25 days in Greece, Cinque Terre & Puglia Itinerary

Situated at the southeastern tip of the country, Puglia forms the heel on the "boot" of Italy. First colonized by Mycenaean Greeks, the region flourished during Roman times as a major producer of grain and oil. Today, Puglia remains a predominantly agricultural part of the country, though its warm and sunny coastal weather makes it a favorite holiday destination with an ever-increasing number of tourists. The long coastline features attractions like sun-kissed beaches and lively resorts, many of which are overlooked by limestone cliffs. Deeper inland, Puglia is largely flat, a land of charming villages and world-class cuisine. Here, you'll find olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh seafood to give you sustenance as you continue sightseeing. Despite its reputation as a producer of some Italy's best food and wines, Puglia still has numerous rural corners that most tourists have yet to explore.

Few places manage to capture the world's imagination quite like Greece, a land of sun-kissed coastlines, tranquil whitewashed villages, lively seaside towns, and well-preserved ancient sites. One of the world's top tourist destinations since ancient times, the country draws nearly 20 million visitors each year. Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, continues to attract the biggest crowds and serves as a base for exploring the country and its 227 inhabited islands. Away from its cities, Greece features a picturesque countryside of olive groves, vineyards, and tiny settlements nestled against rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. Explore the old mainland on foot and discover the islands on a guided boat or ferry tour.

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete offers travelers more than just sun, sea, and sand. Famed for its warm hospitality, outstanding infrastructure, and contrasting landscapes, the island represents one of the world's richest areas in terms of history and culture. Crete burst onto the world scene over 4,000 years ago, when it served as the center of the Minoan civilization, one of Europe's earliest organized societies. Despite the island's wealth of developed beaches, the traces of the mysterious and enchanting Minoan empire remain Crete's top attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The island capital Heraklion provides an ideal base for exploring a renowned Minoan palace complex, the site of Europe's oldest city.