Greece 12-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 41 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Greece.

With 12 days, travelers can get to know three or four classic Greek destinations. Start in Athens, touring ancient historical sites within and around the city, before spending 4 days each in glamorous Mykonos and stunning Santorini. Or stick to the mainland, pairing ruins of civilizations past with authentic experiences.

See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 12-day trips in Greece.

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Monemvasia's Preserved Old Town
Hidden Gems of Mainland Greece - 12 Days

This dynamic road trip takes you through some of mainland Greece's best kept secrets, starting with a mythology tour of the Acropolis in Athens and a visit to the wineries in Nemea. Then head into the picturesque Peloponnese Region where you'll discover the ancient ruins in Sparta, the medicinal tales of Ascelpius, and the charms of historic Mani villages. Visit the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia, hike to an alpine lake for a swim, and visit a family-operated olive farm to learn all about the production process and to taste different varieties.

Get curious about the Cyclades
Map of Cultural Cyclades: Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini - 12 Days
Cultural Cyclades: Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini - 12 Days

Visit four distinct islands in Greece's most famous archipelago with this 12-day itinerary. Shop the glamorous boutiques of Mykonos, take a cooking workshop on cultural hotspot Naxos, experience village life on tiny Ios, and soak in the sun (and sunsets) of Santorini. Along the way, you'll enjoy lots of Greek history, glorious beach time, and pretty ferry rides across the Aegean sea.

The Erechtheion Temple at the Acropolis, Athens
Map of Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 12 Days
Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 12 Days

Experience the history, culture, and flavors of Greece on this jam-packed tour of Athens and the islands. You'll learn about ancient Greek mythology on visits to the Acropolis and Delphi, followed by an island-hopping adventure to stylish Mykonos, historic Delos, and romantic Santorini. Go trekking in Crete and explore fascinating ruins before making your way back to Athens.

Walk any number of streets for a view of the Acropolis
Map of Best of Athens & Ancient Greece - 12 Days
Best of Athens & Ancient Greece - 12 Days

Long dominated by the omnipresent Parthenon, Athens mingles its classical past with a budding art scene and bustling markets. You'll spend twelve days exploring this city's many cultural treasures and cool neighborhoods—along with day trips to archaeological sites in nearby Eleusis, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia and Delphi. See why the epicenter of antiquity and philosophy is well worth a trip today.

Oia windmill
Map of Relaxed Athens, Santorini, Naxos & Mykonos - 12 Days
Relaxed Athens, Santorini, Naxos & Mykonos - 12 Days

Greece has roughly 2,000 islands within its borders, but with 12 days to travel, you'll focus on these three favorites after a tour through the capital's food scene. See the star Santorini caldera, then sail to Naxos to take a spin around the beaches. Then it's off to Mykonos for a farm tour and more beach time before you head back to Athens.

The view from Navarino Castle overlooking Pylos Bay
Map of Mainland Greece Road Trip - 12 Days
Mainland Greece Road Trip - 12 Days

Immerse yourself in history and culture on this 12-day trip encompassing Athens and the Greek countryside. Learn about Greek mythology straight from the source at the Acropolis before heading west to the Peloponnese. Go wine tasting at the vineyards of Nemea, visit Byzantine castles, and stroll the streets of traditional villages. See where Helen of Troy lived and where the Olympics were born, and consult the oracle at Delphi before ending your road trip back in the capital.

Ermoupoli waterfront on Syros
Map of Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 12 Days
Relaxing Secret Cyclades - 12 Days

Take 12 days to explore some of the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades. Start by sampling street food in Athens before venturing out to sea. You'll stop on Syros, Tinos, Naxos, and Ios, with enough stately homes, savory food tours, and sunny beaches to keep you in serenity long after your trip is over.

A coastal hike with views of the Aegean Sea
Map of Active Cyclades Adventure - 12 Days
Active Cyclades Adventure - 12 Days

Famous for their beautiful beaches, the Cyclades Islands aren't just for lounging. Hike, bike, and sail around whitewashed fishing villages and over rocky landscapes on this 12-day active tour. Start off in Paros with a cooking class and scenic horseback ride before cycling in Naxos and a sunset hike in Santorini. You'll explore more of the Aegean Sea before bidding farewell to Greece with a well-deserved wine toast.

The blue lagoon of Porto Timoni beach on Corfu
Map of Athens, Northern Greece, & Corfu Adventure - 12 Days
Athens, Northern Greece, & Corfu Adventure - 12 Days

Northern Greece stretches across more cultures and terrains than any other region in the country. After arriving in Athens, you'll head to Thessaloniki, with some of the best food and wine in the country. From here, you'll go hiking and river rafting on the mainland and then ferry to Corfu island for beaches, kayaking, and a Jeep safari toward ancient monasteries.

Naxos
Map of Greek Islands & History: Athens, the Cyclades, & More - 12 Days
Greek Islands & History: Athens, the Cyclades, & More - 12 Days

Both culture and nature lovers will enjoy this 12-day tour of Greece. Starting in Athens then traveling to Delphi, you'll learn all about classical Greek history and unparalleled museums and archeological sites. Then, the relaxation begins in Mykonos, where you'll meet your charter yacht. Spend the rest of your trip sailing around the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea, a quintessential and unforgettable Greek experience. 

Bourtzi Castle in Nafplio Bay
Map of Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 12 Days
Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 12 Days

In the Odyssey, King Nestor receives Odysseus's son, who comes seeking word of his missing father. Join the long list of storied guests to Nestor's palace and others with this 12-day itinerary. Go from the Acropolis through historic sites at Nafplio, Mycenae, Pylos, and Olympia before sailing to the island of Zakynthos to explore its villages and vineyards, then return to watch the sun set over the Athenian Riviera.

Oia, Santorini
Map of Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 12 Days
Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 12 Days

This itinerary offers sun, surf, and an inside look at Greek culture, both ancient and modern. Start things off in Athens, where you'll explore at your own pace and try some of the capital's best street food. Then begin your island hopping adventure with a stop in Tinos, a pilgrimage site and home to a centuries-old marble craft. Next, make your way to Mykonos, where you can stroll through the pretty streets, unwind on the beach, and indulge in some of the island's excellent culinary offerings. Set sail for Santorini, where you'll cruise around its volcanic caldera, before moving on to Crete's charming historic towns and villages. End your trip back in Athens with an unforgettable sunset excursion.

Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Map of Family Trip to Ancient Greece - 12 Days
Family Trip to Ancient Greece - 12 Days

This family-focused trip features all that Greece has to offer, but with a kid-friendly twist. Start in the bustling capital of Athens where you'll take an interactive language class and tour the incredible Acropolis, followed by an archeological tour and beach day in Nafplio. End the trip on the island of Crete, where you'll visit beaches, enjoy guided tours of historic sites, and become archeologists and artists in a simulated excavation and a mosaic-making class.

Santorini at sunset
Gourmet Experience & Outdoor Adventure in Athens, Crete & Santorini - 12 Days

Offering the perfect balance of outdoor activities and gourmet pursuits that provide insight into Greece's history and culture, the pleasures of Athens, Crete, and Santorini await. Begin in Athens and discover the city, kayak around Cape Sounio at sunset, and hike in Parnassos National Park. Then it's off to Crete to sample local cuisine and relax on the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi before ending the adventure with several days on Santorini.

Exploring Athens By Night
Discover Food, Wine, and Culture in Greece - 12 Days

This tours focuses on the amazing food, wine, and culture provided by the vibrant country of Greece, highlighting bustling cities like Athens and Chania, as well as the islands of Santorini and Naxos. You'll enjoy numerous food and wine tours, allowing you to taste Greek cuisine, delicacies, pastries, and local wines and liquors, plus your own handmade dishes with a cooking class in Crete. Along the way, you'll visit an olive farm, a family-owned cheese shop, wineries, and bustling food markets, indulging your taste buds in some of the country's most beloved treats.

Descending the Santorini cliffside
Map of Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini  - 12 Days
Greek Hotspots in Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 12 Days

See some of Greece's star attractions on this 12-day itinerary. Start off in the capital of Athens and experience its rich historic heritage and modern food scene. Then ship out to the Cyclades, home to Mykonos and Santorini, where you'll enjoy beaches, archaeological tours, and all the fresh seafood your stomach could desire.

Beautiful Santorini at Night
Luxury Tour of Athens and the Cyclades - 12 Days

This luxury tour of Greece starts in the bustling capital of Athens, discovering its incredible architecture and charming neighborhoods, followed by the exploration of the islands of Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. Live the posh life as you relax at world-renowned beach clubs, enjoy sunset cruises, tour villages around the islands, and discover the taste of Greece with food tours and wine tastings. Score incredible views of the islands and the Aegean Sea with hikes, trips to hot springs, and sunsets from your own private pool.

View of the Acropolis Hill in Athens
Discover Greek Mythology and Archeology - 12 Days

Visit some of Greece's most important sites on this archeology and mythology tour, starting in the buzzy capital of Athens, atop the famous Acropolis Hill, and at the Temples of Delphi. Then head to the islands, stopping in Crete to explore Heraklion, Chania, and the Arkadi Monastery, followed by Mykonos and Santorini for prehistoric ruins. End your trip on the island of Delos where you'll walk the Terrace of Lions, then head back to Athens for one final day visiting the Temple of Poseidon and chasing the sunset along the Athenian Riviera.

Fishing boats at the Amoudi Old Port
Island History & Culture in Athens, Santorini & Crete - 12 Days

Span some key Greek island selections on this 12-day trip. Start off getting your historic background information on a tour of the Acropolis, then head out to discover the island architecture alongside the wine and seafood of Santorini and Cretan history.

The beautiful interior landscape of Crete
Map of Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days
Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days

Discover the intense beauty of the Greek mainland and islands as you hike, bike, and kayak your way around. This 12-day itinerary will take you from the bustling capital to the clifftops of Meteora to the shores of the Cyclades. You'll hike the hills of Tinos and trek through Crete's Samaria Gorge, bike along the perfect beaches of Naxos, kayak in the sea beneath a castle fortress, and more on this action-packed adventure. 

The mountains of Zagori in autumn
Map of Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 12 Days
Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 12 Days

See some of Greece's most mesmerizing landscapes with this itinerary across the northern part of the country. Delve into the rich history of Thessaloniki, before heading for the photogenic cliffs of Meteora, where you'll visit some of the country's oldest monasteries. Then relax lakeside in Ioannina and visit the stone villages in the mountains of Zagori. Wrap up your adventure with a few days on the Ionian island of Corfu, where you'll explore via Jeep safari, enjoy a delicious food tour, and more!

Corfu from the water
Map of Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 12 Days
Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 12 Days

Explore three islands on a single trip with this 12-day itinerary. From the beaches and medieval old town of Rhodes to Crete's Palace of Knossos and agricultural fields to Corfu's contemporary cuisine and architecture, you'll make the full circuit of some of the most interesting isles that Greece has to offer.

Windmills of Santorini
Map of Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 12 Days
Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 12 Days

The standout Cyclades island chain isn't just for honeymooners—take the entire family with this itinerary. You'll start in Mykonos, where you can dodge the jetsetters with quiet beaches and a farm visit. Then go on to Naxos and Santorini. See into ancient history, experience scenic shores, and dive into the sea to fill photo albums you'll enjoy for years to come.

Sunset on the Amazing Island of Syros
Gastronomy and Culture of the Cyclades - 12 Days

Discover Greece's distinct culture and gastronomy, starting in Athens with a private tour of the Acropolis and a hands-on cooking class, followed by a transition to some of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Begin in Syros for food tours and explorations of medieval cities, then head to the hidden gem of Tinos for some of Greece's best cuisine, plus a visit to marble villages, an art workshop, and an afternoon swimming in the Aegean Sea. End your trip in Naxos where you'll discover ancient sites, historic streets, medieval monasteries, and, of course, delicious, locally-sourced cuisines, the pride of the Greek Islands.

Naxos
Map of Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 12 Days
Active Cyclades: Tinos, Naxos & Ios - 12 Days

Hike, bike, and paddle your way around the Cyclades with this exciting twelve day itinerary. You'll trek up a rocky mountain on Tinos, dive into the Aegean on a scuba excursion in Naxos, and canoe around the bay on Ios. Top off your adventure in Athens with a farewell bike tour of all the sights.

Church in Athens old town
Map of Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 12 Days
Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 12 Days

Take 12 days to cover Grece's central latitudes with this bustling itinerary. Start up on the Acropolis, then down to the clear waters of Skopelos island. Head back inland to the clifftop monasteries and mountain villages of Meteora and Zagori, then out seaward once more to walk the street food stalls of Corfu before you return to Athens.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete
Map of Historic Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades and Crete - 12 Days
Historic Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades and Crete - 12 Days

Immerse yourself in ancient Greek mythology and history with this trip to the mainland and islands. Your journey begins in Athens, where you'll explore the Acropolis and consult the oracle on an excursion to Delphi. Then head for the Cyclades, where you'll stop at Delos, Mykonos, and Santorini, before traveling to Crete. There, you'll visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and try your luck at its famous labyrinth. Make your way back to the mainland for more historical curiosities before returning to the modern era. 

Classic island accessorizing
Map of Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days
Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days

There are 158 verses to the full Greek national anthem—with 12 days here, you'll be able to learn at least a few of them.  Begin with an Acropolis tour followed by a ferry down to the Cyclades to visit the archaeological site at Delos and caldera cliffs of Santorini. Hop over to Crete to tour the Palace of Knossos and villages of Apokoronas, combining history and modernity, before you return to Athens for more day trips straight out of the legends.

Streets of Chania
Map of Athens and Crete Family Adventure - 12 Days
Athens and Crete Family Adventure - 12 Days

Come to Crete with childlike enthusiasm on this 12-day itinerary. After an Athenian mythology tour, the island awaits you, with Venetian architecture, sprawling natural landscapes, historic stone villages, and more ready to be explored.

Colorful Santorini
Discover Ancient Greece & the Cyclades - 12 Days

Enjoy some of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades on this trip, starting on the mainland with mythology tours of the Acropolis, stargazing at constellations, and walks through the Temple of Delphi. Make your way to Tinos, the hidden gem of the Aegean, where you'll enjoy visits to marble villages, an afternoon on the beach, and an art workshop, followed by the glitz of Mykonos and the ancient ruins of Delos. End your trip with historical sites in Naxos, plus gorgeous views, beaches, and a wine tasting in Santorini.

Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis
Map of Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 12 Days
Past and Present in Athens, Tinos, Mykonos & Naxos - 12 Days

Immerse yourself in the history of Greece with this 12-day itinerary. Start with the museums and myths of Athens with an Acropolis tour, cooking class, and trip to Mycenae. Then venture out to the Cyclades to see the sites and sample some of the local agriculture along the way.

On the way to the beach in Nafplio
Map of Mainland Greece Adventure Trip - 12 Days
Mainland Greece Adventure Trip - 12 Days

Make the most of your 12 days in Greece with this adventurous itinerary around the mainland. You'll discover the sights and sounds of Athens by bicycle before hiking in the hills of Meteora and Zagori. Stop for a swim in the waterfalls and lakes of the northern Peloponnese, and then head for the historic coastal city of Nafplio for biking and kayaking with a view.

The curious rock formations of the Zagori landscape
Map of Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 12 Days
Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 12 Days

This exciting itinerary squeezes plenty of thrills into 12 days spent on the mainland and Corfu. Soak in the history of Athens as you bike through its various neighborhoods, and then head for the monasteries of Meteora and the villages of Zagori. There you'll trek through the mountains and be at one with nature. For a change of scenery, take the ferry over to Corfu, where you'll hike, bike, and kayak around its ruggedly beautiful coastline and historic Old Town.

Sunset in Santorini
Escape to Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 12 Days

This colorful 12-day itinerary around Greece features a wide range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures, from sightseeing at the Acropolis to sailing around Santorini at sunset. You'll begin the journey with sightseeing in Athens, then move on to explore ancient ruins at Mycenae, Nafplio, Delphia, and Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Hike around the Meteora before catching a boat to Mykonos and enjoying some relaxation on the island. You'll end the trip with several days in Santorini, plenty of time for exploring island villages, discovering quiet beaches, and taking in a glorious sunset during a sailing excursion.

Views over Naxos
Culture & Adventure in Athens, Naxos & Santorini - 12 Days

See some of Greece's popular high points and hidden secrets with this itinerary. Start out in Athens, where you'll tour the Acropolis and visit the resort town of Vouliagmeni before you head out to the Cyclades. Your island journey includes Naxos, home to the marble village and a sailboat that will take you out to the neighboring Small Cyclades, followed by Santorini, where you'll explore the iconic caldera and the rest of the island before you return to Athens.

A slew of sampling options
Map of Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 12 Days
Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 12 Days

Greece produces more feta cheese than any other country, and you can do your best to make a dent in their supply on this 12-day itinerary. Eat your way through both the mainland and the islands in olive groves and amid vineyards before learning to cook under the Acropolis to cap it all off.

View of Thessaloniki from Ano Poli
Map of Urban Adventures and History in Athens & Thessaloniki - 12 Days
Urban Adventures and History in Athens & Thessaloniki - 12 Days

The thrills of buzzing Athens and Thessaloniki await on this 12-day adventure based in Greece's two largest cities. Begin and end in the capital, where you'll frequent the markets and coffee houses in between trips to the Acropolis and the sacred site of Delphi. Travel north to Greece's second city for some fascinating Byzantine and Ottoman history and architecture, and a stroll around beautiful the beautiful Ano Poli neighborhood. Back in Athens, spend your last day learning to prepare a traditional meal at a cooking class with a view.

Thessaloniki and the Church of St. Paul
Map of Discover Athens, Thessaloniki & Crete - 12 Days
Discover Athens, Thessaloniki & Crete - 12 Days

This 12-day cosmopolitan itinerary will take you through the streets of the capital, the coastal metropolis of Thessaloniki, and the Cretan city of Chania and beyond. Explore neighborhoods both old and new in Athens and find its most photogenic corners. Then head north to Thessaloniki, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of its fascinating historical sites. Finally, travel over to Crete to wander around Venetian Chania and visit the Palace of Knossos, before returning to the capital for a cooking class with a view.

 Boat in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Santorini
Adventure & Relaxation in Athens, Naxos & Santorini - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure, focused around three of Greece's top destinations, offers an enticing mix of cultural sightseeing, outdoor adventure, and pure relaxation. You'll spend the first few days in Athens, visiting the Acropolis, tasting Greek delicacies on a food tour, and side-tripping to nearby islands by boat. Then you'll move on to Naxos, participating in another guided food tour, sightseeing in the old town, and sailing to beautiful beaches on the islands of Paros and Antiparos. Finish the itinerary on the gorgeous island of Santorini, where you'll kayak around sea caves, relax on the famous Red Beach, and end the trip with a sunset catamaran tour around the coastline.

Taverna in a square on Crete
Map of Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 12 Days
Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 12 Days

The phrase "take the bull by the horns" is believed to have originated on Crete, and that's how you should approach this 12-day itinerary. You'll need plenty of stamina as you eat and drink your way through Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete, whether you're taking a cooking class, trekking the villages of Apokoronas, or trying out your moves at a demonstration of traditional Cretan dancing.

Tinian countryside
Map of Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 12 Days
Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos, and Crete - 12 Days

The Greek word for water is "neró," which will come in handy both when you need to refill your bottle before trekking over the hills and when you're pointing out views from the ferry on this 12-day itinerary.  Spend your days taking in all the activities that Athens and the islands have to offer, whether you're biking down the Athenian Riviera or hiking into Crete's Samaria Gorge.

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