During the summer, we embarked on an adventure to explore various cities in Italy and Greece. Despite the heat and crowds in these touristy destinations, we were able to immerse ourselves in local cultures and gain a wealth of historical knowledge.
Our journey began in Italy, where we explored Rome before moving on to Venice. We ventured into the rolling hills of Tuscany, and ended our time in Italy with a day in Florence.
A short flight carried us to Santorini, Greece, where we spent a few days in absolute paradise (albeit crowded; many other travelers enjoy paradise as well). We ended our trip with a few days in vibrant and historic Athens.
Throughout our trip, we experienced diverse cultures, cuisines, and historical sites, making it an unforgettable journey.
Click here to view our trip with the number of days in each location:
Rome, Italy (3)
Venice, Italy (2)
Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy (4)
Siena, Tuscany, Italy (0.5)
Florence, Italy (0.5)
Fiumicino, Rome (0.5)
Santorini, Greece (3)
Athens, Greece (2)
Rome
Day 1
– Arrived at Rome Airport after a layover in Iceland
– Rode the Leonardo Express to Rome Termini
– Walked to Airbnb, met with host Riccardo, and settled in
– Visited Colosseum, got gelato, and had dinner nearby
Day 2
– Did the Colosseum tour and Roman Forum
– Had lunch at a Jewish Ghetto restaurant
– Took bus to Mr100 Tiramisu, then stopped by a vinegar shop
– Dinner at Carbonara place Lucianos; rode scooter to Trevi Fountain
– Returned home on the bus
Day 3
– Visited St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City
– Rode Lime bikes to the Pantheon
– Had sandwiches at a nearby shop
– Walked to Spanish Steps
– Relaxed in a dark bar before biking back home
– Ate local dinner close to the Airbnb on our last night in Rome
– Prepared for departure to Venice the next morning
Venice
Day 4
– Train ride from Rome to Venice
– Arriving in Venice and settling into Airbnb
– Exploring Venice by foot (2 mile walk) then a Select at Easy Bar
– Had a little happy hour at airbnb, got a drink at a local bar nearby, then dinner on the water at Porto D’acqua
Day 5
– Bell tower and St Mark’s Basilica visits
– Espresso at the oldest restaurant in Italy
– Pasta lunch from a local takeaway spot
– Narrowest street visit, bookstore, and bridge without handrails
– Water bus (vaporetto) ride to Restaurant Al Paradiso for lunch
– Took a Traghetto to get chicettes at Vino Vero wine bar
– Riding vaporetto for a while
– Dinner near Airbnb on Canal
Tuscany
Day 6
– Relaxing morning before checkout
– Train trip to Florence to get rental car
– Arrived in Radda in Chianti
– Checked into Palazzo Leopoldo
– Dined at Olinto
Day 7
– Visited Siena
– Stopped at two wineries for tastings
– Dined at Giovannino’s Butchery
Day 8
– Attended a cooking class at a local winery/farm
– Dined at L’Eroica restaurant
– Jacuzzi reservations
Day 9
– Participated in an e-bike tour
– Relaxing in the jacuzzi, shopping for gifts
– Ordered takeout pizza
Florence
Day 10
– Drove from Radda to Florence
– Visited the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David
– Wine window
– Train to Rome then Fiumicino
– Found an alternative Airbnb for the night
– Laundry
Santorini
Day 11
– Fly to Santorini
– Had a driver waiting for us at the airport
– Checked into our cave house in Oia
– Enjoyed a few minutes in the cool water jacuzzi before dinner
– Dined at Melitini’s rooftop patio with sunset views
Day 12
– Slept in
– Had lunch at Roka
– Stopped for a photo by the blue domes
– Embarked on a sunset boat cruise with swimming and dinner
– Got dropped off on the south of the island and took a bus to Oia
Day 13
– Hiked from Fira to Oia
– Lunch at Dmitris Taverna in Amoudi Bay
– Swam at the crowded black lava rock beach
– Walked back up the steep stairs, got souvenirs and had dinner nearby
Athens
Day 14
– Left Santorini for Athens
– Arrived in Athens and had a car waiting
– Checked into our hotel
– Tried Souvlaki pita wraps at O Thanassis
– Visited the Acropolis
– Dined at Smile, then went to a Tiki bar after
Day 15
– Had breakfast with an Acropolis view
– Explored the Lyceum of Aristotle and the historic Olympic stadium
– Visited the Acropolis Museum
– Had dinner reservation at hotel restaurant
Day 16
– Hungover, left for home