3-Week Greece and Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Greece And Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineGreece and Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Italy and Greece Itinerary, incl. Rome and Athens

  A grand 21-day tour through Greece and Italy showcases Athens' Acropolis, Delphi ruins, and Sicily's treasures. The route spans 34 destinations including Saronic islands Aegina and Poros, combining guided tours with comfortable accommodation throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rome and Vatican City

    Get settled at your hotel with the included transfer. Your first evening is perfect for wandering the Esquilino district near the Colosseum. The next two days cover Rome's main attractions through a panoramic tour of the Colosseum, Imperial Forums, and Vatican City. "Plan your Vatican visit for early morning - the museum crowds are much lighter before 9am," suggests a frequent visitor.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Southern Italy to Greece

    Travel the Adriatic coast and stop at the 11th-century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey. Enjoy lunch in Termoli before heading to Bari, where you'll find authentic Italian life in its winding streets and lively squares. Take the 8-hour ferry from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa the next day. A good tip: get a cabin instead of deck seats for a more comfortable trip.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Northern Greece

    Visit Metsovo, a mountain village known for its distinct Balkan architecture. Next up is Meteora, with its impressive monasteries built on towering rocks. A recent visitor advises: "Wear slip-resistant shoes and modest clothing for monastery visits - shoulders and knees must be covered." Travel to Delphi the next day, stopping at the beautiful Hosios Loukas Monastery.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Athens

    Take a guided tour of Athens to see the Presidential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium, and main squares. Visit the Acropolis but bring water and sun protection since shade is limited. Evening trips to the Plaka district offer great Greek taverna experiences. Use your free day to check out less crowded spots like the Ancient Agora.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Greek Islands and Peloponnese

    Start early for ferry rides to Aegina and Poros islands. See the Temple of Apollo and stop for lunch at Poros harbor. Visit the ancient theater at Epidaurus before staying overnight in Nafplio. The next day takes you through Tripoli to Olympia, where the Olympic Games began.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Back to Italy

    Ferry back to Brindisi and explore Alberobello's trulli houses and Matera's cave homes. Head to Naples and take an optional trip to Capri and Sorrento (about €40). One visitor suggests: "Take the funicular up to Capri town rather than the crowded buses - it's faster and offers better views."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Sicily - Eastern Coast

    See Taormina's Greek theater and beaches, then visit Catania's baroque architecture. Make stops at Caltagirone, famous for ceramics, and see amazing Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. End your day watching sunset at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Sicily to Rome

    Explore Marsala's historic center and medieval Erice before reaching Palermo. Visit Monreale's Arab-Norman cathedral and Palermo's mix of architectural styles. Take the overnight ferry to Naples, tour Pompeii with a guide, and finish your trip in Rome.

    

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• 18 Day Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary, incl. French Riviera and Greek Islands

  Luxury awaits on this 17-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Emerald Azzurra. The route includes Syracuse's ancient ruins, Valletta's UNESCO heritage, and Paros's traditional villages, featuring suite accommodation and premium dining experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    French Riviera

    Board your luxury yacht in Cannes in the afternoon. Plan to arrive at Nice Airport by 5 PM for the transfer. Head to Monte Carlo the next day. Visit Casino Square early to avoid crowds and catch the changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace at 11:55 AM. Visit Santa Margherita Ligure to stroll the promenade before going to Portofino. Visit Portofino in late afternoon when most tourists have left.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Italian Coast

    Porto Venere offers great photo opportunities of its colorful houses and Gothic St. Peter's Church at sunrise. Take a morning swim at Byron's Grotto before it gets too hot. Stop at Marina di Carrara for an optional marble quarry tour. Bring a light jacket since it's cool inside. From Livorno, you can visit Florence or Pisa. Both are about 1.5 hours away so start early.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Corsica & Rome

    Visit Calvi's citadel in the morning when it's cooler. You'll need good walking shoes for the steep climb. After a day at sea, you'll dock at Civitavecchia, Rome's port. The train ride to Rome takes 80 minutes. Buy tickets ahead of time and remember to validate them before boarding.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Amalfi Coast & Capri

    The Amalfi Coast features dramatic views and winding roads. Take the local "interno" bus in Positano to avoid climbing hills. Stay overnight in Sorrento and try authentic limoncello. Plan a full day for Capri. Take the early funicular from Marina Grande to Capri Town to avoid crowds.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Sicily & Malta

    Visit Syracuse's historic Ortygia island in early evening when the limestone buildings take on a golden glow. Make reservations for St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta as tickets often sell out. The following sea day is perfect for deck relaxation and dolphin watching.

    
  • Days 15-18

    Greek Waters

    Pass through the Corinth Canal, an impressive feat of engineering barely wider than the ship. Visit Paros's fishing villages in the morning for the freshest catch at local tavernas. In Hydra, you'll walk or ride donkeys since there are no cars. Pack light and wear sturdy shoes for the cobblestone streets. The trip ends in Athens. Allow at least 3 hours for airport transfer and check-in.

    

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• 16 Day Italy & Greece Itinerary, incl. Venice and Athens

  Travel 16 days across 24 destinations in Italy and Greece. Walk through Florence's Piazza Santa Croce and Giotto's Gothic Bell Tower, visit Mycenae's archaeological site built in 1350 BC, and see Delphi at the foot of Mt. Parnassus. A 3-night Aegean cruise takes you to Mykonos, Heraklion, and Santorini, with included excursions to Knossos and photo stops at the Corinth Canal built between 1881 and 1893.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Venice & Verona

    Visit Venice before 9 AM when gondola traffic is light. Get to St. Mark's Square early before cruise ships arrive. Take vaporetto line 1 for excellent canal views at a better price than private gondolas. Visit Juliet's House in Verona during early morning or just before closing to avoid crowds. Plan for a 3.5-hour drive to Montecatini on winding roads. Consider motion sickness medication if needed.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Florence & Rome

    Stay in Montecatini and take regular 45-minute trains to Florence. Book Uffizi tickets online at least one day ahead and arrive 30 minutes before your time slot. For Rome, visit the Colosseum at opening time (8:30 AM) or after 3 PM when crowds decrease. Book early morning Vatican tickets with skip-the-line access.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Athens & Mycenae

    After your 2-hour flight from Rome to Athens, go straight to the Acropolis. Late afternoon has fewer visitors. The next day takes you to Mycenae, about 2 hours by car. The ancient stones require good footwear. A recent visitor noted: "The Lion Gate at Mycenae was incredible but those stones are slippery - wear good grip shoes and take it slow."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Classical Greece Circuit

    Drive 2.5 hours from Mycenae to Olympia through mountain landscapes. Visit the ancient stadium in the morning before it gets hot. The 4-hour drive to Delphi should get you there by 3 PM to see the ruins in pleasant afternoon light. Spend your final day back in Athens exploring the Plaka neighborhood and local tavernas.

    
  • Days 12-16

    Greek Islands Cruise

    Your 3-night cruise stops at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini. Reserve Santorini excursions early. Get to Oia's castle ruins 30 minutes before sunset for the best views. Pack motion sickness medication as afternoon waters can be rough.

    

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