Day 1: Athens
- Arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece.
- Visit the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, marveling at ancient history and breathtaking views of the city.
- Explore the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the historical artifacts.
- Stroll through Plaka, the charming old neighborhood, for shopping and dining.
Day 2: Delphi
- Drive to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Oracle.
- Explore the archaeological site of Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Museum.
- Enjoy the scenic mountain views and serene surroundings.
Day 3: Santorini
- Take a ferry to Santorini, the stunning island known for its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches.
- Explore Fira, the capital, and take in the breathtaking caldera views.
- Relax on a sunset cruise to witness the famous Santorini sunset.
Day 4: Santorini
- Spend the day exploring Oia, another picturesque village with narrow streets and beautiful views.
- Visit the black sand beaches of Kamari or Perissa for some beach relaxation.
- Taste local cuisine and wines at a traditional taverna.
Day 5: Mykonos
- Take a ferry to Mykonos, a lively island known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches.
- Explore Mykonos Town with its iconic windmills, charming alleys, and shopping.
- Relax on the beach or visit the nearby archaeological site of Delos (a short boat ride away).
Day 6: Crete
- Fly to Crete, the largest Greek island.
- Visit the Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minoan site near Heraklion.
- Explore the old town of Chania with its Venetian harbor and narrow streets.
Day 7: Crete
- Spend the day relaxing on one of Crete’s beautiful beaches.
- Visit the Samaria Gorge for a stunning hike (if you’re up for it) or explore the charming village of Rethymno.
- Enjoy your last evening with a traditional Cretan meal.
Remember that travel times and schedules might vary, so it’s a good idea to check ahead and make any necessary reservations. This itinerary gives you a taste of Greece’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. Enjoy your trip!
Day 1: Athens
. Arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece.
Athens stands as an ancient city in Greece. It is pronounced as “A-thinz.” In the current language spoken, it’s referred to as “Athina.” In the past, it was known as “Athine,” and even further back, it was called “Athēnai.” As the primary city of Greece, Athens is a bustling hub. Its history spans approximately 3,400 years, making it one of the world’s most ancient urban centers.
Statistical analysis has revealed Athens as one of Europe’s densely populated locations. It ranks as the 7th most densely inhabited area in the European Union. Among all the capital cities in the European Union, Athens holds the distinction of being the 4th most populated. A larger area around Athens was home to 4,013,368 individuals in 2004.
Athens isn’t just an ancient city; it’s also a modern metropolis. It holds immense importance for Greece due to its role in various critical activities such as commerce, finance, manufacturing, and politics. It serves as a central hub for numerous aspects of Greek life. Some even regard it as an exceptionally significant global city. In the year 2008, experts noted that Athens ranked as the 32nd wealthiest city worldwide. This ranking was determined by evaluating the economic resources of the city’s inhabitants. Additionally, it was deemed the 25th most expensive city, indicating a high cost of living.
.Visit the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, marveling at ancient history and breathtaking views of the city.
In ancient times, the Acropolis in Athens served as both a fortress and a lookout, offering clear views of the land and sea. During the Mycenaean period, its purpose shifted to honoring the goddess Athena.
Legend holds that an oracle designated the area solely for gods, leading people to depart. Around 450-330 B.C., three significant temples were constructed on the existing foundations: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike. Each temple was devoted to various aspects of Goddess Athena.
In 480 B.C., the Persians caused damage to the Acropolis during the Battle of Salamis. It was later repaired and enhanced by Pericles, a leader who played a role in establishing Athenian democracy. Pericles transformed the site into an array of impressive temples, showcasing remarkable Greek architecture and sculptures. The Acropolis bore witness to the city’s transformations over time.
During early Christian times, the Parthenon was repurposed as a church for Agia Sofia. In 1205, under Frankish rule, the Acropolis became a fortress and a residence for nobles. The Parthenon was then transformed into a Catholic Church known as “Our Lady of Athens.” Later, during Ottoman rule in the 15th century, it was turned into a mosque.
After Greece gained independence from the Ottomans, preserving these ancient structures became a significant endeavor, a importance that continues to this day.
.Explore the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the historical artifacts.
The Acropolis Museum is consistently acknowledged as one of the premier museums worldwide. Its focus on the Parthenon and nearby temples is cleverly highlighted by its elevated position above Athens, giving it the appearance of a luminous box. The generous use of glass panels seamlessly merges the historical and modern facets of the city, creating a truly captivating experience.
. Stroll through Plaka, the charming old neighborhood, for shopping and dining.
Plaka is a historic part of Athens, sitting right where people lived a long time ago. It’s really close to the Acropolis and many ancient things that people find fascinating. That’s why they call it the “Neighborhood of the Gods.”
One street there is named Adrianou Street, and it meets another street called Kydatheneon Street. Lots of people walk and shop on these streets. They sell things like jewelry and T-shirts that tourists like to buy.
Plaka is the oldest part of Athens, and it’s located below the Acropolis hill. The houses there look unique and old-fashioned. People mostly walk on the streets in this area. If you walk uphill through a place called Anafiotika, you can see beautiful views. And if you get tired, you can take a break at cafes to rest and feel better.
Day 2: Delphi
.Drive to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Oracle.
Delphi is a bit like a very special piece of art. Up on Mount Parnassus, there are some really cool things, like stairs, temples, and spots where they kept valuable things. These things all show important ideas in a really nice way. It’s almost like a magical place. It’s set in a really beautiful natural area that’s still taken care of well. It’s a great example of a really big old Greek sanctuary where people from all over used to gather.
A long time ago, in a place called Delphi in Greece, people used to worship a goddess who was connected to the Earth. But then, around the 8th century BC, things changed. People started focusing more on a god named Apollo, and that’s when they built a special place called a sanctuary. A group called the Amphictyony looked after it and made it important. Even after a big war, Delphi stayed its own special place and became even more famous in religion and politics. They made the Pythian Games better, built big buildings and statues, and got special presents. Around the 3rd century BC, different people took control, and in 191 BC, the Romans took charge. During Roman times, some things got stolen from the place, but some leaders liked it too. But as more and more people followed Christianity, the sanctuary lost its religious meaning, and a person named Theodosius the Great closed it down.
Day 3: Santorini
. Take a ferry to Santorini, the stunning island known for its white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches.
Catch the early morning ferry from Adamas to Santorini, arriving by lunchtime. Head over to the charming village of Oia for a few days of experiencing a fairy tale. Spoil yourself by staying at the best place that suits your budget – since it’s a place you really should visit, make the most of it if you’ll only be there once. During our stay, we were at the AMAZING Nostos Apartments right on the edge of the caldera, and believe us, it’s truly captivating.
Here are some great things to do in Santorini:
.Be awestruck by the amazing beauty (remember to close your mouth to keep bugs out). It’s a surreal and stunning place.
.Rent an ATV to explore the island, checking out Fira, Pyrgos, and beaches like Perissa and Perivolos.
Witness the sunset from Kastro restaurant in Oia.
.Just relax and enjoy – take leisurely strolls and spend the entire day in the pool.
. Explore Fira, the capital, and take in the breathtaking caldera views.
.Relax on a sunset cruise to witness the famous Santorini sunset.
OIA CASTLE
Being here, you get a view of almost the entire Santorini, from the town and orange-hued windmills of Oia to the endless sea and the caldera beneath. There’s a solid reason why this place is renowned as Santorini’s most famous sunset spot.
Day 4: Santorini
.Spend the day exploring Oia, another picturesque village with narrow streets and beautiful views.
.Visit the black sand beaches of Kamari or Perissa for some beach relaxation.
Kamari Beach is a popular spot known for its black sand and pebbles. It’s located on Santorini’s eastern side, opposite Mesa Vouno mountain from Perissa. The beach offers a similar long stretch of soft sand and provides many sunbeds for relaxing in the sun.
.Taste local cuisine and wines at a traditional taverna.
The taverna is a traditional spot to savor Greek cuisine and holds significance in Greek culture. These establishments are often decorated with checkered tablecloths and are commonly family-owned, with warm and welcoming hosts.
Day 5: Mykonos
.Take a ferry to Mykonos, a lively island known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches.
.Explore Mykonos Town with its iconic windmills, charming alleys, and shopping.
Mykonos is situated in the Cyclades and has ferry connections to and from Athens, Crete, various Aegean islands, different ports in the Cyclades, and the Greek Mainland.
Five ferry companies, namely Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Seajets, offer transportation to and from Mykonos. During the summer season, there are a total of 306 sailings each week.
The route most frequently taken is from Piraeus to Mykonos, with 30 sailings weekly.
Tinos is the nearest port or island to Mykonos, only 18 kilometers (approximately 11 miles or 10 nautical miles) away. In contrast, Thessaloniki is the farthest port or island, situated at a distance of 413 kilometers (around 257 miles or 223 nautical miles).
.Relax on the beach or visit the nearby archaeological site of Delos (a short boat ride away).
Day 6: Crete
.Fly to Crete, the largest Greek island.
.Visit the Palace of Knossos, an ancient Minoan site near Heraklion.
. Explore the old town of Chania with its Venetian harbor and narrow streets.
Chania Old Town stands out as one of Crete’s most photographed areas, and it’s easy to see why. Its historical Venetian architecture, delightful cuisine, lively music, and friendly locals create an instant attraction. The sunsets and evenings at the Venetian Port offer excellent photo opportunities on Crete.
My first experience with Chania Old Town was more than a decade ago, during my time living in Agia Galini, Southern Crete. Despite spending a few months on the island, I only managed to explore Chania a few times. In 2016, I enjoyed a memorable vacation in Stalos, a charming hideaway nestled between Chania and Agia Marina. I revisited Chania in June 2021, and I’m thrilled to share my travel insights and photos to assist you in planning your Crete journey.
Day 7: Crete
.Spend the day relaxing on one of Crete’s beautiful beaches.
.Visit the Samaria Gorge for a stunning hike (if you’re up for it) or explore the charming village of Rethymno.
Rethymno (Greek: Ρέθυμνο, [ˈreθimno], also known as Rethimno, Rethymnon, Réthymnon, and Rhíthymnos) is a city located on the island of Crete in Greece. It functions as the capital of the Rethymno regional unit and has a population of more than 30,000 inhabitants (approaching 40,000 for the municipal unit).
Rethymno’s roots can be traced back to the Minoan civilization (ancient Rhithymna and Arsinoe). The city held enough significance to mint its own coins and foster urban growth. A coin from that time, featuring two dolphins encircled, continues to serve as the town’s emblem to this present day.
.Enjoy your last evening with a traditional Cretan meal.
Crete’s Culinary Scene in Greece
The Mediterranean diet embraced in Crete accentuates the utilization of flavorful olive oil derived from the island’s copious olive groves. Lemon juice and carefully chosen herbs further enrich the flavors. Popular meat choices include lamb, chicken, and pork. Additionally, due to Crete’s island setting, the menu boasts a diverse selection of freshly caught fish.