Day 1-2: Athens
1. Ramble the Acropolis of Athens
2. Wander the streets of Plaka and Anafiotika
The streets of Plaka and Anafiotika ensure a well-spent afternoon. One of the oldest parts of Athens, the street of Plaka played an important role during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. If the street of Plaka is rife with pastel houses and Islamic structures, Anafiotika reflects the true taste of a Greek island with their whitewashed houses and blue roofs.
3. Run a full lap in the Panathenaic Stadium
Day 3-5: Santorini
If we were to sum up Santorini in just a few words, they would be: perfect sunset, picturesque villages and breathtaking caldera views. Fira and Oia are two most popular areas of Santorini, with Fira being the capital of the island and the largest settlement and Oia being dubbed the most picturesque village.
1. Hike from Fira to Oia
2. Marvel at the Oia sunset
3. Cliff-jumping and fresh seafood at Ammoudi Bay
Spending an afternoon in Ammoudi Bay and cliff-jumping sound like a treat that is hard to beat. Ammoudi Bay is a small port and beautiful bay surrounded by flashy red cliffs and whitewashed buildings. Located 300 steps below Oia, you can indulge yourself in mouthwatering and fresh seafood after a hearty afternoon swim.
4. Visit the Ancient Akrotiri and admire the contrasting colors of the Red Beach
Although Santorini is not especially famous for its beaches, the Red Beach near Akrotiri is worth your time of the day. The striking red sand, volcanic rocks and hills combined with the dark blue sea water make for an amusing view to the eyes. You can kill two birds with one stone before visiting this beach. Since the Red Beach is located in the Akrotiri village, this means that a visit to the Ancient Akrotiri (prehistoric Bronze Age settlement demolished by volcanic eruption and the most important archaeological site in Santorini) would be ideal.
Day 6-8: Crete
1. Melt away stress at Elafonisi Beach
2. Visit Moni Preveli and walk down to the Preveli Beach
Before getting to the Preveli Beach, paying a visit to Moni Preveli, the most treasured monastery that served many functions over the years as a center of resistance during the Turkish occupation and was essential in World War II as a hiding place for Allied soldiers from the Nazis.
3. Step on the said birthplace of Zeus
4. Enjoy a vibrant evening in Agios Nikolaos
Day 9-10: Thessaloniki
The second biggest city in Greece might not be popular with tourists, especially if they go down the usual Athens-Santorini-Mykonos route, but who says that this city pales in comparison to the ever popular destinations?
1. Ambles and promenades around the White Tower and waterfront
2. Museum and archaeological site day
Day 11-12: Venice
1. Gondola ride and walking tour
2. Get aboard the ferry to Murano and Burano
A trip to Venice cannot be whole without stepping foot on Murano and Burano. Murano is the place where glass workers reside, producing high quality, luxurious and handmade Murano glass. This is a practice and tradition that has been passed down from one generation to another. Burano, on the other hand, is a tiny island and home to approximately 3,000 people. This island is situated 9km north of Venice and is renowned for its colorful houses with vivid colors.
Day 13-14: Florence
Arguably the most beautiful city in Italy, Florence’s charm remains ever pure and untainted by the hustle and bustle of a big city. No skyscrapers are found here, and if you really want to take your time and inhale every bit of magic that lurks in every corner of the city, you can opt to walk from one destination to another because almost everything is within walking distance.
1. Adore the Duomo and Michelangelo’s David
2. Catch wonderful sunsets at Piazzale Michelangelo
3. Savor the authentic and juicy Florentine steak
Day 15: Tuscan
The Tuscan countryside is another world. With its green and lush fields, rolling hills and endless rows of cypress trees, the sun truly shines differently in Tuscany. It is also known for winemaking and famous wine regions include San Gimignano, Montalcino, Chianti and Montapulcino. This winemaking region is not far from Florence (approximately 2 hours by car) and you can also opt for a wine tour by bus departing from the city.
For guided wine tours, you have to secure the spots several weeks before the intended date. If you are having a hard time selecting which winery to go to, we highly suggest you visit Montalcino and Chianti. There is a medium-size winery called Altesino in Montalcino that serves exquisite brunello (a wine variety native to Montalcino). You can enjoy 5 kinds of wine and light bites for around 40 euros. As for chianti, there is a great family-run winery called Montefioralle with their exceptional chianti classico.
Day 16-17: Roman and Vatican City
1. Brace yourself for the Colosseum night tour
2. Explore the Roman Forum and have a wonderful dinner at La Pergola
Before joining the night tour, some mandatory activities when in Rome include marveling at the ruins of ancient buildings at the Roman Forum, tracing the 138-step staircase of the Spanish Steps that connect Piazza di Spagna at the base with Trinità dei Monti at the top and treating yourself at La Pergola, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the astonishing and panoramic views of Rome and the only restaurant with 3 Michelin stars in Rome.
3. Walk around St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square
Vatican City is more than just the headquarter of Roman Catholic, it is also the smallest country in the world that is situated in Rome. If you happen to visit during Easter, you can celebrate it by attending a mass taking place in St. Peter’s Basilica extending to St. Peter’s Square due to overflowing participants.
4. Delight in Sistine Chapel’s magnificent ceilings
You cannot speak of St. Peter’s Basilica without mentioning Sistine Chapel as the two places are the most significant landmarks of Vatican City. We suggest you book a skip-the-line group tour for these two places as they tend to get swamped by an influx of tourists. Sistine Chapel is where architectural wonders really materialize: its ceilings are the representation of fine Renaissance art painted by the one and only Michelangelo from 1508 to 1512. This is also the place where important ceremonies such as inaugurating new popes occurs.
Day 18-20: Amalfi Coast
Located in the Campania region of Italy, Amalfi Coast is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with its breathtaking coastal landscape and countless cliffs. Not only is it popular for the many fishing villages, Amalfi coast is a significant producer of lemons and limoncello liqueur. Amalfi Coast is so popular because of the idyllic and panoramic views of the sea meeting the hills.
