opinions on itinerary for month in Italy, Greece, & Turkey

[jjohanning]

My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy, Greece, and Turkey. We are in our late 20's and are up for some adventure, sightseeing, and fun. I have been to Europe twice before, but only for week long trips to London, Paris, and Amsterdam, so never on an a more extensive trip like we are planning. We have a preliminary itinerary planned and I am hoping other people that have traveled to these countries can give me any input they might have. Thanks in advance!

6/12 Fri. Arrive Rome approx. 6:30 a.m., day and night in Rome

6/13 Sat. Day and night in Rome

6/14 Sun. Day and night in Rome

6/15 Mon. Day and night in Rome (Ostia Antica?)

6/16 Tues. Day and night in Rome (Vatican City)

6/17 Wed. Morning train from Rome to Florence, day and night in Florence

6/18 Thur. Day and night in Florence

6/19 Fri. Day and night in Florence

6/20 Sat. Day in Florence, take evening train to Venice

6/21 Sun. Day and night in Venice

6/22 Mon. Day and night in Venice

6/23 Tues. Morning Train from Venice to Milan, day and night in Milan

6/24 Wed. Fly from Milan to Athen, night in Athens

6/25-6/28 Begin four day classical tour of Greece, return to Athens Sunday night, 6/28

6/29 Mon. Day and night in Athens

6/30 Tues. Ferry from Athens to Santorini, night in Santorini

7/1 Wed. Day in Santorini, ferry to Paros, night in Paros (or take ferry to Rhodes)

7/2 Thur. Day and night in Paros or Naxos (or Rhodes)

7/3 Fri. Ferry from Paros/Naxos to Samos, ferry from Samos to Kusadasi, night in Kusadasi (or take ferry from Rhodes to Marmaris and bus to Kusadasi)

7/4 Sat. Day at Ephesus, night in Kusadasi

7/5 Sun. train & ferry to Istanbul, night in Istanbul

7/6 Mon. Day and night in Istanbul

7/7 Tues. Day and night in Istanbul

7/8 Wed. Day and night Istanbul

7/9 Thurs. Fly to Rome, night in Rome

7/10 Fri. Depart Rome, return to NYC

[VacationBuddy]

Hi there,

As you are staying five days in Rome, I would suggest visiting:

• The gardens of Villa Borghese
• The Spanish steps
• The Pantheon
• The Trevi Fountain
• The Piazza Navona
• The Roman forum and Colosseum

As you only have a couple of days in Florence, I would suggest to visit:

• The world-famous Duomo
• The Uffizi museum

In Venice, I would suggest a ride in one the famous gondolas and boat around the Venice canals.

In Istanbul, I would suggest a visit to the oldest quarter of Istanbul where you can appreciate the towering minarets, golden domes, cobbled streets and bustling markets.

Hope this helps
VacationBuddy

[The Travel Slut]

Congratulations,. Your itinerary is both ambitious and exciting--and best, I think it is completely do-able from a logistical and practical standpoint.

I did 16 days last summer on many of the same locations (Venice, Rome, Vatican, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Athens, Rhodes, Santorini,...and you will truly enjoy them all).

You are providing yourself adequate time between locations it appears but due to the time of season, plan on delays in some locations, make sure you get reservations ahead of time when possible and plan on a trip of a lifetime.

:-)

[jjohanning]

How did you travel between Greece and Turkey? Did you take ferries? That is the part of the trip I am most unsure about. From what I have found it seems like I need to get to Samos or Rhodes to get a ferry to Turkey. I'm not sure which route would be best.

[The Travel Slut]

I was on a cruise but spoke to several locals that did the ferries and they agreed the day ferries were nice. Just don't expect luxury or big embarkation or disembarkation help.