My study abroad program ends in May and my friend (and die-hard travel buddy) and I are going to have one last adventure in Italy and Greece, but we need a little direction. <BR><BR>I have read all of the messages but would be very appreciative of advice on the best way to get from Rome to Greece, and the best way for 2 young outdoorsy females to spend 6 days in Greece. Oh and naturally as college students we are on a tight budget...<BR><BR>We are so excited about this trip and would really like to do it right! Thank you so much in advance for any kind of tips you could offer!

So much depends on how adventurous and self-reliant you are. If you were my daughter, I would have you go ahead and spring for the extra money to fly ($99 + taxes each way) - - www.europebyair.com - - I think you would save a little bit of money by taking www.greekferries.gr from Ancona (or Bari or Brindisi or Venice), but of course you have to get to one of those Adriatic ports. People rarely hitchhike anymore, but it IS the very cheapest way to travel on land.<BR><BR>I can't address lodging in Greece at all. I would urge you to try asking on www.lonelyplanet.com (Thorntree) - - and maybe look at Matt Barrett's great Greece website(s) as well.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

topping, for Lauren<BR>

www.eurotrip.com

Hi Lauren, I can't speak for the best way to get from Rome to Greece, but several years ago my best buddy (we're still both die-hard travelers) and I went to Greece. Loved it! We didn't enjoy Athens much as it was August...hot, humid, crowded, unfortunately polluted (at least then). So we headed to the harbor and caught the first ferry out...and by pure luck ended up in gorgeous Naxos (pronounced "Nachos"). Were approached as we disembarked by an elderly woman offering rooms to let, very common on the Greek islands. What a score! Nice room, incredible view, and cheap! Headed then to Santorini (much more crowded than Naxos, but beautiful) and we were able to stay at a hostel for cheap (though no AC, crowded, and noisy). Also went to Paros, another winner. So for my money, hit the Greek islands. Since it'll be May you should have nicer weather and hopefully fewer crowds. Enjoy! Barbara