10-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Greece: Athens to Santorini and Crete

Day 1: Athens Arrival

Athens, Greece on March 16, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Meli & Kanela

Start your day with traditional Greek breakfast pastries and coffee at this cozy spot near Monastiraki Square.
EUR7, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the Acropolis and Parthenon

Explore the ancient citadel featuring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other historic ruins; open from 8:00am to 7:00pm in March.
EUR20, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Arcadia Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine like moussaka and souvlaki in a traditional setting close to the Acropolis Museum.
EUR15-25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Acropolis Museum Visit

Discover ancient artifacts and sculptures from the site in this modern museum open until 7:00pm on weekdays.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk through Plaka neighbourhood

Stroll the charming, historic streets of Plaka filled with shops, cafes, and picturesque lanes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with a stunning view of the Acropolis serving refined Greek dishes; reservations recommended.
EUR30-50, 2h0m
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Day 2: Athens Culture

Athens, Greece on March 17, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Ergon House

Sample fresh Greek delicacies and artisanal products in a modern market environment.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:00am

National Archaeological Museum

Explore Greece’s largest archaeological collection featuring prehistory to late antiquity, open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR12, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Oineas Restaurant

Enjoy creative takes on Greek classics in the lively Psiri district.
EUR20-30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Mount Lycabettus

Take the funicular or hike up to this hill for panoramic views of Athens and a coffee at the cafe atop.
EUR7 funicular, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine with views of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace while enjoying modern Greek cuisine.
EUR30-50, 2h0m
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Day 3: Athens to Santorini

Athens to Santorini, Greece on March 18, 2026

7:00am

Early breakfast at Pauline

Grab simple, delicious pastries and coffee for your travel day.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Transfer to Athens Airport

Head to Athens International Airport for your flight to Santorini.
EUR40 taxi, 40m

10:30am

Flight Athens to Santorini

Fly approximately 45 minutes to Santorini; flights available with Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.
EUR60-100, 1h30m total incl. check-in

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Metaxi Mas

Settle in your hotel and enjoy authentic Santorini cuisine in Exo Gonia village; open till 4:00pm.
EUR25-40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Fira town

Explore Santorini’s capital with its cliffside boutiques, cafes, and museums.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Sunset at Oia village

Catch the world-famous sunset views from the iconic whitewashed village.
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Katina's Tavern

Enjoy traditional seafood dishes at this cozy harbour tavern in Ammoudi Bay.
EUR25-45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Santorini Villages

Santorini, Greece on March 19, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Start with fresh pastries and coffee in Fira.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:00am

Wine Tasting at Santo Wines

Experience local Santorini wines overlooking spectacular caldera views, open 9:30am-6:30pm.
EUR15-25, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at To Psaraki

Savor fresh seafood in a laid-back setting in Vlychada Beach area.
EUR30-50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Ancient Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Tour the well-preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement, open 8:30am-3:00pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:15pm

Relax at Red Beach

Enjoy the unique red volcanic sands and scenic cliff backdrop for a late afternoon swim.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Argo Restaurant

Dine on fresh Greek and Mediterranean dishes with sunset views in Fira.
EUR30-45, 2h0m
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Day 5: Santorini to Crete

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on March 20, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or Parea Tavern

Enjoy a light breakfast with local bread and fresh fruit.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Ferry Santorini to Heraklion

Take the ferry (approx. 2 hours) connecting Santorini to Crete’s main port Heraklion.
EUR40-60, 2h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Peskesi

Experience authentic Cretan cuisine emphasizing local organic produce, open till 4:00pm.
EUR25-40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Knossos Palace

Explore the archaeological palace complex of the Minoan civilization, open 8:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk the Heraklion Old Town

Visit Morosini Fountain, Venizelos Street and quaint cafes, a great place to unwind.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ippokambos

Dine seaside with fresh fish and traditional dishes in Heraklion port area.
EUR30-45, 2h0m
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Day 6: Crete Exploration

Heraklion & Rethymno, Crete, Greece on March 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya Cafe

Start with coffee and homemade Cretan delicacies in Heraklion.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to Rethymno

Drive 1.5 hours west to Rethymno, known for Venetian architecture and beaches.
EUR50 rental car, 1h30m travel

11:00am

Walk Rethymno Old Town

Discover narrow alleys, Renaissance buildings, and the Fortezza castle.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Avli Restaurant

Taste innovative Cretan dishes in a stylish courtyard setting.
EUR25-40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax on Rethymno Beach

Enjoy the sandy Venetian beach perfect for a refreshing afternoon swim.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Heraklion

Drive back to Heraklion for dinner and rest.
Included in rental, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

A charming spot on the beach serving fresh seafood and Cretan specialties.
EUR30-45, 2h0m
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Day 7: Crete Heritage

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on March 22, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Island

Simple, quality coffee and light bites to start your day.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Home to important Minoan artifacts, open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Herb's Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with panoramic city views and fresh local ingredients.
EUR20-35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Drive to Agios Nikolaos

Travel to this picturesque town on Crete’s eastern coast (1h15m drive).
EUR40 rental car, 1h15m

3:30pm

Explore Lake Voulismeni and waterfront

Relax at a scenic lake surrounded by cafes and shops.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos

Small museum showcasing Minoan and ancient Cretan finds, open till 6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pelagos Restaurant

Seafood and Greek cuisine with a charming harbor view.
EUR30-50, 2h0m
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Day 8: Crete Beaches

Elafonisi & Chania, Crete, Greece on March 23, 2026

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick and nutritious breakfast before a day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Elafonisi Beach

Travel about 2.5 hours to the famous pink sand beach with crystal clear waters.
EUR40 rental car, 2h30m

10:30am

Relax and swim at Elafonisi

Enjoy the serene natural setting and shallow waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Picnic lunch or snack at local tavern

Enjoy simple Cretan snacks and refreshments near the beach.
EUR10-15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Chania town

Travel about 1.5 hours to Chania, one of Crete's most beautiful towns.
Included in rental, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Chania Old Harbour and Market

Wander the Venetian harbour, lighthouse, and vibrant marketplace.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tamam Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Cretan and Mediterranean dishes in a lively historic building.
EUR25-40, 2h0m
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Day 9: Chania & Surroundings

Chania, Crete, Greece on March 24, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya Cafe Chania

Enjoy good coffee and homemade treats to start your day.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Samaria Gorge Hike

Embark on a scenic hike through one of Europe’s longest gorges; park open 7:00am-3:00pm.
EUR10 entry, 5h0m

3:00pm

Return and relax in town

Unwind after your hike and enjoy a leisurely stroll in Chania.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Bodega

Small tapas-style restaurant with excellent wine and Mediterranean dishes.
EUR25-40, 2h0m
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Day 10: Return to Athens

Chania to Athens, Greece on March 25, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Light breakfast before travel.
Included or EUR6, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Chania Airport

Short transfer to airport for flight to Athens.
EUR20 taxi, 0h20m

10:00am

Flight Chania to Athens

Fly approximately 1 hour to Athens International Airport.
EUR50-80, 1h30m total incl. check-in

11:30am

Lunch in Athens - Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Enjoy a delicious selection of Greek cured meats and cheese in a unique deli setting open 12pm-11pm.
EUR15-30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Last minute shopping or sightseeing

Explore Ermou Street or visit Monastiraki Flea Market for souvenirs and local crafts.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Departure preparations

Return to hotel or airport for your onward travel plans.
Varies, Varies
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