10-Day Scenic and Cultural Greece Itinerary: Athens to Santorini and Beyond

Day 1: Ancient Athens Exploration

Athens, Greece on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy traditional Greek breakfast dishes like bougatsa (cream-filled pastry) at this authentic deli-cafe located close to central Athens.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Acropolis and Parthenon

Explore the iconic ancient citadel overlooking Athens, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Open 8am-5pm.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dionysos Zonar's

Dine with a view near the Acropolis offering traditional Greek dishes and modern twists from 12pm to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

National Archaeological Museum

See Greece's largest collection of antiquities from the ancient Greek world. Open 8am-8pm on Sundays.
EUR12, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Experience an authentic Greek dinner in the lively Psiri neighborhood, known for excellent meze and local wines.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 2: Historic Athens and Plaka

Athens, Greece on April 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Try Greek coffee and local pastries in the heart of Athens with early opening hours at 7am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Explore the Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus

Walk through the ancient marketplace and visit one of the best-preserved Greek temples. Open 8am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thanasis

Enjoy famed Greek souvlaki and traditional street food in Monastiraki Square. Open 12pm to late.
EUR12, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Plaka Neighborhood

Wander Athens’ oldest district with charming streets, shops, and cafes open till evening.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Museum of Cycladic Art

Admire ancient Cycladic art and artifacts; open 10am-6pm Sunday.
EUR7, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Savour modern Greek cuisine with Acropolis views at this rooftop restaurant open 7pm-11pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Day trip to Sounion and Temple of Poseidon

Athens to Cape Sounion, Greece on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby cafe

Early light breakfast to prepare for the day trip.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon)

Drive approx. 1.5 hours along the scenic coastal route to visit the Temple of Poseidon, open 8am-7pm.
EUR20 return transport, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Temple of Poseidon

Visit the stunning ancient temple overlooking the Aegean Sea, perfect for history and photography enthusiasts.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Yiannis Tavern

Enjoy fresh seafood and Greek specialties right by the sea.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to Athens and relax

Head back to Athens for some rest or casual exploration.
Included above, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine with a view of the lit-up Acropolis and enjoy classic Greek dishes. Open till 11pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Delphi Archaeological Site

Athens to Delphi, Greece on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up early for the day’s journey to Delphi.
EUR8, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Delphi

Travel about 2.5 hours northwest to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological area.
EUR30 transport, 2h30m

11:00am

Delphi Archaeological Site

Explore the Temple of Apollo, ancient theatre, and museum showcasing Greek antiquities. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR12, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Vakhos

Taste regional Greek cuisine with fresh ingredients in the Delphi village.
EUR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Meteora

Drive approx. 3 hours to Meteora, famed for its monasteries perched on rock pillars.
EUR40 transport, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Meteora Hotel Restaurant

Relax after the journey with traditional Greek dinner at the hotel restaurant.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Meteora Monasteries

Meteora, Greece on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before heading out to explore Meteora.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Meteora Monasteries

Tour several monasteries like the Holy Trinity and Varlaam Monastery, open from 9am to 5pm. Admission EUR3-5 each.
EUR15 total, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Meteora Taverna

Hearty local food with stunning views of the rock formations.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Leisure walk and photoshoot

Explore nearby hiking trails and viewpoints for memorable photos of Meteora.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Orias taverna

Relax with traditional Greek cuisine and local wines in Kalambaka village.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Santorini and Explore

Meteora to Santorini, Greece on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check out

Early breakfast and prepare for transfer to Santorini.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Athens and fly to Santorini

Return to Athens by car/bus (approx. 4-5 hours) and take a short flight (about 45 min) to Santorini.
EUR70 flight, 6h total

2:00pm

Check into hotel in Fira

Settle in and freshen up at your hotel with caldera views.
Variable, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Fira town

Explore the charming streets, shops, and cafes of Santorini’s capital.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Argo Restaurant

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine paired with local wines overlooking the caldera.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Santorini Beaches and Oia

Santorini, Greece on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pelican Kipos

Relax with fresh Greek breakfast and coffee in the heart of Fira.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Perissa Black Sand Beach

Spend the morning relaxing or swimming on the distinctive volcanic black sand beaches. Accessible all day.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tranquilo

Experience healthy, fresh food in a relaxed beachside setting open from noon to 9pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

3:00pm

Oia village exploration

Stroll through the picturesque whitewashed Oia with stunning sunset views. Best in late afternoon.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Sunset Dinner at Ammoudi Bay

Dine at a waterfront tavern and watch the iconic Santorini sunset from Ammoudi Bay.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Santorini Volcano and Winery Tour

Santorini, Greece on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast with sunrise views over the caldera.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

Take a boat tour to the volcano island and swim in hot springs; tours run 9am to 1pm.
EUR35, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Metaxi Mas

Taste Cretan specialties in a popular local tavern situated off the beaten track.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Santorini Winery Visit

Visit Santo Wines for tastings and tours, open until 7pm with spectacular views.
EUR15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vintage Lounge Bar

Enjoy a refined meal and cocktails with an ambiance facing the caldera.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 9: Travel to Crete and Heraklion

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up on breakfast before transfer to Crete.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Heraklion

Take a 2-hour ferry from Santorini to Heraklion, opening ferry services start early morning.
EUR35, 2h

11:30am

Check into hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Heraklion.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Enjoy Cretan farm-to-table cuisine showcasing local ingredients. Open from noon to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Discover one of Greece's finest museums dedicated to Minoan civilisation. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Explore the Venetian Fortress (Koules)

Walk through this impressive fortress along the harbour, open until sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Fresh seafood and local dishes with views of the Heraklion harbour.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 10: Knossos Palace and Departure

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before visiting Knossos Palace.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Tour Knossos Palace

Visit the ancient Minoan palace complex located 5 km from Heraklion, opening at 8am and closing at 7pm.
EUR15, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ippokambos

Have a relaxed seaside lunch featuring fresh Cretan cuisine close to the port.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Leisure time or last-minute shopping

Stroll in Heraklion’s Old Market area for souvenirs and local crafts.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Departure preparations

Head to airport or port for onward travel.
Variable, 1h
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