Connected by multiple ferry routes, it’s easy to combine a trip to Italy with a short hop to mainland Greece or any number of its myriad idyllic islands.
(Photo: Indus Travels / Courtesy Bookmundi)
Sharing miles of sun-kissed coastline, a rich history, and an enticing culinary scene, Italy and Greece are two of Europe’s most popular tourism destinations. Thanks to their geographical proximity, there are a wide number of organised tours that offer the chance to see both countries during the same trip, If that appeals to you, check out our list below featuring 5 of the best Greece and Italy tours currently available.
Ancient Athens and Rome Tour (7 days)
There are few cities in the world that can match Athens and Rome for ancient history, and this 7-day tour invites travellers to see them both in one fascinating group trip. Starting in the Greek capital, you’ll travel through the Corinth Canal and the small town of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, before boarding a ferry and making your way across the Adriatic sea towards Italy. Here, your first stop will be the charming town of Loreto, and later you’ll move on to Rome, The Eternal City, home to iconic landmarks such as the Vatican and The Colosseum, where your tour comes to an end. From €1,140 per person.
Highlights of Greece and Rome Tour (10 days)
(Photo: Indus Travels / Courtesy Bookmundi)
Taking in some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Southern Europe, as well as idyllic islands with sun-kissed beaches, this 10-day tour offers an enticing combination of culture and leisurely relaxation. Starting in Athens, you and your group will visit some of the city’s famous landmarks, before moving on to Kalambaka, situated at the foot of limestone rocks, crowned by the Monasteries of Meteora. Next you’ll sail across the Ionian Sea to Corfu, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, where you’ll have the chance to kick back on one of its pristine stretches of sand. The tour comes to a close in the Italian capital of Rome, where you’ll get to explore the Vatican and the Colosseum. From €1,474 per person.
Get Social: Mega European Tour (49 days)
For those with the time and budget, this epic Euro odyssey offers the chance to visit an incredible 29 destinations across 16 countries over 49 days – including stops in Greece and Italy. Starting and ending in London, you’ll traverse the continent by coach, with extended looks around some of Europe’s finest cities, with plenty of fun and socialising packed into the mix. Highlights include trips to the old capitals of the west, to the re-emerging Balkans, to charming cities like Nice, Bordeaux, Orvieto, and Florence, to party islands like Mykonos off the Greek coast. The tour is available for 18 to 39-year-olds. From €5,929 per person.
Italy & Greece with Iconic Aegean Islands Cruise Tour (16 days)
(Photo: Cosmos / Courtesy Tourradar)
Starting in Rome and ending in Athens, this 16-day adventure takes in multiple destinations, including a number of idyllic Aegean Islands. You’ll discover the enduring legacies of Imperial Rome, before moving on to Florence, Verona, Pisa and Venice, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride to St. Mark’s Square. On the Greek leg of the tour, you’ll explore Athens, Mycenae, the fun-packed island of Mykonos, Heraklion, Crete, Santorini, and Patmos, before making a short trip over the border to Kusadasi in Turkey. You’ll then return to Athens to close out your magical experience. From €2,857 per person.
Essential Europe: Italy, Croatia & Mediterranean Magic (21 days)
This 21-day, hostel-based trip takes you all the way across central and western Europe, from the Bavarian capital of Munich to the sun-drenched Greek island of Corfu. You’ll get swept up in the magic of the Alps in Innsbruck and at Lake Misurina, before heading to Rome, Florence, and Tuscany for a captivating taste of Italy. Next up Croatia, to visit picture-postcard cities and islands, including fairy tale-like Dubrovnik. Then it’s time for medieval fortresses, massive lakes, beach-time and the Blue Eye natural spring as you make your way from Montenegro to Albania and then Corfu, located off of Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, to end your tour. From €2,532 per person.