Italy/Greece Itinerary Help
 

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to Italy and Greece in early Sept. and would like some comments/advice on my very preliminary itinerary. I know it's a lot in a short amount of time but I don't know when I'll go back and I'd like to see as much as possible in the time that I have. I'm a huge history buff and I (like everyone else) love picturesque little towns. I'm also very energetic and don't mind going off the beaten path or having very long days. Thanks much!!

2 - arrive in Rome in the a.m.; sightseeing
3 - Rome sightseeing
4 - Rome sightseeing
5 - day trip to Rome vicinity (suggestions?)
6 - Rome sightseeing/depart for Athens by air @8:20pm (arrive @11:20p)
7 - Athens sightseeing
8 - 11 - tour Nafplio; Olympia; Delphi and Meteora (Please comment on this - Should I go to Nafplio? Is it better to rent a car and do this myself (if so, how long does it take from one place to the other - Athens to Nafplio, Athens to Olympia, Olympia to Delphi, Delphi to Meteora, Meteora to Athens?), or should I book a "classical greece" tour??
12 - Athens sightseeing
13 - day trip to Hydra or island close by
14 - Athens; return to NYC @~3p.m.

PS - Thanks to everyone who helped me before with my trip to Japan - it was very crammed and I came back half-dead, but it was worth it!!!

I went to Greece in March and took a classical tour which went to the sites you are considering. I did not want to rent a car, although others have done it successfully, so I can't comment on that alternative. But I can tell you that I enjoyed the tour very much even though I was hesitant to sign up for it.

I hadn't been on an organized tour since I was a kid and I was afraid it might be too rigid and I would feel uncomfortable with the people on the tour. But I actually found the people to be a fascinating mix from all over the world. Since the tour was only for a few days, and most people on the tour were traveling independently for the rest of their trips, there were lots of people who didn't normally take tours. I think we all had the same reservations, and most of the people I spoke to were very pleased with their decision.

If you want to read about my experiences I wrote a trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34589254