Detailed 9-Day Solo Greece Trip: Budget Hotels & Airport Info Included

Day 1: Arrival and Athens Exploration

Athens, Greece on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Zillers

Start your Greek day enjoying a traditional breakfast and rooftop Acropolis views at The Zillers, open from 8am. Located near Monastiraki square.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Acropolis Museum Visit

Explore the Acropolis Museum exhibiting ancient artefacts from the Acropolis hill. Open daily 8am-8pm. Entry is EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Strofi

Have lunch with spectacular Acropolis views at Strofi, a traditional tavern near the Acropolis. Open 12pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Acropolis and Parthenon

Tour the Acropolis archaeological site and Parthenon ruins. Open daily from 8am to 8pm; entrance fee EUR20.
EUR20, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in at AthenStyle Budget Hotel

Check in to AthenStyle Budget Hotel, located centrally near Syntagma, offering affordable and clean accommodation at approx EUR60/night.
EUR60, 1h

6:30pm

Evening Walk in Plaka District

Stroll through the charming pedestrian streets of Plaka filled with shops, street cafes and lively atmosphere. Free entry.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Enjoy modern Greek dishes and sunset views of the Acropolis from Kuzina’s rooftop terrace. Open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Grand Athens Day

Athens, Greece on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Grab traditional Greek pastries and coffee at Meliartos bakery located centrally, open from 8am.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Visit National Archaeological Museum

Immerse yourself in Greece’s largest archaeological museum, holding artifacts from prehistoric to Roman times. Open daily 8am-8pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Oineas Tavern

Enjoy authentic Greek meze plates in the lively Psirri area at Oineas Tavern with friendly ambiance.
EUR20, 1.5h

3:00pm

Mount Lycabettus Hike or Funicular

Hike or take the funicular railway up Mount Lycabettus (funicular open 9am-12:45am; EUR7 round trip) for panoramic city views.
EUR7, 2h

6:00pm

Coffee Break in Kolonaki

Relax at a stylish café in the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood known for boutique shops and cafés.
EUR8, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dionysos Zonar’s

Book a table at this classical restaurant offering fine dining with a spectacular Acropolis backdrop. Open till late.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Athens to Santorini Transfer

Athens to Santorini, Greece on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at AthenStyle Hotel

Enjoy a simple hotel breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Athens Elefthérios Venizélos Airport (ATH)

Take a taxi or metro to Athens International Airport for your flight to Santorini.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Flight to Santorini (Santorini National Airport - JTR)

Fly approx 45 minutes via Aegean or Sky Express airlines to Santorini's airport.
EUR50, 45m

11:15am

Transfer to Fira and Check-in

Take taxi (approx EUR25, 20 min) to Fira and check in at Villa 360 budget hotel, clean and centrally located around EUR70/night.
EUR70, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pitogyros

Enjoy tasty gyros and souvlaki at this casual spot popular with locals and tourists, open till late.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Fira Town

Wander Fira’s stunning cliffside streets filled with shops, cafés, and the Archaeological Museum of Thera (open till 3pm).
EUR5, 2h

4:30pm

Santorini Cable Car Ride

Take the cable car from the old port up to Fira for spectacular caldera views. Operating 6am-11:45pm, ticket EUR7.
EUR7, 30m

6:00pm

Sunset Viewing and Dinner at Argo

Secure a table at Argo Restaurant for fresh seafood and sunset views of the caldera. Reservations recommended.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 4: Santorini Island Tour

Santorini, Greece on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Passaggio

Enjoy coffee and pastries with caldera views at Passaggio in Fira, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Journey to Oia Village

Take local bus or taxi (EUR3 for bus, 30 mins) to Oia famous for its whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches.
EUR3, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Dine by the sea in Ammoudi Bay with fresh fish specialities after your Oia visit. Open 12pm-10pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:30pm

Relax at Red Beach

Explore the famous Red Beach’s striking cliffs and swim in clear waters, easily accessible by local bus or taxi.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Metaxy Mas

Drive or taxi back towards the village of Exo Gonia and dine at Metaxy Mas for authentic Cretan-Greek dishes at reasonable prices.
EUR28, 2h
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Day 5: Santorini to Crete Transfer

Santorini to Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Villa 360 Hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast before heading to the ferry port.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Santorini to Heraklion Ferry

Catch the high-speed ferry from Santorini to Heraklion port, approx 2-hour crossing. Tickets around EUR40.
EUR40, 2h

11:00am

Taxi to Heraklion City and Check-in

Taxi approx 10 EUR to the city centre. Check in at Kastro Hotel, a budget-friendly central hotel at approx EUR50/night.
EUR50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Peskesi Tavern

Indulge in homemade Cretan dishes prepared with local ingredients in rustic setting. Open 1pm-11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Explore an extensive collection of Minoan treasures; open 8am-8pm, entrance EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Heraklion Old Town and Koules Fortress

Walk the historic Venetian walls and fortress, with lively squares and shops nearby. Free to walk, fortress entry small fee if interested.
EUR5, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ippokambos

Relax at this casual waterfront seafood restaurant with fresh catches daily. Open till late.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Knossos and Beaches

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kirkor Bakery

Taste fresh Greek bakery products and coffee at this popular local shop, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Knossos Palace Tour

Visit the famous Minoan palace ruins just outside Heraklion, rich in history. Open 8am-8pm, entrance EUR15.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna To Thalassino

Enjoy traditional seafood close to the archaeological site offering homely atmosphere and tasty dishes.
EUR20, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Cretaquarium

Explore Mediterranean marine life at one of Europe’s largest aquariums, open 10am-6pm. Entry EUR10.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Karteros Beach

Unwind on the sandy shore of Karteros Beach near Heraklion, with cafes and sunbeds available.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local wines with views by the sea. Open till late.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Rethymno and Explore

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kastro Hotel

Start with a hotel breakfast before your bus journey to Rethymno.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Bus to Rethymno

Take the KTEL bus (approx EUR10) on a 1.5-hour scenic drive along Crete’s north coast to Rethymno.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-in at Avli Lounge Apartments

Budget-friendly apartments with good location in Rethymno old town, approx EUR65/night.
EUR65, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Avli Restaurant

Tasting innovative Cretan cuisine amidst a garden courtyard inside Rethymno.
EUR28, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore Rethymno Old Town

Wander Venetian alleys, visit historic sites like the Fortezza Fortress and stroll the beach promenade.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset by Rethymno Beach

Enjoy the calming sea and sunset hues by the long sandy beach.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Prima Plora

Unwind with a gourmet dinner overlooking the bay — known for excellent modern Greek food.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Relaxation & Last Day in Rethymno

Rethymno, Crete, Greece on July 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Have a relaxed breakfast with Greek coffee and local pastries at a charming café in the old town.
EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Beach Day or Explore Nearby Villages

Spend the morning at Bali Beach or visit nearby traditional villages such as Margarites and Adele to experience authentic Cretan life.
Free or minimal transport cost, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kastro

Enjoy your meal in the historic fortress area, famous for its views and seasonal Greek dishes.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Last Minute Shopping and Spa

Relax with a spa treatment or shop for souvenirs in Rethymno before your trip ends.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner

Celebrate your trip’s end with a memorable dinner at your favourite restaurant; Prima Plora or Avli.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 9: Departure Day

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Transfer to Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Take a taxi or bus from Rethymno to Heraklion Airport for your departure. Taxi approx EUR40 or bus EUR10.
EUR10-40, 1.5h

9:00am

Flight Departure

Depart Crete from Heraklion International Airport Flight, concluding your authentic Greek adventure.
Variable, Varies
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