Key Takeaways
- No matter where you want to go, start your trip with at least a couple of days in Athens, exploring the rich culture and striking archaeological sites.
- Consider visiting at least three Greek islands for the ultimate Greek island-hopping experience.
- Prioritize the key attractions and allow yourself some leisurely exploration time to truly appreciate the beauty and culture of Greece.
- Plan your itinerary in a way that allows for efficient transportation between destinations.
What if I told you that I, along with Greeking. me's team of expert travel designers, know the secret to making the best decision of your life?
It's obvious, to be honest. It is the decision to spend your annual vacation in Greece!
Greece's destinations are one better than the other one, while the country's apex archaeological monuments are awe-inspiring.
However, it takes a lot of work to squeeze everything into a 10-night trip to Greece.
7 Things That Will Make Your Greece Itinerary Incredible:
- Focus on a few key destinations: With only seven nights, choosing which destinations you want to explore is essential. Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are all popular choices and offer a great combination of history, culture, and stunning scenery.
- Plan your itinerary carefully: Once you've decided on your destinations, plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time. Consider using public transportation or car rental to get around, but be aware that some destinations, such as Santorini, may require additional transportation, such as ferries or flights.
- Visit the iconic sites: Greece is home to many iconic sites of ancient Greece, including the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient city of Knossos in Crete. Be sure to visit these sites to experience Greece's rich history and culture, and keep in mind to include a UNESCO World Heritage Site like Delos as well.
- Experience the local cuisine: Greek food is delicious and a must-try during your visit. Some popular dishes include moussaka, tzatziki, souvlaki, and spanakopita. Make sure also to try local wines and spirits, such as ouzo.
- Take time to relax: While it's important to make the most of your time, it's also important to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit one of Greece's many beaches or enjoy a sunset view over the Aegean Sea.
- Consider taking a guided tour: If you want to learn more about Greece's history and culture, consider a guided tour. This can help you make the most of your time and give you a deeper understanding of the places you visit.
- Be respectful of the culture: Finally, remember to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Learn a few key phrases in Greek and follow local etiquette when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals.
Athens - Mykonos - Naxos - Santorini
This Greece itinerary is a wish granted to those who want to experience the quintessential summer Greek vacation you see on postcards or Instagram.
The combination of Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos offers travelers the perfect holiday. They are top-class destinations in Greece that suit a 10-day vacation perfectly.
Moreover, they are serviced by the same ferry route, and all boast an airport, making your life easier and significantly reducing transportation time.
Once you arrive in the Greek capital, Athens, you can take an Athens by Night Food Tour and Wine-Tasting to walk the city you want to explore further the following day and taste scrumptious traditional creations of Greek cuisine alongside indigenous and international varieties of wine.
Your second day in Athens should start with a guided tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum that will reveal the secrets this impressive site has held for thousands of years.
We suggest you explore Athens Riviera in the afternoon with a Sounio & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Excursion with a Swimming Stop.
It will allow you to swim in Lake Vouliagmeni, known for its therapeutic waters, and marvel at the doric Temple of Poseidon during sunset.
After getting to know Athens, it is time to explore Mykonos, one of the most famous Cycladic islands known for its partying ways and astounding beaches.
On your first day on Mykonos, we suggest you take a highlights tour. Hence, you get an overview of the island and a feel of the local lifestyle.
On your second day, your visit to the 'queen of the Cyclades' will take a fun turn with a Mykonos Jeep Safari. You will go to the best spots on the island and get an adrenaline rush off off-road driving.
There is no better way to bit Mykonos goodbye than by luxuriating in a Mykonos Full-Day Sailing adventure, which includes a guided tour of the archaeological site of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a swimming stop on the island of Rhenia.
Continue your island hopping adventure in Naxos, the Greek just a stone's throw from Mykonos, best known for its cuisine, local products, and greenery.
The best way to spend your first day on the island is a private Naxos highlights tour to show you around the best parts of the island.
Later, a Naxos Castle and Portara Sunset Walking Tour will benefit your afternoon. You will walk around the famous castle and marvel at the ancient ruin during sunset.
Consider the short but beautiful hike in Apano Kastro if you like hiking. Anapokastria is a ruined Venetian citadel situated at Naxos' center of an elevated hill.
The walk is five kilometers from the rural Naxos. Therefore, the most spectacular view of the entire island is available there.
On your second day in Naxos, you can taste the riches of Naxian cuisine and get insight into the island's fascinating history with a Naxos Old Town Flavors & History Tour.
It will be the tastiest and most exciting farewell to Naxos you can have!
The last destination on your Greece itinerary for 10 nights is the majestic Santorini, the island of volcanic ash and full-bodied wine.
Immerse yourself in true opulence with a bespoke Santorini tour, fully customized by you, and with an expert driver guide that will narrate stories of the islands.
In the evening, spoil yourself with an idyllic Santorini Sunset Wine Experience.
You will visit the best wineries on the island, indulge in wine tasting, and learn everything about the vast wine production that Santorini has been famous for since antiquity.
On the second day on the island, you can delve into the fascinating world of Santorinian cuisine with a private Santorini cooking Class and Wine Tasting.
Not only will you, once again, get to taste excellent varieties of wine, but you will learn the local cooking tips and tricks you can incorporate into your everyday life.
Last but not least, on your final day in Santorini, sail the Aegean Sea on Santorini Sunset Catamaran Cruise and catch Santorini's magical sunset in a setting that will never wear off your memory.
Ideal for: Romantic couples, families, lovers of cosmopolitan destinations, food and wine connoisseurs, and social butterflies.
Recommended: 2 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Mykonos, 2 nights in Naxos, and 3 nights in Santorini.
Highlights:
- Admire famous Greek archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon, Delos, Portara, and the archeological site of Akrotiri.
- Browse the center of Western civilization and experience the true Athenian lifestyle.
- Taste the riches of Greek cuisine through food tours and cooking classes across all destinations.
- Indulge in sailing adventures across the sparkling Aegean Sea that will make you feel pampered and lucky.
- Get the help of expert local and licensed professionals throughout your experience.
Athens - Naxos - Santorini - Crete
This Greece itinerary for 10 nights caters to those who are true lovers of food, wine, and fresh local produce and want a vacation that will treat them to the best landscapes and dishes in the Mediterranean.
Of course, no Greece itinerary is complete without a visit to Athens, the historical city with abundant cultural stimuli, inspiring lifestyle, and urban beauty.
Don't hesitate to book an Athens by Night Food Tour and Wine Tasting on your first day in the city, so you can stroll the city streets under the moonlight and have your expert guide tell you about its history and share insight into the beautiful Athens neighborhoods while trying delicious dishes and excellent wine.
The following day, you should book a Best of Athens tour that combines a visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum and a drive around the highlights of Athens in just a few hours and the comfort of a luxury, private vehicle.
After a couple of days in Athens, Naxos is the next destination on your Greece itinerary.
On your first day on the island, you can opt for a private highlights tour of Naxos and browse its best spots.
Alternatively, you can try a Naxos Woodfire Cooking Class that will teach you about the local cuisine and allow you to cook and taste some of its signature dishes.
Naxos' center is mountainous and surrounded by tiny, picturesque villages. With a lovely, simple walk, you can admire several villages, such as Melanes.
From Melanes, stroll through old stone paths to visit the Kouroi of Fleria and take in the views.
Your final day on the island would be better spent with a Naxos Semi-private Sailing Trip to the Small Cyclades, where you will swim in the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea and marvel at the striking coastline of Greece.
Up next is Santorini, one of the most popular destinations not only in Greece and the Greek islands but the whole world, for its magical sunsets and unique terrain.
Kick off your stay in Santorini with a highlights tour that includes lunch and wine tasting, and experience the island's advantages easily and comfortably in just a few hours.
On your second day on the island, we highly recommend you take a sunset half-day wine tour, which will show you around Santorini's best wineries and offer you a taste of the local varieties of wine.
Nothing can raise your spirits higher than a glass (or a couple) of delicious Santorinian wine.
Last but not least, reserve some for your final day in Santorini to take a bespoke tour customized to your needs and desires, so you can visit all the landmarks of Santorini you didn't get to during your stay that far.
Your fourth and final stop on your 10-night itinerary is Crete, the largest and most diverse Greek island that wows its visitors with its nature, local cuisine, and impressive history.
Start your exploration of Crete on a high note by booking a traditional Cretan dancing lesson and lunch. Your tutor will show you the steps of the most popular circular dances.
You will soon find yourself in a dancing circle, listening to traditional Cretan songs, and having the best time ever!
After working up an appetite, you will enjoy a traditional Cretan feast full of local flavors and relax in a friendly environment.
Have you indeed been to Crete if you have yet to visit the renowned archaeological site of Knossos Palace? We don't think so.
For that reason, on your second day in Crete, you will go to Heraklion for a guided tour of Knossos Palace and a visit to the fascinating Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
You will marvel at findings that date back thousands of years and learn about the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world!
For your final day in Crete, a tour of 7 traditional villages seems the best idea.
You will go off the beaten path, visit tiny villages that stay under the radar, mingle with the locals, and understand the authentic Cretan lifestyle.
It will be the perfect closure to an excellent trip, and you will leave the island with fond memories, fun experiences, and a full heart.
Ideal for: Foodies, nature lovers, and history and mythology enthusiasts.
Recommended: 2 nights in Athens, 2 nights in Naxos, 3 nights in Santorini, and 3 nights in Crete
Highlights:
- Marvel at thousands-year-old archaeological sites like the Acropolis Hill, Knossos Palace, and Santorini's Akrotiri.
- Dance your troubles away and learn the steps to the most famous Cretan dances.
- Taste the local cuisine of all destinations through food tours and cooking classes that will put a fun twist into your Greek vacation.
- Be guided by licensed professionals throughout your itinerary and get insight from the locals to escape the tourist traps.
- Indulge in a sailing trip across Naxos and the Small Cyclades. Enjoy the luxurious experience while working on an exotic tan.
- Visit the gorgeous villages in Naxos and Crete, and enjoy lusciously green landscapes that will make you never want to leave.
Athens - Paros - Naxos - Santorini
This Greece itinerary is for those comfortable with big crowds who want to experience popular Greek destinations that call for summer holidays.
With Athens as the prominent first stop, you will commence your Greece itinerary by taking a city evening highlights tour with dinner and getting to know the best of the city efficiently, effortlessly, and in the most fun way possible.
Make the most out of your second and final day in the capital city, and take a Best of Athens tour that will show you around the archaeological site of the Acropolis and the modern Acropolis museum before hopping on your private vehicle to stroll the landmarks of Athens.
After you visit Athens, off you go to Paros, the island of fantastic beaches, charming villages, and exciting nightlife.
Kick off your stay on the island with a Paros Highlights tour and get acquainted with the gorgeous island most effectively and easily there is.
Afterward, you can take a traditional Paros cooking class, where you will learn the cooking techniques of the locals and taste the traditional creations you have made with your hands.
The following day, make the most of your Paros visit with a Paros and Small Cyclades Full-day Sailing Adventure that will give you the swimming opportunities of a lifetime.
Your next adventure will take place in Naxos, another Cyclades island known for its cuisine and nature.
Get familiar with Naxos through a private tour of Naxos highlights, where you will visit Naxos' key points of interest.
In the afternoon, a Naxos Castle and Portara walking tour will reveal the island's beauty and history with the help of a local expert guide.
To further enrich your knowledge about Naxos' history and gastronomy, on your second day on the island, you can opt for an Old Town Flavors and History tour that combines the best of both worlds.
Last but not least, conclude your stay in Naxos with a woodfire cooking class to learn about the cooking methods of the Cyclades islands and eat incredible dishes made by you with the help of an expert cook!
The last Greek island you will visit on your itinerary is none other than the striking Santorini.
The island's unique volcanic landscape, romantic ambiance, hot springs, and incredible wine production have put Santorini at the top of the list of Greek summer destinations people go for.
Spend your first evening on the island with a bang by taking a sunset wine tour that includes visits to Santorini's best wineries and a wine-tasting experience that will leave nothing to be desired.
On your second day, we highly suggest you take a bespoke tour of Santorini designed to visit, see, do, and experience what you want.
The most fitting conclusion of the incredible Greece itinerary should include a Santorini sunset catamaran cruise, where you will round up your experience in luxury with amazing views and a smile on your face!
Ideal for: Lovers of the Cyclades islands, foodies, families with kids, and couples.
Recommended: 2 nights in Athens, 2 nights in Paros, 3 nights in Naxos, and 3 nights in Santorini
Highlights:
- Sail the Aegean Sea and see the coastline of Santorini, Paros, and the Small Cyclades.
- Take a cooking class to get introduced to Greek cooking techniques and taste traditional dishes made with age-old recipes passed down through generations.
- Admire Greece's vast history and heritage by admiring its most important archaeological sites and museums.
- Walk around the most scenic streets and regions and see the original Greek lifestyle unfold.
- Enjoy the famous Santorinian wine and visit wineries showing you the wine-making production, from farm to bottle.
Athens - Nafplio - Santorini - Crete
This Greece itinerary is perfect for those who appreciate beautiful landscapes and romantic experiences and want to divide their time in Greece between the Greek islands and mainland Greece.
Begin your Greek adventure in Athens. When you arrive in the city center, if you have time, you can walk at your own pace on the pedestrian Areopagitou Street, which offers spectacular views of the Acropolis, and get a glimpse of the ancient Greek world.
You can also visit the Benaki Museum and the National Archeological Museum, Greece's most significant archeological museum, which houses one of Greece's most important collections.
Next, take photos of Mount Lycbettus, shop in Plaka, or wander through the hip neighborhood of Psyrri.
Your first night in Athens will be complete with an evening highlights tour with dinner. You will walk around Athens's most central and beautiful neighborhood, get an overview of its history and culture, and taste delicious local flavors.
The next morning, indulge in a fun Acropolis Delight tour. This unique tour combines a guided tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum with a food tour that will take you around some of Athens' best eateries, Athens Central Market, and introduce you to the culinary scene of the capital city.
In the afternoon, admire Athens Riviera on your way to the Temple of Poseidon. Then, stop in Lake Vouliagmeni to dive into its amazing therapeutic waters.
The next destination in your Greece itinerary is Nafplio, arguably the most romantic city in mainland Greece.
Stroll the scenic cobblestone streets, and enjoy an ice cream stop in one of the many ice cream shops in Nafplio. You also walk along Nafplio's beach and take in the views.
For your second day in Nafplio, we suggest you explore the region's significance with a visit to Palamidi Castle and Bourtzi.
It will be a unique experience worth your time as it offers critical insight into Greek history and striking views out to the sea.
Your final day in Nafplio should be better spent on a Nafplio sailing trip, where you will bid Nafplio goodbye in luxury and comfort and swim in untouched crystal-clear waters.
Next on the list is Santorini! The sought-after island is known across the world for a good reason.
On it, you will taste the most delicious wine you have ever tasted and catch the most amazing sunset you have ever witnessed.
Spend your first evening on the island on a sunset wine tour that will show you around the most significant wineries of Santorini and allow for a wine-tasting experience made of dreams.
For your final day in Santorini, opt for a bespoke Santorini tour so you have complete control of what you see, visit, and do.
Take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Akrotiri, visit the striking villages of Santorini, or even explore Santorini's beaches; the choice is all yours!
The last part of your Greece itinerary will find you in Crete, the largest Greek island with countless stunning regions and fun activities waiting to be discovered by you.
Your first day on the island should start with a Knossos Delights tour combining a Heraklion food tour that will make you sincerely appreciate Cretan cuisine and introduce you to Heraklion's streets and a visit to the archaeological site of Knossos Palace.
The following day, it is time to indulge in a Chania wine and olive oil tour that will immerse you into the island's culinary culture.
Alternatively, you can opt for a day trip around 7 traditional villages of Crete and experience the authentic lifestyle of its locals.
The most appropriate adieu to Crete will take place with a traditional Cretan dancing lesson with lunch. You will be tutored on the steps of the most popular Cretan dances, dance to the rhythm of classic Greek songs, and eat to your heart's content!
Do we need to say more?
Ideal for: Couples in love, history buffs, food lovers, and wine enthusiasts.
Recommended: 2 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Nafplio, 2 nights in Santorini, and 3 nights in Crete
Highlights:
- You will stroll the scenic streets of Athens, Nafpio, Santorini, and Crete.
- Get a real taste of the culinary culture of Greece through food tours in most destinations.
- Admire the country's vast history through guided tours of important ancient sites.
- Partake in a fun Cretand dancing lesson that will make you feel like a true local.
- Get acquainted with the wine production of Santorini and taste the delicious local varieties.
- Swim on beautiful beaches that will make you want to return to Greece time and time again.
Athens - Milos -Santorini - Crete
This 10-day Greece itinerary is the ultimate goal for every romantic heart. All honeymooners or couples in love who want to celebrate finding their other half will be delighted by the romantic vibe and experiences offered in Athens, Milos, Santorini, and Crete.
Starting your romantic escapade in Athens, as soon as you arrive at Athens Airport, you can walk around the marvelous neighbors and catch some of its most popular landmarks with an evening highlights tour with dinner.
The following day, it will be time for you to fit everything worth seeing in Greece's capital city with a Best of Athens tour.
You will have a guided tour of the Acropolis Hill and the modern Acropolis Museum before getting on a private luxury vehicle, driving around the best spots in Athens, and stopping for photos.
Among the sights you will enjoy are the Temple of Zeus, the Panatheinaic Stadium, the entrance of the National Gardens, Syntagma Square, the Athens National Library, the University and the Academy, and Lycabettus Hill.
In the afternoon, catch a romantic sunset by taking the Temple of Poseidon tour with a swimming stop in Lake Vouliagmeni. It will be a magical experience you would never expect to enjoy in Athens!
The third day of your romantic getaway will find you on the stunning romantic island of Milos.
If Milos stands out for one thing, it is its beaches. Suppose you want to discover the authentic charm of the island.
In that case, you have nothing to do but visit as many beaches as possible and get in as many hours of beach time as you have imagined a Greek island hopping experience can offer.
The most famous beach is, of course, Sarakiniko. White rocks spread inside and outside the sea, creating caves with deep blue waters.
The landscape is lunar, the beach is not organized, and the entrance to the sea is narrow.
Seeing the sunset is in itself a special reason to visit Milos. There are countless spots that you can discover to enjoy this magical time of the day.
The most beautiful sunset, however, that you will see in Milos is the sunset in the coastal village of Klima and the sunset in the old town of Plaka.
Spend 3 nights in Milos exploring the island's beautiful beaches, indulging in a romantic sailing experience, and visiting its scenic villages, and you won't regret it!
Next is Santorini, the island of lovers, where the imposing view of the Santorini Caldera and the wine allow for an idyllic setting straight out of a fairytale.
On your first day in Santorini, take a sunset wine tour and visit Santorini's famous wineries while tasting its local wine varieties.
It will set the mood for your stay on the volcanic island and offer you a delicious taste of what will come.
The following day, get local insight into the Cycladic island with an Amazing Santorini Highlights Tour that will show you around as comfortably and efficiently as possible.
See the landmarks and sights that have caused Santorini to gain worldwide recognition, and let your local guide narrate sorries of the history and culture of the island.
For your final destination, you will arrive in gorgeous Crete. It may not have hot springs like Santorini, but with three nights on this all-encompassing island, your choices are endless!
You can take a Heraklion for Foodies tour and taste Cretan cuisine in its glory, have a guided tour of Knossos, take a traditional Cretan dancing lesson, explore 7 Cretan villages on tour, explore the olive and wine tradition of Crete, or get hands-on with a cooking class that will reveal the cooking methods and eating habits of the locals.
No matter which one you pick, the elevated Cretan experience will be the perfect closure to your idyllic trip.
Ideal for: Lovebirds, Honemooners, sunset junkies, and lovers of wine.
Recommended: 2 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Milos, 2 nights in Santorini, and 3 nights in Crete
Highlights:
- Enjoy Athens's best spots, sights, and landmarks in just a few hours without sweating the small stuff.
- Sail the Aegean Sea on a Milos sailing adventure.
- Catch the heart-stopping sunsets of Santorini, Milos, and Cape Sounio.
- Taste delectable creations of Athenian and Cretan cuisine on incredible food tours that will make you forget everything you've known about food.
- Visit the most famous wineries of Santorini and try all indigenous varieties of wine.
- Watch Greek history unfold by marveling at some of Greece's most important ancient sites, such as the Acropolis and Knossos Palace.
- Fall deeper in love with your partner in a 10-night romantic vacation that will remind you what life is worth living for.
Final Thoughts on Your 10 Days in Greece
You are in the best position possible. You have 10 nights to visit Greece; all you have to figure out is where to go!
Based on your interests, you can have 3 nights to explore up to 3 Greek islands after spending at least a few days in Athens.
Relax, though; no matter which part of Greece you choose and how your Greece itinerary is going to look like, you will be swept off your feet and fall madly in love.
Lucky you, Greece is your oyster!
