Tour Yourself Around the Mediterranean: Flexible Vacation Packages in 5 Stunning Countries

From sun-soaked coastlines to ancient ruins, the Mediterranean offers a journey through history, flavor, and rhythm. With Smartours’ Mediterranean smart travel package, you’ll explore iconic islands, timeless cities, and coastal escapes — all with smart, flexible itineraries designed for modern travelers.

Introduction: Explore the Heart of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is more than a destination — it’s a rhythm of sunlit coastlines, ancient civilizations, and timeless flavors. From Italy's cliffside villas to Greece's whitewashed islands, every stop tells a story that’s both historic and indulgent.

With Smartours’ Mediterranean vacation packages, you can explore five stunning countries — Italy , Greece , Croatia , Malta , and Türkiye — without the rigidity of a group tour. Our approach combines intelligent route planning, customizable itineraries, and curated stays to help you travel confidently, efficiently, and at your own pace.

This guide highlights the region’s must-see routes, signature cuisines, and local experiences — all designed to help you craft your perfect Mediterranean escape.

Mediterranean at a Glance

Pre-Travel Essentials: Smart Planning Before You Go

The Mediterranean spans over 20 countries — and while cultures and cuisines vary, smart preparation ensures your journey flows as smoothly as the coastal breeze. Whether you’re exploring Greece’s islands or Italy’s Amalfi coast, here’s how to prepare like a pro before your trip begins.

Entry Requirements & Visas

Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and EU nationscan visit Mediterranean countries for up to 90 days visa-free, though requirements vary slightly:

• Schengen Zone:Italy, Greece, Malta, and Croatia are coveredunder theSchengen Agreement, allowing seamless border movement.
• Türkiye:Requires an e-Visa(apply online — usually approved within minutes).
• Passport Validity:Ensure at least six months of validityfrom your date of entry.

Smart Tip:Keep digital copies of your passport, eVisa, and bookings stored securely on your phone or Smartours account for easy access on the go.

Currency, Money & Payments

You’ll encounter two main currencies:

• Euro (€)– Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta
• Turkish Lira (₺)– Türkiye

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. Still, keep €50–€100 in cashfor small shops, ferries, or local cafés.

• ATMs:Reliable and easy to find; local banks often offer better exchange rates than airport kiosks.
• Tipping:5–10% is standard but not mandatory.
• Digital Payments:Apple Pay and Google Pay work across most EU regions; Turkey also supports contactless paymentsthrough major banks.

Smart Tip:Use a multi-currency cardor travel wallet app(like Revolut or Wise) to avoid foreign transaction fees while switching between Euros and Lira.

Connectivity: Staying Online Across Borders

Wi-Fi is reliable in cities but spotty on islands and smaller towns.

• Best Option:An eSIMwith regional coverage (Airalo, Holafly, or Ubigi offer Mediterranean packages).
• Alternative:Rent a Pocket Wi-Fiif traveling in a group or staying in remote coastal areas.
• Must-Have Apps:

• Google Maps– Reliable for navigation in all five countries.
• Omio or Trainline– Book cross-country trains and ferries.
• XE Currency– Track exchange rates in real time.
• Google Translate– Download Italian, Greek, and Turkish language packs offline.

Transportation Prep: Multi-Country Mobility

The Mediterranean is best explored through short flights, scenic ferries, and flexible rail passes.

• Short-Haul Flights:Ideal for Italy–Greece or Croatia–Malta hops. Carriers like Aegean Airlines, ITA Airways, and Croatia Airlinesoffer frequent routes.
• Ferries:Operate seasonally between Greek islands, Italy–Croatia, and Malta–Sicily.
• Trains:Fast and efficient within Italy; limited in Greece and Croatia.
• Driving:Renting a car gives freedom along the Amalfi Coast or Greek countryside, but parking is limited in cities.

Smart Tip:Smartours’ itinerary tools let you map and compare cross-border routes instantly — ferries, flights, and even train timetables — all in one smart dashboard.

Packing for the Mediterranean Climate

Each region has its rhythm, but packing light and smart is universal.

• Essentials:Breathable linen, swimsuits, comfortable sandals, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• For Shoulder Seasons (May/Oct):Bring a light jacket — evenings can cool quickly.
• For Cultural Sites:Modest clothing is required for churches, mosques, and monasteries.
• Adapters:Bring a Type C/Fplug adapter with voltage converter (220–240V).

Smart Tip:Plan outfits by color palette — neutral tones layer easily and help blend in stylishly with Mediterranean locals.

Health & Safety

Tap water is drinkable in most Mediterranean countries (except some Greek islands). Pharmacies are abundant, and healthcare facilities in tourist zones are of high quality. Always pack:

• A small first-aid kitand prescription medsin original containers.
• Travel insurancecovering healthcare and trip cancellations.

Smart Tip:Register emergency numbers — 112 works EU-wide; Türkiye uses 112 for ambulance and 155 for police.

Mediterranean Vacation Packages Itinerary: 10–14 Day Coastal Highlights Route

The Mediterranean rewards travelers who move slowly but purposefully. This 10–14 day route blends cultural icons, coastal drives, and island escapes — connecting five countries through a journey of flavor, history, and sea views. Each leg is optimized for Smartours’ route tools, ensuring your transfers are efficient, flexible, and connected.

Day 1–2: Italy — Amalfi Coast & Rome

Begin your journey in Italy, where every meal and vista could double as a postcard. The Amalfi Coast sets the tone: pastel villages, winding cliff roads, and citrus-scented breezes — a cinematic welcome to the Mediterranean.

Morning:Land in Naples and make your way along the Amalfi Coast — winding coastal roads, pastel villages like Positanoand Ravello , and lemon groves cascading toward turquoise waters.
Afternoon:Enjoy a seaside lunch in Amalfi and explore hidden coves by local boat.
Evening:Travel to Rome by high-speed train (about 1 hour 10 min) and settle into a centrally located hotel.

Must-See Highlights:

• The Colosseum & Roman Forum: Explore early or late to avoid crowds; book skip-the-line tickets.
• Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps: Best visited at night when crowds thin and lights shimmer off marble.
• Trastevere: Wander cobblestone streets and dine at local trattorias.

Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ itinerary builder to sync rail timetables and find boutique stays near Termini or Trastevere.

Day 3–4: Greece — Athens & Santorini

Fly from Rome to Athens (2 hours). Spend a day walking in the footsteps of philosophers, then fly or ferry to Santorini for those iconic sunsets.

Athens Highlights:

• Morning: Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, best before 9 AM to avoid heat and crowds.
• Afternoon: Walk through Plaka District for cafés and street art. Stop by Varvakios Market for authentic Greek produce and herbs.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant near Monastiraki Square with a view of the Acropolis lit at night.

Santorini Highlights:

• Morning: Fly (50 minutes) or take a 5–6-hour ferry from Athens.
• Afternoon: Visit Oia for blue-domed churches and panoramic cliffs.
• Evening: Sip Assyrtiko wine at Imerovigli, Santorini’s highest village, and watch the sunset paint the sea gold.

Smart Tip:Ferries from Athens to Santorini take 5–6 hours; flights are faster (~50 minutes) but sell out early in summer.

Day 5–6: Croatia — Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast

Next stop: Dubrovnik , Croatia — a walled city where marble streets meet the Adriatic Sea.

Dubrovnik Highlights:

• Walk the City Walls for cinematic views.
• Explore Stradun Street and side alleys filled with cafés and artisan shops.
• Visit Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik’s ancient fortress, for panoramic photography.

Coastal Day Trips:

• Ferry toKorčulaorSplitfor day tours filled with Roman ruins and island calm.
• Swim at Banje Beach, just outside the Old Town gates.

Smart Tip:Croatia Airlines offers direct flights from Santorini or Athens to Dubrovnik during peak season — ideal for cutting ferry time.

Day 7–8: Malta — Valletta & Mdina

Malta may be small, but its mix of history and coastline feels grand. Baroque architecture, clear waters, and golden limestone cities make it the perfect midpoint between Europe and Africa.

Valletta Highlights:

• Walk Republic Street and visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John the Baptist.
• Watch ships glide throughGrand Harbourfrom Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Mdina & Beyond Highlights:

• ExploreMdina, the “Silent City,” known for narrow alleys and sunlit courtyards.
• Optional: Take a short ferry to Gozo for quiet trails, salt pans, and rugged cliffs.

Smart Tip:Malta’s buses are efficient, but taxis and rideshares are best for island-hopping with luggage.

Day 9–10: Türkiye — Istanbul

End your trip in Istanbul , where continents meet and cultures blend. From Ottoman palaces to spice bazaars, the city delivers grandeur and warmth in equal measure.

Istanbul Highllights:

• VisitHagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, andTopkapi Palace— all within walking distance of each other.
• Take a Bosphorus cruiseor explore the Grand Bazaarfor handmade goods and spices.
• Unwind at a traditional hammam, then enjoy meze and Turkish tea overlooking the water.

Smart Tip:Download the Istanbul Metro Map appfor offline access; public transport is fast, clean, and affordable.

Optional Extensions (Days 11–14)

If you have more time, extend your Mediterranean escape with deeper dives into each country:

• Italy:Add Florence or Venice for art and canals.
• Greece:Hop to Crete or Naxos for authentic island life.
• Croatia:Explore Plitvice Lakes or Hvar for nature and nightlife.
• Türkiye:Cappadocia’s hot air balloons and cave hotels are worth the detour.
• Malta:Spend extra time on Gozo or Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Smart Tip:Smartours’ AI itinerary tools optimize routes, cutting wasted transit time — letting you maximize your travel days without overpacking your schedule.

Transportation Highlights: Navigating the Mediterranean Efficiently

Covering five countries in one trip sounds daunting, but the Mediterranean’s modern infrastructure makes it easier than ever. The key is balancing speed with scenery — choosing when to fly, sail, or drive. Smartours’ travel tools simplify this by letting you compare multi-country routes, ferry timetables, and regional flights all in one place.

Below is a practical breakdown of how to move efficiently between and within Mediterranean destinations.

International Travel: Getting Between Countries

Short-Haul Flights:
The fastest and most reliable way to connect destinations like Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, and Türkiye.

• Best Airlines:Aegean Airlines, ITA Airways, Croatia Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air Malta.
• Average Flight Time:1–2 hours between most major hubs.
• Booking Tip:Book direct flights where possible — especially between smaller cities like Santorini and Dubrovnik.
• Smart Tip:Check Smartours’ route integration for automatic flight-to-hotel syncing.

Ferries:
Perfect for travelers who prefer slow travel and coastal views.

• Popular Routes:

• Italy ↔ Greece: Bari or Brindisi to Patras
• Italy ↔ Croatia: Ancona to Split or Dubrovnik
• Malta ↔ Sicily: Valletta to Pozzallo (90 minutes)

• Booking Apps:Ferryhopper, Direct Ferries, Omio
• Smart Tip:Ferry schedules shift seasonally — always verify routes for shoulder months (May, October).

Trains:
High-speed and scenic railways are best used within Italy and parts of Croatia.

• Italy:Trenitalia and Italo connect Rome, Naples, Florence, and Venice.
• Croatia:Rail options are limited — stick to buses or flights for long distances.
• Smart Tip:Use Trainlineor Omioto compare fares and print tickets in English.

Local Mobility: Moving Within Each Country

Italy:

• High-speed trains for major cities; car rental recommended for Amalfi and Tuscany.
• Driving note: Narrow roads and limited parking along the Amalfi Coast.
• Apps: Trenitalia, Italo, Free Now (for taxis).

Greece:

• Use ferries for island-hopping; domestic flights between Athens and Santorini or Crete save hours.
• Rent scooters or ATVs for smaller islands.
• Apps: Ferryhopper, Beat (ride-hailing), Google Maps offline.

Croatia:

• Buses are faster than trains between coastal cities.
• Ferries connect Dubrovnik, Split, and nearby islands.
• Apps: GetByBus, Jadrolinija (Croatian ferry operator).

Malta:

• Compact and easy to navigate — buses cover most routes.
• Ferries connect Valletta, Gozo, and Comino.
• Apps: Tallinja (bus schedule), Bolt (rideshare).

Türkiye:

• Istanbul has modern metros, trams, and ferries across the Bosphorus.
• Domestic flights are cheap and efficient for longer routes (Istanbul to Cappadocia).
• Apps: Moovit, BiTaksi, Istanbul Metro Map.

Driving the Mediterranean Coast

Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility in scenic regions like Amalfi, the Peloponnese, or Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

• Requirements:International Driving Permit (for non-EU travelers).
• Rules of Thumb:Drive on the right-hand side in all five countries.
• Parking:Use hotel or paid lots; street parking is rare and heavily enforced.
• Smart Tip:Set GPS to avoid toll roads if you prefer scenic drives — especially on coastal routes.

Budgeting for Transportation

Smart Tip:Combine passes (e.g., ferry + train) through Smartours’ itinerary builder to automatically balance cost and travel time.

Luggage and Transit Tips

• Pack light:Rolling luggage is impractical on cobblestone streets; opt for a backpack or hybrid suitcase.
• Luggage Delivery:Many EU and Turkish cities offer same-day luggage delivery between hotels — ask your concierge.
• Check-in rules:Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air have strict baggage limits.

Smart Tip:Schedule longer stays (3–4 nights per city) — minimizing packing and transit fatigue while maximizing exploration.

Food Highlights: Taste the Mediterranean with Flexible Vacation Packages

No Mediterranean journey is complete without diving into its food. Across five countries, the cuisine shifts from sun-drenched Italian terraces to sizzling Turkish grills — yet every bite carries the same coastal freshness and love for local ingredients.

This section breaks down what to eat and where, organized by country and dining experience — from street markets to fine dining.

ITALY — Heritage, Simplicity, and Coastal Flavor

Italy’s cuisine is rooted in tradition but endlessly regional — every town adds its twist.

Street & Casual Eats

• Pizza al taglio:Roman-style slices sold by weight — perfect for lunch on the go.
• Gelato:Authentic Italian gelato shops dot every piazza; look for natural colors, not neon.
• Espresso culture:Drink it standing at the counter; ordering “latte” alone gets you milk.

Midrange Dining

• Trattorias and osterias:Family-run gems serving handmade pasta, seafood risotto, or cacio e pepe.
• Amalfi specialties:Lemon pasta, fresh anchovies, and sfogliatella pastries.

Fine Dining

• Michelin-level tasting menus:Rome, Florence, and Naples balance elegance and authenticity.
• Wine pairings:Try local varietals — Chianti, Montepulciano, or Amalfi’s Falanghina whites.

Smart Tip:Most restaurants charge a small coperto(cover fee). It’s normal — don’t confuse it with tipping.

GREECE — Island Ingredients and Centuries of Tradition

Greek cuisine captures the Mediterranean diet at its purest — olive oil, seafood, and simplicity.

Street & Casual Eats

• Souvlaki & gyros:Affordable, flavorful, and found everywhere.
• Greek pies (spanakopita):Feta and spinach wrapped in flaky phyllo.
• Beach snacks:Grilled corn, watermelon slices, and iced coffee (freddo cappuccino).

Midrange Dining

• Taverna dining:Casual outdoor restaurants where dishes are shared — order meze like tzatziki, grilled octopus, and dolmades.
• Santorini specialties:Cherry tomatoes, white eggplant, and crisp Assyrtiko wine.

Fine Dining

• Athens rooftop restaurants:Elevated versions of Greek classics with Acropolis views.
• Island experiences:Farm-to-table dining in Naxos or Paros, often family-run but gourmet in quality.

Smart Tip:Greek meals are meant to be social — don’t rush; order small plates over time and enjoy conversation.

CROATIA — Adriatic Seafood and Coastal Heritage

Croatia blends Italian and Balkan influences — think Mediterranean flavors with hearty undertones.

Street & Casual Eats

• Burek:Savory pastry filled with cheese or meat, perfect for breakfast.
• Seafood skewers:Sold at markets or seaside stalls.
• Gelato & coffee culture:Especially strong along the Dalmatian Coast.

Midrange Dining

• Konoba taverns:Rustic family-run spots serving black risotto (crni rižot), octopus salad, and fresh-caught fish.
• Istria’s inland gems:Known for truffles, olive oil, and prosciutto.

Fine Dining

• Split & Dubrovnik:Michelin-star restaurants now rival Italy’s in creativity and local sourcing.
• Wine:Try Plavac Mali reds or crisp Pošip whites from the Pelješac Peninsula.

Smart Tip:Always confirm if seafood is “fresh” (svježe) — some spots use frozen imports, even near the coast.

MALTA — A Fusion of European and North African Influences

Maltese cuisine reflects its crossroads location — part Sicilian, part Arabic, all Mediterranean.

Street & Casual Eats

• Pastizzi:Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, sold everywhere.
• Ftira:Maltese-style pizza or sandwich baked in wood ovens.
• Local soft drinks:Try Kinnie, a bittersweet orange soda unique to Malta.

Midrange Dining

• Harbor bistros:Fresh seafood pasta, grilled swordfish, and rabbit stew (fenkata).
• Mdina cafés:Peaceful settings for pastries and Maltese coffee.

Fine Dining

• Valletta waterfront:Michelin-star restaurants focus on seafood, Mediterranean tasting menus, and local wines.
• Wine pairing:Try indigenous Girgentina or Gellewza varietals.

Smart Tip:Maltese meals often run late; locals dine between 8–10 PM.

TÜRKIYE — The Bridge Between Continents and Flavors

Turkish food captures the essence of Eastern spice and Mediterranean freshness — a sensory highlight of any trip.

Street & Casual Eats

• Simit:Sesame-covered bread rings — the Turkish bagel.
• Kebabs & dürüm wraps:Served everywhere, from bazaars to ferry docks.
• Street drinks:Fresh pomegranate juice and ayran(salted yogurt drink).

Midrange Dining

• Meze restaurants:Shared starters like hummus, grilled eggplant, and spicy ezme.
• Seafood by the Bosphorus:Grilled sea bass or fried anchovies (hamsi).
• Desserts:Baklava, Turkish delight, and künefe (cheese pastry with syrup).

Fine Dining

• Modern Istanbul:Michelin-starred restaurants reinterpreting Ottoman cuisine with minimalist flair.
• Anatolian cuisine:Explore ancient recipes from Gaziantep, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Smart Tip:Turkish coffee is served strong and unfiltered — sip slowly, don’t stir the grounds.

Smart Travel Tip

Smartours’ itinerary planner integrates dining suggestions into your travel route, so you can filter restaurants by location, budget, and cuisine — whether you’re craving Greek meze on a Santorini terrace or espresso by the Amalfi coast.

Accommodation Snapshot: The Smart Way to Stay in the Mediterranean

Choosing where to stay in the Mediterranean can shape your entire experience — from balcony breakfasts overlooking Santorini to boutique hotels on Dubrovnik’s city walls. Whether you prefer heritage inns, seaside apartments, or modern hotels, Smartours helps you find accommodations that balance comfort, convenience, and authenticity.

Here’s how to stay smart across five Mediterranean destinations.

Boutique Hotels — For Style and Central Access

Best for:Couples, solo travelers, or anyone who values design and location.

What to expect:Personalized service, curated interiors, and walkable access to landmarks.

Where to find them:

• Italy:Positano and Sorrento — romantic cliffside stays with panoramic sea views.
• Greece:Santorini’s Oia or Athens’ Plaka — perfect for culture and sunsets.
• Croatia:Dubrovnik Old Town and Split — charming stone buildings turned boutique stays.
• Malta:Valletta’s harborfront and Mdina’s quiet alleys.
• Türkiye:Istanbul’s Sultanahmet and Karaköy districts for boutique hotels with Ottoman flair.

Smart Tip: Browse Hotala for hotels with flexible cancellation policies and loyalty-rate integrations via Smartours.

Villas & Vacation Rentals — For Space, Privacy, and Local Life

Best for:Families, groups, or slow travelers.

What to expect:Full kitchens, ocean-view terraces, and a more local rhythm of life.

Where to find them:

• Italy:Amalfi Coast and Sicily — multi-bedroom villas ideal for long stays.
• Greece:Mykonos, Crete, and Paros — sea-view villas with private pools.
• Croatia:Istria and Hvar — traditional stone homes near vineyards.
• Malta:Gozo — farmhouse rentals with courtyards and pools.
• Türkiye:Bodrum and Antalya — modern villas close to beaches and marinas.

Smart Tip:Use Rent By Owner listings through Smartours to find verified stays with weekly and monthly discounts — ideal for digital nomads or family vacations.

Heritage Hotels & Historic Inns — For Culture and Character

Best for:Travelers who want a story behind every room.

What to expect:Renovated mansions, convents, and forts that blend history with modern comfort.

Where to find them:

• Italy:Florence and Rome — palazzo hotels filled with frescoes and marble.
• Greece:Nafplio and Rhodes — neoclassical homes turned heritage lodgings.
• Croatia:Split’s Diocletian Palace — live among Roman walls.
• Malta:Valletta — boutique inns within 17th-century limestone buildings.
• Türkiye:Cappadocia cave hotels and Istanbul Ottoman-era mansions.

Smart Tip: Smartours filters highlight “historic stays” within walking distance of major landmarks, ensuring easy access and cultural immersion.

Modern Hotels — For Comfort and Connectivity

Best for:Short stays, business travelers, or those who value predictability.

What to expect:Efficient service, tech amenities, and proximity to public transport.

Where to find them:

• Italy:Rome Termini or Naples Centrale — near train stations and metro lines.
• Greece:Athens’ Syntagma Square and Thessaloniki waterfront.
• Croatia:Zagreb and Dubrovnik modern quarters.
• Malta:Sliema and St. Julian’s — upscale hotels near beaches and nightlife.
• Türkiye:Istanbul’s Taksim and Levent — sleek city hotels with smart check-ins.

Smart Tip:Many Mediterranean hotels include breakfast buffets — perfect for fueling long sightseeing days without overspending.

Seaside Resorts — For Relaxation and Full-Service Experiences

Best for:Honeymooners, beachgoers, or anyone looking to slow down.

What to expect:All-inclusive options, pools with sea views, spa services, and private beaches.

Where to find them:

• Italy:Capri and Sardinia — glamorous but relaxed.
• Greece:Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete — romantic getaways.
• Croatia:Hvar and Dubrovnik Riviera — resort clusters with marina views.
• Malta:Mellieħa Bay — quiet, family-friendly resorts.
• Türkiye:Bodrum and Fethiye — luxury resorts mixing coastal elegance and Turkish hospitality.

Smart Tip: Search “seaside stays” in Smartours’ planner to compare proximity to beaches, ferry ports, and cultural attractions — ideal for travelers balancing leisure with exploration.

Booking Insight

• Advance Booking:Reserve 2–3 months early for summer (June–August), or 4–6 months for peak spots like Santorini and Amalfi.
• Smart Planning:Combine hotel + rental packages to reduce transit stress — e.g., hotel in Rome → villa in Santorini → boutique stay in Dubrovnik.
• Accessibility Check:Always verify elevator access in heritage properties — many are in historic buildings without lifts.

Wrap-Up: Plan Your Perfect Mediterranean Vacation with Smartours

From Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Türkiye’s vibrant bazaars, the Mediterranean offers a world of discovery — best experienced your way. With Smartours’ flexible Mediterranean vacation packages , you can explore five countries at your own pace, choosing where to linger, where to sail, and how to connect it all seamlessly.

Every part of your journey — flights, stays, ferries, and even restaurant stops — can be planned intelligently through Smartours’ travel tools. Compare itineraries, filter by travel style, and fine-tune your route to match your interests and budget.

Start Planning with Smartours

• Design your itinerary:Use Smartours’ smart planner to connect Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, and Türkiye in one continuous route.
• Bookmark and share:Keep this guide for your next adventure, or send it to fellow travelers planning their dream Mediterranean escape.

Smart Travel. Simplified.

The Mediterranean has always been a crossroads of cultures — and with Smartours, it’s now a crossroads of smart travel.

Plan confidently, travel flexibly, and discover the Mediterranean your way.