15 days in Athens, Skopelos & Rome Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 9th (Fri): appreciate the history behind Temple of Olympian Zeus and then delve into the distant past at Acropolis of Athens.

To find maps, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Athens trip builder tool.

Salisbury, UK to Athens is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Salisbury to Athens. When traveling from Salisbury in July, plan for somewhat warmer days in Athens, with highs around 38°C, while nights are much hotter with lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can travel to Skopelos.

Known as one of the Aegean's greenest islands, Skopelos features a long coastline of fine beaches and an interior covered with verdant pine forests, olive groves, and plum orchards.

Change things up with these side-trips from Skopelos: Skiathos Town (Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower, The Blue House Art Gallery, &more), Skiathos (Lalaria Beach, monastero di Panagia Evangelistria, &more) and Koukounaries Beach (in Koukounaries). There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Hovolo Beach, stroll through Cape Amarandos, don't miss a visit to Panagitsa of Pyrgos, and contemplate the long history of Monastery of Agia Varvara.

To find photos, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Skopelos trip tool.

Traveling by combination of taxi and ferry from Athens to Skopelos takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. While traveling from Athens, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Skopelos, ranging from highs of 34°C to lows of 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Rome: Tivoli (Villa Adriana & Villa d'Este). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at St. Peter's Basilica, don't miss a visit to Piazza Navona, explore the ancient world of Pantheon, and explore the world behind art at Vatican Museums.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Rome trip itinerary builder site.

Do a combination of ferry and flight from Skopelos to Rome in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and flight; or do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Skopelos to Rome. Traveling from Skopelos in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Rome, with lows of 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.