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12-Day Italy and Greece Itinerary: Milan, Venice, Rome, Athens, and Santorini

Viewed by 265 travelers

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on May 20, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy a classic Italian pastry and coffee at Pavé, a famous Milanese bakery known for its fresh croissants and cappuccinos.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Explore this iconic Gothic cathedral including rooftop terraces with panoramic city views. Open 9:00AM–7:00PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Luini

Taste traditional Panzerotti, a classic Milanese street food near the Duomo. Open 11:00AM–8:00PM.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Tour the Renaissance fortress with museums exhibiting art and history. Open 9:00AM–5:30PM.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ratanà

Savor modern Milanese cuisine with a warm ambiance in Porta Nuova.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vanishing Venice

Venice, Italy on May 21, 2025

7:30AM

Train from Milan to Venice

Take a morning high-speed train to Venice (approx. 2.5 hours), arriving before lunch.
EUR40, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood in this intimate Venetian spot. Open 12:00PM–3:00PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

See Byzantine mosaics in this landmark basilica. Open 9:30AM–5:00PM.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Doge's Palace

Discover Venetian history and art in the grand palace. Open 9:00AM–7:00PM.
EUR25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic gondola ride through Venice’s canals.
EUR80, 0.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Relish authentic Venetian cuisine in a historic setting. Open 7:00PM–11:00PM.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Venice to Rome

Venice to Rome, Italy on May 22, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start with Venetian pastries and coffee at a popular historic café.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art in this museum located in the former home of Peggy Guggenheim. Open 10:00AM–6:00PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria alla Madonna

Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes near Rialto Bridge. Open 12:00PM–3:00PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Train from Venice to Rome

Take a high-speed train to Rome (approx. 3.5 hours), arrive early evening.
EUR50, 3.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Savor classic Roman dishes in lively Trastevere, open 7:00PM–11:00PM.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy great coffee and pastries near Campo de’ Fiori.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum ruins with guided tickets. Open 8:30AM–7:00PM.
EUR20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Classic Roman food just steps from the Forum. Open 12:00PM–3:00PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Pantheon and Piazza Navona

See the magnificent Pantheon and enjoy lively Piazza Navona. Pantheon open 9:00AM–7:00PM, ticket EUR5.
EUR5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Enjoy refined Roman cuisine in the city center, open 7:00PM–11:00PM.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Vatican & Fly to Athens

Rome, Italy to Athens, Greece on May 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Quick Italian pastries before Vatican visit.
EUR8, 0.5 hours

8:30AM

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Pre-book tickets to visit world-class art and Michelangelo’s ceiling. Open 9:00AM–6:00PM.
EUR30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch near Vatican at Ristorante Arlu

Cozy Roman dishes near the Vatican. Open 12:00PM–3:00PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Fly Rome to Athens

Afternoon flight to Athens (about 2 hours), arriving early evening.
EUR120, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Strofi Restaurant

Dine with Acropolis views and authentic Greek cuisine, open evenings.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 6: Discover Athens

Athens, Greece on May 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Meliartos

Enjoy classic Greek pastries and coffee near Syntagma Square.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Acropolis and Parthenon

Tour Athens’ ancient citadel and the iconic Parthenon. Open 8:00AM–7:00PM.
EUR20, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dionysos Zonar's

Upscale Greek cuisine with spectacular Acropolis views. Open 12:00PM–4:00PM.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Acropolis Museum

Explore archaeological finds from the Acropolis. Open 9:00AM–7:00PM.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Stroll Plaka District

Wander picturesque streets with shops and tavernas, perfect for sunset.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Taverna Klimataria

Traditional Greek dishes with live music in a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Athens to Santorini

Athens to Santorini, Greece on May 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Taf Coffee

Start with specialty coffee and fresh pastries in central Athens.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Morning flight to Santorini

Fly from Athens to Santorini (approx. 45 minutes), arrive before noon.
EUR80, 1 hour

11:30AM

Check in & Lunch at Kastro Oia Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with stunning caldera views in Oia.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Oia Village

Wander through whitewashed buildings and incredible sea views.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Sunset Viewing and Dinner at Ambrosia

Dine with Oia’s famous sunset as your backdrop, fine Greek dining.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 8: Santorini Volcano & Beach

Santorini, Greece on May 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pelican Kipos

Relax with breakfast in Fira’s garden café.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Boat Tour to Nea Kameni Volcano and Hot Springs

Set out on a 3-4 hour tour hiking the volcano and bathing in hot springs.
EUR40, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Metaxi Mas

Enjoy a meal featuring Cretan-inspired Greek dishes, open afternoons.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax or Winery Visit

Free time to unwind or visit a local Santorini winery.
Varies, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Argo Restaurant

Dine on Mediterranean cuisine with caldera views in Fira.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 9: Santorini & Evening Flight to Rome

Santorini to Rome on May 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Passaggio Café

Start your day with local Greek breakfast specialties.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Free morning in Santorini

Optional sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing by the hotel pool.
Varies, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pelekanos

Cozy taverna with excellent Greek dishes near Fira center.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Fly from Santorini to Rome

Evening flight back to Rome (approx. 2 hours).
EUR100, 2 hours

8:30PM

Light Dinner/Romantic Walk in Rome

Enjoy a light meal and nighttime stroll near the Trevi Fountain.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Rome Sightseeing Wrap-up

Rome, Italy on May 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Tasty Italian bakery specialties before a day of sightseeing.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Enjoy iconic Roman landmarks in the morning light.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Roscioli Salumeria

Delicious Roman dishes in a relaxed, gourmet deli style setting.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery

Stroll beautiful gardens and optionally visit the Borghese Gallery. Open 9:00AM–7:00PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Piazza Navona Café

Enjoy an espresso or gelato while people-watching in this lively square.
EUR8, 1 hour

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Enoteca Ferrara

Celebrate your trip with fine regional dishes and wines in Trastevere.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 11: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on May 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to prepare for your departure.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Transfer to Rome Airport

Head to the airport for your flight home, concluding your Italy and Greece adventure.
Varies, Variable
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