3-Week Greece and Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Greece And Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineGreece and Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Italy and Greece Itinerary, incl. Rome and Athens

  A grand 21-day tour through Greece and Italy showcases Athens' Acropolis, Delphi ruins, and Sicily's treasures. The route spans 34 destinations including Saronic islands Aegina and Poros, combining guided tours with comfortable accommodation throughout.

  

  View itinerary Compare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-3

    Rome and Vatican City

    Get settled at your hotel with the included transfer. Your first evening is perfect for wandering the Esquilino district near the Colosseum. The next two days cover Rome's main attractions through a panoramic tour of the Colosseum, Imperial Forums, and Vatican City. "Plan your Vatican visit for early morning - the museum crowds are much lighter before 9am," suggests a frequent visitor.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Southern Italy to Greece

    Travel the Adriatic coast and stop at the 11th-century San Giovanni in Venere Abbey. Enjoy lunch in Termoli before heading to Bari, where you'll find authentic Italian life in its winding streets and lively squares. Take the 8-hour ferry from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa the next day. A good tip: get a cabin instead of deck seats for a more comfortable trip.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Northern Greece

    Visit Metsovo, a mountain village known for its distinct Balkan architecture. Next up is Meteora, with its impressive monasteries built on towering rocks. A recent visitor advises: "Wear slip-resistant shoes and modest clothing for monastery visits - shoulders and knees must be covered." Travel to Delphi the next day, stopping at the beautiful Hosios Loukas Monastery.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Athens

    Take a guided tour of Athens to see the Presidential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium, and main squares. Visit the Acropolis but bring water and sun protection since shade is limited. Evening trips to the Plaka district offer great Greek taverna experiences. Use your free day to check out less crowded spots like the Ancient Agora.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Greek Islands and Peloponnese

    Start early for ferry rides to Aegina and Poros islands. See the Temple of Apollo and stop for lunch at Poros harbor. Visit the ancient theater at Epidaurus before staying overnight in Nafplio. The next day takes you through Tripoli to Olympia, where the Olympic Games began.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Back to Italy

    Ferry back to Brindisi and explore Alberobello's trulli houses and Matera's cave homes. Head to Naples and take an optional trip to Capri and Sorrento (about €40). One visitor suggests: "Take the funicular up to Capri town rather than the crowded buses - it's faster and offers better views."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Sicily - Eastern Coast

    See Taormina's Greek theater and beaches, then visit Catania's baroque architecture. Make stops at Caltagirone, famous for ceramics, and see amazing Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. End your day watching sunset at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Sicily to Rome

    Explore Marsala's historic center and medieval Erice before reaching Palermo. Visit Monreale's Arab-Norman cathedral and Palermo's mix of architectural styles. Take the overnight ferry to Naples, tour Pompeii with a guide, and finish your trip in Rome.

    

  View itinerary

• 21 Day Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary, incl. Cyprus and Malta

  A luxurious 21-day sailing aboard Emerald Azzurra visits 16 carefully selected ports. Highlights include Rhodes' UNESCO Medieval City, ancient Knossos in Crete, and Syracuse's historic Ortygia, complemented by gourmet meals. Limited to 100 guests.

  

  View itinerary Compare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Cyprus & Sea Day

    Board your luxury yacht in Larnaca, Cyprus by 5 PM. Your first full day at sea lets you discover the yacht's features like the infinity pool and observation lounge. This is a good time to settle in and plan your upcoming port visits.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Greek Islands & Turkish Coast

    Visit Rhodes' medieval old town before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds at this UNESCO site. When you reach Bodrum, Turkey, you can visit the Castle and ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Wear good shoes as the castle area is quite steep. Your next stop in Kos includes the Asklepion healing temple, located just 4km from Turkey's coastline.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Cretan & Cycladic Adventures

    You get two full days in Rethymno, Crete to explore both the historic center and inland areas. If you plan to hike Milon Gorge, start early and wear proper hiking shoes. For Santorini, plan your schedule around cruise ship crowds. Consider visiting Oia at sunset instead of during busy midday hours.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Island Hopping

    Visit Syros and Mykonos early before the crowds arrive. From Piraeus port in Athens, you can easily reach major attractions. Book your Acropolis tickets online to skip the long lines.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Southern Greece

    Explore the Venetian harbors of Nafplion and Chania. In Chania, start at the Maritime Museum before exploring the old town streets. When visiting ancient Sparta from Gythio, bring plenty of water since the archaeological sites offer little shade.

    
  • Days 15-18

    Sicily & Malta

    After a day at sea, you'll visit Sicily's eastern coast, including Giardini Naxos and Syracuse. Visit the Valley of Temples from Porto Empedocle early to avoid crowds and heat. In Mgarr, Malta, check ferry schedules when planning trips to Gozo.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Malta Finale

    End your journey with two days in Valletta. A recent visitor shared: "The Upper Barrakka Gardens offered the perfect sunset viewing spot over the Grand Harbour - arrive 30 minutes before sunset to get the best photography position."

    

  View itinerary

• 21 Day Italy & Greece Itinerary, incl. Venice and Athens

  A 21-day Mediterranean odyssey combines 13 Italian cities and 5 Greek islands. Luxury accommodations include Villa Neroli Florence and a 4-night Celestial Discovery cruise with exterior cabin views.

  

  View itinerary Compare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Venice

    Arrive at your hotel in the early afternoon to avoid hauling luggage through busy streets. Take a guided walking tour through St. Mark's Square and across the Rialto Bridge. Visit the Rialto fish market before 8 AM to see locals shopping and get the best selection of fresh produce. Round off your second day with dinner after a gondola ride.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Florence & Tuscany

    Take the 2-hour train to Bologna to visit Europe's oldest university and its Anatomical Theatre. Continue to Florence for three nights. On your second day, explore Florence's historic center - get to the Duomo before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. Spend a full day in Chianti wine country and stop at a traditional vineyard for wine tasting.

    
  • Days 6-9

    Rome & Vatican City

    Visit UNESCO-listed Assisi on your way to Rome, where you'll spend four days. As one visitor shared: "Book your Vatican Museum visit for 3 PM - the morning crowds have cleared and the light through the Sistine Chapel windows is magical." Spend one full day exploring ancient Rome, including the Colosseum and Forum. Try a food tour in Trastevere to experience authentic Roman dining.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Amalfi Coast

    Stay in Pompeii to easily access both the ruins and coastal spots. Take a morning boat from Salerno to tour the Amalfi Coast when it's less crowded and the lighting is perfect for photos. Make sure to stop in both Positano and Amalfi town. Try the local Lacryma Christi wines during a tasting on Vesuvius' slopes.

    
  • Days 13-17

    Greek Islands Cruise

    Fly to Athens and board your 4-night Aegean cruise. You'll visit Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini. Book shore excursions early, especially for popular stops like Ephesus from Kusadasi. In Santorini, skip the busy cable car crowds by scheduling your caldera tour for early morning or late afternoon.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Athens

    Spend your final three nights in Athens. Start at the Acropolis right when it opens at 8 AM to beat the crowds. Take a full day to see the city's ancient sites, including the Temple of Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium. A day trip to Delphi offers a great finish to your Greek experience.

    

  View itinerary