8 day itinerary for Italy, Athen, Greece

Itinerary

An 8-day adventure through Italy and Athens sounds like a dream! Let’s create a delightful itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging plan for you and your wife:

## Day 1: Arrival in Rome, Italy

Morning: Arrive in Rome! Check into your hotel and freshen up. Grab a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto at a local café.

Afternoon: Start your Roman adventure with a visit to the Colosseum. Book a guided tour to skip the lines and learn about the history of this iconic structure.

Evening: Stroll through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. As the sun sets, head to the charming Trastevere neighborhood for dinner. Try some authentic Roman pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara at a local trattoria.

## Day 2: Rome

Morning: Visit the Vatican City! Explore St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!

Afternoon: After lunch, take a leisurely walk to the Pantheon and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to make a wish!

Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner in the Piazza Navona area, where you can savor Italian gelato for dessert while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

## Day 3: Florence

Morning: Take an early train to Florence (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and then head to the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo.

Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb to the top for stunning views of the city.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Tuscan restaurant. Try the famous Florentine steak and pair it with a nice Chianti wine.

## Day 4: Florence & Pisa

Morning: Take a half-day trip to Pisa (about 1 hour by train). Visit the Leaning Tower and the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli. Snap some fun photos!

Afternoon: Return to Florence and spend some time exploring the local markets. Don’t miss the Mercato Centrale for some delicious street food!

Evening: Head to the Ponte Vecchio for a romantic evening stroll and dinner at a riverside restaurant.

## Day 5: Venice

Morning: Take a train to Venice (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel and get ready to explore the canals!

Afternoon: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Take a gondola ride through the picturesque canals for a truly unforgettable experience.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant in the Rialto area. Try the local specialty, risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).

## Day 6: Athens, Greece

Morning: Fly from Venice to Athens (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel and grab a quick bite at a local café.

Afternoon: Visit the Acropolis and explore the Parthenon. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking!

Evening: Head to the Plaka neighborhood for dinner. Enjoy traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, and don’t forget to try some ouzo!

## Day 7: Athens

Morning: Visit the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus. Take your time to soak in the history and culture.

Afternoon: Explore the National Archaeological Museum, which houses incredible artifacts from ancient Greece.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset at Lycabettus Hill. You can hike up or take the funicular. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Acropolis lit up at night.

## Day 8: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping in the Monastiraki Flea Market.

Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the Byzantine and Christian Museum or relax at a café.

Evening: Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your Italian and Greek adventure!

I hope this itinerary excites you both! Each day is packed with culture, history, and delicious food, ensuring you have a fantastic time together. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️🍝🍷