greengirl

I'm in the planning stages of a 10 day romantic vacation to Florence and Santorini. We are hoping to go in mid-July and from the discussion threads, it looks like we've chosen just about the busiest time of the year!!

Thus far, I've tenatively planned to fly in via Paris direct to Florence - most likely staying at Hotel Davanzati (based on the rave reviews here). During the 2 or 3 days in Florence, the Uffizi, Academia, Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo are absolute musts!

From here I get a little lost (since Florence is my personal main focus). DH really wants to spend a week in Santorini kicking back. I've no experience there but hear that the Santorini Princess is very nice.

I guess my question is should we train from Florence to Rome and then fly to Athens and on to Santorini? Is this too ambitious??

Any response would be appreciated!

carylspall

Its certainly possible, but a whole week in Santorini? We were there 3 days in September and thought there were too many tourists for the size of the place.

bobthenavigator

It may seem strange but I have never thought that Italy and Greece were a good combo. The transport connections are just not that good. And, both deserve more time than you have. We have spent 13 trips to Italy and 19 days in Greece and still feel deprived. With only 10 days stay in Italy.

greengirl

bob - I agree that Italy and Greece is an odd combo - I wouldn't mind living in Umbria much less spending our entire 10 days there. Unfortunately, the itinerary is a compromise as DH briefly visited the Greek islands years ago and yearns to stay in Santorini.

Caryl - When you say "there were too many tourists for the size of the place" do you mean too many tourists like Pamplona at the Correos or maybe Manhattan in December?

Thanks again

bobthenavigator

OK !
We did love our 3 days on Santorini at the Esperas in Oia---magical !

ira

Hi GG,

You can fly to Athens from either Milan or Rome. See www.whichbudget.com.

I would not suggest a week on Santorini and only 3 days in Florence.

If anything, I should think that it would be the other way around.

May I suggest: fly into Florence, 4 nights, train to Orvieto for a day and a night, train to Rome, fly to Greece?

carylspall

There were lots of people off the cruise ships through the day, but they all went by 4pm. It still seemed so busy at night though. To get a good view of the sunset we had to go really early to this outdoor bar so we could get a table. Ordered a bottle of wine and it was finished by the time the sun went down. The sunset wasnt spectacular - even with the wine!!!We had stayed on Paros the week before and watched wonderful sunsets there. Anyway(stop rambling on!)when we went off in search of dinner after the sun went down, we had to queue for a table. Most restaurants were the same. Dont get me wrong -I did like Santorini,but Greece has many other great places too.
You havent considered going to Croatia from Italy have you?
Sorry I havent answered your question properly. I havent been to Manhatten in December. I was almost crushed to death in Prague one New Years Eve though!!!
The crowds in Santorini were fine compared with that!

JayZee

Last year our family spent 3 full days in Firostefani and later we all agreed that that was just right. On our trip back to Athens we also enjoyed 3 days at the Plaza Vouliagmeni. A great location, about 30 minutes from the airport.