Epic 9-Day Solo Adventure in Greece with Minimal Hotel Changes

Day 1: Arrival and Athens Exploration

Athens, Greece on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Zillers

Start your Greek day with traditional breakfast and a rooftop view of the Acropolis at The Zillers, open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Acropolis Museum Visit

Explore the world-class Acropolis Museum, housing artifacts from the ancient rock above. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Strofi

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine with an incredible view of the Acropolis from Strofi Restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Acropolis and Parthenon Tour

Visit the historic Acropolis and Parthenon ruins, a must-see ancient landmark. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Walk in Plaka District

Stroll through Plaka’s charming alleyways with cafes and shops, soaking in Athens’ ambience.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine on modern Greek dishes with a sunset view over the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace. Open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Athens Cultural Immersion

Athens, Greece on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Traditional Greek breakfast bakery – try pastries like bougatsa baked fresh daily. Open from 8am.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

National Archaeological Museum

Visit Greece’s premier archaeological museum with collections spanning all eras. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Oineas

Enjoy Greek meze plates in this lively tavern located in Psirri neighbourhood.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Mount Lycabettus Hike

Hike or take the funicular up Mount Lycabettus for panoramic views of Athens. Funicular open 9am-12:45am.
EUR7, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at a Café in Kolonaki

Unwind at a trendy café in Kolonaki, Athens' upscale neighbourhood famous for its atmosphere.
EUR8, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dionysos Zonar’s

Dine with spectacular Acropolis views and fine Greek cuisine at this popular restaurant. Open till late.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Athens to Santorini Travel

Athens to Santorini, Greece on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed buffet breakfast at your Athens hotel before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight to Santorini

Catch a short 45-minute flight from Athens International Airport to Santorini. Greece airlines fly frequently.
EUR50, 2h including airport transfer and check-in

11:00am

Check-in at Hotel in Fira

Settle into your hotel base in Fira, the capital of Santorini, well placed for exploration.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pitogyros

Casual spot specialising in delicious gyros and souvlaki, perfect casual lunch. Open till 10pm.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Fira Town

Wander through Fira's cliffside streets, shops and museums like the Archaeological Museum of Thera. Museums open till 3pm.
EUR5 for museums, 2h

4:30pm

Santorini Cable Car Ride

Take the cable car from the old port to Fira for breathtaking views. Open 6am-11:45pm.
EUR7, 30m

6:00pm

Sunset Walk and Dinner

Head to a sunset viewpoint then dine at Argo Restaurant, known for fresh seafood and views. Open till 11pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 4: Santorini Island Exploration

Santorini, Greece on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Enjoy coffee and pastries overlooking the caldera. Open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Oia Village

Bus or drive to Oia, famous for its whitewashed buildings and iconic sunset views.
EUR3 bus fare, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

A fish tavern at the waterside with fresh catches and relaxed atmosphere, ideal after visiting Oia.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Red Beach Visit

Explore the unique Red Beach known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Metaxy Mas

Tucked away in a small village, this authentic eatery is famed for local recipes and warm service.
EUR28, 2h
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Day 5: Santorini to Crete Journey

Santorini to Crete, Greece on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final Santorini breakfast before the ferry transfer.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Ferry to Heraklion, Crete

Catch the morning ferry to Heraklion, about 2 hours journey, for a scenic start on Crete.
EUR40, 2h

11:00am

Check-in at Hotel in Heraklion

Settle into your accommodation in Crete’s largest city, perfect for island exploration.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi Restaurant

Traditional Cretan fare made from local ingredients, highly recommended for its authentic taste.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

One of Greece’s top museums, focusing on Minoan civilisation; open 8am-8pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll Around Heraklion Old Town

Explore the historical streets, Venetian fortress and lively squares.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ippokambos

Enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront in this relaxed, atmospheric spot.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Cretan History and Nature

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kirkor

Bakery serving delicious pastries and coffee, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Day Trip to Knossos Palace

Discover the legendary Minoan palace, a must-see historical site just outside Heraklion. Open 8am-8pm.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna To Thalassino

Cozy local fish tavern offering traditional dishes near the archaeological site.
EUR20, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Cretaquarium

One of Europe’s largest aquariums showcasing Mediterranean marine life, open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Karteros Beach

unwind on this sandy beach close to Heraklion with cafes and sunbeds available.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Seafront dining featuring fresh seafood and local Cretan wines.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Crete to Rethymno Exploration

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your hotel breakfast before taking the scenic drive west.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Rethymno by Bus

Take a 1.5-hour bus ride west to the beautiful town of Rethymno along Crete’s north coast.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-in at Hotel in Rethymno

Settle into one of Rethymno’s charming hotels near the old town.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Avli

Try innovative Cretan dishes in a beautiful garden setting within Rethymno old town.
EUR28, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Walk cobbled streets filled with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, old fort and beach promenade.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset at Rethymno Beach

Relax by the sea and enjoy the sunset along the beachfront.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Prima Plora

Seaside gourmet dining with excellent views and quality Greek cuisine, open till late.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Rethymno Leisure and Departure Prep

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on July 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy traditional Greek coffee and fresh pastries at a café in the old town.
EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Day at Beach or Explore Nearby Villages

Choose a relaxing day at nearby beaches like Bali or visit the traditional villages of Margarites and Adele.
Free or minimal transport cost, 3-4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kastro

Dining with a view in the old fortress area, excellent for traditional dishes.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Last Minute Shopping & Relaxation

Enjoy some downtime, souvenir shopping or a spa visit in Rethymno.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Prima Plora or Avli

Choose a favourite restaurant to have a memorable final meal in Crete.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 9: Departure from Crete

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Heraklion Airport

Make your way by bus or taxi to Heraklion airport for your departure.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Flight Departure

Board your flight home or next destination after an epic Greek adventure.
Variable, Varies
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