Greece is much cheaper, if that is a concern. Language will not be a huge issue in either place. I prefer Italian food, but Greek food is yummy too. Beaches are much better in Greece. History/historical sites is debatable, but Id probably give the nod to Greece.

Both have amazing ancient ruins, Italy has better medieval and early modern sites, Italy has better food (though Greek food can also be excellent), Greece is cheaper (particularly accommodation, Greece has significantly better beaches (Italian beaches are much more crowded, with a few exceptions), people are very friendly in both, although both are very touristed so you can occasionally be ripped off in either. Language is not a real problem in either, and both are pretty safe by US standards.

Really, you can't go wrong. Personally, I prefer Italy, but I spent a year there vs. three months in Greece.

I think Italy. Nonstop flights to and from dc, and say to get around with trains .

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Greece, it's got all that and MUCH cheaper than Italy.

OP here. I've only done the preliminary research, but it seems that this is definitely the case - everyone I've ever known who went to Italy has absolutely raved about it (much more so than the other European countries) so I'm just wondering if it's totally worth the extra costs.

My concern with Greece is that none of us speak a word of Greek, and when we travel sometimes we do like to venture off the typical tourist path - would the language be an issue?

No not at all. No one in the world speaks Greek other than the Greeks. They've adapted and all speak English. In Italy, however, that is a problem. AND Italian cabbies will fake not speaking English to fake you out of money.

That's interesting to hear! Thanks for the info. Would have guessed the opposite.

One thing about Greek cabbies in Athens they legitimately get lost. You will understand once you see the city from the Parthenon (very vast) Always bring a map and know the major landmarks near where you will be staying.

Anonymous wrote:I think Greece if you want beach. We went with an 8 yo and had a great time. We downloaded an app so we had a few phrases in Greek but we did fine traveling all over (Athens, the Peloponnese, Delphi, Crete, Santorini).

+1 The beaches and islands very very accessible from Athens.

We were debating Greece vs. Italy with our kids, but decided on Italy for now because the flights were a little more shorter and we had less additional driving/flying once we got there. It was just easier logistically.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Greece, it's got all that and MUCH cheaper than Italy.

OP here. I've only done the preliminary research, but it seems that this is definitely the case - everyone I've ever known who went to Italy has absolutely raved about it (much more so than the other European countries) so I'm just wondering if it's totally worth the extra costs.

My concern with Greece is that none of us speak a word of Greek, and when we travel sometimes we do like to venture off the typical tourist path - would the language be an issue?

No not at all. No one in the world speaks Greek other than the Greeks. They've adapted and all speak English. In Italy, however, that is a problem. AND Italian cabbies will fake not speaking English to fake you out of money.

That's interesting to hear! Thanks for the info. Would have guessed the opposite.

I think Greece if you want beach. We went with an 8 yo and had a great time. We downloaded an app so we had a few phrases in Greek but we did fine traveling all over (Athens, the Peloponnese, Delphi, Crete, Santorini).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Greece, it's got all that and MUCH cheaper than Italy.

OP here. I've only done the preliminary research, but it seems that this is definitely the case - everyone I've ever known who went to Italy has absolutely raved about it (much more so than the other European countries) so I'm just wondering if it's totally worth the extra costs.

My concern with Greece is that none of us speak a word of Greek, and when we travel sometimes we do like to venture off the typical tourist path - would the language be an issue?

No not at all. No one in the world speaks Greek other than the Greeks. They've adapted and all speak English. In Italy, however, that is a problem. AND Italian cabbies will fake not speaking English to fake you out of money.

Why? ^^

Been to both twice. Italy for me.

Greece!

Anonymous wrote:Greece, it's got all that and MUCH cheaper than Italy.

OP here. I've only done the preliminary research, but it seems that this is definitely the case - everyone I've ever known who went to Italy has absolutely raved about it (much more so than the other European countries) so I'm just wondering if it's totally worth the extra costs.

My concern with Greece is that none of us speak a word of Greek, and when we travel sometimes we do like to venture off the typical tourist path - would the language be an issue?

Greece, it's got all that and MUCH cheaper than Italy.

If you had ten days, three kids ages 12, 8, and 7, and an interest in a vacation with a mix of history, natural, beach, and relaxation which would you choose? Why?