South Europe itinerary in early Oct, welcome suggestions

Exploring Southern Europe in Early October: An Itinerary and Recommendations

As avid travelers with a passion for European adventures, we are excited to share our early October itinerary through Southern Europe and beyond. With a basic command of English and some French, we visit Europe almost annually, immersing ourselves in its diverse cultures and histories. Our upcoming journey begins in Athens, Greece, and traverses through Greece, Italy, France, and into Central Europe. We welcome any suggestions to enrich our experience.

Journey Overview:

September 29 – Athens & Thessaloniki, Greece
Our trip kicks off with an arrival in Athens in the morning. We plan to explore iconic sites such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, and other historic landmarks. Later that evening, we fly to Thessaloniki, where we will stay at the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki. Our focus in Thessaloniki will be visiting key museums to deepen our understanding of Greek history and culture.

September 30 – Thessaloniki
A full day dedicated to museum visits and city exploration. We aim to experience local gastronomy and the vibrant city atmosphere before departing in the evening.

October 1 – Thessaloniki & Rome, Italy
In the afternoon, we fly from Thessaloniki to Rome FCO at 13:20. Upon arrival, we may visit the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, known for its distinctive architecture. Our accommodation will be at the Rome Marriott Park Hotel.

October 2 & 3 – Rome, Italy
Two days dedicated to exploring Rome’s renowned attractions. We plan to visit Vatican City on October 2, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Our stay will be at Garner Hotel Rome Aurelia. On October 3, we intend to wander through the city center, soaking in Rome’s historic charm, staying at The Westin Excelsior.

October 4 – Florence, Pisa, and Siena, Italy
Traveling by train from Rome, we plan to visit Siena first, staying at the Four Points by Sheraton. The following day, we will journey to Venice via Florence, enjoying the scenic train ride.

October 5 – Venice, Italy
Our main activity will be exploring Venice’s canals, museums, and piazzas. We’ve booked a stay at Hyatt Centric Venice Murano.

October 6-9 – Southern France
Our journey continues to Southern France via