Hey guys/gals, first post, but really appreciate the information I have been sorting through for my 3rd trip back to Europe.

Okay, I will be in Satorini but am trying to figure out how by ferry I can make my way to Italy. I realize I have to get to one of the major ports, but wondering if anyone has any history or suggestions with this.

As well, I have a eurorail pass again, and was wondering where I book the ferries when I am in Athens and then again in Santorini? I have been told not to book until I am over there.

Thanks for all the great information and stories thus far.

Spence

To get to Italy from Santorini by ferry is not difficult, only time-consuming. First you must take the ferry to Piraeus. If you're lucky you can catch an express boat. The normal car ferry takes about 8 hours. Once in Piraeus you'll need to get to Patras or Igoumenitsa by bus, then you can get on another ferry to one of 3 Italian port cities, Bari, Brindisi or Venice. Here are links to the pertinent ferry websites:

http://www.gtp.gr/

http://www.greekferries.gr/

Keep flexible, as sometimes the schedules change without advance notice or because of bad weather.

On Santorini you can go into any travel office to book the ferry to Piraeus, or you can go directly to the ticket office at the ferry port if you want to take the time. If you're arriving in Santorini by ferry you could purchase your ticket back to Piraeus before you leave the ferry port.

In Pieaeus you can ask in any ferry office where to go for the bus to Patras or Igoumenitsa, and possibly book the bus/ferry combo right then, or if not the bus will take you to the ferry port of your choice where you can buy your ticket. Just be sure that you go to the correct Greek ferry port that will take you to the Italian port of your choice.

Most of the ferries between Greece and Italy are overnight boats. I'm guessing that by the time you leave Santorini, arriving in Italy will take approximately 36 hours with all the waiting and transit time between your multiple destinations.

Did you know that it's possible to fly cheaply from Athens to Rome by Aegean Airlines? One way only costs about 67 Euro and you'll save all that time and headache. You can also buy your ticket online. Here's their website:

http://www.aegean-air.gr/aegeanen/home/

Thanks so much for the quick response. Really appreciate the help!!

Thanks again
Spence

Have you ever used that airline or any other to go from Athens to Rome. Really thinking this is the best option. Any opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Spence

What is your destination in Italy? You can use several different budget airlines to get from Athens to cities in Italy and it will probably cost less than the ferries. Try whichbudget.com for flight information.

I've been on the overnight ferry from Bari,Italy to Patras, Greece. The ferry (Superfast II) was more like a cruise ship than a ferry. It had a casino, pool, movie theater,disco, etc. We had cabins and found it a very relaxing way to travel between the countries.

No, I haven't flown with Aegean yet, only Olympic. But I've been monitoring their flights at fares and have heard from others that they are satisfactory.

It is possible to do Santorini-Pireas overnight, or it will take most of a day. From Pireas, there are trains to Patra which has ferry services to Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, Venezia and Trieste. The choice of route will depend mainly on where you're going in Italy. If your Eurail pass includes the ferry crossing, you probably have to travel with Superfast (www.superfast.com) who serve Bari and Ancona - the ships are very good, but you need to book a cabin.

I've flown Aegean and they're fine. Of course it just depends on whether there're delays.

Does the 67 Euros fare include taxes? It sounds too cheap. The fare that comes up first does not include all the relevant taxes (based on my experience on using Aegean's website).

Thanks for the info on the ferry and air information. Still undecided, but I am trying to get to Rome.

Sounds like the flight is the best idea?

I'd imagine that flying to Athens to Rome is the fastest way. That's what I'd do, personally, but I'm biased towards flying anyway.

By the way, if you're going to fly to Rome, check to see how Olympic would price out a flight from Santorini to Rome. This could be competitive with ferry + air (or ferry + ferry or whatever option you're thinking of doing). Aegean online will probably price this Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Rome and this may not be competitive as pricing Santorini to Rome on Olympic (with connection in Athens).

You can book through BlueStar ferries right here in the US. I think they're in Florida. I flew into Santorini then picked up the actual tickets in santorini for trips to paros and athens. all was in order.

67 Euros does NOT include taxes.