Experience the ancient city of Athens by visiting the iconic Acropolis and exploring the Parthenon. Take a walk through the Plaka neighborhood to enjoy its picturesque streets filled with traditional tavernas, souvenir shops, and street musicians. End the day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which houses the world's most significant collection of Greek antiquities.
Visit the beautiful mountain town of Delphi, known for its ancient archaeological site, the Temple of Apollo. Explore the ruins and learn about the mythology surrounding the ancient Delphic Oracle. Grab a bite to eat at one of the local tavernas and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Parnassus mountain range.
Travel to the birthplace of the Olympic Games and visit the archaeological site and museum in Olympia. Learn about the ancient games, including mythological stories of the athletes, and see the stadium where the first Olympic games were held in 776 BCE. Take a walk through the beautiful ancient sanctuary while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Head to the largest Greek island, Crete, to experience a unique, immersive cultural experience. For three days, relax on beautiful beaches, eat authentic Cretan cuisine, and explore ancient Minoan ruins and museums. Visit the Palace of Knossos, a significant Minoan archaeological site, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of Minoan artifacts.
Arrive at one of the most beautiful and iconic Greek islands, Santorini, and explore its idyllic white-washed villages, blue-domed churches, and stunning caldera views. Learn about the island's unique history by visiting the Akrotiri Archaeological Site and the museum showcasing the island's past. Walk around the scenic town of Oia and enjoy the stunning sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Explore the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the city's medieval history during the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian eras. Walk along the fortifications, visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, and stroll through the medieval streets filled with unique shops and cafes. Take a break from the city's hustle and bustle and relax on the beautiful beaches of Lindos.
Head north to Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki, and experience the vibrant energy of the urban city. Visit the Byzantine and Christian Museum to learn about the city's long and diverse history. Walk along the beautiful waterfront promenade and visit the iconic White Tower Museum. Enjoy the city's exquisite cuisine and lively nightlife scene.
Visit the breathtaking monasteries perched atop the large rock formations in Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour to see the different monasteries and learn about the monastic traditions and cultures of the region. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading back to Athens for your return flight. Use the time to visit places you might have missed, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, or take a walk around the National Garden of Athens.
Traveling throughout Greece by train, bus, and ferry is relatively easy and affordable. The Eurail Greek Pass is an economical option for those interested in train travel, while buses are widely available, comfortable, and connect major cities and smaller towns. Ferries provide an excellent way to travel to the many islands, with daily services offered by multiple operators. Costs are typically dependent on the time of year and range from €15-50 for buses and €20-150 for ferries. Travel times can vary widely, but most trips are between 2 to 6 hours.
If you have extra days to spare, consider visiting the island of Mykonos, known for its cosmopolitan nightlife, or the rugged beauty of the Peloponnese peninsula, home to ancient ruins and picturesque beaches. If you have less time, you may consider skipping a destination or reducing the length of stay to avoid spending too much time traveling.
Greece's largest international airport is the Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), located about 20km southeast of Athens. Other international airports include Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) and the Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER) on Crete. Both airports offer frequent flights to and from European cities. Regional airports in the islands provide easy access to the more remote destinations by connecting flights.