Planning a group trip to Europe in 2025 and confused between Greece and Italy? You’re not alone. Both countries attract millions of international travellers every year, offering history, food, beaches, and unforgettable cultural moments.
In 2024, Greece welcomed 36+ million visitors and Italy received 49 million international tourists, proving that both destinations remain top choices for group travel.
This 2025 guide compares Greece and Italy for groups, highlights the best cities to visit, average costs, itineraries, food experiences, and travel tips, so you can plan a trip that fits your time, budget, and travel style.
Greece vs Italy: Quick Comparison for Group Travel
| Feature | Greece | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beaches, sunsets, islands | History, museums, cities |
| Average cost/day | €125–€225 | €150–€260 |
| Food | Fresh, seafood-heavy | Pasta, pizza, wine |
| Best season | April–June, Sept–Oct | April–June, Sept–Oct |
| Nightlife | Santorini, Athens | Rome, Florence |
| Transport | Ferries + Metro | Trains + Metro |
| Group activities | Sailing, wine tours | Walking tours, museums |
| Overall vibe | Relaxed, scenic | Cultural, artistic |
Verdict:
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If you love beaches, sunsets, and slow travel → Greece
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If you love museums, food, and architecture → Italy
Many groups choose both countries in one trip, which is easy if planned smartly.
1. Athens, Greece – History, Street Food & Nightlife
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, welcoming around 6.5 million international tourists yearly.
The city is perfect for group trips because everything is close, affordable, and walkable.
⭐ Top group experiences:
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Acropolis & Parthenon – UNESCO site with 2.5M visitors yearly
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Plaka – colourful streets, cafés, shopping
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National Archaeological Museum – 11,000 ancient artefacts
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Metro and bus system – cheap and convenient
Why groups love it:
✔ Affordable food
✔ Nightlife and rooftop bars
✔ Easy metro system
✔ Walking tours and group discounts
2. Rome, Italy – Culture, Food & Walking Tours
Rome is the second most visited city in Europe, attracting 15 million international visitors yearly.
⭐ Must-see attractions:
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The Colosseum – 7M visitors each year
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Trevi Fountain – €3,600 coins thrown daily
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Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel
Why groups love Rome:
✔ Amazing food
✔ Guided walking tours
✔ Multilingual city
✔ Apps for booking tickets
Food to try:
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Pasta carbonara
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Supplì
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Gelato
3. Venice, Italy – Canals, Gondolas & Shopping
Venice welcomes 5.5 million visitors annually, offering a one-of-a-kind travel experience for groups.
⭐ Best experiences:
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Gondola rides (book online)
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St. Mark’s Basilica – skip-the-line available
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Rialto Bridge – views + shopping
Why groups love Venice:
✔ Private boat tours
✔ Food & wine tours
✔ Student & senior discounts
4. Florence, Italy: The Heart of the Renaissance
Florence is the fourth most visited city in Italy. In 2024, it welcomed about 16 million tourists from around the world. In 2025, even more people are coming to enjoy the city’s art, old buildings, and delicious food. Florence is small enough to walk around easily, which makes it perfect for group trips.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It has paintings by famous artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. In 2025, the museum offers skip-the-line tickets, audio guides in many languages, and family-friendly tours for group visitors.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is an old bridge with small shops on it. These shops mostly sell handmade gold and silver jewellery. The bridge also gives you great views of the river. In 2025, lights and safety signs have been added to help tourists walk safely, especially in the evenings.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
The Florence Cathedral, also called the Duomo, is a big church with a red dome. It is one of the most famous buildings from the Renaissance period. You can climb to the top for an amazing view of the city. In 2025, new mobile tickets and timed entry slots help reduce long queues.
Cooking and Food Experiences
Florence is a great place to learn about Italian food. There are over 150 cooking schools where you can learn to make things like fresh pasta, Tiramisu, and Tuscan bread. Many group classes now include wine tasting and market visits. These are great fun for families, students, and food lovers.
Easy Ways to Explore Florence in Groups
Florence is best seen on foot, because most of the streets are small and full of history. In 2025, there are more walking tours with local guides, and many offer headsets so everyone can hear clearly. Group travelers can also book priority entry to museums and multi-site passes to save time and money.
Read Also: 7-Day Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (2025) – Scenic Stops from Astoria to Bandon
5. Santorini, Greece: A Picturesque Island Escape
Santorini is one of the top 5 most visited islands in the world. About 2.2 million people come here every year to enjoy the views, beaches, and local food. In 2025, Santorini is working hard to protect the island by limiting crowds and offering more eco-friendly tours.
Oia and Fira Villages
Oia and Fira are two of the most beautiful villages in Santorini. They have white houses, blue-domed churches, and amazing sunset views. People love to take photos here. In 2025, some areas now use timed visits to reduce crowding, and walking paths are being made safer for tourists.
Red Beach and Perissa Beach
Santorini has special beaches with black or red sand, because of old volcanoes. Red Beach is famous for its red cliffs, and Perissa Beach has soft black sand and water sports. In 2025, there are more lifeguards, cleaner beach areas, and better places to rent umbrellas and chairs.
Boat Tours and Cruises
More than 500,000 visitors take boat trips each year around the island. You can visit volcanic islands, swim in hot springs, and enjoy views of the caldera (a large sea-filled crater). In 2025, boats use cleaner fuel and offer quieter rides to help protect sea life.
Wine Tasting in Santorini
Santorini is known for its local wine, especially a white wine called Assyrtiko. There are over 20 wineries on the island. In 2025, many wine tours include vineyard walks, tasting sessions, and local food pairing. Group tours can be booked online with discounts.
New Travel Rules for a Better Experience
In 2025, Santorini has new rules to stop overtourism. These include limiting big tour groups, suggesting less busy times, and promoting new spots away from the crowds. Visitors are asked to book their tours and activities in advance, use eco-friendly transport, and respect local rules.
What is the Average Cost for a Group Trip to Greece and Italy?
| Category | Budget (€ per person/day) | Mid-Range (€ per person/day) | Luxury (€ per person/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | €50-90 | €130-220 | €400+ |
| Meals | €25-50 | €60-90 | €150+ |
| Attractions & Tours | €35-60 | €90-180 | €300+ |
| Transport | €15-25 | €40-70 | €120+ |
A budget-friendly group trip can cost around €1,800–€2,800 per person for 10 days, while luxury trips exceed €6,000 per person.
Conclusion
Exploring Greece and Italy as a group offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation. With Athens and Santorini ranking among the top 5 most visited destinations in Europe and Rome, Venice, and Florence leading the way in Italy, these cities provide diverse experiences for all travelers.
Recent developments have introduced sustainable tourism policies, particularly in Greece, where short-term rental restrictions aim to protect local housing availability. To make the most of their journey, group travelers should consider booking tours in advance, using public transport, and traveling during the off-season to enjoy a cost-effective and enriching experience.
FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit in Greece and Italy for groups?
- Greece: Athens (Acropolis, Plaka, Museums) and Santorini (Oia, Beaches, Wine Tasting).
- Italy: Rome (Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican), Venice (Gondola Rides, St. Mark’s Basilica), Florence (Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio).
2. How much does a group trip to Greece and Italy cost?
- Budget: €125–€225 per day.
- Mid-Range: €320–€560 per day.
- Luxury: €970+ per day.
A 10-day budget trip costs around €1,800–€2,800 per person.
3. When is the best time to visit Greece and Italy?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) have good weather and fewer crowds.
4. How do groups travel around Greece and Italy?
- Greece: Metro, ferries, buses.
- Italy: High-speed trains, buses, walking tours.
5. How can groups save money on travel?
- Book flights and hotels early.
- Use public transport.
- Buy city passes.
- Travel in the off-season.
- Choose group tours for discounts.