Greece and Italy Itinerary: Athens, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Milan, Como and Venice

Arrival in Athens

After landing at Athens International Airport around 17:00, allow roughly an hour for immigration, luggage, and reaching central Athens. The easiest public-transport option is Metro Line 3 to Syntagma, taking about 40 minutes; a taxi usually takes 35–60 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately €40–55, with an airport surcharge. If you have large luggage or are four people, a pre-booked transfer can be convenient. Drop bags at your accommodation before heading out, as the evening is best enjoyed on foot.

Start at Syntagma Square, where you can see the Hellenic Parliament and get your first feel for Athens’ lively central rhythm. Spend about 30 minutes here, then walk south toward Plaka via Ermou Street and Vasilissis Sofias or the pedestrianized streets around Mitropoleos. In Plaka, take your time wandering the small lanes, neoclassical houses, souvenir shops, and tucked-away courtyards; it is especially pleasant as the heat fades. Continue uphill into Anafiotika, a tiny whitewashed quarter beneath the Acropolis that feels more like a Cycladic island village than the center of a capital. The uneven lanes are narrow and sometimes confusing, so wear comfortable shoes and enjoy it as a short sunset stroll rather than trying to navigate quickly.

For dinner, walk toward Thissio and reserve a table at Kuzina, ideally on the rooftop or terrace for its Acropolis views. Expect modern Greek cooking and about €25–40 per person before drinks. The walk from Anafiotika takes roughly 15–20 minutes, passing through the pedestrian streets around Dionysiou Areopagitou; after dinner, you can return to Syntagma on foot in about 20 minutes or take a short taxi if everyone is tired. Kuzina commonly serves dinner from around 18:00, but confirm the September hours and reserve ahead, particularly for a rooftop table.

Morning

Start early at the Acropolis, ideally arriving around 08:00 before the September heat and the largest tour groups. Allow about 2½ hours for the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaia, and Temple of Athena Nike; the climb is manageable but the marble can be very slippery, so wear proper shoes and bring water. Timed entry is strongly recommended—official tickets vary by season, but budget roughly €20–30 per person. From central Athens, walk or take the metro to Acropoli station; avoid taxis immediately around the hill, where traffic is slow and drop-off access is limited.

Walk downhill to the Acropolis Museum for about two hours. Its galleries are air-conditioned and beautifully arranged, with the Parthenon Gallery offering direct views back toward the temple. It generally opens at 09:00, though exact September hours and ticket prices should be checked shortly before the visit; expect around €15–20. Have a quick coffee or cold drink at the museum café rather than stopping for a full lunch, as the next stretch is one of the nicest walks in the city.

Afternoon

Exit toward Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and follow the pedestrian promenade around the southern slope of the Acropolis for about 45 minutes. This is an easy, atmospheric walk past neoclassical buildings, street musicians, and views toward the Philopappos Hill area. Continue toward Monastiraki Flea Market, where an hour is enough to browse leather goods, ceramics, vintage objects, and souvenir stalls around Avissynias Square and Ifestou Street. It is liveliest from late morning through the afternoon, but keep an eye on phones and wallets in the crowded lanes.

From Monastiraki, walk roughly 10 minutes through Psyrri to the Central Municipal Athens Market on Athinas Street. The main food halls are usually open until late afternoon or early evening, but go before about 18:00 for the fullest atmosphere: butchers, fishmongers, spice sellers, and locals doing their daily shopping. Browse rather than lingering for a meal, then take a short break in Psyrri before dinner.

Evening

Book a table at Oineas Restaurant in Psyrri, preferably around 19:30–20:00. Settle in for Greek meze, grilled dishes, seasonal vegetables, and local wine; allow about 1½ hours and roughly €25–40 per person, depending on how generously you order. The neighborhood is ideal for a relaxed post-dinner wander, with lively lanes and small bars nearby. From Oineas, Monastiraki station is an easy walk for returning by metro, while a taxi is convenient for four people—especially if your accommodation is outside the central neighborhoods.

Morning and Arrival

Take the 08:30 flight from Athens and, after landing in Naples, allow roughly 2–3 hours for baggage collection, meeting your pre-booked driver, and the drive to Sorrento. A private minivan is worthwhile for four people with luggage; the route can be slow around Castellammare di Stabia, so don’t plan anything timed too tightly. After checking in and dropping bags, have a quick coffee or granita in Piazza Tasso, the lively center of town and an easy place to get your bearings.

Afternoon Exploring

Walk a few minutes toward Vallone dei Mulini, where the viewing platform looks down into Sorrento’s striking, overgrown ravine and abandoned nineteenth-century mills. It is a short stop, best for photographs rather than a long visit. Continue through the old center to the Chiostro di San Francesco, a small medieval cloister beside the gardens; entry is usually free or nominal, and it is generally open through the afternoon, though hours can vary for weddings and ceremonies. Keep this part relaxed—Sorrento is nicest when you allow time to browse the lanes around Via San Cesareo rather than rushing between sights.

Sunset and Dinner

Around an hour before sunset, walk downhill to Marina Grande, the older fishing harbor rather than the main ferry port. The descent takes about 15–20 minutes; wear shoes with a secure sole, and remember that the climb back is steep. Stroll along the waterfront, watch the boats return, and choose a drink or light aperitivo by the water before heading back uphill. For dinner, Trattoria Da Gigino in the historic center is a good traditional choice for dishes such as gnocchi alla sorrentina, seafood pasta, and local vegetables; expect approximately €25–45 per person, and reserve ahead for four, especially on a Sunday evening.

Morning

Take an early ferry from Marina Piccola in Sorrento to Positano, ideally around 08:30–09:00. The crossing takes about 40 minutes, but arrive at least 20–30 minutes early because September services can sell out; check the timetable and sea conditions with Alilauro or NLG the day before. Once in Positano, walk up from the harbor to Spiaggia Grande for an hour of the classic view—colorful houses climbing the cliffs, fishing boats, and the domed Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. The church is free; keep shoulders covered, and expect steep lanes and many stairs. Pick up water before leaving the waterfront, where prices are highest.

Late Morning and Afternoon

From the beach, continue through the narrow lanes of central Positano to Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, allowing about 30 minutes for the majolica-tiled dome, Byzantine icon, and cool interior. Then arrange a taxi or take the local bus toward Nocelle, the mountain hamlet above town; allow roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Walk a manageable out-and-back section of the Path of the Gods—the stretch toward Colle Serra gives superb views without committing to the full hike. Allow around 2½ hours, wear proper shoes, and carry at least 1–1.5 liters of water per person: there is little shade and very limited refreshment along the trail. Confirm the final bus or taxi timing before setting off.

Evening

Have your late lunch or early dinner at La Tagliata in Montepertuso, a short taxi ride from Nocelle. It is a relaxed, family-style farm restaurant rather than an à la carte stop, with vegetables, pasta, grilled meat, dessert, and wine served in generous courses; budget approximately €60–90 per person and reserve well ahead. Ask the restaurant to arrange a taxi back to Positano after the meal. Return to Sorrento by the evening ferry, usually around 19:00–20:00 if services are running, but check the same afternoon because wind can cancel boats. If the sea is rough or you finish late, use a pre-booked private car instead; the coastal drive can take 1½–2 hours in September traffic.

Morning — Sorrento to Rome

Leave Sorrento around 08:00, allowing roughly 3½–4 hours for the Circumvesuviana or Campania Express to Napoli Centrale, the connection, and the high-speed train to Roma Termini. With four people and luggage, keep passports and valuables close on the Naples train, and reserve the Frecciarossa or Italo seats in advance. After checking in or leaving bags at your hotel, take a taxi or walk toward the historic center; Rome’s centro storico is easiest on foot.

Early Afternoon — Trevi and the Pantheon

Begin at Trevi Fountain, ideally around 13:30–14:00 after the morning crowds have thinned slightly. Spend about 30 minutes admiring the Baroque theater, but avoid lingering on the steps or eating nearby—police enforce the rules closely. From here, it is a pleasant 10-minute walk through narrow lanes to the Pantheon. Entry is generally ticketed, with admission around €5–€6; opening times can change for religious services, so check the official booking page before traveling. Allow about an hour inside to appreciate the vast concrete dome and the oculus, and dress respectfully as it remains an active church.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Continue a five-minute walk to Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers anchors one of Rome’s best people-watching squares. Wander along Via dei Coronari and the surrounding lanes before dinner—this is a good time to pause for an espresso or gelato away from the most touristy terraces. Reserve Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina well ahead, especially for four people; dinner is usually around €40–70 per person, and the carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana are the dishes to prioritize. It is near Campo de’ Fiori, about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Navona. After dinner, stroll back through the illuminated historic center or take a short taxi ride to your accommodation; Rome’s central streets are lively and comfortable for an evening walk, but cobblestones make supportive shoes essential.

Morning

Start at the Colosseum with a timed entry around 08:30–09:00, before the stonework begins radiating September heat and the bigger tour groups arrive. Allow about 1½ hours for the arena, underground viewpoints if included in your ticket, and the upper levels; bring water, since shaded areas are limited. Your combined ticket should also cover the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can spend the late morning following the Via Sacra past temples, basilicas, and the old political heart of Rome. Allow roughly two hours, wear proper shoes, and download an offline map—the archaeological area is large and signage is easy to miss.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk up into Monti for an unhurried break, roughly 10–15 minutes from the Forum exits. This is a good place to pause at La Barrique or Ai Tre Scalini for a light lunch and wine, then browse the small boutiques around Via del Boschetto and Via Panisperna. Keep this to about an hour rather than making it another major sightseeing stop. From Monti, walk or take a short taxi ride to Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill; allow two hours for the Roman sculpture, the She-wolf, and the grand rooms designed around Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio. Tickets are best reserved online, and the museums are generally open Tuesday–Sunday into the evening, though confirm the September 2026 schedule before going.

Evening

Walk downhill to Piazza Venezia for about 30 minutes, taking in the immense Vittoriano and the busy junction where several historic streets meet. It is mainly a viewpoint and orientation stop, so half an hour is enough; cross carefully, as traffic around the piazza is intense. Continue on foot through the Historic Center to Armando al Pantheon for dinner, allowing approximately 20 minutes. Reserve well ahead—this much-loved trattoria is small and traditionally Roman, with dishes such as carbonara, gricia, and seasonal vegetables; expect around €40–60 per person before extensive drinks. After dinner, walk back through the quieter lanes near the Pantheon or take a taxi to your accommodation, especially if everyone is tired after the archaeological sites.

Morning — Rome to Milan

Take an early Frecciarossa or Italo from Roma Termini, ideally around 08:00, to reach Milano Centrale shortly before lunch. The journey takes about three hours; reserve seats together and keep luggage compact, as the train aisles and overhead racks fill quickly. From Milano Centrale, use the Metro or a taxi to your hotel, drop your bags, and have a quick lunch nearby rather than trying to fit in a major stop before the afternoon.

Afternoon — The Duomo and central Milan

Head first to Milan Cathedral, booking a timed ticket in advance for the cathedral and rooftop terraces. Allow about two hours, and choose the lift if you would rather save your legs after the train journey; the combined ticket is generally around €16–€26 depending on stairs or lift access. Dress modestly for the cathedral—shoulders and knees should be covered—and avoid bringing large bags. Afterward, spend 30 minutes in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, entering from the cathedral side and pausing beneath the glass dome; it is worth looking up at the mosaics even if the luxury boutiques are not your scene.

Late afternoon and Evening

Walk five minutes through the elegant streets around Via Manzoni to La Scala, where the museum usually takes about an hour and often opens into the early evening, although performance rehearsals can affect access. Check the official schedule before going and keep your ticket handy. From there, take the Metro from Montenapoleone or walk toward Brera before continuing north to Ratanà in the Isola area—allow roughly 20–25 minutes by Metro or taxi. Reserve ahead for the relaxed dining room and order a Milanese specialty such as risotto alla milanese or mondeghili; dinner is approximately €35–60 per person before drinks.

Morning

Take a Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale around 08:00–08:30 to Como San Giovanni; the ride takes about 40 minutes and costs roughly €5–6 each way. From the station, it is a pleasant 10-minute downhill walk into Como’s historic center. Begin at Como Cathedral, whose Gothic façade and Renaissance dome are best appreciated before the streets become busy; allow about 45 minutes. It generally opens from around 10:00, with Sunday and religious-service schedules varying, so check the official timetable before leaving Milan.

Continue a few minutes to Piazza San Fedele, a quieter medieval square centered on the Romanesque Basilica di San Fedele. Spend half an hour wandering the surrounding lanes and small shops, then walk down toward Piazza Cavour and the lakefront. For the boat to Bellagio, buy tickets at the Navigazione Laghi pier and check the day’s timetable carefully: services are less frequent than on the Milanese commuter network, and return boats can fill in September. The crossing takes about 1¼ hours, so sit outside if weather permits for views of lakeside villas and the mountains.

Afternoon

Arrive at Bellagio around lunchtime and walk uphill from the landing stage through the steep lanes toward Villa Melzi Gardens. Allow about 1½ hours for the lakeside paths, sculptures, azaleas, and excellent views across the central lake; the gardens usually open from around 09:30 to 18:30, with a small entrance fee. Have lunch at Trattoria Baita Belvedere, a hillside option above Bellagio known for Lombard-style cooking and panoramic views. Budget approximately €30–50 per person, and reserve ahead for four people—especially if you want a terrace table. Allow extra time for the walk or local taxi up the hill, as Bellagio’s slopes are steeper than they look.

Evening

Return to the Bellagio pier with plenty of time before your chosen boat—ideally 20–30 minutes early—and take the public ferry back to Como, allowing for the lake timetable and possible weather-related changes. After arriving, walk back to Como San Giovanni and catch an evening Trenord train to Milano Centrale, normally about 40 minutes. Buy return tickets in advance or at the station, and validate any paper regional ticket before boarding; keep the final ferry and train times saved offline, since a missed connection can mean a long wait.

Early Morning — Milan to Venice

Leave Como very early enough to reach Milano Centrale for a reserved high-speed train around 06:45–07:15. The journey to Venezia Santa Lucia takes roughly 2½ hours; grab coffee and something portable at the station, as you will have a full day ahead. On arrival, stay on foot—Venice is best experienced without trying to force a transport schedule—and walk toward Rialto Bridge, about 20 minutes through the atmospheric lanes of Cannaregio and San Polo.

Morning — Rialto and San Marco

Begin at Rialto Market, which is liveliest in the morning, with fish stalls, produce vendors, and small food shops around the Campo della Pescaria. Spend about 1½ hours wandering the market and crossing Rialto Bridge for the classic Grand Canal views; the market generally winds down by early afternoon and is closed on Sundays, so arriving early matters. Continue through San Polo and across the smaller lanes toward St. Mark’s Basilica, allowing roughly 25 minutes on foot. Keep shoulders and knees covered, and reserve a timed entry in advance; visits usually take about an hour, with opening commonly from around 09:30, though September hours and access rules can change.

Around midday, visit Doge’s Palace, directly beside the basilica. Allow two hours for the grand council rooms, ceremonial halls, prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs. A combined basilica-and-palace ticket can be good value, but book a timed slot rather than relying on same-day availability. Afterward, take a slower route back toward San Polo, perhaps through Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the quieter lanes near Fondamenta della Tana, stopping for a light snack or coffee rather than committing to a long restaurant lunch.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Cicchetti in San Polo

Return to Cantina Do Spade in San Polo for your cicchetti crawl, ideally around 16:30–17:00 before the evening rush. Order several small plates to share—such as baccalà mantecato, polpette, fried seafood, and local cheeses—with ombra glasses of wine; budget approximately €15–25 per person. It is a compact, traditional bacaro, so expect informal seating and a lively atmosphere rather than a long formal meal. From there, allow 20–25 minutes to walk back to Venezia Santa Lucia. Aim to be at the station by 19:00 for your reserved return train to Milano Centrale, arriving around 21:30–22:30; keep dinner simple or buy sandwiches before boarding, since the late return leaves little margin for delays.

Morning — Brera and Italian Masters

After arriving back in Milan, drop your luggage at your accommodation or the station’s luggage storage, then head to Brera by Metro M2/M3 to Montenapoleone or take a 15-minute walk from Milano Centrale. Begin with an unhurried wander along Via Brera, Via Fiori Chiari, and the small side streets around the artists’ quarter; the boutiques, antique shops, courtyards, and ochre façades are best before the area becomes busy. Allow about an hour, then visit Pinacoteca di Brera, where the collection includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna, and Piero della Francesca. Reserve a timed ticket if possible; the gallery generally opens from Tuesday to Sunday in the morning, with admission around €15, though opening times and prices should be checked before going.

Lunch and Contemporary Art

For a relaxed coffee-and-pastry stop that can also serve as a light lunch, take the tram or Metro toward Porta Venezia and settle at Pavé. It is known for excellent viennoiserie, cakes, bread, and carefully made coffee; expect roughly €10–20 per person. Afterward, continue by Metro M3 from Repubblica toward Lodi T.I.B.B., followed by a short walk to Fondazione Prada in Largo Isarco. Give yourselves around two hours for the rotating contemporary-art exhibitions, the permanent displays, and the striking combination of restored industrial buildings and newer architecture. Tickets are usually around €15, and the complex is commonly open Tuesday to Sunday, but it is worth checking the exhibition schedule because some galleries close earlier than the main building.

Early Evening — Navigli

From Fondazione Prada, take tram 24 toward the city center or use the nearby Metro and continue to Navigli; allow roughly 25–35 minutes. Finish along Alzaia Naviglio Grande, crossing between the two canals and browsing the independent shops and waterside streets as the light softens. Choose an aperitivo around Naviglio Grande rather than rushing to a formal dinner: a drink with small plates typically costs €15–25 per person. This is a good final Milan evening—busy but atmospheric—though keep phones and wallets secure in the densest canal-side crowds, and use Metro M2 from Porta Genova or a licensed taxi when you are ready to return.