Ultimate 2.5-Week Greece Itinerary from New York: Athens, Santorini & Crete Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Athens Intro

Athens, Greece on July 25, 2025

10:00am

Arrival in Athens

Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center to unwind and prepare for your Greek adventure.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Enjoy authentic Greek meze and charcuterie in a cozy, traditional setting close to Monastiraki.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Acropolis Museum

Explore the rich history of ancient Athens at this modern museum housing artifacts from the Acropolis area.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk to Plaka neighborhood

Stroll through Athens’ oldest neighborhood with picturesque streets, shops, and cafes.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine on modern Greek cuisine with views of the Acropolis illuminated at night.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Athens Historical Sites

Athens, Greece on July 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Taste fresh pastries and Greek coffee in a popular local café in Monastiraki.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:00am

Acropolis Visit

Visit the iconic Acropolis archaeological site early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Ancient Agora

Explore the market place of ancient Athens with its well-preserved ruins and museum.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Thanasis

Enjoy renowned Greek souvlaki in vibrant Monastiraki square.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

National Archaeological Museum

Discover one of the world’s greatest collections of Greek art and antiquities.
EUR12, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Experience dinner with an Acropolis view, offering classic Greek dishes in upscale ambiance.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Piraeus & Travel to Santorini

Athens, Greece on July 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before heading to Piraeus port for ferry to Santorini.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Santorini by ferry

Enjoy a 5-hour high-speed ferry ride from Piraeus to Santorini with scenic views of the Aegean.
EUR60 per person, 5h0m

2:00pm

Check-in & lunch at Pelekanos Restaurant, Fira

Settle in then savor local Santorini flavors overlooking the caldera.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Fira town

Walk through the lively streets of Santorini’s capital with shops, cafes, and stunning views.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Argo Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional dishes with beautiful sunset views.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Santorini Villages & Sunset

Santorini, Greece on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast including fresh fruits and local yogurt.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Oia Village

Explore the iconic whitewashed village with blue-domed churches and breathtaking sea views.
EUR0, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Katina Fish Tavern, Ammoudi Bay

Dine on fresh catch right by the water in Ammoudi Bay below Oia.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Amoudi Bay or swim

Enjoy the sea with a swim or relax by this charming small bay.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Hike from Oia to Fira

Take the famous scenic 3-hour hike along the caldera edge back to Fira for sunset views.
EUR0, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Naoussa Restaurant in Fira

After the hike, enjoy a hearty Greek meal with local specialties.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Santorini Beach Day

Santorini, Greece on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to prepare for a beach-focused day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kamari Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing at one of Santorini's popular black sand beaches.
EUR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Glaros, Kamari

Relax over traditional grilled Greek dishes with sea views.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ancient Thera

Explore the ruins of the ancient city on Mesa Vouno mountain above Kamari from 9am to 8pm.
EUR6, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel & rest

Take time to freshen up after a busy day before dinner.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Metaxi Mas, Exo Gonia

Enjoy one of Santorini’s best tavernas with authentic Cretan dishes in a beautiful village setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Crete (Heraklion)

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before ferry departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Santorini to Heraklion ferry

Take the 2-hour ferry to Heraklion, Crete’s capital city.
EUR50 per person, 2h0m

11:00am

Check-in at hotel in Heraklion and lunch at Peskesi

Experience farm-to-table Cretan cuisine featuring local organic ingredients.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Visit one of Greece’s most important museums showcasing Minoan artifacts (open 8am-8pm).
EUR10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Heraklion Old Town

Wander the quaint streets, visit the Venetian fortress and local cafes.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy Mediterranean seafood with a sunset view on the Heraklion waterfront.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Knossos Palace & Explore Crete

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with breakfast before heading out to Knossos.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Knossos Palace

Tour the ancient Minoan palace, famous for its labyrinth and frescoes, open 8am-8pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ippokambos

Enjoy fresh seafood near the beach in Heraklion.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Rethymno (approx 1.5h drive)

Drive west along the scenic northern coast of Crete to Rethymno town.
EUR60 rental car/day, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Discover Venetian architecture, narrow alleys, and waterfront cafes.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Avli Restaurant

Experience traditional Cretan cuisine in a charming courtyard setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Chania Exploration

Rethymno to Chania, Crete, Greece on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Rethymno

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal before continuing your journey.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Chania (1h drive)

Travel to beautiful Chania town, famed for its Venetian harbor.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Chania Old Venetian Harbor

Explore the picturesque harbor with lighthouse, shops, and cafes.
EUR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamam Restaurant

Taste local Cretan dishes blending Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Maritime Museum of Crete

Discover Crete’s naval history and artifacts; open 10am-5pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Nea Chora Beach

Cool off with a swim at a nearby sandy beach favored by locals.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Glossitses

Enjoy traditional Cretan recipes with a cozy atmosphere in the old town.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Samaria Gorge Hiking

Chania, Crete, Greece on August 2, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Start the day early with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a full-day hike.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Samaria Gorge National Park

Hike one of Europe’s longest gorges (16km), experience stunning nature; park open 7am-7pm. Tickets approx EUR10/person.
EUR10, 6h0m

2:30pm

Return to Chania & rest

After the hike, relax at your hotel or nearby cafe.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Salis

Dine on contemporary Cretan cuisine using local ingredients and flavors.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Relax & Travel Back

Chania to Athens, Greece on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning meal and pack for return.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive to Chania Airport and fly to Athens

Fly back to Athens (approx 1h flight) for last leg of your trip.
EUR70 per person, 1h0m

12:00pm

Check into Athens hotel and lunch at Avissinia

Eat in a beautiful courtyard in the Plaka area with tasty modern Greek fare.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Mount Lycabettus

Take a funicular or hike to the highest point in Athens for panoramic views.
EUR7, 2h0m

6:30pm

Relax at hotel

Prepare for your final night in Greece.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Funky Gourmet

Experience a Michelin-starred dinner showcasing innovative Greek cuisine (reservation required).
EUR150 per person, 2h0m
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Day 11: Athens Departure

Athens, Greece on August 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before transfer to the airport.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Transfer to Athens International Airport

Head to the airport for your flight returning to New York.
EUR0, 1h0m
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