Ultimate 2.5-Week Family Adventure in Greece: Athens, Islands & History

Day 1: Arrival and Athens Introduction

Athens, Greece on July 26, 2025

10:00am

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Athens and check into your centrally located hotel. Rest and acclimate to the time difference and climate.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Enjoy authentic Greek meats and meze in a welcoming setting, experiencing traditional flavors close to Athens center.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Acropolis Museum Visit

Explore the modern museum featuring artifacts from the Acropolis hill; open 8am-8pm, the museum provides fascinating insights into Athens’ rich ancient past.
EUR10, 2h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Plaka Neighborhood

Wander through quaint streets in the historic Plaka district, perfect for shopping and enjoying local cafés.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine with views of the Acropolis on the rooftop while sampling modern Greek cuisine; reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Athens to Hydra Island

Athens to Hydra Island, Greece on July 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mokka Specialty Coffee

Start your day with Greek coffee and fresh pastries at this popular Athens spot open from 7am.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Hydra by Ferry

Take the ferry from Piraeus port to Hydra; ferry ride approximately 1h 45min. Enjoy scenic views of the Aegean Sea as you approach the car-free island famous for its architecture and artistic vibe.
EUR25 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omilos

Savor fresh seafood in Hydra’s port area, a perfect introduction to island dining.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Hydra Walking Tour & Beaches

Explore Hydra’s picturesque harbor, visit the Historical Archives Museum, and later relax on the nearby beaches like Vlichos.
EUR5, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sunset Hydra

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with spectacular sunset views; seafood and local dishes set the mood perfectly.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Hydra to Poros and Aegina

Poros and Aegina Islands, Greece on July 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast to fuel up for the day’s island hopping.
Included with stay, 45m

9:00am

Ferry to Poros Island

Short ferry ride (around 30 minutes) from Hydra to Poros; explore the charming town with pine-covered hills and neoclassical architecture.
EUR15, 30m

9:45am

Poros Clock Tower Visit

Climb to the iconic clock tower for panoramic views of the island and sea.
EUR0, 1h

11:00am

Ferry to Aegina Island

Take a short ferry ride (approx 1h) to Aegina, renowned for pistachio groves and ancient ruins.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pistachio Platanos

Taste local Aegina specialties including pistachio-flavored treats and fresh Greek cuisine in the town center.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Temple of Aphaia Visit

Visit this well-preserved ancient temple dating back to 500 BC; open 8am-8pm for sightseeing and photography.
EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Souvala Beach

Spend the late afternoon unwinding on a beautiful, calm beach perfect for swimming and relaxation.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at To Steki tou Ilia

Dine at this local favorite in Aegina town, sampling fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Return to Athens & Travel to Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece on July 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Ferry to Piraeus

Have breakfast at your hotel then catch an early ferry back to Piraeus port in Athens (around 1.5 hours from Aegina).
EUR20, 2h

11:00am

Flight/Ferry to Mykonos

Catch a domestic flight (around 40 minutes) or ferry (approx 3-4 hours) from Athens to Mykonos; flights recommended for time efficiency.
EUR75 flight / EUR40 ferry, 0h40m flight or 4h ferry

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Mykonos Town

Check into your hotel then enjoy lunch at M-eating, offering creative Greek cuisine in old town Mykonos.
EUR35, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Mykonos Town

Walk through the iconic whitewashed streets, visit the windmills and waterfront Little Venice area.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Super Paradise Beach

Short taxi ride to one of Mykonos’ popular beaches for some afternoon swim and relaxation.
EUR10 taxi, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Kiki's Tavern

Experience authentic grilled dishes in a rustic setting without electricity; best for an authentic local vibe (arrive early as no reservations).
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Mykonos Beach & Culture

Mykonos, Greece on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast included in your stay.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

Visit this museum (open 8am-3pm) showcasing Cycladic artifacts and sculptures ideal for appreciating local history.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Delos Day Trip

Take a 30-minute boat trip to the nearby Delos island, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, exploring ancient ruins and mythology.
EUR20 ferry plus EUR12 entrance, 4h

4:00pm

Return & Relax at Psarou Beach

Spend a few hours at one of Mykonos’ most popular beaches with crystal clear waters and beach bars.
EUR15 for sunbed rental, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Interni Restaurant

Enjoy upscale dining in a garden setting with Mediterranean flavors, ideal for family dinners in Mykonos town.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 6: Travel to Santorini

Santorini, Greece on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Checkout

Enjoy your last breakfast in Mykonos and prepare for ferry to Santorini.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Ferry to Santorini

High-speed ferry ride (approx 2 hours) taking you across the Aegean Sea to the volcanic island of Santorini.
EUR60, 2h

12:30pm

Hotel Check-in & Lunch in Fira

Check into your hotel and have lunch at a clifftop taverna like Argo Restaurant, with spectacular caldera views.
EUR40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ancient Akrotiri

Explore the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site open 8am-8pm, often called the 'Minoan Pompeii' due to its volcanic preservation.
EUR16, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Red Beach

Enjoy the unique volcanic sand and spectacular red rock cliffs at Red Beach near Akrotiri, perfect for swimming.
USD0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Metaxy Mas

Local favorite tavern serving delicious authentic Greek dishes with a cozy ambience away from crowds.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Santorini Caldera & Villages

Santorini, Greece on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Galini

Relax with a Greek coffee and pastries in Fira’s charming café open early.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Hike Fira to Oia

Enjoy the iconic 3.5-hour scenic hike along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs.
USD0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Oia at Pelekanos

Savor Cycladic cuisine with stunning views in the picturesque village of Oia.
EUR40, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Oia Village

Stroll the narrow alleyways, visit art galleries, and shop for local crafts.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Oia Castle

Watch the famous Santorini sunset from Oia Castle's ruins, a must-see experience.
USD0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Dine under the cliffs at the seaside Ammoudi Bay with fresh seafood specialties.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Santorini to Crete

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on August 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Checkout

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for ferry to Crete.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Heraklion, Crete

Take a 2-hour ferry from Santorini to Heraklion, Crete’s capital city.
EUR40, 2h

11:30am

Visit Knossos Palace

Explore the legendary Minoan palace open 8am-8pm, showcasing ruins and myths about King Minos and the labyrinth.
EUR15, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Savor authentic Cretan dishes made with local ingredients at this popular Heraklion restaurant.
EUR30, 1h

3:30pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Walk through one of the finest museums in Greece exhibiting Minoan artifacts open 8am-8pm.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner with sea views serving fresh fish and traditional Cretan specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cretan Countryside & Beach

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Travel to Rethymno

Breakfast in Heraklion then drive or take a bus to charming Rethymno town along the northern coast.
EUR10 transport, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Old Town & Fortezza Castle

Visit Rethymno’s Venetian fortress open from 9am to sunset, and wander the cobbled streets of the old town.
EUR4, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Avli

Dine in a beautiful arched courtyard serving excellent Cretan specialties with vegetarian options.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Rethymno Beach

Spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing on the long sandy beach near town.
USD0, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Head back to your accommodation to rest before dinner.
USD0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Prima Plora

Dine at this seaside restaurant with excellent seafood and romantic ambience.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Explore Chania & Departure to Athens

Chania and Athens, Greece on August 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Travel to Chania

Enjoy breakfast, then travel to Chania, 1.5 hours west by car or bus.
EUR15 transport, 1h30m

9:30am

Old Venetian Harbor & Market

Stroll through Chania’s colorful harbor area and lively market, enjoying local produce and crafts.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Taste Cretan and Mediterranean dishes famed for quality and ambiance inside a converted mosque.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Flight back to Athens

Catch an afternoon domestic flight from Chania to Athens, approximately 1 hour.
EUR70, 1h

3:00pm

Hotel Check-in in Athens & Rest

Check into your Athens hotel to relax and prepare for your final Greek dinner.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Strofi

Enjoy final dinner with a view of the illuminated Acropolis, great for celebrating a memorable trip.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Athens, Greece on August 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Final Souvenir Shopping

Have an early breakfast and visit local shops or markets like Monastiraki for last-minute souvenirs.
USD0–EUR25, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Airport

Allow time for airport transfer and international check-in.
EUR40 taxi, 1h
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