10 Days Italy & Greece Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day adventure through Italy and Greece, exploring the iconic cities of Rome and Naples before island hopping to Athens and Santorini. This trip blends ancient history, delicious cuisine, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$2000-3000
Best Time
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October)
Activities
62
Daily Avg
USD250/day
Cities
Rome (2d), Naples (1d), Athens (1d), Naples (2d), Athens (2d), Santorini (2d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary combines the historical grandeur of Italy with the stunning beauty and ancient wonders of Greece. Experience vibrant city life, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking island scenery all in one unforgettable trip.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 1: Colosseum & Roman Forum
Art & Culture
Day 2: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Food & Drink
Day 3: Indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples.
Coastal Views
Day 8: Watch the sunset over the caldera in Santorini.
Religious Sites
Day 2: St. Peter's Basilica
Ancient Ruins
Day 5: Train to Pompeii
Island Exploration
Day 9: Explore Oia Village
Local Markets
e.g., Campo de' Fiori (Rome), Naples Street Food
Hiking
e.g., Mount Vesuvius (near Naples), Hike from Fira to Oia (Santorini)
Boat Tours
e.g., Capri Boat Tour (from Naples), Santorini Caldera Cruise
Hidden Gems
Day 2: Dinner in Trastevere
Authentic Cuisine
Day 5: Try a traditional Greek Souvlaki in Athens.
Italian and Greek cuisines are celebrated globally for their fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and bold flavors. From handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas to succulent grilled meats and vibrant salads, expect a culinary adventure filled with regional specialties and time-honored traditions. Don't be afraid to try local specialties and enjoy the relaxed dining culture.
Must-Try Dishes
The quintessential Neapolitan pizza: simple, fresh, and delicious. A thin crust topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, representing the colors of the Italian flag. The quality of the ingredients is key.
📍 Pizzerias in Naples or any traditional pizzeria throughout Italy
A Roman classic: pasta (typically spaghetti or rigatoni) tossed with guanciale (cured pork cheek), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Authentic carbonara does *not* include cream.
📍 Trattorias in Rome or traditional Roman restaurants
Italian ice cream, known for its intense flavor and smooth texture. Made with less fat and air than American ice cream, resulting in a denser, more flavorful treat. Available in countless flavors.
📍 Gelaterias all over Italy. Look for artisanal shops that make their gelato fresh daily.
Grilled meat (usually pork or chicken) skewers, often served in a pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. A popular and affordable street food.
📍 Street food vendors and tavernas throughout Greece
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its charming trattorias and vibrant nightlife.
Known for its traditional Greek tavernas and souvenir shops.
Known for its edgy, alternative vibe and affordable eats.
Known for its student-friendly atmosphere and diverse culinary options.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in Greece with its abundance of fresh vegetables. Vegan options are less common but can be found, especially in larger cities. Gluten-free pasta and pizza options are becoming more prevalent in Italy. Inform your server about any allergies or dietary restrictions before ordering. Halal food is less readily available outside of major cities with large Muslim populations.
In Italy, it's customary to wait to be seated. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (5-10% is sufficient). In Greece, tipping is also not mandatory but a small tip is common for good service. Bread is often served automatically and may have a small charge. Always ask for the bill ('Il conto' in Italian, 'To logariasmo' in Greek).
Greek Easter
April/MayMajor religious holiday with celebrations and potential closures.
Venice Film Festival
August/SeptemberAttracts large crowds and increases prices in Venice.
Athens Epidaurus Festival
June-AugustCultural festival with music, theatre, and dance performances.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Take the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Termini Station.FREE
02:00 PM - Check into Accommodation
Settle into your hotel or Airbnb near Termini Station for easy access to transportation.
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- 🚶Walk from Termini Station (approx. 20 minutes) or take the Metro B line to Colosseo station.$30
03:00 PM - Colosseum & Roman Forum
Explore the iconic Colosseum and wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, imagining life in ancient Rome.
Book on Klook - 🚶Located adjacent to the Roman Forum.FREE
06:00 PM - Palatine Hill
Climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Colosseum (approx. 15 minutes) or take the Metro B line to Cavour station.$30
07:30 PM - Dinner in Monti
Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner in the charming Monti neighborhood, known for its trattorias and artisan shops.
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- 🚶Take bus 85 from Cavour to Tritone/Fontana Trevi.FREE
09:30 PM - Evening Stroll to the Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and enjoy the illuminated beauty of this iconic landmark.
Book on Klook
Termini Station Area
Convenient for transportation and close to many attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October)
The weather is generally mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. Rainfall is possible, especially in the spring, so pack accordingly. The days are long and offer ample sunshine for sightseeing.
Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months.
Check for public holidays in Italy and Greece, as some businesses and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed.
Getting Around
Trenitalia/Italo high-speed rail; metros in Rome, Milan, Naples
City-specific metro cards
Book Frecciarossa trains early for best prices. Validate bus/tram tickets before boarding!
Travel
USD 300-500 (Flights and ferries)Accommodation
USD 70-120 per nightFood
USD 40-60 per dayActivities
USD 300-500 (Tours and entry fees)Utilize public transportation like buses and trains instead of taxis.
Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels.
Eat at local trattorias and tavernas for affordable and authentic meals.
- Learn basic Italian and Greek phrases.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- 1Lightweight clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Sunscreen
- 4Hat
- 5Universal adapter
Flights
Book 3-6 months ahead, especially for peak season, for better prices and availability.
Accommodation
Secure 3-6 months in advance, particularly for popular cities (Rome, Florence, Athens, Santorini) and during high season.
High-demand attractions (e.g., Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, Acropolis)
Book timed-entry tickets online 1-3 months in advance to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
Inter-city trains (e.g., Trenitalia, Italo) and popular ferries (e.g., Greek Islands)
Purchase tickets 1-2 months ahead for popular routes and faster trains, especially during busy periods.
Rental car (if needed for rural areas or islands)
Book 2-3 months ahead, especially for automatics. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn't European.
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking major trip components to cover unexpected cancellations or medical emergencies.
Popular tours (e.g., Pompeii, Amalfi Coast boat tours, Santorini sunset cruises)
Book 1-2 months in advance, especially during peak season, as they often sell out.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Vodafone stores at airports or in city centers
📍 Travel WiFi website (rental with delivery to your hotel)
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in both Italy and Greece, especially in tourist areas. Quality and speed can vary. Many cities offer free WiFi in public areas, but security can be a concern. Always use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi.
Useful Apps
Purchase a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for convenient and affordable data access. Download offline maps on Google Maps to avoid relying solely on WiFi. Consider a portable WiFi device for consistent connectivity, especially if traveling in remote areas. Check your hotel's WiFi speed and reliability before relying on it for important tasks.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
Three round pins in a row
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Coperto (cover charge) is standard; rounding up is appreciated
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Coperto covers bread/service. Extra tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Italy and Greece are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Stay informed about local news and follow any safety guidelines issued by authorities.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
118
115
112 for European emergency number. Carabinieri: 112
Payments
Cash useful at trattorias and small shops
Accepted at most restaurants and shops
Growing rapidly
Legally, all businesses must accept cards. Still carry some cash for gelaterias and market stalls.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and prices are generally lower than in the peak summer months. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and rainy.
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- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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