My dream summer? Getting to revisit 2 of my favorite European destinations, Italy & Greece:
- scholmondeley1
- Aug 1
- 7 min read
I’ll break down our full Italy and Greek itineraries more, but if you’re trying to figure out where to start— I can help!
If you’re trying to narrow down the vast list of choices to go to in Europe, these would be the top of my list! Enough that I’ve visited them twice now.I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be going to with my mom, who’s visiting Greece for her first time! Watching someone else fall in love with a country in front of your eyes might be even more magical than falling in love yourself.
Both countries are
Rich in culture & history
Their FOOD is to die for
Beautiful views & waterSharing the joy of revisiting two beloved countries during the summer.
Setting the scene for an exciting travel journey filled with nostalgia and wonder.
Country 1: Italy
Overview of why Italy is a favorite destination.
- Rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture.
Highlighting the cities to be revisited.
- Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Monterosso al Mare
In middle school, I visited Italy with my mom and stepdad. We saw the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the canals of Venice, the Duomo in Florence and one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever lay eyes on in The Amalfi Coast. We went with a Tauck Tour Group, who managed our itinerary. If you’re looking for a hassle-free experience where transportation, activities, meals, etc. are planned this a great option!
This time around in 2025, we were attending a wedding in Lake Como so we based our trip around that. We stayed in the north-west region, flying in and out of Milan. You only need about 2 days here, it’s a true city if you like that vibe! Fashion, Food, Fast-Paced Feel!
For me, I preferred the vibes of Cinque Terre. I’d read it was the “Lesser-travelled” Amalfi Coast and I wanted to find out for myself! For most of us, I think that Monterosso al Mare was our favorite destination of the trip! I don’t know if I believe lesser-travelled…. When we hiked the Blue Trail from Monterosso to Vernazza and it looked like a cruise ship had just let off…. Here’s a pic if you don’t believe me: https://www.instagram.com/p/DM0m_7Exz7l/
Our group had other kids, so I made friends with other families. Looking back now, I can’t believe we were paying tag in the Hotel Splendide Royal Roma.
Arguably the most beautiful hotel I’d ever laid eyes on!
Itinerary Options
2010 Itinerary
Suggested 8-day itinerary for Rome. We chose Tauck tours for this trip! (Linked below) Our group had other kids, so we made friends with other families. Looking back now, I can’t believe we were playing tag in the Hotel Splendide Royal Roma.
Arguably the most beautiful hotel I’d ever laid eyes on!
Day 1 - Go underground to explore some of Rome's catacombs
Tour begins: 3:00 PM at The Westin Excelsior, Rome. Welcome to Rome, where your family begins this most excellent of Tauck Italy tours; a transfer is included from Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to The Westin Excelsior, Rome. Start your adventures with a fascinating tour of the ancient Catacombs of St. Callistus; one of nearly 40 networks of catacombs beneath the city, these underground tunnels - adorned with symbols and frescoes dating back over a thousand years - contain the burial sites of thousands of early Christians, including many 3rd-century popes. Join your fellow travelers tonight for a welcome reception and dinner at a local restaurant.
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy
Day 2 - Glorious Rome and an after-hours Vatican Museums tour
A drive through the heart of the city reveals relics of Imperial Rome, once capital of the ancient world. Walk through one of the Colosseum's 80 entrances to step back in time on a guided tour of what might be the world's most famous arena, and pose for pictures with Roman Centurions; and see the temples and basilicas of the Roman Forum, nerve center of the ancient empire. Later, Tauck takes you on a visit to St. Peter's Basilica; begun in the 15th century to eclipse the grandeur of ancient Rome, this magnificent domed structure set new architectural standards for its time. This evening, join us for a Tauck Exclusive - a guided after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums, full of fascinating history and artistic masterpieces. View Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel - which the artist originally resisted doing because he considered himself a sculptor, not a painter - without the usual crowds!
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy
Day 3 - Through Orvieto's tunnels and Tuscany's hills to Florence
Discoveries abound on this most delightful of Italy tours today as your family sets off through rural Umbria and Tuscany. The first stop on your travels is walled Orvieto, perched on a volcanic plateau; a guided tour takes you under its cobblestone streets to explore the town's honeycombed medieval tunnels, and caves dating back to the time of the ancient Etruscans. Then it's on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, where you'll check out Michelangelo's famed statue of David and other great works at the Galleria dell'Accademia, the oldest art school in the world. Arrive at your hotel, a former 18th-century palace overlooking the River Arno, for a memorable three-night stay.
Lodging: Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence, Italy
Day 4 - The Leaning Tower and pizza-making in Pisa *** a must-see!
An excursion from Florence takes you to Pisa for a look at this maritime city's great medieval buildings - including a glimpse of the remarkable Leaning Tower and more of Pisa's "field of miracles" - followed by a tasty lunchtime pizza-making demonstration. Return to Florence for an evening spent as you please, and have dinner on your own in one of this grand Renaissance city's many restaurants.
Lodging: Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence, Italy
Day 5 - Florentine treasures at the Uffizi Gallery
More great Renaissance art awaits in Florence today. A local art historian shares insights about the Renaissance and prepares you for a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. Join a local guide for your tour of the world's oldest art gallery, where you'll see masterpieces galore - including Michelangelo's painting of The Holy Family and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus. The rest of the day is free for your family to explore more of Florence as you wish.
Lodging: Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence, Italy
Day 6 - Travel to Venice aboard the high-speed Eurostar
A first-class rail journey aboard the high-speed Eurostar takes your family to Venice, a city of islands where the roads are paved with water, and a treasured memory of many Italy tours. Ride a private boat to your hotel and have lunch along the Grand Canal, followed by a guided walking tour of massive St. Mark's Square, and a visit to the Doges' Palace; learn why a small bridge high above a canal is called the Bridge of Sighs. Later, a musician serenades your family as you ride in a gondola, traveling through the canals as the Venetians have done for centuries!
Lodging: The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy
Day 7 - Mask-making and more in beautiful Venice
Venetians are mad about their masks... and the making of these exquisite decorations is a centuries-old tradition here. You're in for a real treat as you meet skilled local artisans who will turn papier-maché into colorful, fanciful Venetian masks before your very eyes! And if there is any city in Europe that is perfect for just wandering, seeing and experiencing, it is Venice - and you'll have the chance to do just that for the rest of the day. Follow the small, cobbled streets and alleyways to see where they lead, visit a museum or sample some gelato (served warmer and creamier than traditional ice cream). Tonight, we'll all meet again for a farewell party, as this most memorable of family Italy tours draws to a spectacular close.
Lodging: The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy
Day 8 - Homeward bound
Tour ends: Venice. Arrivederci! Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Europa & Regina to Venice's Marco Polo Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Accommodation Suggestions
The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy
Grand Hotel Florence, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence, Italy
The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy
Fun Additions
Local dishes to try: pizza in Naples, gelato in Florence, seafood in Venice.
We’re traveling to Santorini, for a quick trip. Long story short, my mom has about a week to kill before meeting my stepdad for the rest of their trip. We’re constantly competing to see who can get more countries (I’ve been to Greece and she hasn’t) HOWEVER, Greece was so beautiful I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Country 2: Greece, Santorini
the Greek islands --- Narrowing down where we wanted to stay in Santorini, the South Aegean… There are so many islands to choose from! Naxos, Milos, Paros, Zakynthos, Mykonos.
Wherever you choose, a holiday in Greece guarantees an unforgettable break, filled with relaxation and rejuvenation! What else can you expect?
a Mediterranean climate,
great weather,
sandy beaches,
charming seaside villages,
delicious Greek cuisine,
breathtaking landscapes of the most beautiful islands in the South Aegean...
First, deciding where to stay... Every options looks gorgeous! We wanted something cliff-side with a pool attached to our room.
We
narrowed it down to:
-Adronis Hotel
-Mystique
-Santo Pueo Oia Suites & Villas
-SantAnna Luxury Suites (rooms don’t have individuals pools at this hotel, but the hotel pool at the Santanna in Paros was gorgeous when I stayed there in 2022!)
Itinerary Options
There's actually multiple villages on the island of Sanotrini. The town we're usually thinking of when we picture the classic "blue domes of Santorini, we're envisioning Oia. Oia is by far the most crowded of the villlages! During certain times of the day, cruise ships let off there and it's shoulder to shoudler trying to walk down the streets! We timed it perfectly, go in the afternoon between the lunch rush and the sunset rush.***
Accommodation Suggestions
We stayed at Grace Hotel in Imerovigli, Santorini. They had this insane infinity pool and a jacuzzi in our room! We liked the less-crowded village, but could easily uber or Taxi into Oia and Fira for dinner/ shopping/ sightseeing.
Fun Additions
Santorini Dress photoshoot
Have to catch a dinner sunset! Barolo, Orkos, La Colline were all fantastic and located in Fira.
Coincidentally, walking to our dinner resveration my. mom and I walked right past the apartments I stayed in when I came in 2022 with Alex!
Spark Notes:
Oia, Santorini go between the lunch rush & the sunset rush! That's when the streets will be less crowded and you can enjpy seeing the city rather thnrunnin o get through it.
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