For our 30th wedding anniversary, we knew we wanted to do something spectacular. We wanted romance, world-class food, bucket-list history, and breathtaking sunsets. The solution? An epic 17-day journey through Italy and Greece.
Planning a multi-country European trip can feel overwhelming, but after successfully navigating the trains, regional flights, and ancient cobblestones, we can confidently say this route is the perfect pace.
If you are planning an anniversary trip, a honeymoon, or just the ultimate Mediterranean bucket-list vacation, here is exactly how we spent 17 days exploring Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, and Santorini, including every tour we took and all the incredible food we ate!
Trip Logistics: Getting Around Europe
- The Flights: We flew out of Abbotsford (YXX) to Rome. To hop between countries, we utilized quick, affordable regional airlines (Aegean and RyanAir).
- The Trains: In Italy, do not rent a car for city-hopping! We used the high-speed Italo and Trenitalia trains to travel from Rome to Florence, and Florence to Venice. They are fast, comfortable, and drop you right in the city center.
- Where to Stay:
Days 1 to 3: The Magic of Rome
There is no better place to kick off an anniversary trip than the Eternal City. After checking into our hotel and fighting off the jetlag, we spent our first few days ticking off some massive bucket-list sights.
- The Sights: Instead of wandering aimlessly, we booked a guided Skip-the-Line Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour. The next day, we did an Essential Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour.
- Good Journey Tip: Book our exact Colosseum Skip-the-Line Tour here. You absolutely need skip-the-line tickets in Rome!
- The Bucket List: In between our tours, we wandered to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps.
- The Food: We made it our mission to eat authentic Cacio e pepe and as much gelato as humanly possible.
Days 4 to 7: Florence, Art, & A Vintage Fiat
We hopped on the high-speed train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and checked into our local Airbnb.
- The Sights: We took a fantastic walking tour to learn the tales of the Medici family and see the iconic Duomo. We also made sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, and see Michelangelo’s David.
- The Highlight of the Trip: On Day 6, we booked a Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour. We actually got to drive a classic Fiat through the Tuscan hills, followed by an incredible Italian meal. It was unbelievably romantic and fun!
- Book the Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour. It sells out fast!
- The Food: You cannot leave Florence without splitting a massive, mouth-watering Florentine Steak.
Days 8 to 10: The Romance of Venice
Next, we took the Trenitalia train to the floating city of Venice. Arriving by water and exploring the local markets is an experience in itself!
- The Sights: To make the most of our time, we booked a “Venice in a Day” Tour that included Basilica San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and of course a bucket-list gondola ride through the canals.
- Check out our exact Venice in a Day & Gondola Tour
- Island Hopping: On our second day, we took a boat out to explore Murano (famous for its glass blowing) and Burano (famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making).
Days 11 to 13: Ancient Athens & Amazing Food
On Day 11, we waved goodbye to Italy and caught an Aegean flight to Athens, Greece! We checked into an incredible apartment right next to the Acropolis.
- The Sights: You cannot visit Athens without seeing the Parthenon. We booked an Acropolis Monuments Walking Tour to really understand the mind-blowing history of the ruins.
- The Food: Athens has a wildly underrated culinary scene. We booked a Taste of Athens Food Tour and finally got to try Loukoumades (Greek donuts soaked in honey), they were an absolute dream!
Days 14 to 16: Sunsets in Santorini
For the grand finale of our anniversary trip, we flew from Athens to the stunning island of Santorini and checked into the luxurious Seven Suites.
After two weeks of busy sightseeing and tours, we intentionally left our Santorini days completely free. We spent our time exploring the iconic white-washed villages, eating fresh Mediterranean food, and watching the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. It was the perfect, relaxing end to the trip.
On Day 17, we flew RyanAir back to Rome for one final night at a cozy guesthouse before catching our flight home to Canada!
Where We Stayed (Our Hotel Highlights)
Because we wanted a mix of luxury and local charm, we alternated between boutique hotels and Airbnbs. Here are the hotels we highly recommend:
- In Rome: St. Peter Fortytwo – An amazing, comfortable home base right near the Vatican. Perfect for walking to our early morning tours!
- In Rome (Before our flight home): Adelina Guesthouse – A great, convenient spot for our final quick overnight layover.
- In Santorini: Seven Suites – Absolute paradise. If you are looking for romance and luxury on the island, this is the place to be.
Have you ever dreamed of driving a vintage Fiat in Tuscany or watching the sunset in Santorini?
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