16 days in Athens & Rome Itinerary

One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Temple of Hephaestus and Theater of Dionysus. Museum-lovers will appreciate Museum of Cycladic Art and Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Athens: Lake Vouliagmeni (in Vouliagmeni) and Mycenae (Lion Gate & Archaeological Site Mycenae). There's much more to do: appreciate the history behind Temple of Athena Nike, explore the ancient world of Erechtheion, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Lycabettus, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Ekklisia Agia Dinami.

To see more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Athens trip website.

In August in Athens, expect temperatures between 39°C during the day and 29°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Rome.

Aptly nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, one of the world's greatest civilizations ever.

Piazza del Campidoglio and Basilica di Santa Prassede will appeal to history buffs. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Welcome to Rome and Chiesa del Gesu. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rome: Montefiascone (Rocca dei Papi & Cattedrale di Santa Margherita), Viterbo Historic Centre (in Viterbo) and Chiesa della Madonna del Rosario (in Bagnaia). Next up on the itinerary: explore the ancient world of Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali, examine the collection at Complesso del Vittoriano, admire the masterpieces at Villa Farnesina, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo.

For photos, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Rome trip itinerary maker tool.

Traveling by flight from Athens to Rome takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. Traveling from Athens to Rome, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Athens in August, expect a bit cooler with lows of 24°C in Rome.