Rome's nearly 3,000 years of history developed into a fascinating city filled with quintessential architecture, world-renowned gastronomy, and vibrant local culture. Besides the must-sees and top sites, you can dive deep into Italian traditions with a cooking class, an Apertivo in artsy Trastevere, and a trip to Rome's wine region. Get off the beaten path by exploring under the city and biking along ancient pathways.
With over 400 blue-flag beaches and endless stretches of sand, pebbles, and turquoise waters, Greece is the perfect place for a sand-and-sea vacation. Although the Greek Islands offer some of the best beaches, even the mainland has its share of swimming hotspots. From the snorkeling haven of Voidokilia to the famous Balos Bay on Crete, every region of the country has a sandy stretch perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports.
No trip to Greece is complete without enjoying the open sea! With endless coastline, thousands of islands, and warm waters ideal for swimming, you can craft the perfect sailing itinerary to match your interests. Enjoy the quieter islands of the Ionian Sea, or discover the energy and history of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. Or, stay close to the mainland and explore the coast of Nafplio, the Peloponnese Peninsula, and the Saronic Gulf. Whatever you choose, a sailing adventure awaits you in Greece!
Greece is an outdoor haven perfect for an active trip. With mountains and river gorges in the north and endless coastline in the south, you'll have your pick of sporty excursions. Whether it's hiking to ancient sites, biking along the coast, or kayaking through the sea, active adventures allow you to experience the country from a unique perspective and get up close with the local culture.
Greek gastronomy is known worldwide as one of the freshest and healthiest cuisines, with its signature Mediterranean diet featured in numerous countries. Learn the secrets behind the country's staples with wine and cheese tastings, city food tours, farm visits, and meals with locals. Take a cooking class or visit a winery and learn about Greece's ancient farming and winemaking techniques. There's a reason why the flavors are so pronounced in Greek gastronomy, and tradition has a lot to do with it!
Greece is a country of ancient history, refreshing gastronomy, vivid art, and scenic landscapes. All of these characteristics play an essential role in Greek culture. Explore rural villages and learn how the Greek islands functioned before tourism hit. Discover the secrets behind locally sourced cheeses, olive oil, and liqueur, and learn why marble is such a staple throughout the country. Go beyond the beaten path and delve into Athens' unique neighborhoods, Santorini's authentic villages, and the fascinating history of Naxos.
Greece is one of the best family-friendly travel destinations in Europe, offering various activities suited for all ages. With abundant and diverse nature, your family can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and much more. Explore the cultural significance of Greek gastronomy (your kids might acquire healthy Greek eating habits!) and wander through the ancient ruins of sites like Acropolis Hill and Delphi. Learn the mythological stories behind the iconic landmarks, and learn new skills like mosaic making, painting, and archeological excavating.
Although not as touristy as the rest of Greece, the Peloponnese region abounds in history, culture, and gastronomy. For over 3,000 years, this jagged peninsula was the heart of Ancient Greece. Visit some of the country's most historic spots, like Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games started, the impressive theater of Epidavros, and the fortified stone village of Monemvasia. Relax on the scenic Mani Peninsula, explore the popular coastlines, and climb the castle of Nafplio, all while noshing on local cuisine like the country's famed Kalamata olives.
While many travelers understandably plan trips to Greece that center around the islands, beaches, and nature, there are incredible ancient sites all throughout the country that offer memorable trips to the past. Whether you want to wander the streets where the philosopher, Socrates, walked or enter a Temple of Apollo where a high priestess once spoke prophecies heard throughout the land, these experiences will help you better understand the cradle of Western civilization.
Although most are uninhabited, Greece has over 6,000 islands dotting the waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It's no wonder they attract travelers from all over the world with diverse history, unique culture, sandy beaches, and incredible natural surroundings. The two most popular clusters include the Cyclades Islands in the heart of the Aegean and Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete. Combining the two constructs an ideal vacation filled with some of the most beautiful coastlines and ancient history in Greece.
As Greece's southernmost and largest island, Crete puts a twist on the typical Greek island ambience. With a mix of ancient history, diverse landscapes, and some of the country's best beaches, you'll find many ways to explore the birthplace of Zeus and European civilization. Discover charming villages surrounded by olive groves, hike through scenic gorges, spend a day relaxing in the year-round warm waters, and learn more about the island's ancient civilizations.
As the most cosmopolitan of Greece's Cycladic Islands, Mykonos has built a reputation for glitz, glamor, and beachside nightlife. Its charming Little Venice neighborhood and iconic windmills tempt jet setters from around the world. Wander its buzzy streets and discover its quieter, more traditional side. Cruise around the island in search of picture-perfect beaches and explore the archeological sites on nearby Delos.
Greece's buzzy capital city is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, acting as an outdoor museum to some of the world's most historic landmarks. Athens encircles its famed Acropolis Hill with the impressive Parthenon at its crown. Walk amongst over 3,000 years of history as you take in ancient monuments and architecture touched by Byzantine, Ottoman, and neoclassical influences. Whether you want to explore archeological sites, relax on the Athenian Riviera, or savor an iconic Greek sunset atop Cape Sounio, Athens has it all.
Take in some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes on this two-week adventure through the country's western fjords and northern islands. You'll start with a city tour of Oslo before you venture out into nature, riding the steep and scenic Flåm Railway. Dip back into city life in Bergen, then head to the wild Vesterålen and Lofoten islands to kayak, hike, whale-watch, and more.
Art and architecture dominate most visits to the historical city of Florence, but there's also plenty to keep little adventurers entertained. From a rewarding climb up Giotto's Bell Tower, to hanging out with local kids in the park, to a hands-on gelato-making class, here's our guide to the best things to do in Florence with kids.
If you're dreaming of the quintessential Greek island with whitewashed architecture, amazing beaches, incredible food and culture, and rich history, then Naxos is for you. Especially if you want to avoid the crowds on some of its neighboring islands. The largest Cycladic island is just a hop, skip, and a jump from hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos, but feels a world apart.
Santorini is the most iconic Greek island, full stop. Many, if not all, first-time travelers to Greece have this volcanic marvel on their must-see list, which comes with the usual pros and cons. Yes, it's an amazing place with views you'll never forget. And yes, it'll likely be crowded. That's why we recommend planning carefully so you'll experience the best of Santorini while avoiding the pitfalls that come with any major tourist attraction.
Experience Scandinavian culture and dramatic landscapes at a slower pace on this two-week adventure. You'll start in Norway's charming capital, known for its architecture, museums, trendy restaurants, and cafés. Next, head into the fjords to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country from above in the mountains and and below on the sea, with hikes, boat tours, and more. You'll end on the colorful and historic wharves of Bergen.
Stop dreaming of the fjords and experience them for yourself with this 10-day Norway road trip. Survey them from above on the famous Pulpit Rock hike, then explore from the seafaring city of Bergen. Tackle mountaintop hikes near the town of Voss before you cruise or kayak through the narrow Nærøyfjord, cycle alongside the scenic Flåm Railway, and visit one of the world's oldest stave churches. End your trip in Oslo, where world-class museums and hip cafés and boutiques await.
Take yourself on a 10-day journey through the Arctic landscapes of northern Norway with this glorious self-drive itinerary. You'll explore the craggy coasts, isolated islands, and extensive networks of hiking trails via boat safaris, kayak tours, and your own two legs. Learn about Norwegian history, try to spot eagles, and pet some dogsled huskies along the way.
Explore northern Norway at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary. Seven days allows you sufficient time to explore the city of Tromsø and its historic streets, hike around isolated islands like Senja and Sommarøy, and sea safari alongside the fjord wildlife on your journey.
Travel through history, nature, and culinary adventures to arrive at an understanding of both ancient and modern Norwegian life with this trip on the Viking trail. In ancient times, Viking was a type of adventurer, with people leaving their traditional settings for remote areas to learn from new cultures and trade. Later, the Vikings developed an image more associated with plunder and pillaging. But is this the whole story? Find out for yourself as you explore the old streets of Bergen, as well as ancient political gathering spots, isolated islands, and even a recreation of a Viking village.
Take your young ones on the experience of a lifetime as you travel through Italy. You'll start in Venice, where you'll explore on a slew of scavenger hunts. Follow it with Florence, where you'll learn to craft your own gelato, before you make your way through the markets and museums of Rome while engaging in interactive activities. The activities throughout this trip are specially designed for families with kids aged 5-12, allowing you to experience many of Italy's highlights while keeping the little ones entertained.
This week-long Italian excursion is ideal for families, with plenty of interactive activities. Start by cruising the canals in Venice, where you'll learn how to craft your own Carnival mask and explore the halls of the Doge's Palace and islands within the lagoon. Then head to Rome, where you'll visit top sites by golf cart, taste your way through the markets, and learn the hidden secrets of the Vatican's museums. With activities specially designed for families with kids aged 5-12, you'll hit the highlights of Italy while keeping the little ones entertained.
Costa Rica is open to all international travelers without requiring a PCR test as of October 2020. This article describes current entry requirements for entering Costa Rica during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as some of the current protocols setup in the country to protect your health. We will keep this up to date as the situation evolves.
Ten days may seem like a short time to see both Italy and Greece, but you'll still get to experience all the main destinations, with enough time for a beach day or two. Focus your trip on a particular theme—like history, wine, or family—to fully immerse yourself in your favorite day-to-day adventures. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, it's easy to modify any of these trips to give you a bit more time in your favorite places.
Two weeks in Italy and Greece is enough time to get a feel for the Mediterranean culture and experience the best of what interests you, especially if you choose a focus to guide your trip: highlights, family-friendly, beaches, history, or food and wine. Although you can opt to spend more time focused on your favorite activities, each itinerary includes a well-rounded set of experiences: historic sites, bustling city markets, quiet neighborhood cafes, and sunny beaches, perfect for soaking in the sunshine.
Three weeks in the Mediterranean gives you enough time to see the main highlights — Rome, Athens, Tuscany, and Santorini — as well as to dive deeper into the regional culture. Plan your trip around food and wine as you eat and drink your way through the best cuisine Italy and Greece have to offer, or opt for a classic road trip to get off the beaten path and explore sleepy coastal towns at your own pace. Read on for unique itineraries spanning some of the top destinations in Europe.
Explore the rocky coastlines and welcoming atmosphere of the Mediterranean on this 10-day coastal getaway. Spend two nights each in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, where colorful buildings and beaches dot the shores and regional treats like limoncello and spicy olive oil are staples of every meal. Then, catch a flight to the Greek islands, starting with Santorini, home of the quintessential blue-domed architecture, for a catamaran cruise in the caldera. End the trip in Chania on the western edge of Crete for lazy beach days and plenty of sunshine.
If your family loves to travel and explore together, look no farther than this kid-friendly 10-day trip to the Mediterranean. With a five-day stay in Italy's capital, you'll have plenty of time to explore the city's highlights: the Pantheon, Vatican, Colosseum, and more, with experiences specially designed to keep the kids entertained. Spend the second half of the trip in Athens, where you'll explore the Acropolis, go back in history to experience the first Olympic Games, and luxuriate in a slower pace of life.
Bring the whole family to explore history, art, and nature on this kid-friendly two-week trip to Italy and Greece. You'll kick things off in Rome, where activities like a city-wide scavenger hunt and an art class keep the little ones entertained. Next, catch a flight to Athens, where you'll travel back in history to the time of the first Olympic Games. End the trip on the island of Naxos for family beach time, a catamaran cruise, and all-around relaxation.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with laid-back visits to some of the Mediterranean's best beaches and coastal towns. In Italy, explore the cliffside fishing villages of Positano and Amalfi and enjoy Sorrento's sunny coast, making time for a day trip to the nearby resort island of Capri. Then, catch a flight to the Greek archipelago where you'll go wine tasting in Santorini, explore 3,000-year-old Greek history near Heraklion, and relax on Crete's famed beaches.
Explore the back roads and small villages that characterize the countrysides of both Italy and Greece on this three-week road trip. You'll visit well-known highlights, like Florence, charming Tuscan hill towns, and the first Olympic site in Olympia, as well as some places a bit off the beaten path: Romeo and Juliet's Verona, the medieval villages of the Peloponnese, the wineries of Nemea, and more. With full control of the daily driving schedule, you'll have time to plan for spontaneous stops for coffee, for shopping at roadside markets, and for late-afternoon beach breaks.
From Crete's rocky hillsides to the rolling farmlands of Tuscany's heartland, this 10-day itinerary delivers top destinations in both Greece and Italy — and leaves you hungry for more. Start the trip in bustling Rome, where archaeological sites and quiet neighborhood gelaterias compete for your attention. Continue north to Florence and Bologna for Chianti and Parma ham, then catch a flight to the Greek islands where wineries and ocean-view sunsets abound.
Sample both Grecian and Italian fare on this two-week itinerary as you explore everything from Rome's busy piazzas to Santorini's beaches. You'll start your trip in Greece for equal parts culinary and archaeological education, with stops at the Acropolis and family-owned olive farms. From Crete, catch a flight to Bologna in Italy's Emilia Romagna region for local Parma ham and parmesan, before eating and drinking your way south through Florence to the capital city of Rome.
Indulge in the best of the Mediterranean region's food and wine on this comprehensive three-week getaway. Start the trip in Athens, home to both the famed Acropolis and the bustling Varvakios Market. Spend a few days island-hopping for winery tours and some of the world's best olive oil, before catching a flight to the south of Italy. Enjoy the best of Italy's cuisine, from pizza in Naples to parmesan in Bologna as you eat and drink your way through the country.
If you only have ten days to explore the best of Italy and Greece but don't want to miss anything, this highlights itinerary is for you, with plenty of big-city exploration and beachside relaxation. Spend a few days admiring architecture in Rome and art in Florence, then take a train to Venice to experience a traditional gondola excursion. From here, catch a flight to Athens for old-world history and a modern cultural scene. Spend your last few days kicking back in Mykonos and Santorini, where the views are plentiful and the wine flows all day.
From Rome's ancient center to the stunning caldera of Santorini, this 21-day highlights itinerary explores everything from Renaissance history to famed Greek beaches. See Michelangelo's "David" in Florence, visit Tuscany's quiet hilltop villages, and explore ancient Greek archaeological sites in Athens. You'll sample Aperol Spritzes in Venice, eat spelt pie in Santorini, and more on this three-week adventure around the Mediterranean.
If you have two weeks to travel and want to see the highlights of the Mediterranean, this Italy & Greece itinerary is for you. Start the trip in Rome, where you'll explore treasures like the Vatican and the Colosseum. Continue to Florence and Venice for art museums and medieval palaces, then catch a flight to Athens—home of the iconic Acropolis. Spend your second week island-hopping in Greece, with wine tastings, sunset cruises, and much more.
If you have ten days to get away and want to dive into Mediterranean history from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, this itinerary combining Greece and Italy is for you. From the mighty Acropolis of Athens to the gilded palace halls of Venice, you'll explore thousands of years of archaeology and architecture. Spend four days in the heart of Ancient Greece with a stop in Crete to tour the 3,500-year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos, then travel to Venice, Rome, and Naples to see the grandeur of the Venetian Republic, explore the Colosseum, and even hike to the top of Mt. Vesuvius.
Explore over two thousand years of Greek and Italian history in this two-week tour. You'll kick things off in Athens to see the Acropolis and nearby historic villages, then explore maritime history in the Greek islands with two nights in Crete and Rhodes. Catch a flight to Venice in the north of Italy to continue your education of ocean-going empires, then travel south to end your trip in Rome and Naples to discover the world of the gladiators and ancient Pompeii.
Experience the best of Holland along with some of its hidden gems on this 10-day trip! From big cities to charming small villages, you’ll experience a perfect cross-section of what the Netherlands has to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to admire all of the traditional Dutch characteristics: cheese markets, famous painters, typical canals, rich history, churches with stained-glass windows, windmills, lovely squares, and ancient cobbled alleys. In addition to exploring picturesque smaller cities such as Gouda, Leiden, and Delft, you will also visit Amsterdam, home to the country’s most famous museums, the vibrant, modern harbor city of Rotterdam, and even get some beach time!
There's no need to choose between Holland and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking half of Belgium). This weeklong itinerary takes you to the highlights of both, including sightseeing in Amsterdam, an architecture tour in Rotterdam, a gourmet food tour in Antwerp, and a boat tour past medieval castles in Ghent. You'll sample cheeses where they're produced, spot windmills in the Dutch countryside, and relax with a Belgian crowd on a river beach. This whirlwind itinerary has something for everyone!
Each season in Brazil offers distinct adventures, whether you are looking for grand celebrations with parades and dancing, or relaxing time on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Visit beautiful islands, go on an exploration tour through the Amazon, and watch the majestic jaguars in the world's largest wetland area -Pantanal. Even if you don't travel to Rio's world-famous Carnaval, you can still join the celebrations that happen almost every month, from the Christmas Light Show in Gramado to the International Art Festival in São Paulo.
The Galápagos are great to visit year-round: you'll always enjoy warm weather and exciting wildlife and activities, whether it's during the wet season (December to May) or dry season (June to November). Yet February through April offers the best overall experience for most. Expect warm weather, calm seas, excellent snorkeling conditions, and active wildlife—especially rewarding for first-time visitors and cruise itineraries.
Experience the best Holland has to offer! The picturesque yet lesser-known cities of Leiden, Delft, and Gouda include all the quintessential Dutch characteristics: cheese markets, famous painters, canals, rich history, churches with beautiful stained glass, windmills, lovely squares, and ancient cobbled alleys. In addition, these smaller cities have a laid-back but lively atmosphere. End the trip in Amsterdam which is, of course, a much larger city but very much worth a visit.
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of choice by creating optimum itineraries based on the average length of time people spend in this amazing country and what they most want to see. We interviewed tourism experts, locals, and real-life travelers, taking their advice to heart in order to craft the perfect Costa Rica vacations spanning five days to two weeks. Read on to discover which is best for you.
This itinerary is all about flowers! In just five days, you will cycle through Dutch tulip fields on an e-bike, learn how tulips are grown, and see how they're sold at auction and at floating flower markets. View magnificent tulips on display at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower park in the world, and learn all about the rich history of tulips and their value in Dutch culture at the Tulip Museum. The best time to plan this trip is March through May, with the tulips at their best in mid-April.
A trip to Italy should be well researched and painstakingly planned out: that's why we've done that part for you! Our local specialists and travelers told us what they love most about Italy, and we listened, putting together some of Italy's best itineraries for common trip lengths. If you have between five days and two weeks to travel to Italy, look no further than these recommendations, and start anticipating your perfect trip!
This multi-day adventure takes you from San Francisco through stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and amazing waterfalls that showcase Northern California and Oregon's diverse landscape and geological history. From the boating paradise of Lake Shasta to the awe-inspiring Crater Lake, to Waldo Lake, the world's clearest alpine lake, the sheer beauty of what you will encounter will inspire reverence for this region. Finish your trip in the foodie paradise of Portland, explore the many unique restaurants there, and enjoy a day exploring Willamette Valley for some wine tasting.
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![A Viking Village in Gudvangen with the village Chief standing beside his house. [Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash.]](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/fea5accb7080bf51445bea913d99580e716483eb/medium-b19452e169f8bab9b4be945a2c25b812.jpg)
