- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Just booked 22 days to Italy/Greece - any and all advice/tips appreciated
Posted on 6/28/21 at 10:43 am
Posted on 6/28/21 at 10:43 am
This will be my first time anywhere in Europe so I'm excited as can be. Dates are Aug 17-Sept 9 and I fly in/out of Milan. In my 40s, in good shape (long walk/hikes are no issue), and traveling solo.
I know I want to see Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Athens, and one or two of the Greek isles. Of the bigger cities (Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome), how many days would you spend at each to see the major sites in each and which city could be skipped for more time elsewhere.
While on the Amalfi Coast, I would see several towns, including a possible trip to Naples, Vesuvius, and/or Pompeii.
Any ideas/suggestions for great sites and/or towns to see while moving from one major city to another? Are there some of these places worth staying the night?
Any do/don't at any of the above mentioned locations?
Of course I want to see as much as possible so that I would know what I would want to see more of on a future trip.
Car rental or public transportation?
Possible Itinerary (very rough list)
2 days - Milan
2 days - Venice
2 days - Florence
4 days - Rome
4 days - Amalfi Coast
1 day - Athens
5 days - Santorini and Mykonos
This is 22 days. Where to add/subtract days or skip? Where to leave an open day or more for small towns, etc.? Is this too much in this time frame?
I'm not a "foodie" and will be eating the simple breakfasts that are served and small snacks during the day, but will eat out for supper.
For accommodations, I am looking at MonasteryStays.com and I see no reason not to use these for most nights. They look great, awesome in fact.
I know I want to see Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Athens, and one or two of the Greek isles. Of the bigger cities (Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome), how many days would you spend at each to see the major sites in each and which city could be skipped for more time elsewhere.
While on the Amalfi Coast, I would see several towns, including a possible trip to Naples, Vesuvius, and/or Pompeii.
Any ideas/suggestions for great sites and/or towns to see while moving from one major city to another? Are there some of these places worth staying the night?
Any do/don't at any of the above mentioned locations?
Of course I want to see as much as possible so that I would know what I would want to see more of on a future trip.
Car rental or public transportation?
Possible Itinerary (very rough list)
2 days - Milan
2 days - Venice
2 days - Florence
4 days - Rome
4 days - Amalfi Coast
1 day - Athens
5 days - Santorini and Mykonos
This is 22 days. Where to add/subtract days or skip? Where to leave an open day or more for small towns, etc.? Is this too much in this time frame?
I'm not a "foodie" and will be eating the simple breakfasts that are served and small snacks during the day, but will eat out for supper.
For accommodations, I am looking at MonasteryStays.com and I see no reason not to use these for most nights. They look great, awesome in fact.
This post was edited on 6/28/21 at 10:48 am
24
Posted on 6/28/21 at 10:57 am to Volt
I wish I spent more time in Florence/Tuscany
Posted on 6/28/21 at 11:14 am to Volt
I would say you have too much travel in Italy planned. I would just do 1 day in Milan, skip Venice and turn Florence into a 4 day trip. One of the top cities in the world IMO.
You could also cut out Athens and fly direct into Santorini from Italy. I have not been to Athens, but most of the people who only spend one day there leave very unimpressed. The people that I know who enjoy Athens, spend at least a week there to get into the heart of the city.
You could also cut out Athens and fly direct into Santorini from Italy. I have not been to Athens, but most of the people who only spend one day there leave very unimpressed. The people that I know who enjoy Athens, spend at least a week there to get into the heart of the city.
Posted on 6/28/21 at 11:23 am to Volt
Lot of locations there baw! When you go to Europe my feeling is really try to avoid the "if it's Tuesday it must be..." experience. I.E. Trying to cram in multiple locations while you're there. Gotta think you'll always be coming back.
Me? I liked Greece, but that was eons ago. I'd say just Italy and think about Greece another year.
I'm not personally a fan of Venice and would lop that off the itinerary as noted. Way too touristy for me, adds some additional travel time. Just not for me. Others might differ.
Some snippets from another thread...
Florence is like one of the greatest places to visit on earth! Math won't add up exactly, but I would say at least base in Florence for a week. We stayed in the Florence View Apartments.Took day trips over to Sienna. Did some wine tours in the Tuscany Region. So much to do beyond visiting amazing Florence.
Didn't stay here, but learned about it later: Stay in a Country Villa In Tuscany?
Later took a train down to Orvieto on the way to Rome. Amazing medieval city on top of a mountain. As noted, it's well worth 1-2 days there.
Rome is no doubt amazing. 3 days minimum to scratch the surface. As in Florence and the Uffizi Gallery, make sure you buy tickets in advance to avoid the crowds. What to know.
Or bag all of that and go to this year's "In Spot On The TB": Croatia. Single man would do well on Hvar Island! Plenty of threads here on that topic. Our man Teddy Ruxpin's the wiz on planning that out and has a trip coming up in July!!
Me? I liked Greece, but that was eons ago. I'd say just Italy and think about Greece another year.
I'm not personally a fan of Venice and would lop that off the itinerary as noted. Way too touristy for me, adds some additional travel time. Just not for me. Others might differ.
Some snippets from another thread...
Florence is like one of the greatest places to visit on earth! Math won't add up exactly, but I would say at least base in Florence for a week. We stayed in the Florence View Apartments.Took day trips over to Sienna. Did some wine tours in the Tuscany Region. So much to do beyond visiting amazing Florence.
Didn't stay here, but learned about it later: Stay in a Country Villa In Tuscany?
Later took a train down to Orvieto on the way to Rome. Amazing medieval city on top of a mountain. As noted, it's well worth 1-2 days there.
Rome is no doubt amazing. 3 days minimum to scratch the surface. As in Florence and the Uffizi Gallery, make sure you buy tickets in advance to avoid the crowds. What to know.
Or bag all of that and go to this year's "In Spot On The TB": Croatia. Single man would do well on Hvar Island! Plenty of threads here on that topic. Our man Teddy Ruxpin's the wiz on planning that out and has a trip coming up in July!!
Posted on 6/28/21 at 11:26 am to Volt
I would forego Milan and Venice. Spend the extra time in Florence if you are interested in Museums and the like.
If you are into outdoor activity consider visiting Crete for a few days and hike the Samaria Gorge before you hit Santorini/Mykonos. Crete also has some beautiful beaches on the western side of the island if I remember correctly.
If you are into outdoor activity consider visiting Crete for a few days and hike the Samaria Gorge before you hit Santorini/Mykonos. Crete also has some beautiful beaches on the western side of the island if I remember correctly.
Posted on 6/28/21 at 11:44 am to Volt
Antique Tiger did an in-game trip thread when he went to Italy...2019 I think it was.
Tons of pics and advice, see if you can find that thread it was awesome
Tons of pics and advice, see if you can find that thread it was awesome
Posted on 6/28/21 at 11:48 am to Volt
Sounds like a great opportunity.
-- Signed, Envious
quote:I'd suggest not to see as much as possible in terms of city stops. Get the local flavor by staying extra night(s) if possible.
Of course I want to see as much as possible...
-- Signed, Envious
Posted on 6/28/21 at 11:54 am to Volt
Travel time is gonna make this schedule hard. Plus, it's hard to see any place in only a day and feel like you were actually there.
With that said: Of the places you mentioned, Venice, Milan, and Athens are 1-day candidates.
Mainly about Venice -
Everyone that has never been to Venice feels compelled to go. However, most people that have been to Venice, don't feel compelled to go back.
You'll see recommendations to skip Venice and spend time elsewhere.... and they're not wrong. But, it's a hard thing to do. I think most people should just go ahead and go to check that place off the list, but don't spend more time than is necessary.
Now, there are some cool things to see in Venice. St Mark's and Doge's Palace are great.
And there are other things to fill up a day:
Rialto Bridge, walk around some, and have lunch/dinner overlooking the South waterway. Gondola ride if that's your deal. Maybe hop over to Murano/Burano.
But.... there's not much else to see here where I would trade an extra day in Venice for a day somewhere else.
If you do shrink Milan and Venice to 1 day each, both of those days should be allocated to Florence/Tuscany.
I could give you a whole week of things to do in this area.
Florence is easily 2 days, with a 3rd not being wasted. And Tuscany deserves 1 day At a Minimum! If pressed, I would split it 2 & 2. 2 days in Florence, 2 days in Tuscany.
Rome/Vatican is 3-4 days. Can't argue with the 4th day, but it can be done in 3.
Not sure what your plans are for Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ravello, Amalfi, Salerno... one, all?
Positano is #1 in my book. Capri was a cool day trip.
After a week of walking and sight-seeing, having this stop in the middle will be a welcomed respite.
3-4 days is about right, but once you leave, you'll always want to go back.
Not sure how you're travelling... I assume trains.
If by car, here are a few cool stops in Tuscany:
Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano, & Orvieto.
Buy some wine & ship it home! Also lots of local farmers/families that'll serve lunch.
I haven't been to greece. So, you'll have to get feedback from others on that.
Enjoy your trip! Sounds super fun!
With that said: Of the places you mentioned, Venice, Milan, and Athens are 1-day candidates.
Mainly about Venice -
Everyone that has never been to Venice feels compelled to go. However, most people that have been to Venice, don't feel compelled to go back.
You'll see recommendations to skip Venice and spend time elsewhere.... and they're not wrong. But, it's a hard thing to do. I think most people should just go ahead and go to check that place off the list, but don't spend more time than is necessary.
Now, there are some cool things to see in Venice. St Mark's and Doge's Palace are great.
And there are other things to fill up a day:
Rialto Bridge, walk around some, and have lunch/dinner overlooking the South waterway. Gondola ride if that's your deal. Maybe hop over to Murano/Burano.
But.... there's not much else to see here where I would trade an extra day in Venice for a day somewhere else.
If you do shrink Milan and Venice to 1 day each, both of those days should be allocated to Florence/Tuscany.
I could give you a whole week of things to do in this area.
Florence is easily 2 days, with a 3rd not being wasted. And Tuscany deserves 1 day At a Minimum! If pressed, I would split it 2 & 2. 2 days in Florence, 2 days in Tuscany.
Rome/Vatican is 3-4 days. Can't argue with the 4th day, but it can be done in 3.
Not sure what your plans are for Amalfi Coast. Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Ravello, Amalfi, Salerno... one, all?
Positano is #1 in my book. Capri was a cool day trip.
After a week of walking and sight-seeing, having this stop in the middle will be a welcomed respite.
3-4 days is about right, but once you leave, you'll always want to go back.
Not sure how you're travelling... I assume trains.
If by car, here are a few cool stops in Tuscany:
Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano, & Orvieto.
Buy some wine & ship it home! Also lots of local farmers/families that'll serve lunch.
I haven't been to greece. So, you'll have to get feedback from others on that.
Enjoy your trip! Sounds super fun!
Posted on 6/28/21 at 12:30 pm to Volt
With that busy trip I would want to spend as much time relaxing on the water in the Amalfi Coast as possible.
Take the train from Rome to Naples, then take a car and stay in Ravello. Day trip to Positano and Capris. Skip Naples and Pompeii.
The first 6 days are not ideal. You will have a 5 hour travel day (check out, travel, check in) every other day for an entire week.
Second half of your trip sounds more my speed.
Take the train from Rome to Naples, then take a car and stay in Ravello. Day trip to Positano and Capris. Skip Naples and Pompeii.
The first 6 days are not ideal. You will have a 5 hour travel day (check out, travel, check in) every other day for an entire week.
Second half of your trip sounds more my speed.
Posted on 6/28/21 at 3:14 pm to Volt
Rome and Athens were awesome . Keep your wallet in your front pocket . Stepfather got distracted and a kid lifted his .
Posted on 6/28/21 at 3:16 pm to Volt
Just my two cents, but I'd recommend carving out some time to visit some smaller towns in Italy. I enjoyed places like Alba and Modena much more than Florence or Rome.
Posted on 6/28/21 at 7:39 pm to Volt
Kudos to booking a trip, but that schedule makes me want to barf. I've had the good fortune to visit lots of Italy over the past 15 years and have been to every location on your list multiple times. I think you're trying to cover too much ground, and you're not accurately accounting for travel time between locations, travel from train station to lodgings, checking into/out of lodgings, etc.
With your proposed schedule, you will be like a hamster on a wheel, rushing frantically from one place to another during PEAK tourist season, when things are at their hottest and most crowded.
I wouldn't rent a car (and I've driven from Rome to Palermo and back). You're traveling solo, so the train is the way to go. It will be far more enjoyable to relax, gaze out the window, eat a snack, drink a spritz on the train than trying to figure out Italian road signs, traffic regulations, parking restrictions (very very strict esp in the historic centers of cities), and worrying about where to park the dang car.
Google maps offers fairly accurate time estimates for train travel between cities in Italy. For example, it's about 3 hrs from Milan to Venice via train. Is that coming out of your 2 days in Milan, or the 2 in Venice?
Remember that check out at religious lodgings is often earlier than traditional hotels & many do not have capacity to store your luggage after you've checked out...so you'll likely be stuck with your big backpack all day after you've checked out. And some religious guesthouses have lock-in hours: doors may close at X o'clock, and you're either in or out until the next morning.
4 days is too too long on the Amalfi Coast, especially if you're heading to Greece next. It's charming, but it's ridiculously touristy and going to be absolutely clogged with people in late August.
August in Rome will present some challenges as well: many, many restaurants and shops close completely for a two-week (or longer) period.
You're flying into Milan, so do at least one night there just to get over jet lag. Take the train to Venice--I think it's worth 2 nights simply because it's such a unique landscape and imagination doesn't do it justice. Get up the next day and take the earliest train possible the 2.5 hrs to Florence....consider whether you want to spend the night in a smaller town in Tuscany along the train route between Florence and Rome. Orvieto might be a good choice.
At least 4 days in Rome, if you are at all interested in history or art history. And spend a day or two in Naples (dirty, chaotic, but I love it), then a day or two in Sorrento or Amalfi or Positano.
How are you getting from southern Italy to Greece? Are you flying from Naples, or do you have to trek all the way back to Rome?
Frankly, I'd skip Amalfi since you're going right to Greece.
With your proposed schedule, you will be like a hamster on a wheel, rushing frantically from one place to another during PEAK tourist season, when things are at their hottest and most crowded.
I wouldn't rent a car (and I've driven from Rome to Palermo and back). You're traveling solo, so the train is the way to go. It will be far more enjoyable to relax, gaze out the window, eat a snack, drink a spritz on the train than trying to figure out Italian road signs, traffic regulations, parking restrictions (very very strict esp in the historic centers of cities), and worrying about where to park the dang car.
Google maps offers fairly accurate time estimates for train travel between cities in Italy. For example, it's about 3 hrs from Milan to Venice via train. Is that coming out of your 2 days in Milan, or the 2 in Venice?
Remember that check out at religious lodgings is often earlier than traditional hotels & many do not have capacity to store your luggage after you've checked out...so you'll likely be stuck with your big backpack all day after you've checked out. And some religious guesthouses have lock-in hours: doors may close at X o'clock, and you're either in or out until the next morning.
4 days is too too long on the Amalfi Coast, especially if you're heading to Greece next. It's charming, but it's ridiculously touristy and going to be absolutely clogged with people in late August.
August in Rome will present some challenges as well: many, many restaurants and shops close completely for a two-week (or longer) period.
You're flying into Milan, so do at least one night there just to get over jet lag. Take the train to Venice--I think it's worth 2 nights simply because it's such a unique landscape and imagination doesn't do it justice. Get up the next day and take the earliest train possible the 2.5 hrs to Florence....consider whether you want to spend the night in a smaller town in Tuscany along the train route between Florence and Rome. Orvieto might be a good choice.
At least 4 days in Rome, if you are at all interested in history or art history. And spend a day or two in Naples (dirty, chaotic, but I love it), then a day or two in Sorrento or Amalfi or Positano.
How are you getting from southern Italy to Greece? Are you flying from Naples, or do you have to trek all the way back to Rome?
Frankly, I'd skip Amalfi since you're going right to Greece.
Posted on 6/29/21 at 7:33 am to Volt
Trim a day off of Rome. Add a day to Amalfi, if needed, and budget Ravello for at least one full (maybe 2) days while in Amalfi with no agenda but to stroll gardens and soak in the village. It is simply amazing.
Posted on 6/29/21 at 7:42 am to Volt
Let me agree with the train suggestion. You really don't want to deal with all the driving and parking hassles on your first trip to Europe.
In any case, driving only makes sense for trip focused on the countryside, and it sounds like you'll be spending most of your time in big cities (which is what I would suggest, as that's where the most stuff is to see).
In any case, driving only makes sense for trip focused on the countryside, and it sounds like you'll be spending most of your time in big cities (which is what I would suggest, as that's where the most stuff is to see).
Posted on 6/29/21 at 12:18 pm to Volt
I hesitate to post this ('cause she gets on my frickin' nerves), BUT...
"Kara and Nate", one of the most popular YouTubers for travel (2.35M subscribers), just posted this video of their first air travel in over 14 months. For those of you longing to travel the emotions will kind of hit home with the feelings of getting to travel internationally. They went to Rome. What I found useful was a review of all the steps they had to go through to fly.
LINK
"Kara and Nate", one of the most popular YouTubers for travel (2.35M subscribers), just posted this video of their first air travel in over 14 months. For those of you longing to travel the emotions will kind of hit home with the feelings of getting to travel internationally. They went to Rome. What I found useful was a review of all the steps they had to go through to fly.
LINK
Posted on 6/29/21 at 1:12 pm to Volt
quote:
Possible Itinerary (very rough list)
2 days - Milan
2 days - Venice
I enjoyed both of these cities but 1 day each would be have been enough. We took the train from Milan to Venice and there are cheap flights from Venice to Athens. There is a lot to see in Athens and it is considerably cheaper the Venice.
Posted on 6/29/21 at 3:28 pm to Volt
I went one summer with my wife and if I had to do it over, we would have skipped Venice. We stayed 7 days. We primarily traveled out of Rome on their train system and Venice was just too far away, 6hr total train ride, for the trip to be worth it. The city wasn’t that great in my opinion. The only cool things to see were the Mardi Gras type mask that were hand made. Definitely don’t miss Florence. It was one of my favorite places to visit. I could live there if I had to live anywhere in Italy. We toured just about every place in Rome. We also visited Pompeii, Naples, and we did a wine tour in Tuscany. We definitely needed more time to relax as this trip was a, lets see all the important artifact places we could see. I am a big history buff and seeing Pompeii was a really fascinating experience. Our next trip will be to relax near the coast. I hear Positano is a can’t miss place for that.
Posted on 6/29/21 at 5:51 pm to Volt
You can take a day off of Milan, Rome and Amalfi and add it elsewhere.
Posted on 6/30/21 at 8:13 am to Volt
Lots of good advise in this thread. My 2 cents. To be there that long and skip Venice would be a mistake.. While it may be the most touristy of all your stops it’s still a unique treasure to the world that deserves at least one day. Have a great time.
This post was edited on 7/1/21 at 4:08 pm
Posted on 7/1/21 at 8:09 pm to Volt
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News