Exploring Venice and Santorini

Venice, Italy (3 Days, 2 Nights)

Day 1: Arrived in Venice and checked into Palazzo Orseolo. Spent the day exploring the iconic St. Mark’s Square, Rialto bridge, and explore through the alleys. Venice transportation is unique and very different, the best way to get around is the water taxi. 

Day 2: Private Prosecco Tour! We took the trail to Conegliano Train Station where our guide, Chiara, welcomed us. The tour began with a stunning panoramic drive along Prosecco Road. We made a scenic stop and received an insightful explanation of the region’s beauty. The private tour included visits to three DOCG wineries. At the first stop, we learned the step-by-step process of Prosecco production and enjoyed a tasting paired with delicious appetizers. At the second winery, we had a light lunch right in the vineyard. It featured classic Italian delights like cheese, salami, and bruschetta. At the third we enjoyed more Prosecco samples! There was so much to learn about Prosecco. If you love Prosecco, I highly recommend the tour. Chiara was also an incredible guide, she was knowledgeable, sweet, and made the experience unforgettable!

Day 3: We got up early to catch a water taxi to Murano Island. The island is famous for its glassmaking and bright buildings. Make sure to check the schedules in advance. Murano is also filled with small boutiques and galleries, perfect for finding unique souvenirs. After strolling through the island, it was much of a slower pace compared to the busy streets of Venice.

Santorini, Greece (4 Days, 3 Nights)

When planning our trip, I was torn between Fira and Oía—two of Santorini’s most popular towns. After experiencing both, I can confirm they offer very different vibes. If possible, spend time in both! While splitting our three-night stay wasn’t the most convenient, it was absolutely worth it.

  • Fira: Known for its shops, bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s more budget-friendly and centrally located.
  • Oía: The Santorini experience with whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets. It’s more romantic and expensive but less accessible, so plan transportation in advance.

Day 1: Fira – Nightlife and Greek Delights

  • We chose our hotel for its convenient location, perfect for exploring on foot. After dropping off our bags, we headed straight to main street for our first taste of Greek cuisine. It did not disappoint! The food was absolutely delicious. Later, we returned to the hotel to freshen up and hit the town for some bar hopping. Each spot had great music, and we stayed out late soaking up the vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Morning in Fira, Afternoon in Oía

  • We started the day with a scenic breakfast. We enjoyed overlooking the incredible views Santorini is known for. Afterwards, we did some shopping around Fira. With its many shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
  • In the afternoon, we made our way to Oía, which took about 30 minutes. Our hotel here was everything we hoped for—absolutely stunning! After checking in and dropping our bags, we visited a nearby market to grab some snacks and drinks. We spent the afternoon relaxing in our private balcony pool before getting ready for dinner.
  • For dinner, we chose a restaurant with sunset views. We didn’t have a reservation, so we couldn’t snag an outdoor table. However, we stepped outside to capture a beautiful sunset photo before enjoying our meal. On the way back to the hotel, we treated ourselves to some ice cream.

Day 3: Catamaran Cruise Adventure

  • We booked a daytime catamaran cruise, “Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Greek Food & Drinks,” and I do recommend. The cruise picked us up from our hotel in the morning. We spent the day sailing and swimming. We also enjoyed fantastic Greek food with a fun group. After the excursion, we were so tired that we took a nap and missed the sunset. But we made up for it by heading out for a nice dinner later that evening.

Day 4: Breakfast and Airport

On our final morning, we savored one last delicious Greek breakfast. The caldera views were breathtaking. We headed out, already dreaming of our next visit to Santorini!

Hotels:

Fira – Asterolithos

Oía – Onar Villas

 

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I’m Vanessa

Not just a mama; but a passionate adventurer who loves traveling, planning and most recently being a girl mama #2under2. Through this space, I’ll share my favorite destinations, useful tips, and recommendations.

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