ATHENS & ISLANDS OR ROME & SOUTHERN ITALY
 

I would like your input. Going to Europe in May and we can't decide between Rome and a little further south doing it in 7 days or Athens & maybe two islands in 7 or 8 days. We have been to northern Italy already. I've been told that Athens is crowded and dirty. We are not beach people but would like to see the scenery on the Islands. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

You can have it both ways by doing the Rome and 'further south' trip. Italy (and Sicily) have some of the best Greek ruins, better than what you might see in Greece itself.
Paestum is outstanding (south of Rome near Salerno)and on Sicily you can see Greek ruins at Segesta, Selinute, Agrigento, plus others.
May is a good month, before the tourist season.

I don't know which trip you would prefer, but I would just add that despite what you've heard about Athens I found it to be really enjoyable, and I would happily return there for another visit.

I can't comment on Greece, never been, but Rome and south is amazing. We visited the Royal Palace and Gardens in Caserta (just north of Naples)and they are said to rival Versailles. Pompeii, of course. And then there's the Amalfi Coast so much more than just "beaches". Talk about scenery! The trip along the coastline will be something to long remember. And the Isle of Capri. Doesn't get much better than that!

I love Rome and southern Italy, but our trip to Greece this July was so utterly fantastic, I have to recommend going there.

For spectacular scenery, it's hard to beat gorgeous Santorini with its white-washed houses perched over the caldera. I think it might be one of the most beautiful spots I have ever visited, and that includes the Amalfi Coast!

I also loved Rhodes and Crete, both of which have plenty to do and see if you're not a beach-lover. However, with 8 days, you need to choose carefully, and pick one or two islands at most, along with a short stay at the end of your trip in Athens.

Hmmm that is tough.

I have been to Athens + 6 islands and also to Rome & North in Italy. So can't totally compare to what you are asking.

However, I LOVED Athens. We were there in 2004 (before the Olympics) in June and it was so lovely. I personally found Athens to be less crowded than Rome and there are just so many amazing things to see.

I can't compare to South Italy but I confess that although i loved our Italy trip I really missed the deep blue of the Greek sky and I missed the whitewashed towns on the islands.

I agree with the previous post about Santorini - it is one of the loveliest places. Venice reminded me of the feeling of Santorini - like you just can't put your camera away because in your mind you are thinking "our family & friends at home will never believe how amazing this is".

The food and wine win hands down in Italy though - if that is a priority for you.

For me, Greece made history come alive in the most beautiful of settings.

If I had to choose anywhere to return to, Greece would tops on my list.

Since you've begun exploring Italy why not continue there. Either place would be perfect in May. Rome, continuing into the south of Italy, will make a great trip for you. Eight days will just scratch the surface.

I don't know who told you about Greece, but it is a totally fascinating destination. You can do Athens in two days using lodging in the Plaka. Then, at least eight days in the islands will get you started. Ten or twelve would be better. Flying for the longer hops will save you some time.

To sum up; both are wonderful trips. As has been noted the food and wine are better in Italy, the prices are better in Greece.

You have the luxury of choosing between two good alternatives. However, my pick would be Athens. If you like history, this is the place that western civilization started. I've been to Athens, Rome, and Egypt, and my favorite was Athens. The Acropolis resonated in a way that nothing else has.