Italy and Greece are southern European countries located on the Mediterranean Sea. Both countries have a history that spans thousands of years. A trip to this region can easily combine sightseeing in both countries. Visit ruins that have stood for centuries, take a dive into clear waters, admire important churches or just enjoy the simple foods and intense sun that both countries offer visitors.
Southern Italy is just across the Ionian see from the Greek Isles. Consider concentrating your attention on the southern region of Italy and two or three Greek islands to focus the trip. Start with Rome. Rome is an easy destination for many Americans. There are frequent non-stop flights from many major American cities, such as New York.
Rome is an excellent introduction to this area. Spend at least three days getting to know Catholic Rome and the Rome that Julius Caesar walked. From Rome explore the city of Pompeii, an ancient town preserved after an eruption of Mt. Etna in 79 A.D. South from Pompeii lies the Amalfi Coast, a region of great natural beauty and well worth visiting. Allow at least three days for this region. Include the isle of Capri. From Amalfi travel briefly across Italy to the town of Bari, which has frequent ferry service to Greece. Allow at least two days each for Athens, Olympia and the Cyclades. Athens is the capital city of Greece and home to many museums. The Cyclades are a group of islands dotted with ancient Greek structures.
Learn all that you can about the region. Study books on Greek and Roman history. Pompeii will seem more alive when you understand how the citizens of the city lived. Greek art and monuments will seem more real when you understand how their state was governed and the principles of their architecture.
Greek and Southern Italian cuisines have similarities and differences. Southern Italian food relies heavily on tomatoes, pasta and cheese. Greek food uses rice as well. Greeks favor lamb and yogurt. Both cuisines place an emphasis on freshly caught fish, citrus in the form of lemons and herbs such as oregano. Drink limoncello in Sorrento and retsina in Greece.
Summer is a very popular time to travel to this region. Natives in both areas hurry to the beach and take in the sun. Go in the summer if you want hot weather and want to make sure that all will be open. Be prepared for higher prices, as this is the height of the tourist season. Spring and fall can be quite pleasant in this area. The temperatures aren't as hot yet it remains warm enough to go outdoors without heavy clothing. Most attractions are open during this time. Ferries around the Greek islands may not travel as frequently.
Bring light clothing. The weather typically does not get cold enough in southern Italy or Greece to warrant heavy coats. Pack a bathing suit and several pairs of walking shorts. Bring at least one formal item such as a light dress or long pants to dine at a nice restaurant. Both countries allow topless bathing so plan accordingly if you wish. Sunscreen is a must. It is widely available but bring your own if you need a specific formulation. Pack a light jacket because temperatures can fall into the mid-50s at night.
