What is the best way to travel from Italy to Greece?

Traveling to Italy and Greece is a dream for many, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are some essential tips, travel hacks, and must-see destinations that will enhance your trip and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. We traveled in July 2024; I don’t recommend going in July. It’s too Hot- and very busy. My son and I went, and we had an amazing time. He is 17, so he is old enough to enjoy all the ancient history and culture that Italy and Greece have to offer.  Here is a list of my recommendations, including do’s and don’ts, and the best way to travel from Italy to Greece. Please contact me if you have any suggestions. I plan on going again next year!!

My Unforgettable Journey Through Italy and Greece with My Son

This past July, my 17-year-old son Trey and I embarked on an unforgettable journey through Italy and Greece. As a first-time visitor to these incredible countries, I wanted to share our experiences, offer some valuable travel tips, and highlight the must-see destinations and activities that made our trip so special.

Arrival in Rome: First Impressions and Practical Tips

We arrived in Rome at Fiumicino Airport, and even though we were a bit tired from the long flight, the excitement of finally being in Italy kept us energized. Fiumicino is a large, modern airport with all the amenities you could need. One of the first things I did was purchase a local SIM card. It’s so important to stay connected, especially when navigating a new country. There are several kiosks right in the arrivals area that offer SIM cards from providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre. I found that a plan with several GB of data and local calls cost about €25. If you prefer to be prepared in advance, you can also order an international SIM or eSIM online through Airalo before you leave home.

Transportation from the Airport: After grabbing our bags, we opted to take a taxi to our hotel in central Rome. There’s a flat rate of €48 from Fiumicino to most parts of the city center, which I found reasonable, considering the convenience and comfort it offered after a long flight. The journey took around 40 minutes. If you’re considering using Uber, it’s also available, but the price is slightly higher at around €50-€70 depending on traffic.

One thing I learned quickly is that it’s best to use official taxis. They’re white with a taxi sign on top and a meter inside, which ensures you’re getting a fair price. Always avoid drivers who approach you inside the terminal, as they often charge exorbitant rates.

Where We Stayed: Barcaccia Luxury Suites

Our home base in Rome was the Barcaccia Luxury Suites, located just steps from the Spanish Steps. This boutique hotel was perfect for us, offering a blend of modern luxury and historic charm. The location couldn’t have been better—right in the heart of Rome’s most famous shopping and dining district. We could easily walk to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and even the Colosseum.

The Room: We stayed in a Deluxe Suite, which was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully decorated with contemporary Italian furnishings. Trey especially loved the high-speed Wi-Fi, while I appreciated the Nespresso machine for my morning coffee. The bathroom was another highlight, featuring a rain shower and premium toiletries that added a touch of luxury to our stay.

Why I Recommend Barcaccia Luxury Suites: The convenience of being able to walk to so many major attractions was a huge plus. After a long day of sightseeing, it was wonderful to retreat to such a comfortable and quiet room. The staff was incredibly helpful, offering tips on local restaurants and even helping us book a tour of the Vatican. If you’re looking for a hotel that combines location, luxury, and personalized service, Barcaccia Luxury Suites is an excellent choice.

The Colosseum: Our first full day in Rome started with a visit to the Colosseum. I had booked a skip-the-line guided tour in advance, which I highly recommend. The lines to get in can be long, and the guided tour gave us a deeper understanding of the history and significance of this incredible structure. Seeing the Colosseum in person was truly awe-inspiring, and it was fascinating to learn about the gladiatorial contests that once took place there.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Right next to the Colosseum are the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. We spent a couple of hours exploring these ancient ruins, which offered a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Rome. The views from Palatine Hill were particularly impressive, and it was easy to imagine how the city must have looked thousands of years ago.

Trevi Fountain: Later in the day, we walked to the Trevi Fountain, where we joined the tradition of tossing a coin into the water to ensure our return to Rome. The fountain is even more beautiful in person, and we found that visiting in the evening helped us avoid the heaviest crowds. Watching the sunset over the fountain was a moment we’ll never forget.

Dinner in Trastevere: That evening, we headed to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. It’s a great place to wander through narrow, cobblestone streets and discover authentic Roman cuisine. We dined at Osteria da Fortunata, a small, cozy restaurant known for its homemade pasta. The Cacio e Pepe was incredible, and Trey loved the Carbonara. If you’re looking for a traditional Roman meal in a relaxed setting, this is the place to go.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: The next morning, we visited Vatican City. The Vatican Museums are massive, and there’s so much to see that it can be overwhelming. I’m really glad we opted for a guided tour. It made the experience much more manageable, and our guide’s insights into the art and history of the Vatican were invaluable. Seeing Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel was a highlight of our trip—it’s even more breathtaking in person than I had imagined.

Piazza Navona and the Pantheon: In the afternoon, we explored Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. The fountains and Baroque architecture were stunning, and we took our time enjoying a gelato while people-watching. From there, we walked to the Pantheon, which is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. The interior is so peaceful, and the oculus in the dome is a fascinating architectural feature. I recommend visiting both of these sites if you’re in Rome—they’re rich in history and culture.

Sunset at Pincian Hill: To wrap up our day, we headed to Pincian Hill for sunset. The views over Rome were spectacular, and it was a peaceful way to end the day. It’s less crowded than other spots, so you can really take in the beauty of the city without feeling rushed.

Dinner at Armando al Pantheon: For dinner, we chose Armando al Pantheon, a classic Roman trattoria just steps from the Pantheon. The food was outstanding—simple, traditional dishes done perfectly. I had the Saltimbocca alla Romana, while Trey went for the Spaghetti alla Gricia, and we were both very happy with our choices. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a great spot for a special meal in Rome. Be sure to make a reservation, as it’s very popular!

Train Travel Tips: On our third day, we took the high-speed train from Rome to Florence. If you’re traveling between cities in Italy, the train is the way to go. It’s fast, comfortable, and offers beautiful views of the countryside. I booked our tickets in advance through Trenitalia, which saved us money and guaranteed us seats in the Premium class, which was a nice upgrade from Standard.

Staying at Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites: Our hotel in Florence was Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites, a boutique B&B with unique, jungle-inspired decor. The suites were luxurious and comfortable, with a lot of attention to detail in the design. I loved the eclectic mix of vintage and modern furnishings, and Trey enjoyed the spacious room and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Exploring Florence: Florence is a city that’s rich in art and history, and we made sure to visit all the major sites. The Duomo was incredible, and climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome was worth every one of the 463 steps. We also visited the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, which is truly a masterpiece. One of our favorite moments was walking across the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, with its stunning views of the Arno River.

Dinner at Trattoria Sostanza: For dinner, we chose Trattoria Sostanza, a local favorite known for its traditional Florentine dishes. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina was fantastic, and the Butter Chicken was so rich and flavorful. It’s a small, unassuming restaurant, but the food is top-notch. Make sure to book a table in advance, as it fills up quickly.

Travel Tips and Hacks

Managing Money: Throughout our trip, I found that using ATMs to withdraw cash was the best option. The exchange rates were better than those at currency exchange counters, and it was convenient. However, I made sure to research which ATMs had the lowest fees before our trip. Also, I used a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees for most purchases, which saved me money in the long run.

Staying Safe: While Italy and Greece are generally safe, it’s important to be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like train stations and tourist attractions. I used a crossbody bag with anti-theft features, which gave me peace of mind. Also, be cautious of scams, such as people offering to help with your luggage at the train station or “friendship bracelet” scams.

Must-See Experiences: There are some experiences that you simply cannot miss. In Rome, a guided tour of the Colosseum is a must, as is visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. In Florence, don’t miss the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and a walk along the Ponte Vecchio at sunset. If you venture