opinions on itinerary for month in Italy, Greece, & Turkey

My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy, Greece, and Turkey. We are in our late 20's and are up for some adventure, sightseeing, and fun. I have been to Europe twice before, but only for week long trips to London, Paris, and Amsterdam, so never on an a more extensive trip like we are planning. We have a preliminary itinerary planned and I am hoping other people that have traveled to these countries can give me any input they might have. Thanks in advance!

6/12 Fri. Arrive Rome approx. 6:30 a.m., day and night in Rome

6/13 Sat. Day and night in Rome

6/14 Sun. Day and night in Rome

6/15 Mon. Day and night in Rome (Ostia Antica?)

6/16 Tues. Day and night in Rome (Vatican City)

6/17 Wed. Morning train from Rome to Florence, day and night in Florence

6/18 Thur. Day and night in Florence

6/19 Fri. Day and night in Florence

6/20 Sat. Day in Florence, take evening train to Venice

6/21 Sun. Day and night in Venice

6/22 Mon. Day and night in Venice

6/23 Tues. Morning Train from Venice to Milan, day and night in Milan

6/24 Wed. Fly from Milan to Athen, night in Athens

6/25-6/28 Begin four day classical tour of Greece, return to Athens Sunday night, 6/28

6/29 Mon. Day and night in Athens

6/30 Tues. Ferry from Athens to Santorini, night in Santorini

7/1 Wed. Day in Santorini, ferry to Paros, night in Paros (or take ferry to Rhodes)

7/2 Thur. Day and night in Paros or Naxos (or Rhodes)

7/3 Fri. Ferry from Paros/Naxos to Samos, ferry from Samos to Kusadasi, night in Kusadasi (or take ferry from Rhodes to Marmaris and bus to Kusadasi)

7/4 Sat. Day at Ephesus, night in Kusadasi

7/5 Sun. train & ferry to Istanbul, night in Istanbul

7/6 Mon. Day and night in Istanbul

7/7 Tues. Day and night in Istanbul

7/8 Wed. Day and night Istanbul

7/9 Thurs. Fly to Rome, night in Rome

7/10 Fri. Depart Rome, return to NYC

Oh, what a great trip! Rome, Florence, Venice, Greek islands, Istanbul. Very good itinerary. The only thing I can admit is that your have quite enough time for calm walks in each city and a bit fast route through the islands. For these days in more active way you can see more. But that depends on your prefers so actually I don't have other recommendations.

Hi,

this is absolutely a great tour and you take enough time in each city... great.. but in Santorini... mmm... I'd stay one more night there just to be able to go to Oia and see the sunset there... it is something you won't forget! One of the most romantic things to do in life!

As of Italy, consider getting an Italy rail pass. it may be worth it, i know there is a web site focusing on rail travel in italy, i think it is "italiarail"

When sightseeing, especially in high season, you may want to book your guided tours in advance in order to be sure to access sites and to avoid lines under the sun! Expecially for Florence museums and the Vatican and Ostia Antica ( by the way, do bring sun screen, water, and a hat when you'll go to Ostia, it is great, but a lot of walking under the sun!!!). You can find plenty of info on tours and things to do on do-nation.com. Istanbul is really beautiful I was there last year in May and unfortunately I could not access a number of palaces because of the long lines. You may want to check or book this in advance too, unfortunately I don't know where you can get this kind of information though!

Have fun!

Thanks so much for your input!

Never been to Greece myself, but I've been told that Meteora should not be missed