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5 days classical tour.

Columns in the site of ancient Olympia

History comes to life in this classical five day tour of the Greek mainland. After a quick stop at the Corinth Canal, you will find yourselves at the Theater of Epidaurus, where the works of Socrates, Aristophanes and Euripides came to life. The true spirit of Peloponnese can be found in the picturesque town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Moving on, you will have the chance to visit the Tomb of Agamemnon in Mycenae before proceeding to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, and home to Zeus' sanctuary. Your next destination will be Delphi, known around ancient Greece as 'the navel of the world'. A town with strong ties to antiquity due to the presence of the famous Oracle, whose ruins still stand proudly. Last but not least, you will visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance.

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  • Dates & Pricing
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  • Important Notes
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Most Mondays from April to October. For a specific date, check availability here .

Only guests ages 5 through 12 are eligible for "children's rates"

From April to October:

  • First class half board:

820,00 € per adult 502,00 per child Single Supplemen t 187,00 €

  • Tourist class half board:

710,00 € per adult 427,00 € per child Single Supplement 128,00 €

  • Day 1 -  Athens to Nafplion via the Corinth Canal We will pick you up from select spots in Athens (departure at approx 8:45) and take the coastal road to the Corinth Canal, where we will make a short stop. Back on the road and onto the Theatre of Epidaurus, a monument to the arts and a structure famous for its remarkable acoustics. We will then proceed to the town of Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where we will stop for the night. Overnight: Nafplion Meals: Dinner  
  • Day 2 - Nafplion to Olympia via Mycenae You have the morning free to explore Nafplion and pick up mementos of your trip. Around noon, we will depart for Mycenae where we will visit the archaeological site and museum. Then it's off to Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic games, through the scenic routes of Central Peloponnese, as well as the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. It is there that we will stop for the night.  Overnight: Olympia Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
  • Day 3 - Olympia to Delphi You cannot visit Olympia and not pay tribute to the ruler of Olympus, so that is what we will do in the morning with a visit to the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the archaeological museum. Afterwards, we will take a drive through the plains of Ilia and Achaia and the magnificent bridge of Rio-Antirio which connects the two sides of the Corinthian Bay. We will pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, to arrive in Delphi, our own sanctuary for the night. Overnight: Delphi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
  • Day 4 - Delphi to Kalambaka In the morning, we will visit the archaeological site where the Oracle once stood and then depart for Kalambaka, passing some picturesque villages of Central Greece along the way.  Overnight: Kalambaka Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
  • Day 5 - Visit Meteora and Return to Athens Visit Meteora, a geological marvel of vast, rock pillars rising up from the valley to create a unique spectacle that is a testament to wonders of nature. On top of the pillars, stand Byzantine Monasteries, of immeasurable historical and religious importance. Afterwards you will make your way back via Trikala, Lamia and Thermopylae (where a short stop to see Leonidas' Monument across the road is in order) and finally arrive at Athens early in the evening (approx. 19:00). Overnight: - Meals: Breakfast
  • Pick up & drop off service from most of the hotels in Athens
  • English-speaking licensed guide
  • Visit to the Epidaurus Theater
  • Visit to the Mycenae Archaeological site & Tomb of Agamemnon
  • Visit to the Olympia Archaeological site & Museum
  • Visit to the Delphi Archaeological site & Museum
  • Visit to the Meteora Monasteries (2 monasteries)
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Nafplion
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Olympia
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Delphi
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Kalambaka
  • 4 breakfasts
  • VAT for all services

Not included:

  • Your international airfare
  • Personal expenses, beverages at lunch and dinner
  • Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
  • Stayover hotel tax, to be paid directly to the hotel
  • This tour includes a complimentary pick-up / drop-off service from your hotel or other predefined spots in Athens and surrounding areas. Maximum duration of this service to gather tour participants is approximately 1 hour. Thus, pick-up time may vary for each guest and will be provided during the booking process.
  • Clients staying at the coast will depart for their hotels, from the G.O. terminal around 19:30hrs.
  • Appropriate clothing is required to visit the Monasteries. Long skirts below the knees for the ladies and long trousers for the gentlemen. The monasteries, also, provide long skirts before every entrance. The ladies can choose and wear a long skirt over their clothing, during the tour, and return it, prior to their departure.
  • The tour is usually bilingual, implemented in English and one additional language (French or Italian). For more information prior to booking, please contact us.
  • First Class includes 4-star hotels, whereas Tourist Class includes 3-star hotels.

Hill of Kronos in ancient Olympia

  • 5 days tours

Greece 5-Days Tours and Itineraries

Pick one of our 5-day tours in Greece below to tick off some of the finest attractions in southern Europe. Watch the Evzones soldiers’ changing of the guard ceremony in Athens ’ Constitution Square before heading to the heights of the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. Explore the landscapes around Thermopylae, where King Leonidas I of Sparta fought the Persians, then head out to see the cliffside monasteries of Meteora and discover the secrets of the oracle at Delphi. Relax on the beautiful islands of Mykonos and dance the night away in Santorini . Or explore the palaces of Knossos in Crete .

Find our 5-day Greece itineraries below.

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Greece 5 days Tour Reviews

  • Hailey Hamilton
  • Adriana Henson
  • Trace Hayes

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5 Days in Greece

The 5-day tour in Greece is unique. Travel accompanied by the best guides in the extraordinary history of classical period and revive Mythology. Learn about the value of the Greek civilization that coexists with the modern way of life. Roam in the birthplace of civilization. Live a wonderful trip of experiences that excites enjoying the distinct beauty of the Greek nature. The Aegean Sea unfolds its endless blue so that you can wander in three marvelous island destinations. Enjoy the gastronomical journey of the traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine made of local products, herbs and spice.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

The famous hill of Acropolis with the Parthenon, the old neighborhood of Plaka, the flea market in Monastiraki, the change of guard in front of the Parliament, Mars Hill, the incredible view from the hill of Lycabettus, the tour along the Athens Riviera, the unforgettable sunset in Sounion, the Isthmus and the ancient town in Corinth, the Cyclopean walls and the priceless findings of the Mycenaean civilization, the marvelous town of Nafplion with the Venetian castles, the ancient city of Delphi with the intertemporal oracles in the temple of Apollo. The picturesque islands of Aegina, Hydra and Poros await you to discover their natural beauty and many more places of interest in Greece that you are going to experience because….

Greece is the journey worth taking, it is worth living!!!

DESCRIPTION

greece 5 day tours

Explore the first complete civilization of the planet that was destined to be the beginning of the known to all of us “Western civilization”. Discover the magic of Ancient Athens which was the birthplace of democracy and the destination of philosophers. Travel to the navel of the earth and be granted your own oracle from Delphi which Apollo saved from dragon Python. Revive the Bronze Age and the legends of Agamemnon. Walk through the ruins of Ancient Corinth and experience its grandeur which was the “lust” of the Roman Empire. Roam in an incredible one-day cruise through the wonderful islands of the Saronic Gulf. You will connect with the beauty of the Greek nature and enjoy the tasty local cuisine.

Are you ready to start the journey to unfold the other side of life? Stay with us and you will understand more reading further down.

PLACES AND REGIONS TO VISIT

Attica, Corinth, Argolis, Phocis and Saronic islands

Greece itinerary 5 days: this trip is fully recommended as a basic plan. The trip of “ 5 days in Greece ” is customizable for your private tour in case you require another or more destinations of your interest.

Day 1, Worldwide Symbol of Civilization

Your significant exploration begins with your arrival at the international airport of Athens where an experience professional driver will welcome you and transfer you to the city of Athens which has a distinct ambience all year round. The bright sun of our country, the green olive trees with the strong barks, the wind that regenerates the atmosphere and the steep mountains that embrace the city of Athens is the first multifaceted image that you perceive as our experienced driver gives you the necessary information that is needed to start your journey enjoyably in a place where the history, the civilization and nature co-exist harmoniously. You reach the heart of the town and spend the night in the recommended hotel so that you can rest from your journey. In case you have time at your disposal and your strength has not abandoned you due to the flight, it would be our pleasure to offer our services. In any case the next day our driver will meet you at the lobby and will accompany you through the unique tour in Athens and Sounion.

Day 2, Architecture, Culture, Riviera and Sunset

A beautiful day has started and finally the dream that seemed unreachable comes true. The show begins with the columns of Acropolis that excite our interest as it has been doing every day for the past 25 centuries. The only difference is that you are the Guest Star of the day. The first rays of the morning sun that rise from the back of the mountain of Penteli, are in a hurry to see the view of Parthenon. Another day sunshine vows to the grandeur of history. Who can miss this view?

Our driver will pick you up early in the morning and the tour will begin on the unique Acropolis that hosts Parthenon, Erechteion, Propylaea, Mars Hill etc. We will continue visiting the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma square (Constitution square) and other destination within the town. We will climb up the hill of Lycabettus to enjoy the breathtaking view. We will drive along Athens Riviera viewing the deep blue of the Aegean Sea and the fishing boats that bounce off the waves. Some skerries a bit further invite us to admire them and in no time we reach Cape Sounion. You will visit the temple of Poseidon that stands high and mighty on the rock beaten by the gods of the wind and the saltiness of the sea. A wonderful moment is when the sun disappears embracing the sea and the light of the Attica sky comes from the stars. Lunch in a tavern by the sea to taste the local cuisine of seafood and snacks and then we will return to the hotel in Athens. Tomorrow a surprise awaits you.

Day 3, One day Athens cruise

Another day dawns promising that the charm of Aegean will excite you. It will thrill you the exploration of the cobbled alleys of three Greek islands. The sea becomes blue only for you and the tour begins when our driver picks you up from the hotel to take you to the port. You will experience a fantastic one-day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Small bays full of white fishing boats loaded with fresh fish from the Aegean Sea. Houses made of stone that have been standing firm for centuries against the saltiness of the sea where the locals continue to pass on dearly the tradition of our island civilization maintaining customs and traditions of many centuries.

Aegina is a love at first sight, you will enjoy the ride on the carriage viewing the traditional settlement in the port and will taste the famous sweet preserves of the blooming pistachio trees of the island. The famous worldwide nut of pistachio is the result of the dry climate and the volcanic structure of the island. What cannot be missed is the popular sacred temple of Aphaia Athena that according to an ancient secret, the temple forms an isosceles triangle with the temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the Parthenon of Acropolis in Athens. The visit on the island lasts 1 hour 50 minutes.

On Hydra, you will believe that you experience another era, where the donkeys even today help for the transport of locals slowly galloping with grace the vigorous metal sound of their hooves on the cobbled alleys. The visit on the island lasts about 50 minutes.

On Poros you will feel from the start the feeling of a cosmopolitan island with the nautical tradition and the scattered cobbled streets where the first summer residence of the first king after the Greek liberation was. Exquisite spots the “Lemon forest” and the museum of shells. The visit on the island lasts about 1 hour 50 minutes.

The day is full of beautiful images and the tour in the Saronic Gulf will be completed just before the Aegean Sea stretches its blue hug to put our sun to sleep. We will pick you up from the port so that you can return to the hotel and get some rest. The next day holds new destinations and new experiences for you to feel.

Day 4, Ancient cities, wealth and legends

Today you will leave Athens, travel along the seashore of Argosaronikos and cross the Isthmus of Corinth with the breathtaking view and begin the exploration of Classical Greece walking in Corinth that was the richest town of the ancient civilization and rival of Athens. It was the administrative center of the Roman Empire and for this reason Apostle Paul stayed for about 2 years and later wrote two letters to the Corinthians. We will wander on the mountains of Argolis among the olive groves, orange trees and lemon trees until you will be surprised by the view of the Cyclopean walls. The town was the administrative and cultural center in the Bronze Age. It was connected to the development of commerce and the military campaign against Troy because of “Helen of Troy”. The strength of Agamemnon and the intelligence of Ulysses were honored in the poems of Homer creating incredible legends on behalf of their name. Then, we will head west towards the wonderful town of Nafplion with the Venetian castles and the stone neoclassical buildings. Who wouldn’t want to live in a historical town next to the sea? You can wander in the narrow alleys of the old town and taste the local cuisine. In the afternoon we will return to Athens for getting some rest. Tomorrow we will offer gifts to Apollo.

Day 5, Trip back in time, history revives

It has dawned on the slopes of Parnassos, the wild flowers bloom embracing the first rays of the sun and the morning mist holds the smell of herbs, awaiting you to arrive. Don’t be late, a wonderful day has begun…. you don’t want to miss the experience. The driver picks you up early in the morning and the journey through history starts with your tour driving through fields, lakes and high mountains. First stop Arahova, the traditional, stone village that stands proudly on the slopes of Parnassos. Famous winter destination for the Athenians where the most popular ski center in Greece is. We continue until the beautiful view of the Corinthian Gulf appears to satisfy even the most demanding traveler. Countless olive groves with silver and green leaves in the fertile land of Amfissa look like a carpet stretched out for you to admire. We already are in Delphi and the guide begins the journey back in time by reviving history with his vivid description and the endless knowledge for Ancient Greece. It is considered second to Athens most popular archeological site in Greece. It was a commercial, economic, cultural and religious center of Ancient Greece and the main reason for the creation of a federation of powerful town – countries of Ancient Greece which was called Amphictyonic League or Delphic Amphictyonic. The fast advance of the area was attributed to the sacred oracle where the priest granted prophecies to answer the questions of the believers. During the course of history, it attracted countless number of visitors. All kinds of people from all over the known world arrived here to be granted oracles. Kings, generals, lords, politicians and lay people bringing with them presents to offer the God Apollo and begging for his favor. The dynamics of the town made it the “Apple of discord” and a reason for wars. Thought time conquerors and barbarians vandalized the wealth of the town and everyone stole something from the glory of Delphi. The last oracle was granted in 4 th century AD and the oracle ceased to operate forever according to the command of the Byzantine emperor who set Christianity as the official religion of Greece. Still, it left behind the history and the treasures of World Heritage that cannot be described but they await impatiently you to visit them in the archeological site and the museum of Delphi. For sure you could not resist as millions of visitors every year cannot.

The journey of return has begun, the trip to Greece may have finished but you take with you the experiences of a life time, the grandeur of civilization, the historical narrations, the tasty delights and the nostalgia to come back because ……

Greece is the journey worth living!!!

The duration of the trip is 5 days and it can be arranged any time of the year. Dates are flexible and the duration of the trip can be formed according to your plan.

Tailor-made Tour

For “MY GREECE TOUR” it is important for you to enjoy the trip and make your dreams come true through the experience. For this reason, we present to you the basic program that would be ideal and we suggest according to our experience. Still, the trip is flexible and you can include any place you would like to visit. It would be sufficient to let us know the changes that you want to do so that we rearrange the new plan according to your needs.

  • Accommodation with breakfast in 3-4 stars hotels, pensions or guesthouses accordingly the region.
  • Transfer by professional English-speaking local driver / guide
  • Vehicle according to the number of the passengers as SEDAN, SUV, MINIVAN, MINIBUS
  • Ferry’s tickets for the day cruise.
  • Our guide will support you to obtain the tickets during the 5 days in Athens

Not included

  • Admission to museums and archaeological sites
  • Food or drinks

Extra Service – Optional

  • Require the provided schedule “5 Days in Greece” without accommodation.
  • Sport actives such as Hiking, Cycling, Rafting, Climbing (dependent on season)
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide, expert on the local history and culture, will accompany you to visit sites and museums.

Charges are shaped according to services and they depend mainly on the following factors:

  • Number of Visitors
  • Additional services (e.g. Licensed Tour Guide, Sport actives etc.)

Do you want to know what you are going to pay for the trip “5 days in Greece” without hidden charges? Do you want to require a customizable trip for your private travel?

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Parthenon, Greece

How to Spend 5 Days in Greece: The Best Greece Trip Itinerary

Explore the best of Mediterranean scenes in our 5 days in Greece itinerary

Want to discover Greece in a short span of time? Then buckle up for a new adventure, as you travel down to some of the quaintest towns of Greece in this short Greek vacation.

Greece, the Mediterranean bliss, is one of Europe’s perfect getaways to relax and experience coastal life. As we all rightly know, Greece is all about exploring the famous locations of Santorini, Mykonos, Hydra, and Para. But why not break the cycle? And gain a whole new discovery?

This guide is curated considering a new possibility, niche way of exploring the Greek Isles and its mainland. The itinerary designed, will take you through some of the gorgeous, under-rated towns and scenic areas. At the same time we ensure, the activities & experiences you do in your Greek vacation remain blockbuster.

Overview of 5 Day Greece Itinerary

This 5-day Greek itinerary is designed considering leisure excursions and activities you could do in a short span of time. Often, travelers look for itineraries that take less time to travel, but more opportunities to seek. Exactly what this Ancient Greek vacation offers.

Highlights of 5 Days in Greece –

  • Explore the Corfu Old Town
  • Excursion to Agni Bay and Cape Drastis
  • Discover monasteries & monoliths at Meteora
  • Visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi
  • Journey to Athens highlights

The below itinerary boasts excellent touristic moments for visitors who want to travel to off-beaten places of Greece . You’ll start your tour from Corfu – one of the stunning most locations of Greece – and will then end it in the capital city – Athens .

All the activities & attractions mentioned in our 5-day Greece itinerary can be done in a simple, relaxed way. However, if you feel to explore more out of a certain place– then feel free to customize this itinerary. You can chip in additional days, discover optional tours and venture beyond the off-beaten path.

If you wish to book the exact same tour, then you could do so – by visiting the G Adventures website . You will even find other best Greece trip itineraries, uniquely designed tours, and add-on experiences for purchase, along with this itinerary.

Essential Planning Tips for 5 Days in Greece

Before moving to the itinerary part, it’s important to understand a few essential planning points prior to booking any Greece vacation. This is just a high-overview of certain travel tips – but I’ll ensure to link you through some additional resources & helpful guides.

Best time to visit Greece : The islands of Greece and its mainland, is known for their glorious summer weather. Temperatures are blazing around the mid-30s, with mild sunshine and clear blue skies. So ideally, May to September is the best time to visit Greece. It’s also the peak season of travel, so expect crowded tourist centers and bustling attractions. If you prefer a peaceful Greek vacation, then I would suggest booking a Greece tour between April and June. The weather might be a little chillier, especially in the island areas. Try and avoid the Easter week the best you can, as it’s the peak season for domestic travel.

Visa & Documentation : Visa requirements will differ from country to country. But, all countries will require a valid passport (6 months of minimum validity) & a Schengen Visa to enter Greece. For more details, visit the website .

How much does a Greek vacation cost : If you’re specifically traveling to Greece during the peak season, then the entry fee for all attractions will reach its high point. All of them need to be booked well in advance to avoid any hassles. An average weeks’ vacation to Greece can cost you approx. $800-$900. This is just an indication considering previous traveling data. Your tour price will heavily depend on the choices you make for your trip. Factors like accommodation, inter-travel, meal expenses, and optional activities should be considered when planning.

Note : Our 5 days in Greece itinerary will cost you approx. $700. You can book a similar tour around this price range through the G Adventures website . The price indicated can change depending on the dates/season you travel, and also on the optional activities you choose.

5 Days in Greece Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 | corfu.

There are literally hundreds of places across Europe, that seem little under-rated, or under-appreciated. Corfu Island is one of those.

Coming from my own travel experience, Corfu is one of the best Greek Islands you can visit. It has got everything you need, right from a range of classic activities to unbeatable experiences.

Since the itinerary is only for 5-days, I had to keep Corfu for only an overnight stay. However, there are plenty of things you can still do while exploring this island.

Panoramic view from Old Citadel of Corfu Town

Things to do in Corfu, Greece –

Visit the Corfu Old Town – The Old town is loaded with walkable streets and narrow alleyways, making you venture between the stunning Venetian and Neoclassical houses. It’s probably one of the best ways to discover the highlights of the island’s main tourist attractions . Do check out both the fortresses – the New to the west and the Old to the east. Later, discover some canal bridges and visit other popular places like the Church of St George and the 19th-century British barracks. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the Corfu Old Town.

Explore Agni Bay – A 45-minute drive from the main town will take you to a pretty-little gem – Agni Bay. This will be a wonderful experience if you love interacting with locals and indulging in their day-to-day activities. This historic fishing village boasts excellent coastline views, seafront tavernas, and great viewpoints. You can simply dip in the warm waters or treat yourself to a nice local Greek seafood.

Excursion to Cape Drastis – An hour’s drive from Agni Bay will take you to the northernmost points of Corfu Island – Cape Drastis. It’s commonly said, that if you’re in Corfu – never miss a visit to Cape Drastis. It’s rightly said so because this dramatic cliff is one of the fantastic places to visit in Greece. It kind of reminds you of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ in the UK, which shares similar features. Well, good for you, that you can see the same in Greece. My favorite time to visit Cape Drastis was during a bright sunny day. This is how you can truly appreciate the sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

The above-mentioned ones are the must-visit places in Corfu. Make sure you plan your day accordingly. Moreover, if this doesn’t suit you – then you can also check out Vlacherna Monastery, St. George’s Church, Loggas Beach, and Porto Timoni.

Practically, it’s impossible to cover all of them in just one day. However, if you want you can extend your 5 days in Greece itinerary to make sure you visit other popular places as well.

Explore : Find out more about Corfu’s top accommodation, restaurants, and things to do .

Day 2 | Corfu – Meteora

Make an early checkout from your hotel, and get ready to embark on a scenic journey to Meteora. The total time to reach your next location will be approx. 5 hours. You’ll need to take a ferry from Corfu to Igoumenítsa, then drive to reach Meteora.

If you thought Greece was all about island hopping, then you’re slightly wrong! Meteora looks like a different world altogether. The dramatic landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and perched atop monasteries – are just some of the many highlights of Meteora.

There were once 24 monasteries at Meteora, but that number is now all gone with passing time. Today, you can still see six monasteries nestled on those high rocks, almost being like a picture-perfect postcard.

In Meteora, you get a complete full day to visit some top highlights . You can discover the ones suggested below or opt for guided excursions for self-exploration.

Meteora Monasteries

Visit the Great Meteoron Monastery – If there’s one monastery at Meteora you should visit, then it’s the Great Meteoron Monastery. It is the biggest built structure, set across the stunning landscape of Meteora. Along with a visit to this monastery, you can also explore the in-built museum which displays religious icons and traditional books. Furthermore, you can visit the tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph. If you need to explore other monasteries along with the Great Meteoron, then this half-day guided tour from Kalabaka will help.

Hike the Monasteries and Monoliths – Driving to the popular monasteries of Meteora is a common activity, but hiking between the hills through rugged lands and lush-green mountains is a real pleasure. One of my favorite things to do was to explore the abandoned monasteries and lesser-known sights by taking an early-morning hike. You can surely take on these trails late in the afternoon, and ensure you pay a good visit to this gorgeous landscape.

Sample wines – Your Greek trip is incomplete without relishing some of the finest, most classic wines. Make a visit to the Theopetra vineyard, located near the prehistoric cave of Theopatra, and discover how wines are cultivated in this region. Ensure that you try the famous Tsipouro – a strong Greek spirit. For bookings & prices, visit the tour operator site.

Live the local life – The best way to truly appreciate Greek culture is to live the local life. Kalabaka, the main city of Meteora, is a perfect way to indulge in local-life experiences. Savor some gastronomical delights at Meteoron Panorama Restaurant and dance the Greek way to soothing instrumental music. Meet and greet locals around the market area, and learn inspiring stories from them.

Overnight at Meteora.

Day 3 | Meteora – Delphi

It’s time to travel to southern Greece and pay a visit to one of Greece’s iconic locations – Delphi. The journey from Meteora to Delphi will be 4-5 hours.

Delphi – one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world – is truly a fascinating place one should visit. Delphi, in all its mightiness, is a lifetime experience. This UNESCO Heritage site is home to the ancient naval, the legendary Oracle of Apollo, and the Pythian Games. If you are unfamiliar with the importance of these sites, touring Delphi will ensure you’re occupied with enough knowledge.

There are plenty of things to do in Delphi . Honestly, I won’t do any justice shoving everything in a single day. Since the itinerary is customizable, I’d urge you to extend your stay at Delphi to explore all of its historical sites. However, for now, these are my top recommendations to do on a full-day trip to Delphi.

greece 5 day tours

Things to do in Delphi, Greece –

Visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia – The first sanctuary any visitor would see at Delphi is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. You’ll see many buildings and structures at this historic sanctuary, but Tholos is the most photographed spot. It’s usually crowded with visitors, however, you can avoid the crowd by making an early visit.

The Treasury of Athens – As you ascend the Sacred Valley, you’ll come across a small temple-like structure, which houses dedications and votive offerings to the sanctuary of Apollo. Being a symbol of Athenian Democracy, it’s worth stopping by and paying a visit.

The Archaeological site of Delphi – Follow the same path of the Sacred Valley and soon you’ll enter the ancient site of Delphi housing historical sites and buildings. The most visible attraction of all is the ancient theatre of Delphi, which once hosted 5,000 people for the Pythian Games. The theatre also hosted other musical concerts, which were quite famous back in the Greek era. Another notable site is the Siphnian Treasury – the oldest religious structure, dating back to the 6 th century BC. You’ll also be visiting the Doric Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Stadium near the main site.

Visit the Castalia Spring – The sacred waters of Castalia Spring are nestled between two steep rocky cliffs of Parnassus, the Phaedriades. Even today, the water runs from the mountain spring. You can cleanse yourself at Castalia Spring before you enter the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other prominent locations at Delphi such as – the Temple of Apollo, Archaeological Museum of Delphi, Museum of Delphic Festivals, and scenic villages of Chrissó and Aráchova.

To save time during your Delphi visit, consider booking a full-day guided tour. Alternatively, these half-day trips & other optional excursions of Delphi will complement this itinerary well.

Day 4 | Delphi – Athens

You will depart from Delphi to reach the capital of Greece – Athens.

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities houses an incredible amount of archaeological treasures. This ancient-dwelt, bustling modern city is spoiled with Doric and Ionic temples, statues, monuments, and other Greek ruins.

Just like Delphi, there are a plethora of attractions to visit in Athens. A single day isn’t enough to justify your true Athens discovery. However, it will ensure that you visit some of the best highlights in this 5-day Greece itinerary. Moreover, this is the last destination of your itinerary. So you get great flexibility to maximize your stay in Athens or travel to other Greek Isles.

greece 5 day tours

Things to do in Athens, Greece –

Visit the Acropolis – Rising from the abrupt rocky outcrop, is a fortified limestone plateau – the Acropolis. This ancient site gave philosophers freedom of speech to discuss politics, democracy, and religious matters. This also gave rise to building temples across Greece to honor and worship the gods. Along with the Acropolis, there are other prominent historical landmarks as well. The Parthenon (famous of all), the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

Visit the Acropolis Museum – An archaeological museum, housing some significant pieces of work and artifacts found on the foothills of the Acropolis. Interestingly, the museum is built over the ancient ruin and the floor beneath is made up of glass panels – showcasing the foundational site below. There could be a huge queue to visit the museum, so make sure you book your tickets online. Alternatively, you can purchase this skip-the-line ticket to get direct entry to the museum.

Explore Hadrian’s Library – Built in 132 AD, the library was constructed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It once used to contain the house rolls of papyrus books. It won’t take you much time to explore this site, and will only require an hour.

Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus – The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to honor the Greek God Zeus. Even before construction began, this was the most ambitious project to build the greatest temple. And today, we see this temple being one of the largest ever of the ancient temples being constructed. Originally the temple held 104 columns, but now you can see only 15 still standing.

In addition to the ones recommended above, explore other famous landmarks of Athens – Kerameikos, Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus, the Roman Agora, and the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.

If you wish to extend your stay in Athens, then visit the museums of National Archaeological and Cycladic Art. For a perfect full-day excursion from Athens, check this amazing Saronic Islands tour . If willing to discover traditional Athens, then this 4-hour cooking class tour is recommended.

Day 5 | Athens

Depart from Athens anytime. If it doesn’t seem right to end your short Greek trip, then extend for a few more days to visit some of the famous Greek Isles.

Travel Tip: To explore any other vacation on Greek Islands, visit the G Adventures website. They offer a wide range of ‘Sail Greece Tours’ according to your travel preference, style, and duration.

Blog – Read our popular blog-post ‘ 15 Amazing Things To Do On The Greek Island Of Santorini ‘

What to Pack for 5 Day Greece Itinerary

For any Greek vacation, I advise you to carry a convenient travel bag. Having a small handy bag will also help to keep your day-to-day essentials.

Essential Items –

T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves) Long pants/ Jeans Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need) Footwear Sunglasses Toiletries Reusable water bottle Few energy bars/drinks Waterproof backpack cover Windproof rain jacket

Essential Items (warm weather) –

Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts Shorts/ skirts Sunscreen/ Lotion Swimwear/ Sunglasses

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Best of Greece Guided Tour

8-Day Greece Tour of Athens, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora

8 days, 1 country and 8 cities

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Walk in the very place western civilization was born as your travels reveal all the best of Greece highlights. From the other-worldly clifftop Meteora monasteries to walking the Sacred Way as the ancients once did in Delphi, this journey back in time will bring centuries of history to life.

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Corinth 

Visit the Acropolis and Museum in Athens, ancient ruins in Corinth, ancient theater at Epidaurus, Olympic Stadium in Olympia, home of the Oracle at Delphi, and the incredible rock monasteries in Meteora

View the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae

See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae

Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth with a Local Specialist

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Exceptional Tours Greece

5-Day tour of Classical Greece and Meteora

5-Day tour of Classical Greece and Meteora

  • Meteora Tours
  • Multiday Tours In Greece

Outstanding 5-day tour which includes the best archaeological sites of ancient Greece and the Meteora monasteries.

  • Since all the tours we offer are private we have the flexibility to discuss with you any changes you wish to make in the itinerary.
  • During summer time because of the hot climate conditions in Greece we always suggest you to wear light clothes, bring with you a hat and sunscreen and make sure to wear non-slipper comfortable shoes due to the slippery terrain in the archaeological sites.
  • Also we always provide child seats or boosters whenever is needed with no extra cost. In case there are children between the passengers and you need a child seat we can provide it with no extra cost.

Our first stop is the impressive Corinth Canal where you can take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking view by walking on the bridge of the Canal. After 20 minutes driving, we will arrive to Ancient Corinth where you will visit the archaeological site and admire the monolithic Temple of Apollo, the Pirene and Glafki fountains, the Bema where Apostle Paul was judged, the Ancient Agora, the Ancient Theater, the Roman Odeon and the archaeological museum of Corinth.

Acrocorinth will be our next stop to take pictures of the imposing fortress and the breathtaking view of the Corinthian Gulf. Continuing our 5-day tour of Classical Greece we will drive through beautiful villages and you will enjoy a scenic drive passing through orange tree fields and vineyards, our next stop will be Mycenae. The ancient citadel of Mycenae was the kingdom of glorious Agamemnon and the Mycenean civilization was one of the most important pillars in the Greek history. In the archaeological site you will admire the Cyclopean walls of the citadel, you will walk through the Lion Gate (symbol of the Mycenean civilization), and see important Mycenean tombs. You will also visit the archaeological museum and a little further down you will be impressed by the tomb of King Agamemnon.

We will continue our tour heading south towards the town of Nafplion, one of the most historical towns in the modern history of Greece. You will admire historical buildings and explore the beautiful small alleys of the town and right after you will enjoy your meal in a local restaurant.

After lunch we will check in at the hotel and get some rest for a while. Before leaving Nafplion you will visit the fortress of Palamidi which was built by the Venetians and its located above the town. You will enter the fortress and you will be amazed by the panoramic view of the town.

Our last stop for the day is the Asclepieion of Epidaurus which is located 30 min away from Nafplion. In the archaeological site you will visit the ancient theatre of Epidaurus which is regarded as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine structure. The Asclepieion of Epidaurus used to be a therapeutic and religious center dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. After you complete your visit there we will return to Nafplion for your overnight.

We will start our second day after your breakfast and we will head to glorious Sparta. As soon as we arrive in Sparta we will stop in front of the statue of King Leonidas known from the battle of Thermopylae.

Right after we will visit the archaeological site and see the ruins of ancient Sparta. We will continue our tour by driving you to the fortified city of Mystras. In the fortified city you will admire the palaces of Michael Palaiologos, who was one of the Byzantine emperors from 1261 until his death, and numerous Byzantine churches. After you complete your visit there we will drive you to a local restaurant to enjoy your lunch. Our next destination will be ancient Olympia, where we are going to spend the night.

We will start our third day after your breakfast and we will drive you to visit the archaeological site of ancient Olympia and the two museums, where you will see among other things, the ancient gymnasiums, the workshop of Phedias, the temples of Zeus and Hera, the Palaestra, the altar where the Olympic Torch is always being lit for the Modern Olympics, the stadium, the pediments of the temple of Zeus, the statues of Nike of Paeonius and Hermes of Praxiteles, as well as the legendary helmet of General Miltiades from the battle of Marathon in 490 BC.

After finishing your visit at the sites, you will enjoy a meal in a local Greek restaurant. After lunch we will head to Delphi. We will cross the Rio – Antirrio bridge which is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road. We will have a stop in Nafpaktos for a short break and you will see the beautiful old port. After 2 hours driving, we will arrive in Delphi and we will check in at the hotel to get some rest. In the evening you will have time to walk the village and enjoy your dinner in a traditional Greek restaurant admiring the sunset.

We will start our fourth day after your breakfast and you will visit the archaeological site of Delphi where you will admire the Royal Thrones, the Athenian Treasury, the Roman Agora, the Theater, the Stadium and the Temple of Apollo where the priestess Pythia was giving her prophesies.

Continuing you will admire the exhibits of the archaeological museum of Delphi which is located nearby and the temple of Athena Pronea. After completing your visit we will head north towards Kalampaka. Arriving in Kalampaka you will enjoy your lunch in a traditional Greek restaurant.

After your lunch we will check in at the hotel and get some rest. A little later we will head to Meteora rocks where you will have a photography tour of the area. This wild and inaccessible place attracted Christian hermits as early as the 10th and 11th centuries, with official operation of the monasteries beginning in the 14th century. At their peak, there were about 24 monasteries in operation. However, today only 6 of them remain active. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gigantic rocks of Meteora dominates imposingly through the centuries and it’s a unique geological phenomenon. From the best spot of the area you are going to enjoy an amazing sunset. After sunset we head back to the town of Kalampaka for dinner.

We will start our fifth day after your breakfast and we will visit the monasteries in Meteora. You will have the time the 3 most important monasteries.

After seeing the monasteries and taking some last pictures of the unique landscape we take the road back. We will stop at the famous battlefield of Thermopylae and you will get the chance to walk on the very same place where the battle between the 300 Spartans and the Persians took place in 480 B.C. and you will also admire the statue of glorious King Leonidas that stands there to remind us the bravery of the Spartans. After Thermopylae we can stop for lunch in a beautiful sea side village.

The tour ends by driving you back to Athens and to the place we picked you up.

  • Corinth canal
  • Ancient Corinth (Temple of Apollo, Pirene and Glafki fountains, Bema, Corinth museum)
  • Acrocorinth
  • Acropolis of Mycenae
  • Tomb of Agamemnon
  • Mycenae museum
  • Old town of Nafplion
  • Palamidi fortress
  • Asclepieion of Epidaurus
  • Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
  • Statue of Leonidas
  • Sparta site
  • Mystras fortified town
  • Ancient Olympia site (Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Filippeion, Ancient stadium,)
  • Ancient Olympia Archaeological museum
  • Rio Antirrio bridge
  • Temple of Athena Pronea
  • Castalian Spring
  • Delphi site (Temple of Apollo, Athenian treasury, Roman Agora, Theater, Stadium)
  • Delphi Museum
  • Meteora monasteries

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  • 5-Days Tour of Northern Greece

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This 5-day mainland tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the northern Greece and its major historical sites and cities, passing by the archaeological site of Delphi, explore the overwhelming monasteries of Meteora, visit the city of Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus, admire the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, stop at Pella – the capital of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian kingdom, and see the tomb of the King Phillip and the famous “Vergina Treasures”.

Day 1: Begin your guided tour being picked up in an air-conditioned coach near your hotel in the morning and passing through Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova to reach the Unesco-listed archaeological site of Delphi, where the famous Oracle, Pythia, was seated giving her predictions for the future and it was believed that she channeled prophecies from Apollo himself. Delphi was considered to be the centre of the world (“Navel of the Earth”) because, according to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe met to find the navel of the world. Walk around the ancient ruins and visit some of the most famous monuments such as the treasury of the Athenians and the Temple of Apollo. Also, visit the Delphi Museum with its outstanding exhibits such as the Naxian Sphinx and the famous bronze Charioteer. Have the rest of the day at your leisure, stay overnight in Delphi and enjoy your dinner at your restaurant.

Day 2: Next morning, after breakfast, we will cross central Greece and the towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to reach Kalambaka, built on the foot of Meteora rocks. Here you will explore the world famous Meteora with its Byzantine Monasteries constructed on immense natural rock pillars and rounded boulders that dominate the area. Visit two Byzantine monasteries and get ready to be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view from the top of the rock towers. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka will follow.

Day 3:  Next morning, after breakfast, the coach will drive by Larissa towards the famous sacred Macedonian town of Dion which owes its name to the most important Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the leader of the Gods, who dwelt on Mount Olympus and lies at the foot of Mount Olympus. Visit the network of ancient ruined streets, public buildings, shops, workshops, statues, houses, an orchestra and a large theatre. Then, we will continue to Thessaloniki, the largest town in Northern Greece and possibly the most vibrant in Greece. We will take you for a visit to the archaeological museum of Thessaloniki along with a sightseeing tour of the city. You will overnight in Thessaloniki, where you can enjoy a walk at Nea Paralia of Thessaloniki at your leisure and savor a tasteful dinner at your hotel.

Day 4: After breakfast, your next destination is Pella, which at the end of 5th century B.C was the capital of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian kingdom. You’ll then continue to Vergina to visit the tomb of the King Phillip (father of Alexander the Great) and the famous “Vergina Treasures”. The trip continues to Lefkadia where you’ll visit the excavations and afterwards, return to Thessaloniki via the town of Veria. Dinner and overnight stay will be offered in Thessaloniki.

Day 5: After breakfast,  we will start the return drive to Athens through the Tempi Valley, passing by Larisa, Lamia, and making a short stop at Thermopylae where you will witness the heroic monument of the world renowned King of Sparta, Leonidas. The return in Athens is scheduled at approximately 19:00.

This tour is organized (group) with minimum number of participants 10 and is offered in English language.

All hotels included in the above package are A’ Class (4*) hotels. Hotel accommodation tax is payable directly at the hotels at 3 Euro per room/per night.

Children (4-12 years old) and infants are welcome to participate with parental guidance.

  • Be Equipped for a Day in the Sun (wear sunscreen/ hat/ sunglasses)
  • Visit to monastery is included (appropriate cover up is required)
  • Wear flat, comfortable shoes
  • Meal included: inform us of special dietary requirements or food allergies
  • Inform us of special medical conditions or respiratory problems

Begin your guided tour with you being picked up in an air-conditioned coach from your hotel in the morning and passing through Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova to reach the Unesco-listed archaeological site of Delphi, where the famous Oracle, Pythia, was seated giving her predictions for the future and it was believed that she channeled prophecies from Apollo himself. Delphi was considered to be the centre of the world (“Navel of the Earth”) because, according to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe met to find the navel of the world. Walk around the ancient ruins and visit some of the most famous monuments such as the treasury of the Athenians and the Temple of Apollo. Also, visit the Delphi Museum with its outstanding exhibits such as the Naxian Sphinx and the famous bronze Charioteer. Have the rest of the day at your leisure, stay overnight in Delphi and enjoy your dinner at your restaurant.

  • Delphi, Delphi, Greece

Next morning, after breakfast, we will cross central Greece and the towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to reach Kalambaka, built on the foot of Meteora rocks. Here you will explore the world famous Meteora with its Byzantine Monasteries constructed on immense natural rock pillars and rounded boulders that dominate the area. Visit two Byzantine monasteries and get ready to be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view from the top of the rock towers. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka will follow.

  • Meteora, Kalabaka, Greece

Next morning, after breakfast, the coach will drive by Larissa towards the famous sacred Macedonian town of Dion which owes its name to the most important Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the leader of the Gods, who dwelt on Mount Olympus and lies at the foot of Mount Olympus. Visit the network of ancient ruined streets, public buildings, shops, workshops, statues, houses, an orchestra and a large theatre.

  • Dion, Greece

Then, we will continue to Thessaloniki, the largest town in Northern Greece and possibly the most vibrant in Greece. We will take you for a visit to the archaeological museum of Thessaloniki along with a sightseeing tour of the city. You will overnight in Thessaloniki, where you can enjoy a walk at Nea Paralia of Thessaloniki at your leisure and savor a tasteful dinner at your hotel.

  • Thessaloniki, Greece

After breakfast, your next destination is Pella, which at the end of 5th century B.C was the capital of Alexander the Great’s Macedonian kingdom. You’ll then continue to Vergina to visit the tomb of the King Phillip (father of Alexander the Great) and the famous “Vergina Treasures”. The trip continues to Lefkadia where you’ll visit the excavations and afterward, return to Thessaloniki via the town of Veria. Dinner and overnight stay will be offered in Thessaloniki.

  • Vergina, Greece

After breakfast, we will start the return drive to Athens through the Tempi Valley, passing by Larisa, Lamia, and making a short stop at Thermopylae where you will witness the heroic monument of the world renowned King of Sparta, Leonidas. The return in Athens is scheduled at approximately 19:00.

  • Thermopylae, Greece

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Home > Greece Road Trip Itineraries: Greece By Car For 5, 7 Or 10 Days

Greece Road Trip Itineraries: Greece By Car For 5, 7 Or 10 Days

Post author Gabi

Written by our local expert Gabi

Gabi is an award-winning writer who lives on the Island of Crete in Greece. She is an expert in Greek travel and writes guides for the everyday traveler.

Here, I present the best Greece road trips that I have done myself over the many years of living in Greece. I’ve meticulously crafted 5, 7, and 10-day Greek road trip itineraries, perfect for a road trip around the captivating landscapes of mainland Greece and the Greek islands. 

These guides are designed to assist you in planning the ultimate road trip route, detailing where to stop and the ideal duration for each location.

Discover the best things to see and do in each part of Greece, from the rugged beauty of the mainland to the pristine shores of the islands, making each journey one of the most beautiful adventures.

Greece Travel Blog_Greece Road Trips 5, 7 and 10 Day Itineraries

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Greece Road Trip Ideas 

Visiting Greece is always an unforgettable journey, offering a blend of incredible landscapes, unique beaches, and stunning mountain destinations, making it perfect for a road trip around both mainland Greece and the Greek Islands.

Over 80% mountainous, the country unveils the best places for those looking to explore new lands, from the ancient Agora to the temple of Olympian Zeus and discover lesser-known spots.

Start your road trip in Athens, the capital of Greece, known for its ancient heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ancient Corinth and Ancient Messini.

Enjoy day trips to small islands, indulge in Greek food, and consider a boat trip across the Gulf of Corinth. Your Greece itinerary could include everything from a Santorini road trip to exploring the regions of Greece known for their historical significance in the Greek War of Independence.

Whether it’s a holiday in Greece during winter or a summer adventure, a car is the best way to ensure you visit the best places to see, making every road trip starts an opportunity to delve into the beauty and history of Greece.

5-Day Mainland Greece Road Trip: Thessaloniki & Northern Greece

Although this cannot be considered a classic road trip of the country, you can be sure that it will offer a different view and perspective that has nothing to do with the usual image of paradisiac beaches that you usually think of when dreaming of Greece.

Day 1 & 2: Athens, Thebes & Delphi In Central Greece

Archaeological Sites In Greece - Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, Delphi, Greece

Depart from Athens and drive by the ancient town of Thebes, a city in Central Greece that played an important role in Greek mythology. Your next stop on the road will be the traditional village of Arachova and then Delphi, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at the famous oracle of ancient times and the Temple of Apollo .

Here is our guide on getting from Athens to Delphi by car.

Day 3: a taste of meteora, thessaloniki.

Meteora-Monasteries_Monastery-of-Agios-Nikolaos-Anapafsas_Greece

This short trip around northern Greece will not give you enough time to visit all the Meteora monasteries (but you can do so if you follow the 10-day itinerary of mainland Greece further down in this article).

A morning in Meteora will allow you to visit just a couple of the Byzantine monasteries that the monks built at the top of the incredible rocks of Meteora. 

Get back on the road to reach Thessaloniki, the most important city in the country after Athens. You can explore the Museum of Byzantine Culture and walk along the famous seaside promenade to spot the magnificent White Tower of Thessaloniki.

Day 4: Naoussa & Vergina

Best Restaurants In Tirana: Where To Eat & Drink In Tirana, Albania

There is a lot to do in a day, so you can choose to do it all and spend less time at each stop. Head to Naoussa , where you can visit the school of Aristotle, the place where the great philosopher taught morals and politics to Alexander the Great and other Macedonians.

If history is not your cup of tea, then you might enjoy visiting one of the many wineries in Naoussa to taste some of the great wines produced in the area . Don’t drink much if you’re driving through Greece , though… fines can be high if you drink and drive in Greece.

The following stop is Vergina , where you can pay a visit to the royal tombs of Macedonia before heading to Veria (Biblical Berea), a place famous for being on the road of Saint Paul but also hosting an important Jewish neighborhood.

Day 5: Lake Plastiras & Back To Athens

Archaeological Sites In Greece - The Acropolis In Athens Greece

Drive along the coastal road from Vergina surrounding the impressive heights of Mount Olympus. Pass through the city of Larissa and drive to the small town of Karditsa to then reach one of the prettiest natural areas in Greece, Lake Plastiras, one of the biggest artificial lakes in Greece, framed by the peaks of the Agrafa mountains. 

Once this visit is over, you will drive to Athens. Remember that the road is long (about 6 hours or more), so it might be wise to depart early.

5-Day Greece Road Trip Itinerary For The Islands: Paros-Naxos

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Close to each other and easy to visit in less than a week, these are two islands that the Greeks often pick for their holidays.

Day 1 And 2: From Athens To Paros – Paroikia, Lefkes & Naoussa

Cyclades Island Hopping - Paros Island

You’ll need an early wake-up call to reach the port of Piraeus and sail to Paros . Either rent a car on the mainland and load it on the boat or hire a rental car upon arrival on the island.

After a sailing time that can range from 2.5 to 5 hours (depending on the boat you choose), you will arrive at the main port and town of the island, Paroikia, where you will spend the first day exploring the old town with its Frankish Castle overlooking the sea, and the picturesque Cycladic atmosphere . 

On the second day, drive to the mountain village of Lefkes to spend the morning visiting what was the first capital of Paros. Surrounded by pinewoods and endless sea views, the village is famous for its whitewashed homes, the nineteenth-century church of Agia Triada, and its succulent snails , a staple dish in Paros’ cuisine.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Naoussa and the nearby beaches. The Cycladic settlement, with its cobblestoned alleys, passages, and colorful bougainvillea, is among the most photographed settlements in the country. 

End your stay on the island by spending a few hours in Santa Maria Beach, just a short ride from Naoussa. Here, you will witness one of the best sunsets in the Aegean .

Day 3, 4, & 5: Naxos & Back To Athens

Naxos Island, Greece - Port on the island of Naxos, Greece_Depositphotos_45231899_s-2019

On your third day, take an early ferry and move to the next destination on this road trip , Naxos. The journey to Naxos won’t take more than an hour.

Somewhat bigger and more mountainous than Paros, this is a grand island to explore Greece by car as it has dozens of exciting mountain villages and a long coastal stretch with some of the best beaches in Greece.

It would be a good idea to spend the first morning exploring the old town, known as Chora, where you can visit the impressive Venetian castle and the Archaeological Museum, and devote a few hours to the Portara, the most famous sight on the island.

On the second day, drive to the island’s center to explore the village of Halki, a traditional settlement in the heart of Naxos famous for its stunning cuisine and the production of a unique spirit, the kitron. 

You can visit the Kitron Factory and Museum in the heart of this ancient town and enjoy lunch at the main square before getting back on the road to explore the tiny settlement of Filotti, opposite the impressive Mount Zas (the highest in the Cyclades).

Devote the rest of the day to the marble village of Apeiranthos, not far from Filotti. Here, you will find that most of the houses, the facades of important buildings, and the streets and tiny alleys are made of white marble. 

On your last day in Naxos, check out some of the beaches. The most famous of them is Plaka, which is one of the widest and most beautiful shores in Greece, with crystalline turquoise waters and white powdery sand, perfect for solo travelers , families, and couples. Everybody will find the right spot on the long beach of Plaka. 

In the afternoon, board your ferry boat back to Athens, thus ending your five days in two of the most beautiful Cyclades.

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7-day greece road trip itinerary for the mainland: peloponnese road trip.

The Peloponnese is a fantastic region in Greece that can be easily discovered on an epic road trip with interesting stops and places to see along the way. Even when seven days are nowhere near the right amount of time to see the best of the Peloponnese, one week can be enough to check out the best towns, beaches, and historic sites.

Get a quote on a car rental here.

Day 1 & 2: athens, corinth canal & nafplion.

beautiful Cities In Greece - Way to Nafplio city beach

As with most trips on the mainland, this adventure starts in the country’s capital. Do not overlook its countless archaeological sights and unique museums, and devote at least a morning to Athens before hitting the road towards the east. 

Your first stop will be Corinth, where you can admire the breathtaking canal and visit the ancient Acropolis of Corinth.

Your next stop will be the aristocratic Nafplion, a famous city on the Argolic Gulf that was also the first capital of the modern Greek State before Athens. Spend a whole day in Nafplion to visit its fortresses and beaches and soak in the views of the old town and the harbor.

Day 3 & 4: Mycenae, Sparta, Mystra

Ancient Sparta ruins, Peloponnese, Greece

Your first stop will be Mycenae and its impressive archaeological site , where, among the top highlights to check out, there is the famous Lion Gate, which was the main gateway to the citadel of Mycenae and is the most iconic symbol of this archaeological site. 

Right after, drive to Sparta, where you can explore Ancient Sparta , with the ruins of its Ancient Acropolis, the Theater, the Agora, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. 

You can also check out Sparta’s Archaeological Museum and the famous Statue of King Leonidas. The warrior’s bronze statue is located in front of the stadium. It features King Leonidas in a defiant position against the Persians.

While Mycenae and Sparta can be seen in a day, Mystra will undoubtedly need more of your time. Only 5 km from the center of Sparta, you will find Mystra, a great place to discover more of Greece’s past in the Peloponnese . 

This small village, which remains relatively unknown to tourists, played a key role in the history of Greece as it was the most important Byzantine capital in the country.

The ancient city of Mystras is UNESCO-protected and worth visiting since it hosts one of the most impressive ruins dating back to Medieval times.

Day 5 & 6: Gytheio & Diros Caves Monemvasia

Peloponnese Beaches -The Dimitrios shipwreck on Valtaki beach in Greece

This small town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula was the seat of the Ancient Seaport of Sparta and where, according to legend, Paris of Troy and Helen from Sparta spent their first night together before departing for Troy, ultimately starting the Trojan War.

Gytheio is a port town featuring beautiful (and delicious) seaside fish tavernas and authentic cafés. The town is within a short distance from Mystra. Here, take some time to explore the old town, the lighthouse, and the Ancient Theater dating back to the first century.

On your second day, move on to explore the Diros Caves. This spectacular natural site is one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. Inside, you will find an underground lake where you can board a boat to sail through the caverns and tunnels featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 7: Monemvasia & Back To Athens

Monemvasia at sunrise - Beautiful cities in Greece

Your next and final stop in this Peloponnese itinerary will be t he impressive medieval town of Monemvasia . This charming medieval settlement is probably the most visited place in the Peloponnese. 

After the visit, get back on the National road and reach Athens to put an end to this fantastic week in the Peloponnese. The picturesque settlement is connected to the mainland by a narrow, artificial strait dating from the Venetian period. In fact, before the Venetians, the island was only accessible by boat.

7-Day Greece Road Trip Ideas For The Islands: Rhodes

Another of the great Greek islands, Rhodes , is located in the Dodecanese cluster , not far from the Turkish coast . Rhodes is an excellent destination for a Greece road trip , and a seven-day itinerary is the right amount of time to visit the most important landmarks on the island.

Day 1 & 2: Rhodes Town

Most beautiful cities in Greece - Greece. Rhodos island. Old Rhodos town. Street of the Knights

Start by taking the time to explore the old town of Rhodes , with its incredibly well-preserved medieval alleys and stunning castle dating from the times of the Crusades. Known as the Palace Of The Grand Master, this fantastic palace is the best-preserved castle all over the Mediterranean and stands as one of the most distinctive landmarks of Rhodes.

You will need at least two days to experience the best of this ancient Medieval town, discover the museums, the ancient Jewish neighborhood, and the Archaeological Museum, and taste its delicious food in some of the taverns in the city center.

Day 3 & 4: Lindos & Lardos

Acropolis Of Lindos, Rhodes, Greece

Jump on your car and devote the next day to heading south; you will be able to drive along the coastal road and explore some of the beaches on the island; start by spending some time in Faliraki, one of the most popular shores, and then drive along until you reach your next stop, Lindos, where you can pay at least two more days. 

While driving around the area, you will have the opportunity to check out stunning shores, some of them famous, including the picturesque Ladiko and the superb Bay of Anthony Quinn, one of the most exotic coves on the island.

The first thing to do is climb to the top of Lindos Acropolis, home to one of the most charming settlements on the island; you will be stunned by the views from above.

If you’re planning to spend the night in Lindos before continuing your trip around the island, don’t miss dinner with a view over the Acropolis and the sea. 

Lardos is another coastal resort you can visit before moving on to your next stop. The beach is gorgeous, and spending some time there is an opportunity for a relaxing break. It offers some free time to swim and sunbathe.

Day 5 & 6: Monolithos & Prasonisi

How To Visit The Greek Islands From Turkey In One Day - Rhodes, Lindos bay

The following day, get back on the road to reach the southernmost point in Rhodes, Prasonisi. The coastal road has excellent panoramic views, and the area is not as crowded, so you can stop anywhere you want to explore the landscapes.

If you are fond of mountain settlements, you can make a short detour to visit Monolithos, a tiny village surrounded by high hills. Over here, you can explore an ancient castle with fabulous coastal views. 

Your next stop is finally Prasonisi, an incredible beach popular among windsurfers. Depending on the tides, this beach sometimes turns into an island at certain hours of the day. From here, you can get back on the road to get back to Rhodes Town. 

Day 7: Valley Of The Butterflies & Back To Rhodes Town

Greece Travel Blog_Things To Do In Rhodes_Valley of the Butterflies

You can either drive back north along the coast or try the slower but nicer mountain roads inside the island to get to your next stop, the Valley of the Butterflies. Also known by the name of Petaloudes, this park is located near the village of Theologos, about 27 km from Rhodes Town. 

The natural reserve houses a massive colony of butterflies during spring and autumn . The Pelekanos River crosses the valley with several bridges and endless waterfalls along its whole length.

Once back in Rhodes Town, you can see a bit more of the city or enjoy a few hours in the local aquarium. Set up on the premises of Rhodes’ Hydrobiological Station, and it hosts a fantastic marine museum that you will undoubtedly love visiting.

10-Day Greece Road Trip Ideas For The Mainland: Grand Tour of Mainland Greece

If you’re thinking about an epic Greece road trip that takes you to the main cities and regions on the mainland , then this itinerary can be perfect. Remember that it packs a lot, so you can make it shorter and move around at a more relaxed pace.

Day 1: Athens

Archaeological Sites In Greece - Parthenon on Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Start from Athens, where you can spend at least a full day discovering past treasures, including the Acropolis and its fantastic museum. In town, also pay a visit to Monastiraki Square and the Neoclassic district of Plaka. 

Day 2 & 3: Road Trip From Athens To The Corinth, Epidaurus, & Nafplio

SJ climbing to top of the Fortress in Nafplio, Greece

The second place you will visit on this itinerary will be Corinth, and you can quickly get there from Athens by driving through Greece on the national road. Once in Corinth, make some time to check out the ancient city and the impressive canal.

Drive a few more miles and explore the ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Then head to Nafplio, one of the most picturesque cities in Greece and the first capital of the modern Greek State.

Day 4, 5, & 6: Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Delphi

Ancient Sites In Greece - The Philippeion at Olympia in Greece

During the following days, you can visit the ancient city of Mycenae and move on towards the central area of the Peloponnese to visit Ancient Olympia and Delphi, as well as the local museums. 

The whole area might take you a day or two, depending on how much you enjoy exploring ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and museums.

Day 7 & 8: Meteora, Kalambaka, Pindos Mountains

Meteora Monasteries - Agios Stefanos

Devote your next day or two to exploring the area around the magnificent complex of monasteries in Meteora, located near the imposing Pindos Mountains in Kalambaka.

These famous monasteries stand on top of enormous dark rocks and give life to the country’s second most important monastic community. Meteora means high up in the air, and the word perfectly depicts the out-of-the-world scenario you encounter.

It is a good idea to slow down and spend at least two full days visiting the monasteries and admiring the impressive natural landscape that has made this place famous worldwide.

If you plan to check out some of the monasteries, then read this guide to the Meteora Monasteries for further information.

Day 9 & 10: thessaloniki, mount olympus, and volos.

Things to do in Thessaloniki Greece - View

Your next stop will be the northern city of Thessaloniki , the second most important metropolis in Greece and a place with so much to see and experience that you could easily spend two days or more in the region.

Devote at least one day to explore the jewels of this former Byzantine center, visiting the vast and interesting Museum of Byzantine Culture. 

In the area near Thessaloniki , there are also a few beaches where you can spend some time unwinding and relaxing after so many days on the road. 

It is a good idea to head to the impressive Halkidiki peninsula , home to some of the most popular beaches in continental Greece.

Back on the road for the last portion of your trip , discover the most important and highest mountain in the country (over 2900 meters), Mount Olympus, which, according to Greek mythology, used to be the home of the gods. 

You can either spend the rest of your Greek road trip exploring the ski resorts near Olympus or drive towards the coast to reach the seaside city of Volos and, from there, head back to Athens, where your Greece road trip comes to an end.

10-Day Greeke Road Trip: Crete Island

There is no better island than Crete for a long road trip in Greece, and even if ten days look like a lot, once you land on Crete and start moving around, you will soon realize that in ten days, you will barely scratch the surface of this stunning island.

Almost everyone chooses to drive towards the west, visiting the cities of Chania and Rethymnon. Of course, these two Cretan regions are so popular for a reason: they  feature incredible beaches , high mountain ranges, breathtaking gorges, and more. However, if you are looking for a tranquil Greek road trip, following your own pace and rhythm, I suggest heading east for a more intimate experience of the island.

Day 1 & 2: Heraklion, Knossos, Wine Region

Archaeological Sites In Greece - Knossos Palace

The easternmost region of Lasithi is an excellent place for a Greek road trip. It features endless roads with almost no traffic, where you will only encounter incredible beaches, a few scattered villages, and the occasional goat on the side of the road.

Start departing from Heraklion, the capital of the island, and the place where you will probably arrive. Devote one day to the city center to visit the museums and one more day to the Heraklion wine region and t he impressive Minoan Palace of Knossos, the cradle of the Occidental civilization.

Day 3 & 4: Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa

How To Get From Santorini To Crete - Agios Nikolaos, Crete

Devote the next two or three days to the small town of Agios Nikolaos, with its gorgeous Lake Voulismeni connected to the sea. 

From here, there are fantastic drives to visit the mountain village of Kritsa, where one of the oldest churches in Crete , Panagia Kera, is open to visitors. It features some of the oldest Byzantine frescoes you can find on the island.

Day 5: Plaka, Elounda & Spinalonga

Istrian Food from Istria Croatia Travel Blog - 1

Not far from the center of Agios Nikolaos, take the coastal road that takes you to the exclusive settlement of Elounda to spend a few hours on the beach and eat delicious fresh seafood by the sea. 

Later in the afternoon, drive a little more towards the west of the coast to visit the small settlement of Plaka. Plaka seats on the Mirabello Gulf, facing the former leper colony of Spinalonga, an islet you can see in about half a day.

Day 6 & 7: Sitia, Vai Beach, Toplou

Follow your itinerary heading east to the coastal town of Sitia, where you can spend time relaxing and discovering the Italian roots of this coastal port. Here, check out the Venetian Fortress, the gorgeous Toplou Monastery, famous for its wines, and the fantastic Vai Beach, the most impressive palm beach on the island.

Spend the rest of the days traveling south and visiting the small settlements that populate the road until you reach Zakros, where you can spend the night.

Day 8, 9, & 10: Zakros, Xerokampos, Ierapetra & Back To Heraklion

Start your day by exploring the Gorge of the Dead in Kato Zakros with its impressive beach. Drive a bit more to the South to find the most solitary coast on the island, Xerokampos. This is a perfect place to spend one or two days wholly isolated from the rest of the world. 

Follow west to the city of Ierapetra. You can take a boat from here and spend a whole day on an uninhabited island, probably among the most incredible destinations in Crete, Chrissi. 

In the southern area, you can also explore the small town of Myrtos and then make your way back to the northern coast to reach Heraklion again and put an end to your ten fantastic days in eastern Crete.

Things To Know Before Taking A Road Trip In Greece

Kalamta Greece - Pink sunset landscape at Kalamata harbor Peloponnese Greece

These are approximate itineraries. Road trips in Greece are probably the more flexible way of travel, without fixed schedules or rigid timetables. In these itineraries , we suggest 2 or 3 days at any destination, but it is always up to you to make each stay shorter or longer… and this can change for many reasons. 

First, you might not like the place as much as you thought, and you prefer to move forward, or — on the contrary — you love a place so much that you want to spend the rest of the time there. Both things can happen, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as you are flexible and enjoy your decisions.

But also, it might happen that, given the spontaneous nature of traveling to Greece by car, you decide not to book accommodation in advance. This would not be a severe issue in winter, but in the high season, you might have to change the village you stay in because all accommodation is booked. Plan accordingly, and do not leave all your road trip itinerary choices to the last minute.

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When Is The Best Time To Drive Around Greece?

It would be quite obvious to say that summer is the best moment for an epic road trip in Greece, and that can be the case if you choose a seaside destination or an island. However, Greece has terrific places to discover, also far from the sea and near the mountains.

Moreover, driving through Greece in summer can be pretty uncomfortable if you suffer from the hot temperatures or you are not very happy moving along very trafficked roads. 

For that reason, transition months, such as April, May, and June, but also September, October, and November, are great for avoiding crowds, enjoying milder temperatures, and enjoying beach time and impressive landscapes. 

Those interested in wintery scenarios will be surprised by the majestic beauty they can find in the northern part of the country during the cold season. If you prefer to drive during this time of the year, make sure your car is ready for snow and slippery roads.

How Difficult Is It To Drive In Greece Or Rent A Car In Greece

Albania Rent A Car Tips - Driving in Albania

Generally speaking, the roads in the country are in reasonably good condition, except for some forgotten mountain roads in lesser-visited areas. Although the Greeks are famous for being bad drivers, the situation on the National Roads is not as bad as you think.

If you’re planning on renting a car, then it is a good idea to keep a few golden rules in mind.

  • Pre-book : It’s a good idea to pre-book it before you arrive. This won’t be necessary for winter, but car availability tends to be limited in summer.
  • 21+ : You must be 21 years of age and must have held your license for at least a year, regardless of age. If you are under 25 years of age, you may end up paying a young driver surcharge, which will increase the cost of your car rental. For older drivers, there may be a maximum age of 70 for renting a car, depending upon the company you’re hiring from.
  • International Driver’s License : You will need an international driver’s license, and you will need to carry this at all times, alongside your passport and insurance documents.
  • Credit Card : Most car rental companies will ask for a credit card to secure the booking and to take a provisional deposit in case of any damage. Provided you return the car in complete working order, with no scratches or issues, your card will not be charged.

Here is our complete guide to car rental in Greece.

Greece by car & traffic in greece.

Beautiful white church on the Aegean Sea. Greece, Skopelos Island

The most trafficked centers are Athens and Thessaloniki , and even other Greeks visiting these two cities from more tranquil islands prefer to move around by bus, metro, or even taxi. 

If any part of your itinerary includes a stop in any of these two important cities, park the car on the outskirts of town and visit the center by taking the bus. You will avoid chaotic traffic, possible fines, and the usual nightmare of not finding any free parking spot.

Greek Road Trip FAQs

How can i plan a peloponnese road trip itinerary.

To plan a Peloponnese road trip, consider visiting ancient sites like Olympia and Mycenae, exploring picturesque towns like Nafplio, and enjoying the beautiful beaches along the coast.

What are some must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece?

Some must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece include the Acropolis in Athens , Delphi, the Archaeological Site of Mystras, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus.

Where can I find car rental services in Greece for my road trip?

Car rental services are available at major airports like Athens Airport, as well as in popular tourist destinations throughout Greece.

What are some highlights of a Crete road trip?

Highlights of a Crete road trip include exploring ancient Minoan ruins, relaxing on stunning beaches, visiting charming villages, and hiking through the Samaria Gorge.

What are some key things to do while traveling in Greece?

Some key activities include visiting ancient Greek sites, exploring historic cities, relaxing on beautiful beaches, experiencing Greek cuisine, and taking day trips to nearby attractions.

So, now that you have all of your ideas on the best road trips in Greece – which of these Greek road trips will you start with?

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Short Program Description

Locations and ovenights: Athens 2, Santorini 2.

Day 1 |Welcome arrival to Athens. Pick up Transfer to your hotel. Free day. Hotel overnight in Athens.  Day 2 |Athens sightseeing including Acropolis Hill and New Museum tickets, Free afternoon. Hotel overnight in Athens. Day 3 |Athens to Santorini. Transfer to the port, Speed Ferry to Santorini, and the hotel. Free afternoon. Hotel overnight in Santorini. Day 4 | Santorini Free Day.Optional local tour or cruise. Hotel overnight in Santorini. Day 5 | Departure from Santorini, pick up Transfer to the port or the airport for your return to Athens. Optional: for return to Athens day 5|. 1st option: Air ticket 1-hour flight. The price is 120 € per person. Connected with your flight home, 2nd option: Speed ferry tickets 12:30-18:00. The price is 90 € per person 3rd option: Regular ferry tickets 15:30-23:30 .The price is 70 € per person. Inform us to book Air/ferry Tickets and add these to the final cost.

Your daily vacation program and our servises

Additional information:.

  • Transfers : All Pickup transfers are offered in private luxury taxis with an English-speaking driver
  • Ferries : We use High-speed ferries in economy class. Upgrades to Business or VIP class On request
  • Flights: This tour can be operated, partially or entirely, by aeroplanes on request.
  • Hotels : We use First Class hotels (4*) on a bed and breakfast basis in Athens and the seaside on the islands. Rates for Tourist Class (3*) hotels and Superior Class (5*) hotels are available on request.
  • Extra Nights: We can add days and nights upon request before any booking.
  • Local Tours/Cruises : Typically served on big groups of up to 40 travellers. Options for Small-group tours or private tours are available upon request at extra cost.

Schedule / Prices

Daily departures   all year  by regular ferries and flights by Speed Ferries 01/04/2024 – 26/10/2024 01/04/2025 – 26/10/2025 All Prices are per person in Euro The prices are guaranteed for confirmed bookings up to 50 days before the departure date. For requests less than 50 days before the departure date, the prices are subject to change depending on availability .

4* Hotel List

The hotels mentioned below are indicative and are subject to change depending on availability.

Athens Hotels

Athens Zafolia Hotel, Polis Grand Hotel , The Golden Age Hotel of Athens , The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel

Santorini Hotels

Rose Bay Hotel ,   Strogili Hotel,    El Greco Resort & Spa,  Santorini Palace Hotel,  Santo Miramare Resort Hotel Anassa 

  • Accommodation on BB, 2 nights in Athens and 2 nights in Santorini.
  • Athens city tour with Acropolis and Acropolis museum, on SIC, including English speaking guide.
  • Private transfers with English-speaking driver
  • Ferry tickets Piraeus – Santorini with high-speed ferry on economy class.
  • Meet & Greet service for tour briefing and orientation by an English speaking representative
  • All entrance/admission fees to sites and museums

Not Included

  • Any meals other than those mentioned above
  • Any drinks during included meals
  • Any porterage at hotels.
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything that is not specifically mentioned in the "Included" section
  • Ferry schedules are subject to change without prior notice, and the itinerary may not be possible on certain dates at the beginning and at the end of the season.
  • An “overnight stay” tax applies to all accommodations in Greece. This tax, is charged on a per room per night basis and amounts to € 3,00 for 3* hotels, € 7,00 for 4* hotels, and € 10,00 for 5* hotels. This tax is NOT included in our rates and should be paid locally on the spot by the clients.
  • Any special request for an upgrade is accepted upon hotel availability or with extra cost.
  • Entrance/admission fees to various sites and museums are set by the Greek government, and in case of change, prices will be adjusted accordingly. Currently, included entrance fees are based on rates valid as of November 1st, 2019.
  • The above rates include a VAT of 24%. In case of a change in VAT, prices will be adjusted accordingly.

To forward us your reservation request and for further information and assistance, please, contact us at [email protected] , or +30 6974823355 (WhatsApp), or fill out the following form.

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Athens Office 61 Panepistimiou Ave. (El. Venizelou Ave), Omonoia Sqr., 10564, Athens Tel +30 210 3241776, +30 210 3251295 Mob./Viber/WhatsApp: (+30) 6974823355

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5 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

How to spend 5 days in athens: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You want to visit Athens in 5 days and you’re looking for the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order  to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 5-day itinerary in Athens, perfectly optimized to discover all the city’s must-see attractions.

First, I will give you  all my best tips to avoid queuing at Athens’ main tourist attractions. Then, I will detail the day to day program, with all  the best things to do and activities for each stage of your itinerary.

Of course, I will also give you  all my best tips  and  accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So,  what are the best places to visit in Athens in 5 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Athens Pass

5 days in athens: all must-see attractions, one last tip for a perfect 5-day stay in athens, a. the acropolis, b. the acropolis museum, c. explore the plaka neighborhood, d. the ancient agora, e. monastiraki, f. philopappos hill for the sunset, g. gazi neighborhood, a. the panathenaic stadium, b. hadrian’s gate and the temple of olympian zeus, c. zappeion park & the national garden, d. syntagma square, e. ermou street, f. the national archaeological museum, g. mount lycabettus, option 1: go to the beach, option 2: cape sounion, day 4: a cruise around the saronic islands, option 1: day trip to delphi, option 2: day trip to the peloponnese, where to stay in athens, athens in 5 days with kids, other ideas of things to do and see in athens in 5 days, map of your 5-day itinerary in athens, find the best flight prices for your 5 days in athens, cyclades (greek islands), how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at athens’ tourist attractions.

Greece ‘s capital, famous for its stunning archeological sites, attracts millions of visitors each year.

And they all want to discover  the  incredible attractions and activities the city has to offer, like the Acropolis  or the Agora.

Maybe you have been to the Colosseum in Rome , the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Empire State Building in New York ?

If yes, you already know what it means: endless waiting lines at all must-see attractions!

But don’t worry, there are 2 very simple solutions that will allow you to save a lot of time (and money!) during your 5-day trip to Athens.

The first solution to save time and money during your 5-day stay in Athens is to purchase the Athens pass.

It includes:

  • The combined Acropolis ticket, which gives you priority access to the Acropolis and 6 others main ancient sites in Athens: the ancient Agora , the roman Agora, Hadrian’s library, the temple of Olympian Zeus, the Aristotle’s lyceum and the Kerameikos.
  • A skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis museum
  • An audio guide for your visit to Athens
  • A 10% discount on all other attractions in Athens.

The Athens pass is 100% digital. You’ll receive your priority entrance directly by email.

To purchase your Athens pass , simply click on the green button below:

2. Skip-the-Line Tickets for Tourist Attractions in Athens

Second option: to avoid waiting in line during your 5-day Athens itinerary, you can buy skip-the-line tickets for each tourist attraction or activity in advance.

The good news is that you will be able to purchase these priority tickets for all the best attractions in Athens, such as the Acropolis.

Here is the list of all skip-the-line tickets and excursions I will be talking about in this itinerary.

To check the prices and to book, simply click on the orange links below (you’ll also find them throughout this article):

  • The Acropolis combined ticket
  • Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
  • Acropolis Museum
  • Guided tour of Acropolis Museum
  • Ancient Agora
  • National Archaeology Museum
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Day trip to Cape Sounion
  • Cruise around the Saronic Islands
  • Day trip to the Peloponnese
  • Day trip to Delphi
  • Street Food Tasting Tour
  • Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis

You can find all the available entrance tickets, guided tours, activities and day trips from Athens by clicking here: Book your tickets and guided tours in Athens.

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Athens is one the most touristic city in Greece , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Athens by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Athens.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Athens, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

5 Days in Athens: the perfect itinerary

Let’s now start your 5-day itinerary in Athens!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Athens for 5 full days and that you will be using the Athens pass or skip-the-line tickets .   It’s the best way to save time and money during your 5-day stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip to Athens 😄.

So, what are the best things to do in Athens in 5 days?

Day 1: Discover the historic centre of Athens

5 Days in Athens Day 1 Itinerary

Day 1 visits:

A. Acropolis B. Acropolis Museum C. Plaka neighborhood D. Ancient Agora E. Monastiraki F. Philopappos hill G. Gazi neighborhood

Let’s start your 5-day visit to Athens with the most iconic landmark of the city: the Acropolis .

This ancient citadel dates back to the Neolithic period, but the most significant structures were built in the 5th century BC, during the height of Athens’ power.

The Acropolis is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited site of Ancient Greece.

When visiting the archaeological site, you’ll see magnificent monuments like the famous Parthenon. This temple, dedicated to the Goddess Athena , is entirely made of marble and weighs about 20,000 tons!

You will also pass by the Erechtheion and its porch of the Caryatids, the temple of Athena Nike, the theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus,   which is still used for representations.

You should start early at the Acropolis, to avoid the midday sun and the crowds. Ideally, be there at opening time.

As there’s always a very long waiting line at the entrance of the Acropolis, you really need to get a skip-the-line ticket.

The Athens pass includes a priority entrance to the Acropolis, but if you don’t have it, you should buy a fast track ticket here:

And if you want to learn everything about the Acropolis history , you should opt for a guided visit (it’s also a skip the line ticket).

To book it, you just have to click on the button below:

Athens

Just a short walk from the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum is the next stop on your 5-day trip to Athens.

This modern museum  is built over an ancient Athenian neighborhood , which you can see through its glass floors.

The museum houses thousands of artifacts found on the Acropolis, including statues and relics that once adorned the Parthenon and other temples. It’s a must-visit to learn more about Ancient Greece!

Don’t miss the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Acropolis.

A priority entrance is included with the Athens pass .

If you don’t have it, to avoid waiting in line, you can directly get a skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum here:

You can also book a guided tour of the museum by clicking here!

Athens Acropolis Museum

After your morning at the Acropolis and the museum, take a leisurely stroll through Plaka neighborhood .

Known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” Plaka is nestled at the foot of the Acropolis and is one of the oldest and most charming districts in Athens.

As you wander through Plaka’s winding streets, you’ll find a lot of small shops, traditional cafes, and tavernas.

It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir, enjoy a Greek coffee and  sample some traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, or freshly made Greek salad.

While in Plaka, don’t miss Anafiotika area , its white-washed houses and colorful gardens, reminiscent of the Greek islands.

Plaka and Anaflotika neighborhoods in Athens

Let’s continue your 5-day Athens itinerary and go to the Ancient Agora , which was once the commercial, political, and social hub of ancient Athens.

Today, it’s an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into Athens’ ancient history.

While exploring the Agora, you’ll see well-preserved ruins such as the Stoa of Attalos , which has been rebuilt to house the Agora Museum. Inside, you can view an impressive collection of artifacts.

You’ll also see the Temple of Hephaestus , one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world and a famous example of Doric architecture.

The entrance to the Ancient Agora is included in the Athens pass .

And if you don’t have the Athens Pass, you need to book your tickets directly here!

The ancient Agora and The Temple of Hephaestus in Athens

Your first day in Athens isn’t complete without a visit to Monastiraki .

This neighborhood is known for its little shops, where you can find everything from antiques and vintage clothing to local handicrafts, jewellery and souvenirs. It’s really looks like the souks in Arabic countries.

While wandering around, you will for sure pass by Monastiraki Square , where you can enjoy the view of the Acropolis towering above.

If you’re interested in history , take a quick detour to the nearby Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora , both of which offer a peek into the ancient past of this dynamic city.

The access is included with your Athens pass!

Monastiraki

End your day with a peaceful stroll up Philopappos Hill , which offers stunning panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis.

The walk to the top is easy and you’ll be treated to one of the best sunset views in the city.

Philopappos Hill is also home to the Monument of Philopappos, dating back to 115 AD. It’s dedicated to the Roman senator Philopappos, considered as one of Athens’ benefactors.

Philopappos Hill

After a sunset on Philopappos Hill, head over to Gazi neighborhood to experience Athens’ modern nightlife.

Known for its industrial vibe and energetic atmosphere, Gazi is the go-to district for those looking to enjoy a lively evening out.

The heart of Gazi’s nightlife is centered around Technopolis, an old gasworks turned cultural venue that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.

Surrounding Technopolis, you’ll find a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and casual dining spots .

You should try one of the local rooftop bars where you can enjoy a cocktail with a view of the illuminated Acropolis.

If you’re looking for something more laid-back, there are several tavernas and ouzeris where you can enjoy traditional Greek live music and dance along with the locals.

For those who love to dance, Gazi’s clubs offer everything from mainstream hits to techno and alternative music.

When visiting Gazi, be sure to dress comfortably but trendy, as locals here take their style seriously.

Also, always keep an eye on your belongings, as these popular spots can get quite crowded.

2nd day in Athens: What to do and see?

5 Days in Athens Day 2 Itinerary

Day 2 visits:

A. Panathenaic stadium B. Hadrian’s gate and the temple of Olympian Zeus C. The national garden D. Syntagma square E. Ermou street F. The National archeological museum G. Mount Lycabettus

Start your second day in Athens with a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium , a historical landmark where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

This stadium is unique as it is the only major stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

Make sure to climb to the top tier for a panoramic view of Athens.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, the Panathenaic Stadium also houses a small museum displaying various Olympic memorabilia which chronicles the history of the games from ancient times to the present day.

Panathenaic Stadium

A short walk from the Panathenaic Stadium will lead you to Hadrian’s Gate , a monumental gateway that once divided the ancient city from the Roman additions made by Emperor Hadrian.

It’s a perfect example of Roman architecture in Athens and a spot for some great photos.

Just beyond the gate, you’ll find the Temple of Olympian Zeus , one of the largest temples in the ancient world dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods.

Though now in ruins, with only a few columns still standing, its sheer scale remains impressive and evokes the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization.

Entrance to the temple is included with the Athens pass.

After your visit, let’s head to Zappeion Park and the National Garden for a leisurely stroll.

You will first pass by Zappeion Park , featuring the Zappeion Hall , a stunning neoclassical building used for meetings and ceremonies.

Right next to Zappeion Park, while going towards your next visit, you will cross the National Garden.

This expansive park offers an escape from the urban bustle, with shaded pathways, a small zoo, and a botanical garden.

Zappeion Park in Athens

You will then go to Syntagma Square to witness the changing of the guard.

This ceremony is performed by the Evzones , an elite unit of the Greek army, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s a profound national symbol and a must-see during your 5-day itinerary in Athens.

The guards change every hour on the hour, but the most elaborate performance takes place on Sundays at 11:00 AM. If you plan to see it, you should arrive early to get a good viewing spot, as it tends to draw large crowds.

The ceremony is also an opportunity to see the traditional uniforms up close, with skirts, tights and pompom shoes!

Syntagama Square

During your 5-day itinerary in Athens, don’t forget to go to Ermou street , one of the main shopping streets in the city.

Starting from Syntagma Square and stretching down to Monastiraki, this pedestrian-only street is lined with both international brands and local shops, offering everything from high fashion to traditional Greek crafts.

As you stroll along Ermou Street, you’ll also encounter street performers and local artists.

Make also sure to explore some of the side streets and smaller boutiques where you can find unique items and authentic Greek products.

There are also numerous cafes and restaurants along the way. You should try some traditional Greek pastries like baklava or bougatsa from a local bakery.

Kapnikarea Church

To wrap up your day, head to the National Archaeological museum .

This museum, one of the most important in Greece, houses the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Greece.

Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon , the Antikythera Mechanism , and statues, from the Archaic to the Roman period.

The museum is less crowded in the late afternoon , so by following my itinerary, you will be there at the perfect time!

After your visit, don’t forget to check out the museum shop for books and replicas of ancient Greek artifacts—it’s perfect for gifts or souvenirs to bring back home.

In order to avoid the long waiting line in front of the museum, you need to book your tickets in advance by clicking on the button below:

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens

To end the day, make your way to Mount Lycabettus , the highest point in Athens, for a beautiful sunset experience.

The view from the top offers a panoramic vista of the entire city, stretching out to the sea.

You can hike up the hill (which you’ll take you around 20 minutes ) or you can take the funicular if you don’t feel like walking.

At the top, in addition to the incredible panoramic view of Athens, you’ll also find the small but charming Chapel of St. George.

There’s also a restaurant and a café at the summit, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal with Athens spread out beneath you.

Mount Lycabettus

Day 3: Discover the coast of Athens

For your 3rd day in Athens, you can choose between 2 options: a day at the beach or a day trip to Cape Sounion.

If you’re looking to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun, head to the beaches along the Apollo coast.

Here are some of the best spots:

  • Glyfada Beach : Known for its golden sands and vibrant beach bars, Glyfada is perfect for those who enjoy a lively beach atmosphere. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella, or if you’re looking for more action, try some of the water sports offered!
  • Voula Beach : Just south of Glyfada, Voula Beach offers a more family-friendly environment, with calm waters and all needed facilities. It’s ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.
  • Lagonisi Beach : Further down the coast, Lagonisi is known for its crystal-clear waters. It’s a bit quieter than Glyfada and Voula, making it a great spot for couples seeking a more peaceful retreat.
  • Saronida Beach : This beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and you’ll find excellent tavernas nearby serving fresh seafood.

You can go to the beaches on the Apollo coast using public transports, directly from Syntagma Square.

Athens Beach

If you prefer to learn more about history while discovering the natural beauty of Athens’ surroundings, you should rather go to Cape Sounion.

Located at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula , Cape Sounion is famous for its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the ancient Temple of Poseidon.

The drive to Cape Sounion is scenic, winding along the coast with numerous spots to stop and enjoy the view.

Once there, you can explore the temple ruins, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. This site is particularly stunning at sunset, when the setting sun bathes the temple in golden light.

There’s also a small beach below the temple where you can enjoy a swim with a view of the ancient ruins.

If you don’t have a car, the best option to go to Cape Sounion is to opt for a day trip from Athens.

They will pick you up at a metro station and drive you along the Apollo Coast. You will even stop at the theater of Thorikos, the world’s oldest theater, before you reach the Cape .

At Cape Sounion, you will have 2 hours to enjoy the site and the sunset.

The price includes the r ound trip transfer in bus and a n archaeologist guide. 

This day trip needs to be booked in advance by clicking here:

If you prefer, there is also a day trip to Cape Sounion that starts in the morning. It includes a stop to Anavyssos, for a lunch and to take a dip!

Afterwards you will enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Poseidon.

You can find all the information about this tour by clicking here!

Cape Sounion

A day cruise to the Saronic Islands is one of the best things to do when visiting Athens for 5 days.

These islands offer a mix of beautiful beaches, historical sites, and quaint villages, making them perfect for a day trip.

Several companies offer day cruises from Athens to the Saronic Islands, typically covering 3 islands such as Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

Each island has its unique charm:

  • Hydra : Known for its vehicle-free narrow streets and preserved architecture, Hydra is charming and picturesque. You can explore its artistic shops , relax in its cafes, and walk along the seafront promenade.
  • Poros : This small island is famous for its lush pine forests and sandy beaches. Don’t miss the clock tower, it offers stunning panoramic views of the bay.
  • Aegina  is rich in historical sites like the Temple of Aphaia. Don’t miss the chance to try some pistachio sweets from the local shops as the island is famous for its pistachios.

Each island offers opportunities to swim in the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen!

The cruise I recommend includes the bus transfer to the port, a stop at each island and even the lunch. 

You need to book this cruise in advance by clicking on the green button below:

Saronic Islands

Day 5: Visit the surroundings of  Athens

Spending 5 days in Athens will give you enough time to do another day trip to discover the surroundings. 

So for your fifth and final day, I have 2 suggestions for you:

  • Option 1: Visit Delphi
  • Option 2: Visit the Peloponnese

Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greek history, was once considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks.

It’s especially famous for its Oracle , where the Pythia, the high priestess , would deliver prophecies that guided kings and commoners alike.

In Delphi, you will be able to see the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, and the theatre.

After exploring the ruins, head to Delphi Museum .

Here, you’ll find artifacts excavated from the site , including the famous Charioteer of Delphi , intricate friezes, and ancient statues that offer a deeper understanding of Greek art and religious practices.

The tour includes the transfer from and back to your hotel , a guide , and the entrances ticket to Delphi archaeological site and the museum.

You need to book it here:

Delphi

Alternatively, consider a day trip to the Peloponnese.

This tour typically includes visits to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio, and Epidaurus, each offering a unique glimpse into ancient Greek civilization.

You will start your day with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal . The canal offers a stunning view as it cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf.

The canal is a marvel of engineering and provides great photo opportunities especially if you have the chance to see a boat inside!

Next, head to Mycenae , the ancient city from the Greek myths.

You can explore the ruins of the royal palace, see the iconic Lion’s Gate , and visit the tomb of Agamemnon . It’s a fascinating site that provides insight into the Mycenaean civilization , which flourished over 3,000 years ago.

Then, travel to Nafplio , one of Greece’s most picturesque cities.

This seaside town was the first capital of modern Greece and is known for its beautiful architecture , with Venetian and Ottoman influences.

Enjoy some free time to wander through its charming streets, visit the fortress, or relax at a cafe along the promenade.

Conclude your trip with a visit to Epidaurus , famous for its ancient theatre with exceptional acoustics .

The transfer in an air-conditioned bus, a guide and the entrance tickets for all the sites are included!

Booking this tour is the best way to see some of the most famous places of Peloponnese in a short amount of time:

Epidaurus Theatre

You now have a good idea of  the best things to do in Athens in 5 days!

There is just one more thing to do:  booking your hotel.  Where will you stay during these 5 days?

As Athens is very touristic, you should really book your hotel as early as possible to secure a good deal!

To make it easier for you, here is  my selection of the best accommodations in Athens depending on your budget:

  • Bedbox Hostel: A Youth Hostel located 300m from Monastiraki Square, and 700m from the Acropolis. Dormitory room starting from 18€ per night. Strong points: the location, the really kind staff and the cleanliness!
  • Evripides Hotel: Located 400m from Ermou Street and 500m from Monastiraki. The rooms are simple but comfortable, starting from 70€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the rooftop, the location (perfect to visit Athens on foot) and the friendly and helpful staff! A great choice in Athens for its exceptional value for money!
  • Amalia Hotel: Located on Syntagma Square, just in front of the National Gardens. The double rooms are modern and spacious. Some of them even have a balcony with a nice view of the gardens. The price starts at 155€ per night with breakfast included. Strong points: The comfort, the generous breakfast, and the location in the centre of Athens.
  • Wyndham Grand Athens: 5-star Hotel located 1km from Ermou Street and 1.5km from the Acropolis. You’ll love the elegant and design double rooms here, starting from 200€ per night. Breakfast will cost you 16€. Strong points: the outdoor pool on the roof, the view of the Acropolis, the spa center, and the location right next to a metro station!
  • Electra Metropolis: This 5-star hotel is located only 200m from Syntagma Square and 600m from the Acropolis. The price for a spacious and comfortable double room starts at 270€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the ideal location, the view of The Acropolis from the rooftop, the amazing restaurant, the pool. The best choice for a luxury stay in Athens!

Electra Metropolis - 5-star hotel in Athens

Wondering if this 5-day itinerary in Athens is possible and would be enjoyable with your family?

The answer is yes, of course!

But keep in mind that during summer, the temperature in Athens can be very hot, especially on archeological site where there’s virtually no shade. So make sure you protect your children from the sun and drink plenty of water (that goes for you too!).

And if you’ve got a baby, take a baby carrier with you, as strollers are not recommended at the Acropolis, the Agora or on the cobbled streets in the center of town.

You can also make a few changes to this itinerary and add some activities especially for your kids:

  • Visit  The Eugenides Planetarium  to discover the universe with your family
  • Go to T he Hellenic Cosmos  for a 3D virtual visit of Ancient Greece
  • Visit the  Hellenic Children’s Museum,  where kids can play merchant or construction games. It’s a miniature world, where everything is adapted to kids size!
  • Spend a day at the  Allou Fun Park & Kidom ,  Greece’s biggest amusement park!
  • Enjoy the  Attica Zoological Park , one of the classics of a family stay in Athens.   You can buy your tickets here.

You’ve followed my 5-day itinerary in Athens and have a bit more time left in the city?

In this case, you should read my guide of the best places to visit in Athens: The 20 Best Things to Do in Athens .

There, you will for sure find  even more ideas of activities and things to see during your 5-day trip to Athens!

To help you visualize your itineraries over these 5 days in Athens, I’ve created a map listing the places to visit day by day . You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

This will allow you to view the itineraries for each day.

Since the price of flights to Athens can vary a lot, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. For this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the guarantee of getting the best fare.

Need help organizing your 5-day itinerary in Athens? Feel free to ask me your questions in the comments.

Greece travel guides

  • Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
  • Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

  • The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
  • The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
  • Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
  • Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini !
  • Itinerary:  6, 7 or 8 days in Greece  – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
  • Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
  • Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
  • Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
  • Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!
  • Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.
  • Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
  • Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
  • Where to stay in Athens? My guide of the best places to stay for all budgets
  • The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
  • Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
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  • Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
  • Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
  • Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
  • Naxos: Top 10 things to do
  • Paros: The 10 best places to visit
  • Santorini: The definitive guide
  • Tinos: The 10 best things to do
  • Visit Santorini in 1 day
  • Visit Santorini in 2 days – The best itinerary for your weekend!
  • Visit Santorini in 3 days – The best 72 hour itinerary on the island!
  • The best excursions and activities in Santorini – 17 tours, visits and activities to do on the island!
  • The best boat trips in Santorini – Our 7 favorites!
  • Where to stay in Santorini? Find the perfect hotel for an EPIC stay in Santorini!
  • Where to stay in Mykonos? My guide of the best hotels, ordered by areas and budget
  • Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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Bucket list trip:

Athens 5-day itinerary

Where to go and what to see in Athens to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer John Malathronas .

Editor note – John has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Athens destination guide .

Explore the Acropolis, the city’s iconic landmark and the museum opposite. Start early to avoid both the crowds and the unforgiving midday sun.

Go for lunch at Dionysos Zonar ’s on Philopappou for a great view of the Acropolis.

After lunch, take a stroll along the shaded Grand Promenade from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, passing by the Odeon of Herod Atticus, the Ancient Agora and museum, Philopappou Hill, the Roman Forum, finishing at Thission.

In the evening, take the cable car up Mount Lycabettus and eat at the restaurant Orizontes on top (booking advised).

The Acropolis

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

Acropolis Hill at sunset

Bucket List Experience

You can’t visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis. It is the city’s iconic citadel and world-famous landmark that won’t fail to amaze even the most jaded traveller.   

‘Acropolis’ translates broadly from the Greek words ‘highest point’ or ‘extremity’. The site contains half-a-dozen buildings, mostly built from 500 BC to 450 BC on the orders of the powerful statesman Pericles,  during the so-called ‘Golden age of Athens’. Pericles wanted to beautify, glorify and protect the city.  

The Pathenon  

A marble jigsaw made of 70,000 pieces, this 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It dazzles with perfect symmetry and awe-inspires with its ancient grandeur, even when it’s crawling with tourists. It’s the most important surviving building of Classical Greece and a symbol of the nation.  

The Erechtheion  

On the north side of the complex, this Temple of was also dedicated to the goddess Athena, and was built to house the statue of Athena Polias. More famously today, it’s home to the ‘Porch of the Maidens’, featuring six sculpted female figures.  

Adult price: £9

Good for age: 13+

Acropolis Museum

Exterior of the museum among other Athens buildings

Decades in the works, the Acropolis Museum opened in 2009. The clunky concrete and glass building has many detractors, but few dispute the magnificence of the collection.

For the first time, all the treasures unearthed on and around the Acropolis are displayed under one roof – except, of course, the ‘Elgin marbles’, a large section of the famous Parthenon frieze that’s in the British Museum. Should they be repatriated? Visit the top-floor gallery and decide for yourself.

The museum restaurant matches a great view with great food. Try inventive Greek dishes on a terrace jutting out towards the Parthenon. The glass-walled dining hall also offers stupendous views.

Adult price: £4

Grand Promenade

The exterior of the Temple of Hephaestus on a clear day

If you have only a day to spend in Athens, you can cover most of the city’s ‘greatest hits’ by wandering through the Grand Promenade that rings the Acropolis.

Designed to link all the main sights of ancient Athens in a single pedestrian zone, beautifully landscaped walkways are punctuated by exceptional monuments. There are contemporary attractions, too: al fresco cafés, street art, and friendly stray dogs.

Start at Hadrian’s Arch. Wander along Dionysiou Areopagitou, pausing to take in the ancient amphitheatres Herod Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus, and the modern Acropolis Museum.

Continue on Apostolou Pavlou passing the rock of Pnyx on your left where the Athenian citizens used to gather listening to orators from Themistocles to St Paul.

A longer, signposted diversion at the junction of Dionysio Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou leads you to the alleged ‘Socrates’ Prison’, and to the top of Philopappou hill with bird’s eye views of the ancient sites below.

Back on Apostolou Pavlou and in about 500 yards you’ll spot the ‘Thission’ (a misnomer as it was a temple to the god Hephaestus), one of the best-preserved Doric temples anywhere in Greece.

Here you can divert into the Agora, the ancient Greeks’ shopping mall and civic hall as well as its fine museum where you can see ceramic voting slips, reminders of the city’s democratic past.

Backtrack to Thission and finish at the overlooked cemetery of Kerameikos, which has an amazing collection of tombstones and statues.

Duration: 3 kilometres

Mount Lycabettus

Lycabettus hill on a summer day

The tallest of the capital’s seven hills, Mount Lycabettus towers over Athens, offering 360-degree views all the way to the encircling mountains and the Saronic Gulf, plus, of course, the Acropolis and the centre of Athens.

Rising to 909 feet, it’s possible to reach the summit by cable car, driving or walking (if you’re up for a challenge). The 19th-century Chapel of St George crowns the top of the hill, a neat whitewashed building that’s impossible to miss from below.

Next to the chapel, the upmarket  Orizontes restaurant makes a great place for a long, view-filled lunch.

Adult price: £6

Good for age: 18+

In the morning start with the National Archaeological Museum and walk through the Exarcheia and Kolonaki neighbourhoods to the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. Have lunch at the museum’s excellent cafeteria.

In the afternoon spend your time around Syntagma square and stroll through Plaka. Stop at Brettos for a cocktail and, if it’s summer, go to Cinema Paris to enjoy a movie under the stars.

Dine in one of the many Plaka restaurants whose tables spill over outdoors, such as Stamatopoulos Tavern or Geros tou Moria .

National Archaeological Museum

Exterior of the museum with the Greece flag flying on top of the building

Though recently overshadowed by the newer, flashier Acropolis Museum, this treasure trove of antiquities is equally impressive. The display may be a bit dowdy, but the collection itself is world-class. From intricate, terracotta urns to delicate gold funeral masks, the craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks is astonishing.

Adult price: £5

Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art

Pottery on exhibit in the museum

The fascinating 5,000-year-old Cycladic Art figurines, which have influenced artists from Giacometti to Ai Weiwei, are guaranteed to surprise and delight even the most seasoned of culture vultures.

A sunlit street with empty outdoor seating in Plaka

Hugging the eastern and northern slopes of the Acropolis is the neighbourhood of ‘Plaka’, the city’s old town heart. This maze of jasmine-scented alleys and colourful neoclassical houses – now protected by a preservation order – has been continuously populated since antiquity.

Strolling through Plaka feels like strolling through a 19th-century film set. Though the area’s tacky souvenir shops and terrible tavernas teem with tourists, the winding lanes and shaded squares, dotted with Byzantine churches and ancient ruins, have retained their charm.

The northern reaches of Plaka are the prettiest. This maze of whitewashed alleys is called Anafiotika, after the islanders from Anafi who built the capital of newly-independent Greece in 1841.

People watching a film on an outdoor screen

On Kydathinaion Square, Cine Paris is one of the loveliest outdoor cinemas in Athens. If the film disappoints, you can just gaze at the Parthenon under the moonlight. Open May to October.

Adult price: £7

Good for age: 10+

Duration: 2 hours

Pop in at Monastiraki and its perpetual flea market for some good shopping opportunities around the area.

Lunch with a souvlaki or two from Kostas at Platia Eirinis.

In the afternoon, go to Cape Sounion and return via Piraeus where you can dine in one of the fish tavernas around the atmospheric Mikrolimano.

Try to book at Michelin-starred Varoulko for an unforgettable meal.

Monastiraki Flea Market

Wares are spread out on tables and blankets on the floor under large parasols at the flea market

The closest Athens has to an oriental bazaar; from 10am each day the streets heave with every kind of stall – from antiques to clothes and bric-a-brac – then from 10pm the bars take over, making this the epicentre of Monastiraki’s nightlife.

A Greek souvlaki made with pita

As you walk around Monastiraki, pass by Plateia Eirinis and join the queue outside Kostas, the most famous hole-in-the-wall souvlaki-seller in Athens, with its secret-recipe tomato sauce.

Sunset at Cape Sounion

Lavrio, Central Greece, Greece

Sunset over the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio.

Sounion or  Sounio  (the Sacred Cape of the Athenians according to Homer) lies at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula. Marked by the partly-renovated temple of Poseidon set on a steep, 200-ft high precipice, Sounion is evidence that the Ancient Greeks chose the locations of their temples with immaculate taste.

The temple crowns the summit of an ancient fortified settlement, with six-foot walls, erected by the city-state of Athens for strategic purposes. It occupies around ten acres in total; a port was located at the sandy cove to the north of the fortress.

This is the spot where – according to myth – King Aegeas awaited the return of his son Thissias, who had been dispatched to kill the Minotaur. When he saw his ship bearing black sails – his son had forgotten to swap them – he committed suicide by falling into the sea, thus naming the Aegean.

The legend, the temple, plus the unfettered pelagic views all come together in one of Greece’s most renowned sunsets – an experience not to be missed.

Mikrolimano

Mikrolimano, Central Greece, Greece

Mikrolimano

An amphitheatric harbour – and the best-looking spot in Piraeus – with shoulder-to-shoulder fish tavernas where you can taste the day’s catch.

An excursion to Delphi will eat up most of your day. Book a tour that also offers lunch.

When you return, pop into the Hammam Bathing House to relax; it’s open until 22:30. Dine at Kerameikos, a foodie hub, with many international restaurants: try Rakor for the best burgers in Athens.

Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum

Delphi, Central Greece, Greece

Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum

One of the most evocative and intriguing archaeological sites in Greece, Delphi was the site of the Oracle – a pythia (priestess), who would channel the god Apollo whilst in a trance. Some of her vague prophesies appear in Greek historical texts, others are still proverbs today.

The extensive site, considered by the ancients to be the Earth’s nave, is full of ‘treasuries’ built to thank the Oracle. The excavated, superbly fashioned artefacts can be visited in its must-see museum.

Alongside the Temple of Apollo and treasuries, the site’s other main draw is the spectacular theatre, dating back to the 4th century BC, with a capacity of over 5,000. Delphi was the location of the Pythian Games, rivals to the Olympics in antiquity, which took place in the amphitheatre.

Adult price: £10

Hammam Bathing House

Exterior view of the Bath House of the Winds, a beautifully refurbished 17th-century hammam

One of the best places in the city to experience a proper Turkish hammam, with the baths housed in an elegant neoclassical mansion opposite the Islamic Museum.

Adult price: £2

An organised tour to Marathon lasts for half a day, so when you return, mop up any museums you haven’t visited yet, such as the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art. The latter has a great snack bar on its panoramic terrace, where you can have lunch.

In the evening have an early dinner at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani by the Central Market (closes at 7pm) and later go to the Dora Stratou Greek Dancing show for a final whiff of Greek culture.

Marathon (Marathonas)

Marathon, Central Greece, Greece

The tumulus (burial mound) which was erected near the battlefield, with a few trees and mountains behind

An unassuming small town in Attica, Marathon is famous as the site of a victorious battle for the Greek army, when they defeated the Persians in 490 BC. Some credit this victory as signalling the beginning of Western civilisation, which then flourished in ancient Greece.

Three ancient tumuli (large raised common graves), rising to 40ft, mark the site where the most ancient battle ever recorded was fought. It was the runner Pheidippides who ran the 42.195km to Athens, in full armour, to deliver the triumphant news, a feat that gave the name to the modern Olympic race. Having delivered the message, he promptly died.

This is a must for anyone interested in Ancient Greek History. Some credit this victory as signalling the beginning of Western civilisation, which then flourished in ancient Greece. and is especially poignant for those who have run a marathon; somehow it brings perspective to all the pain suffered in the race.

Benaki Museum of Islamic Art

An exposition of artefacts in the museum

The best collection of Islamic Art outside the Muslim world, exhibiting a vast range of artifacts from intricately decorated prayer books to the reconstruction of a Cairo mansion reception room.

Adult price: £8

Byzantine and Christian Museum

The exterior of the museum, a white building with red tiled roof

A glorious introduction to the sacred arts of Byzantium. Icons, mosaics, textiles, murals and sculpture offer illuminating insights into this distinctive aspect of Greek culture. A newer wing houses temporary exhibitions that explore the influence of Byzantium on contemporary art.

Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

The exterior of Karamanlidi restaurant

A timewarp step into Athens’s past culinary traditions, this tiny yet popular  ouzeri  at the corner of Sokratous and Evripidou has slightly expanded its menu, but not its cramped space.

Folk dancing in Athens

View of two people dancing in traditional dress

An institution since 1953, the Dora Stratou Dance Company performs daily folk dancing shows in summer, in the eponymous open-air theatre on Philopappou Hill. Eye-opening as well as hugely entertaining, this is the best folk experience in Athens.

Adult price: £13

Good for age: 8+

When: June-September

Freq: daily

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Calling all nature lovers, beachside loungers and avid explorers – this eight-day adventure will take you to all the hotspots throughout the famous Greek Islands. Explore an ancient citadel in Athens, then take a ferry to Paros in the Aegean Sea. See traditional villages, natural swimming coves and maybe even take a ride to the sister island Antiparos for a local bite. Head to the village of Lefkes and explore the scenic olive-grove locale before a lunch of moussaka, dolmas or Greek salad. Head to Ios – a hub of vibrant nightlife and countless beaches to kick back on – and watch the sunset over an iconic city. End it all in Santorini, where you can hike off the refreshing glass (or glasses) of the country’s most popular wine and sit down for another epic sunset.

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  • Hike the rim of the caldera in Santorini and soak up breathtaking views of cliff faces, mountains, small villages and the Aegan Sea.
  • Rub shoulders with the locals in the village of Lefkes – surrounded by olive groves and distinctive Cycladic architecture – with an included meal of Greek favourites like moussaka and dolmas.
  • Take a short hike to Odysseas Elytis Theatre for an epic sunset over Ios, then hit the thriving nightlife and make new friends at local beach clubs that come alive when the sun goes down.
  • Fill your heart (and your camera roll) with gorgeous sunsets (and sunrises if you’re keen), expansive island views and iconic Greek architecture on a trip that lets you find the spots to hang out, take photos and meet new friends.
  • As this trip only has limited time in Athens, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this amazing destination has to offer.
  • The main means of transportation on this trip is by public ferry. These ferries are large, and transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
  • Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
  • Some of the Greek Islands are hilly and mountainous, which means steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will need to be able to lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. We recommend packing as lightly as possible for this reason. For more information, check out the "Packing" section of the Essential Trip Information. 

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your Greek Island adventure begins in Athens – the capital of Greece – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hostel. If you arrive early (and it’s recommended that you do – there’s so much to see and do here), why not take a day trip to the Saronic Islands – a stunning archipelago including the car-free island of Hydra. History lovers can walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks and discover the remnants of an empire with a pass into the Acropolis – the ancient citadel with gorgeous views over the city. Tonight, ask your leader where the best place for a gyros is, or head out on a Taste of Athens Urban Adventure to sample some of Athen’s many culinary delights.

  • Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

  • Athens - Dora Stratou - EUR20
  • Athens - Day Trip to Delphi - EUR60
  • Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
  • Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
  • Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
  • Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
  • Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR12
  • Athens - Taste of Athens Urban Adventure - EUR139
  • Athens - Museum of Acropolis - EUR15
  • Athens - Acropolis Archaeological Site - EUR20

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Wake up early this morning as you make your way by ferry to Paros in the Aegean Sea. Paros is best known for its beaches, traditional villages and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani – a Byzantine church from the 4th century AD. When you arrive, you’ll have a free day at your leisure to explore, find the perfect swimming spot or just kick back on one of the sandy beaches – Kolymbithres Beach is a good spot to set up for the day, as it’s known for the unique rock formations that create natural swimming coves! Wander around the Cycladic architecture (this whole trip is a photographer's dream), and if you like, gear up for a big night by taking it easy while the sun’s out – Paros is also popular for its vibrant nightlife.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

You have the morning free to explore Paros further – maybe take the ferry to Antiparos (the sister island easily reached by a short ferry ride), go kayaking or visit Psaralyki Beach for a morning swim. This little island is also a great spot to pick up local food. After, head back to Paros and rejoin your group for a visit to Lefkes – an enchanting village known for its distinct white and blue architecture, olive groves and pine forests. You’ll enjoy an included group dinner in the village, with options including moussaka, imam eggplants, dolmas with lettuce, Greek salad and more. This is also a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, as this village is less touristy than the rest of the island. 

  • Lefkes - Local Dinner
  • Paros - Lefkes Village Visit
  • Paros - Sea Kayaking Half Day Trip - EUR90
  • Paros – Ferry to Antiparos (one way) - EUR2
  • Paros - Archaeological Museum - EUR3
  • Paros – Local Bus to Naoussa (one way) - EUR2
  • Paros - Kayak Hire (hourly) - EUR20

Take the ferry to Ios – a popular island known for its cliffs that plunge into the sea and its hills peppered with Cycladic architecture and palm trees, idyllic during sunset. When you arrive, maybe head straight for the most visited beach on Ios – Mylopotas Beach – and kick back somewhere in the horseshoe-shaped bay. If crowds aren’t your thing, maybe hit Magganari Beach for a quieter setting. If you’d like to spend your day sightseeing instead, maybe visit Homer’s Tomb (legend says that this is the last resting place of the famous Greek poet) in Plakotos or the Church of Panagia Gremniotissa. Tonight, rejoin your group and walk to the Odysseas Elytis Theatre to watch an epic sunset overlooking the town.

  • Hotel (Multi-share) (1 night)
  • Ios - Teatro Odysseas Elytis Sunset

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today is a free day in Ios. Maybe take a boat tour to explore seven different beaches across the island – this tour includes lots of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling! After a day of hitting the sandy shores or wandering around this bucket list destination at your own pace, you might want to explore the nightlife. Go bar hopping with your new travel buddies or meet some new friends along the way at the thriving beach clubs – Ios is popular with a younger crowd, so you’re sure to find a few drinking or dancing buddies to hit the town with and boogie the night away.

  • Ios - Church of Panagia Gremniotissa - Free
  • Ios - Homer's Tomb - Free
  • Ios - Seven Beaches Boat Tour - EUR59

This morning, you’ll take a ferry to Santorini – one of the must-see destinations on any Greek Island adventure! Famous for its gorgeous hiking opportunities and countless sunset spots, Santorini is also home to some of the best wines in the country. This island was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century, the evidence of which now shapes the landscape. Today you might want to explore the two main towns – Fira and Oia – that sit on cliffs above the underwater crater, now home to lava pebble beaches and iconic scenery. Maybe kick back on the volcanic beaches, hit the town for some souvenir shopping or just wander the streets in search of delicious treats, epic photo spots, and the occasional glass of Assyrtiko to refuel. 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

In 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption sank the centre of Santorini, forming the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place and this morning, you’ll hike along the crater rim. Walk through little villages, passing cliff faces and gorgeous views along the way. After, you have a free afternoon to explore the island at your own pace. Grab a well deserved bite to eat after the hike – maybe try some of the local tomato fritters or feast on local seafood. Alternatively, just relax on the beach, soaking up the vibes of the sun.

  • Santorini - Caldera Hike

Today is your last day of the trip, and with no further activities planned, you’re free to leave at any time. It’s recommended you stay longer, to really soak up all Santorini has to offer. Maybe take a half-day trip to the volcano and hot springs or explore the town of Imerovigli and the Akrotiri archaeological site – the list goes on! Just speak to your booking agent if you’d like to organise additional accommodation here.

  • Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) - EUR25

6 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Ferry, Public bus, Taxi, Metro

Hotel (5 nights), Hotel (Multi-share) (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is not available on this trip. 

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary for Greece: From Ancient Ruins to Sun-Kissed Islands

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 08/09/2024

Greece, situated in the Mediterranean, is a stunningly beautiful country. Its azure waters surrounding its hot terrain make it the ideal getaway for those longing to lounge on the beach, taking occasional soothing dips in the warm ocean.

But there’s more to Greece than just breathtaking scenery. It’s a land rich in history and culture, capable of captivating even the most world-weary traveler. The country’s museums rank among the most remarkable globally, and you don’t have to venture inside to soak up the heritage.

A simple walk along the cobblestone lanes offers a window into Greece’s past. This Greece 7 days itinerary will cover history and culture as well as beaches and beautiful blue water.

Additionally, Greece distinguishes itself from other hot and humid nations by experiencing a cold winter. If you’re not fond of the heat, you can choose to visit during the winter months for a different yet equally enchanting experience.

Things to Book Before You Leave Home Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation. 🔱 Most Popular Tours in Greece: 1. Athens Acropolis Skip the Line Tour -my top pick 2. Athens Acropolis and Musem Skip the Line Tour 3. Athens Street Food Tour -don’t eat breakfast before 4. Santorini Private Caldera Sailing Trip -book to include sunset 🛏️ Where to Stay in Athens : 1. AthensWas -stylish boutique hotel 2. The Stanley Hotel -great value with a rooftop bar and pool

Here is my Greece 7 Days Itinerary designed to give first-time visitors a taste of this beautiful country.

Mykonos windmill and view

Greece 7 Days Itinerary

To make the most of your trip to Greece, it’s good to have an outline of what you want to get up to. That way you won’t miss any of the sights you want to see, and you’ll be able to start picturing yourself there right this minute.

However, since making a detailed 7 day itinerary for your trip to Greece can drain the fun out of holiday planning, here’s a suggested plan for you to work from.

7 Day Greece Itinerary: Days 1 & 2 in Athens

Since it’s easiest to fly into Athens, starting your trip here is best. Athens is the site of many iconic ancient Greek monuments and temples. There are so many fantastic things to do in Athens.

This start to your vacation will be all about culture, history and beauty. And you’ll have lots of energy to go out in the evening. Athens is known for its fun and vibrant nightlife, particularly in the summer.

athens street art

Day 1: Visit the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill

When you wake up on your first morning in Greece, set your sights on the Acropolis of Athens. Dating back to the 5th century BC, this hilltop temple monument is more than just a sight – it’s a collection of awe-inspiring landmarks that can easily occupy your entire morning as you explore its iconic wonders.

It’s highly recommended to take a guided tour of the Acropolis . Considering the vast area and the plethora of sites to see, a guided tour ensures you don’t miss any significant spots. Most terms will conveniently include your ticket for the Acropolis and provide access through the quickest entry line.

acropolis 13

Situated atop a rugged outcrop overlooking Athens, the ancient citadel provides breathtaking views. The splendor of the Acropolis is further enhanced by the fact that the view is unspoiled by the modern cityscape below. The blend of ancient marvels and scenic beauty creates an unforgettable experience.

⇒ Pre book your skip the line ticket for the Acropolis

See the Parthenon

While at the Acropolis, visit the Parthenon, the most important remaining monument from classical Greece. It’s also world-renowned, and you’ll surely have heard of it many times. Be sure to take a few photos!

parthenon 1

Marvel at the Acropolis Museum

Just a 10-minute walk down the hill you will find the museum dedicated to the Acropolis. This is a great place to go, with the incredible architecture fresh in your imagination. Also, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a little restaurant as you go.

⇒ Beat the Queue and pre-book your ticket for the Acropolis & Museum

Klepsidra Cafe is one of the best options in the area. Greek food is incredible, and you’ll surely find the perfect thing to energize you as you explore the Acropolis Museum.

After lunch, it is time to climb another one of Athen’s hills – Mount Lycabettus. At 227 meters tall, the summit of Lycabettus is the highest point in central Athens and has some fantastic views of the city and the Acropolis.

mount lycabettus greece

Walking up the hill to the top of Mount Lycabettus is relatively easy. But if you’re all walked out after spending the morning at the Acropolis take the easy-to-use cable car up and down the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a restaurant with great views and a classically Greek blue and white church St George.

After all that walking you’ve earned a drink. In the early evening, head to Bar Kepameio and enjoy a spritz. Kapameio owns a souvlaki place next door called Elvis, which has some of the best souvlakis in Athens. It is worth a visit as the souvlaki I enjoyed there was outstanding. Best of all you can place your order in Elvis and then enjoy your souvlaki at your table in the bar.

kepameio bar

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about Greece: – Greek Landmarks – Things to do in Thessaloniki – Halkidiki Beaches – Facts about Greece

Day 2: Explore Athens through its cuisine

Taking a food tour is one of my favorite ways to explore a city, and Athens is an excellent place for a food tour! I took my food tour with Viator and it was wonderful. Our guide was local and very knowledgeable.

We did everything from a Greek honey tasting to visiting a Koulouri bakery (the delicious sesame rings you will see all over Greece) and visiting Athens Central Market for some fantastic lamb that had been cooking in the sand for hours.

athens market seafood greece 7 days itinerary

Whether you take a food tour or not I would recommend a trip to Athens Central Market – particularly at lunchtime. Many locals visit to buy their seafood, and there is a great atmosphere. Plus it is home to restaurants and cafes.

Once you finish your food tour you won’t want to eat for a little while. It is the perfect time to explore the lovely little neighborhood of Anafiotika. This small area sits behind some of the key tourist sites in Athens. It was built in the 1800s when King Otto 1 wanted Athens to be rebuilt.

ana fiotika street

Builders were brought in from the Cycladic island of Anafi. While they were working on rebuilding Athens, they built a replica of their island near the Acropolis. Anafiotika means little Anafi. Only 45 buildings remain today, but it is a lovely neighborhood for a wander.

Then, continue to walk off your food tour by visiting the neighborhood of Plaka, home to cute streets and some great shopping.

seychelles meatballs

Hopefully by the time dinner rolls around you’ll be ready to eat again. I highly recommend Seychelles. Loved by locals, you’ll find unique twists on popular Greek dishes. It’s located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood. Don’t forget to book ahead or you won’t get a table.

Boutique Hotels in Athens

athenswas-athens boutique hotel restaurant

Stay close to the Acropolis in the very stylish AthensWas boutique hotel. The AthensWas boutique hotel has fantastic views of the Acropolis (ask for a room on one of the higher floors) – particularly from the terrace – and it is in an excellent neighborhood with loads of great restaurants and shops.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for AthensWas

If you love fantastic interiors, then check out the New Hotel . And this Athens boutique hotel has a spa complete with a hammam, jacuzzi, and treatment room. Even the standard rooms are large at 20 to 23 square meters and they have a pillow menu.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for the New Hotel

the stanley pool

The Stanley Hotel has a fantastic location next to Metaxourgeio Station, making it easy to get everywhere in Athens. They also have a great rooftop pool and bar with views of the Acropolis. The rooms are a little on the small side, but you won’t spend much time in them with that view on the rooftop.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for The Stanley Hotel

7 Days Greece Itinerary: Days 3, 4 & 5 in Santorini

Now it’s time to head off to the Greek islands to get more sun, sand and beautiful sights. These stunning islands are world-renowned as a dreamy destination.

Santorini is one of the most picturesque places in the world. The white buildings are set off perfectly by the deep blue Aegean sea below them.

While your days on this island can consist mainly of coffee shops, gelateria, restaurants, and bars (yes, the food and drink is that good), a little sightseeing can go a long way. Especially when it’s coupled with some beautiful swimming and tanning opportunities.

Read more about Santorini: – Santorini Greece Black Sand Beaches – Santorini Wineries – Where to watch the Santorini Sunset

view over oia santorini

Day 3: Morning Walk between Thira and Oia and Sunset Santorini Wine Tour

The walk between Thira and Oia is about 10 kilometres so it will take 2-2 1/2 hours. It is a stunning path along the caldera. You will head up and down quite a bit, so wear sensible shoes.

➡️ Book a guided walk between Thira and Oia

Did you know that for centuries, the economy of the Greek Island of Santorini was built on wine? I was shocked to discover that this was the case. When I first heard about wineries in Santorini and its famous assyrtiko grape, I thought wine from such a warm climate couldn’t possibly taste good. I am delighted to tell you that I was completely wrong.

The perfect way to experience the wine of Santorini is through a guided tour which includes a driver. Several companies run wine tours on the island.

santorini rose wine

Sunset wine tours generally start around 4 p.m. and finish about 8 pm. Most tours will pick up and drop off guests at their hotels or a spot close to their accommodation.

Anhydrous Winery wines

Each wine tour company works with several wineries. The majority of tours visit three wineries. Visits include a tasting (of course) and a generous platter of local delicacies. The food served on the tour is sufficient to cover dinner.

➡️ Book Your Santorini Wine Tour

Day 4: Day of Exploring and a Sunset Cruise

Spend the day getting to know the city by foot. Meander down the winding lanes and pop into the cafes and shops you come across.

In the afternoon, join a small-group luxury catamaran cruise. You’ll see more of the island, swim in volcanic hot springs, and snorkel in the clear blue waters.

santorini greece black sand beaches

Day 5: Relax

I am officially giving you a day off! This is a day to spend either by your pool in the hotel or head to some of Santorini’s famous black beaches for a day of rest and relaxation.

Boutique Hotels in Santorini

greece_santorini_anteliz-door

On my first trip to Santorini, I stayed at the Anteliz Suites in Fira and absolutely loved it. This charming Santorini boutique hotel is perched on the top of Fira. As such it has the most amazing views of the Santorini sunset. And a large deck area designed to help you to enjoy that view.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Anteliz Suites

Canaves-Oia-Suites-and-Spa

In Oia, Canaves Oia Hotel is the whitewashed Santorini hotel of your dreams. The hotel is cut into the old caves and has a minimalist design. Plus there is a gorgeous pool with a swim-up bar.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Canaves Oia Hotel

On my second trip to Santorini, I stayed in Oia in the north of the island. Mr. and Mrs. White Santorini is a charming boutique hotel on the caldera with fantastic views. It is very modern in design but combined with the island’s traditional style.

mr and mrs white santorini room

We stayed in a mezzanine room that had a bathroom and sofa bed on the mezzanine. But the highlight was the massive terrace in the room with views straight out onto the caldera and the Santorini sunset.

mr and mrs white pool

The design theme is black and white which works very well on this often blue-and-white and oh-so-bright island. Breakfast is served above the main reception and also provides fantastic views. The buffet includes hot food, and I highly recommend the spanokopitas. Greek or traditional-style omelets are also available.

mr and mrs white

The hotel has a pool area and a second area for a smaller pool and jacuzzi. It is a slight maze of rooms, arches, and outdoor corridors, but this gives an excellent sense of privacy. The staff were very friendly – particularly at breakfast where they remembered our coffee order each morning!

mr and mrs white breakfast

There are quite a few boutique hotels within Oia, but they all looked like they had pretty small rooms and no full-size pool. Plus Oia can get quite loud. Mr and Mrs White was the perfect mix of being close to the action but removed enough for privacy.

➡️ Check Availability and Prices for Mr and Mrs White

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about the Greek Islands: – Paxos Restaurants – Things to do in Paxos Greece – Best Paxos Beaches -Things to do on Ios – Santorini to Ios – Mylopotas Beach – Most Beautiful Islands in Greece

Greece Vacation Itinerary: Days 6 & 7 in Mykonos

Next is a few days in one of Europe’s most fun summer party destinations. This is an island where you can sleep in late. There’s no need to feel guilty about not making the most of your days, as your nights will get the attention.

mykonos houses on the water

Day 6: Take a Delos and Rhenia Islands Boat Trip

After you wake up late and have a lovely lazy morning, spend the afternoon exploring the nearby islands . It’s a beautiful way to spend a day, especially since you can sip on unlimited drinks and start your Mykonos buzz before watching the sunset over the island.

Next, head to Lola’s Bar-Cafe to kick the night off with a delicious cocktail. The bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere; if you go alone, you’ll leave with friends.

➡️ Book Your Boat from Mykonos Trip

Day 7: Party at Paradise and Super Paradise Beach

These extremely popular beaches will have you feeling the party spirit. They might not be your traditional idea of paradise, but they offer a great time.

the sea in myokonos with white houses

During the day, enjoy basking on the beach. But it’s during the night when things heat up. Bars play loud music that carries across the sand, and massive clubs boast international DJs and almost unending hours.

Boutique Hotels on Mykonos

boheme mykonos roof terrace

Boheme Mykonos is carved into a mountain with views of the sea. Enjoying relaxing on the sundeck by the pool. They are right next to the bar and restaurant so you don’t need to move to be fed and watered.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Boheme Mykonos

Rocabella Mykonos boutique hotel outdoor area

Rocabella Mykonos is slightly more upmarket and its rooms come with private terraces. The outdoor pool is lined by white rocks with lots of day beds. And there is a spa with an enticing range of treatments on offer.

➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Rocabella Mykonos

Your 7 Days in Greece Itinerary in Conclusion

With this definitive 7-day itinerary, your vacation in Greece will be complete and encompass everything you desire. From the breathtaking beaches and intriguing galleries to renowned museums, vibrant nightlife, and delectable cuisine, there’s something to thrill even the most seasoned traveler.

view over santorini

I covered all the costs in writing this article on a 7 days in Greece Itinerary. However, this article does include affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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