Day 1: Athens - Start your trip in the capital of Greece, Athens. Visit the iconic Parthenon and explore the Acropolis Museum. Then, wander the charming streets of the Plaka neighborhood, where you can find plenty of shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Santorini - Take a flight to the island of Santorini, the most romantic spot in Greece. Relax on the red and black sandy beaches and take in the stunning views of the vast blue sea. Don't forget to enjoy the world-famous sunset while sipping some wine at a cliffside bar.
Day 3: Mykonos - Head to the island of Mykonos, known for its glamour and beauty. Relax on the white sandy beaches and check out the upscale shops and restaurants. Take a stroll through the Little Venice neighborhood and see the iconic Mykonos windmills.
Day 4: Delphi - Take a day trip to Delphi, where you can visit the Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. The ancient ruins and the surrounding mountains make for a stunning backdrop for some memorable photos.
Day 5: Crete - Fly to the largest island in Greece, Crete. Explore the charming town of Chania and the old Venetian harbor. Then, head to the Samaria Gorge National Park for some hiking and stunning scenery.
Day 6: Palace of Knossos - Visit the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, the most important archaeological site in Crete. This ancient palace is believed to have been the center of the Minoan civilization, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history.
Day 7: Olympia - Take a day trip to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit the Archaeological Site of Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games for a glimpse into ancient Greek sport and culture.
Day 8: Nafplio - Head to the charming seaside town of Nafplio, known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, neoclassical architecture, and seaside fortress. Visit the Palamidi Fortress and climb the 999 steps to the top for some breathtaking views of the town and the sea.
Day 9: Meteora - Take a day trip to the unique rock formations of Meteora, home to stunning monasteries perched atop towering cliffs. Explore the Monastery of Great Meteoron and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 10: Thessaloniki - End your trip in the cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki. Visit the White Tower, the most iconic landmark of the city, and explore the picturesque Ano Poli neighborhood. Enjoy some delicious Greek cuisine at a seaside restaurant before heading back home.
Time and Cost Estimates
Athens (2 days, £300)
Santorini (2 days, £800)
Mykonos (2 days, £1000)
Delphi (1 day, £200)
Crete (2 days, £600)
Olympia (1 day, £150)
Nafplio (1 day, £250)
Meteora (1 day, £150)
Total Estimated Costs: £3450
Transportation
For transportation, we recommend using domestic flights and private taxis for traveling between different cities and islands. Flights between Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete can cost around £200-£300 per person. Private taxis cost around £50-£100 depending on the distance traveled. For local transportation, we recommend walking or using public transportation in each city.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, you can consider visiting other islands such as Corfu or Zakynthos, or spending more time in each city to explore the surrounding areas. If you have less time, you can consider skipping some of the day trips and spending more time in Athens or Santorini.
Airports
Greece has many international airports, but the main airports for this itinerary are Athens International Airport (ATH) and Santorini Airport (JTR). Athens airport is located about 20km from the city center, while Santorini Airport is located near the town of Kamari, about 6km from the capital Fira.