so prices are sometimes higher that week. I'm not a big nightlife person, but I would expect to find more of that in Rome than on the Amalfi Coast.
Remember when dividing your time that it will take a good part of one day getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. You say you have 12-14 days, so I don't know why you're limited to having only two or three days in each place. I would spend no fewer than four nights in Rome if you plan to see the big "must-see" sites. If you can't spend that long, I would advise you to skip most of the very popular sites and seek out the hidden gems.
If you want to take day trips from the Amalfi Coast, you should add one night for each day trip, plus two nights to enjoy a full day in the place where you're staying, with maybe an excursion to a nearby town.
Mar 12th, 2015, 07:59 AM
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Italy has everything, for me it is probably the most beautiful country in the world. But, its "speciality" are the cities. I mean Italy has the best cities on earth, Rome, Venice, Florence. They're unbeatable. It also has beautiful countryside and seaside resorts, but they are not the best on earth. For example, France, Spain or Switzerland have equally beautiful countryside, and Greece has better beaches and islands. The huge majority of first-timers in Italy head to Rome or Venice, and that's because Italy's "must" are the cities. That's what I mean more into urban tourism.
You want a relaxing destination with warm weather and nightlife you say. The Greek islands, are warmer, more relaxing, and with much more nightlife than any place in Italy, @sandralist @bvlenci correct me if you don't agree... And it's a fact that Santorini is the best honeymoon destination in Europe at least.
You want a relaxing destination with warm weather and nightlife you say. The Greek islands, are warmer, more relaxing, and with much more nightlife than any place in Italy, @sandralist @bvlenci correct me if you don't agree... And it's a fact that Santorini is the best honeymoon destination in Europe at least.
Mar 12th, 2015, 08:28 AM
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Also the OP should keep in mind that Greek Easter is April 12 this year.
Not sure if that makes Greece better (things on islands and other resort areas maybe don't really open until Easter) or worse (crowds and prices).
Others can advise.
Not sure if that makes Greece better (things on islands and other resort areas maybe don't really open until Easter) or worse (crowds and prices).
Others can advise.
Mar 12th, 2015, 10:01 AM
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PetrosB3,
I truly love Greece and the Greeks, but I swear to you, the most beautiful parts of Italy are not in the cities and Italians everywhere know how to relax! And please do not ever say what you just said about beaches to an Italian from Sardinia because you will get an earful!
I love Greece so much -- to me the heart and soul of Europe! -- that I am tempted to suggest we do a house swap sometime so you can come to where I live in Italy and relax by the sea, and enjoy the donkeys and peacocks down the road, and have some nice wine to go with it. (And then I get a free trip to Greece!)
But I do think Greece has more nightlife most of the year (provided you are not looking for opera
I truly love Greece and the Greeks, but I swear to you, the most beautiful parts of Italy are not in the cities and Italians everywhere know how to relax! And please do not ever say what you just said about beaches to an Italian from Sardinia because you will get an earful!
I love Greece so much -- to me the heart and soul of Europe! -- that I am tempted to suggest we do a house swap sometime so you can come to where I live in Italy and relax by the sea, and enjoy the donkeys and peacocks down the road, and have some nice wine to go with it. (And then I get a free trip to Greece!)
But I do think Greece has more nightlife most of the year (provided you are not looking for opera
Mar 12th, 2015, 11:04 AM
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Early April is not the best time for a Greek Island vacation. Weather is still undependable, water too cool for swimming, and almost no nightlife, except for quiet bars and restaurants. Athens will be busy, of course, and it's a good time to visit ancient sites on the mainland.
Were it me I would go for Rome, Florence, and maybe Venice.
Were it me I would go for Rome, Florence, and maybe Venice.
Mar 12th, 2015, 12:35 PM
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To say that Santorini is the "best" honeymoon destination in Europe is only an opinion, certainly not a fact. Many other people would say Venice is the ultimate honeymoon destination, or Paris, or even the Swiss Alps, depending on their interests.
What does seem to be true is that people pick Santorini as #1 over other Greek islands for their honeymoon. This is most likely because they have heard more about it from friends or TAs who have limited travel experience. If you are repeatedly told that Santorini is the best, you feel you must go there, but, it is interesting to read articles by people like Andrew Pitcher and others who have traveled extensively in Greece and the Greek Islands. Often, after visiting many other islands, while not denying its beauty, Santorini has less charm. It is that way for me also.
As to Italy, of course, having three major cities so rich in art and architecture sets it up for much urban travel, plus they are easy logistically to visit, but the smaller towns and villages are as enticing as those of any other country. More and more travelers spend time outside of cities. The problem is if people want to see other countries and they have limited time, they have to skip most of Italy.
What does seem to be true is that people pick Santorini as #1 over other Greek islands for their honeymoon. This is most likely because they have heard more about it from friends or TAs who have limited travel experience. If you are repeatedly told that Santorini is the best, you feel you must go there, but, it is interesting to read articles by people like Andrew Pitcher and others who have traveled extensively in Greece and the Greek Islands. Often, after visiting many other islands, while not denying its beauty, Santorini has less charm. It is that way for me also.
As to Italy, of course, having three major cities so rich in art and architecture sets it up for much urban travel, plus they are easy logistically to visit, but the smaller towns and villages are as enticing as those of any other country. More and more travelers spend time outside of cities. The problem is if people want to see other countries and they have limited time, they have to skip most of Italy.
Mar 12th, 2015, 01:03 PM
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Greece will definitely be cheaper and I think santorini is spectacular - one of the prettiest destinations. We traveled there late March/early April and had lovely weather if you enjoy cool and comfortable. The Peloponnesus had great ruins, great food and is worth spending some time in, along with a few days in Athens and then the island. We loved Mykonos and Crete as well. The wild flowers along the road in Crete were lovely and you can easily spend a week driving around the island.
Mar 12th, 2015, 01:23 PM
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@sandralist, Totaly agreed, Italy has simply everything to offer. And not only the country is gorgeous, even the people, the language, the climate, the food, oh the food is something else... Everything is perfect in this country. And as a Greek we have a special bond with Italians. We have been neighbours for 3000 years in the end of the day! Oh the beaches, well I'm raised in Greece spent most of my summer holidays in the Greek islands... We are hardly impressed, when you consider beaches like Navagio in Zante is the normal stuff for us.
Well I'm really glad you are fond of Greek culture and Greece in general! And ofcourse we can do a house swap anytime, even though I live in Athens and not in an idyllic island. At least I have a really nice view of the Attica Riviera, that may work.
Well I'm really glad you are fond of Greek culture and Greece in general! And ofcourse we can do a house swap anytime, even though I live in Athens and not in an idyllic island. At least I have a really nice view of the Attica Riviera, that may work.
Mar 12th, 2015, 01:35 PM
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PetrosB3,
You are not just "neighbors" in my neighborhood. You brought all the olive trees and the vegetable tortes. Italians around my neighborhood always wondered why you left. I guess it was because you didn't like the beaches.
I like Athens very much, so I may invite myself sometime.
You are not just "neighbors" in my neighborhood. You brought all the olive trees and the vegetable tortes. Italians around my neighborhood always wondered why you left. I guess it was because you didn't like the beaches.
I like Athens very much, so I may invite myself sometime.
Mar 12th, 2015, 11:28 PM
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sandralist
your proposal of a house swap sounds very interesting to me.. i am in Athens too
I wouldn't compare the two countries, as i find both of them to be very beautiful. I am also not very attracted to the competition between countries that i see every now and then here. I have been to many countries and i discovered beauty everywhere.
But to come back to OP's plans, as already mentioned the islands in April would not be a good choice, as they are quite sleepy ubtill the beginning of May, and weather is unpredictable, allthought it should not be cold.
If you choose Greece, focus on the Mainland, which has a lot to offer.
your proposal of a house swap sounds very interesting to me.. i am in Athens too
I wouldn't compare the two countries, as i find both of them to be very beautiful. I am also not very attracted to the competition between countries that i see every now and then here. I have been to many countries and i discovered beauty everywhere.
But to come back to OP's plans, as already mentioned the islands in April would not be a good choice, as they are quite sleepy ubtill the beginning of May, and weather is unpredictable, allthought it should not be cold.
If you choose Greece, focus on the Mainland, which has a lot to offer.
Mar 14th, 2015, 12:04 AM
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Hey, thank you everyone. So we have decided to go to Greece, end of april/ first week of may.
So the plan is
Land in Athens - fly to crete - stay there for four days. see the western side of it.
Take the ferry to santorini -stay there for 3-4 days.
Take the ferry to mykonos - stay there 3 days
Back to athens - sight-see in athens 2 days - fly to india.
Any must see/must do things in these places? I have researched too but if you guys know better please let me know.
So the plan is
Land in Athens - fly to crete - stay there for four days. see the western side of it.
Take the ferry to santorini -stay there for 3-4 days.
Take the ferry to mykonos - stay there 3 days
Back to athens - sight-see in athens 2 days - fly to india.
Any must see/must do things in these places? I have researched too but if you guys know better please let me know.
Mar 14th, 2015, 09:38 AM
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I LOVE Santorini and think it is one of the best honeymoon destinations but...Italy has many great ones as well...mainly amalfi, porto cervo on costa smeralda in Sardinia...Portofino...Venice...Val Orica...all make great honeymoon destinations...just sharing my favourites to give u some food of thought..
