28-Day Cultural and Relaxing Greece Bus Itinerary from Amsterdam to Athens

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this popular cafe that blends New Zealand and Brazilian flavours, setting you up for your travel day.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:30am

Departure to Ljubljana by budget bus

Catch a budget-friendly bus to Ljubljana, Slovenia, designed to break up your journey towards Greece and explore a new culture en route.
EUR60, 10h0m

8:30pm

Check-in and dinner at Druga Violina

After arrival, relax and enjoy traditional Slovenian dishes at Druga Violina, known for its local ambiance and affordable food.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Petit Cafe

Start your day in Ljubljana with fresh pastries and coffee at this charming café near the old town.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Ljubljana Castle visit

Visit the medieval Ljubljana Castle offering panoramic views and interesting exhibits about Slovenian history.
EUR13, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Druga Violina

Enjoy a comforting lunch of traditional Slovenian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in a homely atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Tivoli Park

Take a relaxing stroll or rent a bike to explore Tivoli Park’s greenery and sculptures, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Julija Restaurant

Enjoy a blend of Slovenian and Mediterranean dishes with a cosy ambience in Ljubljana’s old town.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ljubljana to Dubrovnik

Ljubljana, Slovenia on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start early with a light breakfast to fuel the long bus journey ahead towards the Croatian coast.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Departure by bus to Dubrovnik

Embark on a scenic 9 to 10-hour bus journey to Dubrovnik, enjoying views along the Adriatic coast.
EUR55, 9h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and light dinner at Barba

Try traditional Croatian street food such as seafood burgers after your arrival in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
EUR12, 1h0m
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Day 4: Explore Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dubravka 1836

Have breakfast with a view of Dubrovnik’s city walls and the sea in this elegant café.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Walk the iconic ancient city walls for stunning views of the sea and red rooftops; opens 8:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Taj Mahal

Try Bosnian and Balkan specialties at this well-loved Dubrovnik restaurant, a local favourite.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Banje Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon swimming and sunbathing at one of Dubrovnik’s most famous beaches.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Proto Fish Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood dishes at Proto, renowned for quality and authentic Dalmatian flavours.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Dubrovnik to Kotor

Dubrovnik, Croatia on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in a historic setting overlooking the harbour.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Bus to Kotor, Montenegro

Travel by bus along the scenic Adriatic coast to Kotor, Montenegro; journey takes approx 2h30m.
EUR12, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and freshen up

Settle into your accommodation in Kotor and prepare for exploring the Old Town.
Included, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Galion

Dine on locally sourced seafood with views of the medieval city walls and bay.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Kotor Old Town and City Walls

Wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and climb the city walls for breathtaking views; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR8, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Konoba Catovica Mlini

End the day with traditional Montenegrin cuisine in a charming waterside setting.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Relax and Explore Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Forza Cafe

Enjoy gourmet coffee and fresh pastries to start a calm day.
EUR8, 1h0m

10:00am

Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks Island

Take a half-day boat trip to this famous artificial island with a beautiful church and museum; boats run till 5:00pm.
EUR15, 4h0m

3:00pm

Late Lunch at Joe's Restaurant

Casual dining spot offering fresh seafood and local dishes in the heart of Kotor Old Town.
EUR18, 1h0m

6:00pm

Walk along the Bay of Kotor promenade

Unwind with a scenic walk along the waterfront, ideal for watching sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Galeria Perla

Try modern Montenegrin dishes in a stylish setting with art displays.
EUR22, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Thessaloniki

Kotor, Montenegro on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your accommodation

Grab a quick breakfast before commencing your bus journey to Greece.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Bus to Thessaloniki, Greece

This longer bus journey of around 10 hours connects you to northern Greece’s vibrant city of Thessaloniki.
EUR40, 10h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and dinner at Ergon Agora

Enjoy contemporary Greek cuisine with artisan touches at Thessaloniki's popular food market-based restaurant.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Toumpa Coffee Bar

Start the day with excellent Greek coffee and a light breakfast in a hip local spot.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit White Tower and Archaeological Museum

Explore Thessaloniki’s historic symbol, the White Tower, and the nearby Archaeological Museum; White Tower opens 8:00am-8:00pm, museum 8:30am-3:00pm.
EUR8 + EUR10, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ouzeri Tou Limani

Taste traditional meze and fresh seafood right by the harbour.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk and relax in Aristotelous Square

Enjoy people-watching and local cafes in this vibrant city centre piazza.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mavri Thalassa

Dine on excellent modern Greek dishes with a focus on seafood in a cosy setting.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Mount Olympus

Near Thessaloniki, Greece on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Eat a filling breakfast to prepare for a mountainous day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Bus and hike at Mount Olympus National Park

Take a guided bus tour or local bus towards the park and enjoy moderate hikes around the legendary Greek mountain; park open daylight hours, best to start early.
EUR30, 7h0m

4:00pm

Return to Thessaloniki and light dinner at Full tou Meze

Enjoy meze dishes and local wines to refresh after your active day.
EUR18, 1h0m
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Day 10: Travel to Meteora / Kalabaka

Thessaloniki to Kalabaka, Greece on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with breakfast before the bus ride to the stunning Meteora region.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Bus to Kalabaka near Meteora

Travel by bus southwest to Kalabaka, gateway to the famous Meteora rock monasteries; journey approx 3h30m.
EUR12, 3h30m

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch at Meteora Taverna

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with views of the rugged landscape surrounding Meteora.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Great Meteoron Monastery

Explore the largest and oldest monastery of Meteora with breathtaking views; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
EUR3, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Panorama Restaurant

Dine while enjoying the spectacular sunset views over Meteora’s rock formations.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 11: Explore Meteora Monasteries

Kalabaka, Greece on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gardenia Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a day of sightseeing around Meteora.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Varlaam and Roussanou Monasteries

Discover these two spectacular monasteries perched on giant rock pillars; open 9:00am-5:00pm, small entry fees.
EUR3 each, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Meteora Restaurant

Sample homemade Greek dishes popular with locals and tourists alike.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike to sunset viewpoint

Take an easy hike to a famous viewpoint for Meteora’s sunset, a must for photographers.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Relax with a simple but hearty Greek meal at your lodging’s restaurant.
EUR15, 1h0m
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Day 12: Travel to Athens

Kalabaka to Athens, Greece on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast in Meteora before the bus to Athens.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Bus to Athens

Travel by direct or connecting bus to Athens, taking about 5-6 hours, travelling southwards through Greece’s heartland.
EUR25, 6h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into your Athens accommodation and refresh after your journey.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Evening walk at Plaka

Explore Plaka, the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, known for its vibrant streets and local cafes.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Klimataria

Taste classic Greek dishes accompanied by live traditional music in this charming tavern.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 13: Historic Athens

Athens, Greece on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and quality coffee in central Athens near Monastiraki.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

Explore Athens’ iconic ancient citadel and world-class museum; site opens at 8:00am and museum at 9:00am.
EUR24 combined ticket, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant

Savour traditional Greek food near the Acropolis with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Ancient Agora and Roman Agora

Walk through these ancient marketplaces offering insight into classical civic life; open 8:00am-7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

5:30pm

Coffee break at A for Athens Roof Garden

Enjoy spectacular views of the Acropolis with coffee or a cocktail in a stylish rooftop bar.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Strofi

Eat quality traditional Greek cuisine with a view of the illuminated Acropolis at night.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 14: Relax and Fun in Athens

Athens, Greece on June 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kafenio Ivis

Relax with a Greek coffee and traditional petit fours in a cosy, typically Greek café.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit National Garden and Zappeion

Stroll through this peaceful garden in the heart of Athens and appreciate Zappeion Hall’s neoclassical architecture.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Avocado Vegan Restaurant

Enjoy a fresh, healthy, and budget-friendly vegan meal close to Syntagma Square.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shop at Monastiraki Flea Market

Browse handmade crafts and souvenirs at this lively open-air market offering fun shopping and cultural vibe.
Free to browse, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Sample modern Mediterranean cuisine in vibrant Psirri district, known for its nightlife and ambience.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 15-28: Extended Athens Stay

Athens, Greece on January 1, 1970

Flexible

Explore local culture and relaxation

Spend your remaining days enjoying Athens at a more relaxed pace. Activities could include day trips to nearby coastal towns like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, visiting additional museums such as the Benaki Museum or Museum of Cycladic Art, attending theatre performances, and trying a variety of Greek dining experiences. Use buses and metro for budget-friendly travel and balance culture with chill beach days and fun nightlife.
Variable, Flexibly planned
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