Italy and Greek Adventure
 

Hello Folks!
I need some help planning my trip to Italy and Greece this coming Summer. I'm heading to the area for 20 days (2 for travel in and out of course), and wanted to include Venice, Florence, Rome (for maybe a day), then Athens and Santorini. I've been looking at passage through Eurorail, as well as flights in and out of Athens from Rome. I was thinking maybe 2 Days in Venice, 3-4 in Florence, 1 day in Rome, 2 in Athens and 3-4 in Santorini. I realize that gives me an extra 6 Days, but I'm unsure with travel times, as well as maybe even adding in an extra country, such as Venice, Hungary, or even as far as Amsterdam or Belgium. Any input would be much appreciated.

PS. For reference, I'm hoping to fly into Venice and out of Athens (depending)

Why only one day in Rome? It's a large city, with more to see than most of the other cities you mention. I wouldn't recommend even going there for just one day, as you wouldn't see enough to make it worth the trip.

Totally agree with bvlenci - either drop it and use the time elsewhere or devote several days there

There are direct flights from Rome to Santorini. No need to stop over at Athens from where you will fly home anyway.

As an alternative, you could also fly from Pisa or Bologna (much closer to Florence than Roma Fiumicino airport) to Kos and proceed from there to Santorini by ferry. You could then skip the technical stop at Rome you mentioned above and wich would be necessary if you fly directly from Rome to Santorini as these flights leave very early in the morning.

Hi Sjw330
With 20 days there is plenty to see between Italy and Greece.
Where you mention "Eurorail" I'm guessing you are referring to train travel using a Eurail pass? I have found in Italy it is much cheaper to buy directly from www.trenitalia.com for long travel/reserved trains or at the station for regional trains.
Would you like to spend more time in the Greek islands?
If so I would suggest flying from Athens to Santorini and catching the ferry to Naxos then Paros,staying a few days in each then making your way back to Athens.

If you are thinking of using Eurorail for a ferry from Italy to Greece, I would discourage it because it is too time consuming. You will have to travel first to the Italian port, then take a long ferry ride to Igoumenitsa or Patras in Greece. From the Greek port you then travel overland to Athens to pick up a flight or ferry to Santorini. The whole process will take the better part of two days in travel, as compared with only two hours for a flight from Rome to Athens.

If you can find direct flights from Rome to Santorini, as neckervd suggests, that will save even more time. As far as I know those direct flights are high season only, and you haven't said what part of the summer you are travelling. Two connecting flights via Athens will work nearly as well.

First of all, ~17 days (excluding the transportation days) are barely enough to see 2 incredibly rich in culture countries like Italy and Greece. Adding an extra country would be unthinkable. My suggestion is to focus on South Italy, Athens and Cyclades. Considering you have 17 full days I will make you an Itinerary:

Rome 4 days
Naples 3 days
Athens 3 days
Milos 3 days
Santorini 4 days

My logic is that you need time to live a place. You said 1 day in Rome, what's the point of doing that? Be generous with your days, you won't regret it.

And now on the destinations:
~Rome (+)Amazing Monuments and Architecture (-)Touristy and Expensive
must sees: The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, St. Peters Cathedral, The Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
must eats: Hostaria Romana, Fortunato al Pantheon, Le Mani in Pasta.

~Naples (+)The best food in Italy (mother of Pizza), quite few tourists so no tourist traps and no fake neighbourhoods, everything is original (-)Some places are really poor and dirty
must sees: Archaeological Museum, Cappella Sansevero, Teatro di San Carlo, Via San Gregorio Armeno, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast.
must eats: Di Matteo, Antica Capri, Il Gobbetto.

~Athens (+)Superb Ancient monuments and Museums (-)Dirty streets.
must sees: The Parthenon, National Archaeological Museum, The Agora & Temple of Hephaestus, The Acropolis Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum.
must eats: Mavros Gatos, ManiMani, To Koutouki tou Marathoniti.

I chose Milos because it has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, like Sarakiniko, Tsigrado, Kleftiko and Firiplaka. If you want an island with a gorgeous town and stunning scenery, but not that great beaches choose Folegandros.

And Santorini obviously.