Explore the Best of Greece: A 2.5-Week Journey from Athens to the Islands

Day 1: Ancient Athens

Athens, Greece on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Enjoy traditional Greek pastries and coffee in this bakery located near the Acropolis, opening at 7:30am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Acropolis Museum

Explore Greece's rich history with stunning artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Acropolis of Athens

Visit the iconic Parthenon and ancient ruins atop the Acropolis hill. Open 8am-8pm; get there early to avoid crowds.
EUR20, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Strofi

Have a leisurely lunch with Acropolis views serving traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and grilled octopus. Open 12pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:30pm

Plaka Stroll

Wander the charming Plaka neighborhood with its cobbled streets, shops, and cafes, perfect for shopping and photos.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine in a rooftop restaurant offering modern Greek cuisine and stunning Acropolis views. Open 6pm-11pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 2: Historic Athens & Markets

Athens, Greece on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Taf Coffee

Start your day with specialty coffee and fresh pastries in a popular local spot, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

National Archaeological Museum

Discover Greece's largest archaeological museum with artifacts spanning thousands of years. Open 8am–8pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at O Thanasis

Enjoy local souvlaki and grilled meats in this traditional taverna near Monastiraki Square. Open 12pm-11pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Monastiraki Flea Market

Explore the buzzing market with antiques, souvenirs, and street performances.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Lycabettus Hill

Take a funicular or hike up to Lycabettus Hill for panoramic sunset views over Athens.
EUR7, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Spondi

Treat yourself to exquisite fine dining with a Michelin-starred menu in Athens. Booking recommended. Open 7pm-12am.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Delphi

Delphi, Greece on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Delphi

Depart early from Athens by car or bus; the journey takes around 2.5 hours.
EUR20, 2.5h

10:00am

Delphi Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 8am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Visit Delphi Museum

View important artifacts excavated from the site including the Charioteer of Delphi.
EUR6, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Vakhos

Enjoy Greek cuisine paired with mountain views in this well-reviewed Delphi tavern. Open 12pm-5pm.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll Delphi Village

Walk through the charming village with shops selling local crafts and products.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Meteora

Set off to Meteora, approximately 3 hours northwest by car.
EUR30, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Meteora Restaurant

Enjoy dinner upon arrival with delicious local specialties in Kalambaka town. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 4: Meteora Monasteries

Meteora, Greece on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Garden Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Kalambaka town.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Visit Meteora Monasteries

Tour several breathtaking cliff-top monasteries, some dating from the 14th century. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR3 per monastery, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Meteora Restaurant

Savor traditional Greek dishes with panoramic views of the rock formations.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking Meteora Trails

Explore scenic hiking paths connecting monasteries and enjoying natural beauty.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and refresh at your accommodation after an active day.
Varies, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Archontiko Meteora

Enjoy hearty mountain cuisine in a cozy traditional tavern setting.
EUR22, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Santorini

Santorini, Greece on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Morning Travel to Athens

Drive back or take a train to Athens to catch a ferry to Santorini. Trip approx 4-5 hours total.
EUR35, 4h

12:00pm

Ferry to Santorini

Catch an early afternoon ferry to Santorini; ferry takes about 5 hours.
EUR40, 5h

5:30pm

Check-in & Relax

Arrive in Santorini and settle into your hotel with caldera views.
Varies, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Metaxi Mas

Dine on authentic island cuisine in a well-regarded restaurant off the beaten path. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Santorini Exploration

Santorini, Greece on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cosmic Café

Enjoy coffee and light breakfast with views of the caldera in Fira. Open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ancient Akrotiri

Explore the Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved under volcanic ash. Open 8am-3pm weekdays.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Beach time at Red Beach

Relax and swim in Santorini’s iconic dramatic red sand beach near Akrotiri.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Katina

Have fresh seafood served right on the waterfront at Amoudi Bay. Open 1pm-9pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk Fira to Oia

Take the scenic cliffside hike between Fira and Oia villages, enjoying stunning views.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Sunset Dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Experience an unforgettable sunset meal with seafood in harborside Oia.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Santorini Wine & Culture

Santorini, Greece on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Enjoy a relaxed morning coffee and baked treats in Fira with caldera views.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Santorini Wine Tasting Tour

Visit local wineries such as Santo Wines for tastings of the island’s unique volcanic wines.
EUR20, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Selene

Indulge in modern Greek cuisine at one of Santorini’s premier fine dining restaurants. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:30pm

Museum of Prehistoric Thera

Explore artifacts from Santorini's prehistoric settlements, including Akrotiri. Open 8:30am-3pm.
EUR6, 1h

5:00pm

Free Time in Oia

Shop and stroll through Oia’s whitewashed alleyways and art galleries.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Aegagros

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a focus on local island ingredients in a cozy setting.
EUR28, 2h
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Day 8: Santorini to Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure with caldera views.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Mykonos

Catch a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos; the trip takes about 2 hours.
EUR30, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and Relax

Settle into your Mykonos accommodation and get oriented.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kiki’s Tavern

Savor fresh grilled meats and salads at this popular beachside spot near Agios Sostis. Open 12pm-6pm.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Mykonos Town

Wander the winding alleys filled with boutiques, cafes, and iconic windmills.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset at Little Venice

Enjoy drinks at waterfront bars while watching the sunset over the sea.
EUR15, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at M-eating

Enjoy innovative modern Greek dishes in the heart of Mykonos Town. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 9: Mykonos Beaches & Culture

Mykonos, Greece on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café

Start your day with Greek coffee and fresh pastries near the harbor.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Beach day at Psarou

Relax on one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches with crystal clear waters and beach bars.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nammos

Experience upscale beachfront dining with fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors. Open 12pm-5pm.
EUR50, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit the Mykonos Windmills

Take photos and learn about these iconic 16th-century mills overlooking the town.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

Explore artifacts from the Cycladic civilization, open 9am–3pm weekdays.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Interni

Upscale dining with a chic atmosphere, offering Mediterranean fusion dishes. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Travel to Crete

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departure to Crete.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Heraklion, Crete

Take a ferry from Mykonos to Heraklion port in Crete; approx 3.5 hours.
EUR40, 3.5h

1:00pm

Check-in & Lunch at Peskesi

Check-in at your hotel and have traditional Cretan cuisine at this farm-to-table restaurant. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

See one of Greece’s top museums, focusing on the Minoan civilization. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR12, 2h

6:00pm

Explore Heraklion Old Town

Stroll through the lively streets with shops, cafes, and Venetian architecture.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Herb’s Garden

Dine with sunset views offering creative Greek and Mediterranean dishes on a rooftop terrace. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 11: Knossos Palace & Cretan Villages

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a energizing breakfast before your day’s excursions.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Palace of Knossos

Explore the legendary Minoan palace, reputedly home to the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at To Stachi

Taste authentic Cretan vegetarian dishes in a family-run taverna near Knossos. Open 12pm-4pm.
EUR18, 1.5h

2:30pm

Drive to Archanes Village

Visit a picturesque traditional village known for wine and olive oil production.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Heraklion

Relax after your village visit, get ready for dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the sea, perfect to end the day. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 12: Relax and Departure

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast & Leisure

Enjoy a last relaxed breakfast and some leisure time at your hotel.
Included, 2h

11:00am

Local Market Visit

Visit Heraklion’s central market for souvenirs and local delicacies.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kastro Restaurant

Enjoy one final delicious Cretan meal with local wines, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Transfer to airport

Make your way to Heraklion International Airport for your departure or onward travel.
Varies, 1h
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