Romantic 10-12 Day Honeymoon Itinerary: Athens, Santorini & Istanbul Layover

Day 1: Arrival & Ancient Athens

Athens, Greece on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Enjoy authentic Greek breakfast with traditional cheeses and honey, a perfect start to your honeymoon in Athens.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Acropolis Museum Visit

Explore Greece’s rich ancient history at the Acropolis Museum, marveling at iconic artifacts and stunning views of the Acropolis itself. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mani Mani

Savor modern Greek cuisine in a cozy setting just beneath the Acropolis with a menu known for fresh local ingredients.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Acropolis & Parthenon Tour

Visit the ancient Acropolis hill and iconic Parthenon, the heart of Athens’ history. The site opens 8:00am-7:30pm in June.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure Walk in Plaka

Stroll through Plaka’s charming streets, filled with boutique shops and picturesque cafes for a romantic afternoon.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Dine at Strofi with exceptional views of the Acropolis lit up at night, offering exquisite Greek dishes perfect for honeymooners.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Athens Culture & Relaxation

Athens, Greece on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Have a delightful breakfast featuring Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruits in the city center.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

National Archaeological Museum

Discover the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities at the National Archaeological Museum, open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Oineas Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a romantic ambiance in the lively Psiri neighborhood.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Mount Lycabettus Hike

Hike or take the funicular up Mount Lycabettus for breathtaking panoramic views of Athens - perfect for couples.
EUR7 for funicular, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee at A for Athens Rooftop Bar

Sip coffee or cocktails while gazing at the Acropolis from this stylish rooftop spot.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine on gourmet Greek fusion cuisine with a view of the Ancient Agora, ideal for an intimate evening.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 3: Island Travel & Sunset

Travel to Santorini, Greece on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Athens

Enjoy a light Greek breakfast before traveling to Santorini.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Flight to Santorini

Fly from Athens International Airport to Santorini (approx. 45-minute flight). Early booking recommended.
EUR60, 1h

10:00am

Check-in at hotel in Fira, Santorini

Settle into a romantic hotel with caldera views for honeymoon memories.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Explore Fira Town

Walk through Fira’s charming streets with boutiques, cafes, and stunning views of the caldera.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Argo Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood paired with local Santorini wines overlooking the sea.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera

Discover ancient ruins and artifacts from Santorini’s rich history, open 8:30am-3:00pm (check opening days).
EUR6, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at your hotel or hotel pool

Enjoy downtime by your hotel pool or balcony with sunset views.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Sunset Dinner at Metaxi Mas

Travel to nearby Exo Gonia for an authentic, romantic meal with sunset views over the island.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Santorini Volcano & Beaches

Santorini, Greece on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel terrace

Start your day with breakfast overlooking the caldera and Aegean sea.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Boat Tour to Volcano and Hot Springs

Take a half-day boat tour to the Santorini volcano and swim in the warm hot springs. Tours typically run 9:30am-2:00pm.
EUR60, 4h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Enjoy fresh grilled fish right at the water’s edge in Ammoudi Bay below Oia.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Red Beach

Spend the afternoon on Santorini’s iconic Red Beach, famous for its colorful cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Oia Gefsis

Dine in Oia at a cozy restaurant with spectacular sunset views and authentic Greek cuisine.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 5: Santorini Culture & Sunset

Santorini, Greece on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Eat a gourmet breakfast featuring fresh pastries and Greek coffee in Fira.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Ancient Thera

Explore the fascinating ruins of Ancient Thera on Mesaria Hill, open 8:30am-3:00pm.
EUR6, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pelekanos

Taste local dishes with caldera views at this hillside restaurant in Imerovigli.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Wine Tasting Tour

Discover Santorini’s volcanic wines on a guided tasting tour at renowned wineries like Santo Wines. Tours run afternoon times, approx. 2-5pm.
EUR40, 3h

6:00pm

Relax at hotel, prepare for Istanbul

Enjoy the evening resting or taking in last views from your hotel before travel.
Free, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Franco's Bar, Fira

Experience elevated Santorini dining with stunning night views over the caldera for your last night.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 6: Santorini to Istanbul

Travel to Istanbul, Turkey on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy a simple breakfast at the hotel before your flight.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight to Istanbul

Fly from Santorini to Istanbul (usually with a layover in Athens), approx. 4-5h total including connection time.
EUR100-150, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in at Istanbul Hotel

Settle in comfortably in central Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu for easy sightseeing.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore this iconic former basilica and mosque, breathtaking for its architecture and history. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY100 (~EUR10), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood on the rooftop with panoramic views of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus.
TRY150 (~EUR15), 2h
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Day 7: Historic Istanbul Tour

Istanbul, Turkey on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Start your day with traditional Turkish breakfast including cheeses, olives, and fresh breads.
TRY50 (~EUR5), 1h

9:30am

Topkapi Palace

Tour the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans, admiring exquisite architecture and artifacts. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
TRY200 (~EUR20), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Taste classic Turkish meatballs in a beloved historic eatery near the Blue Mosque.
TRY60 (~EUR6), 1h

2:30pm

Blue Mosque Visit

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque with its stunning Iznik tile interiors; best to visit outside prayer times. Open 8:30am-6:30pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Explore one of the world’s largest covered markets for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Free entry, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Horn and delicious kebabs at this famous spot.
TRY160 (~EUR16), 2h
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Day 8: Bosphorus & Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy an expansive breakfast spread with northern Turkish specialties.
TRY60 (~EUR6), 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a romantic 2-3 hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, seeing Istanbul’s skyline and majestic palaces.
TRY50 (~EUR5), 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Savor authentic Anatolian dishes in the vibrant Kadıköy district, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
TRY70 (~EUR7), 1h

3:00pm

Leisure time for packing or optional sightseeing

Spend your last hours relaxing or exploring more of Istanbul’s hidden gems.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your onward journey or flight back home.
Varies, 1h
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