10 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Relaxed Athens, Santorini, Naxos & Mykonos

Perfect for first-time travelers to Greece eager to experience the wonders of Athens and the Cyclades, this 10-day itinerary features the picturesque islands of Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos. Each island has its own superb highlights, which you'll discover through biking tours, self-guided excursions, and a catamaran cruise. In addition, a street food tour in Athens and dinners with locals ensure you enjoy a warm introduction to Greece's famed hospitality.

Welcome to Greece! Your adventure begins with two bucket list-worthy days in Athens, in which you'll visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon and hop between the city's food markets and wine bars. Then, wake early to catch a ferry to the famous volcano caldera island of Santorini, and upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing afternoon of beach hopping. The following morning kicks off with a self-guided exploration of the whitewashed town of Fira and continues with a dreamy catamaran cruise around the island. Next, board another ferry, this one bound for the lush island of Naxos, and settle in for a three-day stay.

Spend your first day in Naxos as you please, either hiking to the summit of Mount Zas or relaxing with a drink in hand. Then, over the following two days, you'll have time to embark on a bike tour featuring the island's scenic coastlines and charming villages and join a local family-led cooking class to learn the secrets of Naxos cuisine. Continuing your island-hopping journey, you'll next find yourself on the lavish island of Mykonos. Here, you'll indulge in fresh seafood in Little Venice, sip wine at an organic vineyard, and enjoy a fantastic end-of-adventure meal at a local Mykonian household. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage

Sip wine produced with grapes tied to the Greek god Dionysus, join a Mykonian family for a traditional dinner, and learn the art of olive oil-making on this immersive culinary tour. Crafted with foodies in mind, each day promises new and insightful culinary experiences as you hop between Cycladic islands and spend time in the coastal town of Nafplio. Plus, with a few mountains to climb, coastlines to explore, and castles to tour, you'll have no problem working up an appetite.

Greece is renowned for its superb Mediterranean cuisine, and there's no better place to indulge in your first tastes than in Athens. Before sitting down for a welcoming dinner overlooking ancient ruins, check out the must-see Acropolis and Parthenon, then spend the following morning meeting the furry residents of an authentic Greek farm. Next, transfer to Nafplio, a beautiful city tucked on the Peloponnese peninsula, and get your bearings while strolling its Old Town. Dedicate the following day to a Nemea region winery-hopping tour before delving into the secrets of olive oil production at a rural farm.

The second half of your journey transitions to the gorgeous Cyclades, and your first stop is the often-overlooked island of Tinos. Here, you'll conquer a hike on the slopes of Exomvourgo mountain and reward yourself with a full-day culinary experience featuring the island's fresh produce and cheeses. Afterward, hop over to Mykonos for an overnight stay and get to know the island's crisp wine and hearty dishes while visiting a local Mykonian household. Your final destination is Naxos, where you'll happen upon quaint tavernas in Chora and tour the Venetian Castle before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Historic Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades & Crete

Greece is filled to the brim with ancient ruins, temples, and cities, and this cultural odyssey promises an insightful introduction to the best of them. On the mainland, tour Athen's Acropolis and Parthenon alongside an expert guide, ponder the great ruins of Delphi, and visit a city referenced in Homer's "Iliad." Then, spend five days hopping between the Cyclades' renowned historic sites, including the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri.

Your journey through Greek history begins with three days in the storied capital of Athens. Spend your first afternoon meandering through lesser-known archaeological sites and colorful markets, then delight in an immersive tour featuring the Acropolis and the Parthenon. While based in Athens, you'll also embark on a day trip to the ruins of Delphi, considered by ancient Greeks to be where heaven and earth meet. Next, catch a ferry to Mykonos, and while this island is famous for its ritzy atmosphere, you'll spend your time based here exploring the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis on nearby Delos.

Continuing your time-traveling journey, you'll soon find yourself in Santorini, roaming the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement and watching the sunset from the very caldera that halted its flourishing era. Then, ferry to Crete and dedicate three days to exploring its finest historical sites. Roam the 3,500-year-old Palace of Knossos, tour the ruins of the former mighty city of Aptera, and meander through Chania's streets, which date back to Venetian rule. Afterward, return to Athens by plane, transfer to Nafplio, and top off your superb adventure with visits to Bourtzi Castle and Palamidi Castle. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Mainland Greece Road Trip

This whirlwind road trip through Greece is perfect for travelers seeking a fast-paced adventure filled with historical wonders. Throughout, see firsthand the ruins of Sparta, Olympia, and Delphi, admire the well-preserved Byzantine citadel of Mystras, and join a mythology tour in Athens. In between, enjoy scenic drives through olive groves and along beautiful coastlines, and refresh with leisurely beach days and winery-hopping excursions.

Before hitting the road, kick off your adventure with a two-day stay in Athens. Experience its historical wonders while on a Greek mythology tour, meander through the Acropolis and the Roman Agora, and tuck into neighborhood taverns to enjoy souvlaki. Next, collect your rental car and set your sights on Nafplio, which will be your three-day base to explore the Peloponnese peninsula. Spend your first afternoon here checking out 15th-century castles, then join a guide for a winery tour of the Nemea region and round off your stay with a memorable trip to the ancient city of Mycenae. 

After a leisurely paced first half, the second portion of your journey features an overnight stay each in Mystras, Pylos, Nafpaktos, and Galaxidi. Your first destination, Mystras, is renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine citadel, which you'll explore along with the fascinating Archaeological Site of Sparta. Then, continue west to Pylos, where a lovely day relaxing on Voidokoilia Beach awaits, followed by a visit to the Archaeological Site of Olympia on your way to Nafpaktos. Lastly, pause in Delphi to see the Temple of Apollo before rounding off your road trip with a scenic drive from Galaxidi to Athens. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Adventure Tour of Athens & the Peloponnese

In addition to its many marvelous historical sights, Greece has countryside and coastlines that are perfect for thrilling activities, and this adventure-filled itinerary features a delightful mix of them. Jeep through wild horse pastures, kayak above the Sunken City, sail between the Saronic Islands, and hike across the gorge of Polylimnio Waterfalls. In addition, splitting your trip between only three destinations ensures your stay is focused on exploring rather than time in the car.

Upon arriving in Athens, shake off any travel fatigue while meandering through the city's colorful markets and intriguing museums. Then, take the excitement up a few notches with a thrilling 4WD excursion on the agenda, followed by a delectable food tour through Athens Central Food Market. During your stay in Athens, you'll also take the opportunity to sail around the nearby Saronic Islands and, of course, tour the iconic Acropolis. Afterward, transfer to Kalamata, a city on the Peloponnese peninsula, and spend an afternoon as you please—perhaps going for a coastal walk or relaxing at a beach bar.

Refreshed and ready for more, you'll don your swimsuit for a unique sea kayaking and snorkeling experience in the Messinian Gulf. Then, trade the blue waters of the Ionian Sea for cascading freshwater on a Polylimnio Waterfalls hiking trip before continuing to Nafplio. There's certainly no shortage of adventure here, and after indulging in cheeses, olives, and Greek sweets during a food tour, you'll be fueled up for a memorable kayaking excursion above the Sunken City. Following your time at sea, round off your trip with lunch at a family farm and a transfer back to Athens. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Greece? Check out these other 10-day Greece itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.