Ultimate 11-Day Greece Itinerary: Athens to Santorini Highlights with Beaches, History, and Scenic Cruises

Day 1: Arrival & Ancient Athens

Athens, Greece on August 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Meliartos

Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast including spanakopita or fresh pastries with Greek coffee near Plaka to kick off the trip.
EUR10, 1h

10:30am

Explore Plaka Neighborhood

Wander the charming streets of Athens’ oldest neighborhood, rich with neoclassical architecture, souvenir shops, and local art.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taverna Saita

Dine in a local family-run taverna serving authentic Greek meze and grilled specialties, a perfect midday experience in Plaka.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Acropolis

Visit the iconic Acropolis hill and marvel at the Parthenon ruins, enjoying panoramic views of Athens. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Strofi

Savor modern Greek dishes with Acropolis views on the rooftop terrace of Strofi, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Classical Monuments & Museums

Athens, Greece on August 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Avissinia

Enjoy a Greek coffee and fresh pastries surrounded by ancient relics at the open-air Monastiraki square.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Parthenon and Erechtheion Visit

Explore two masterpieces of classical architecture located on the Acropolis hill. Open from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Included with Acropolis ticket, 2h

12:00pm

Acropolis Museum

Visit the modern Acropolis Museum to see ancient artifacts and sculptures from the archaeological site. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Dionysos Zonar's

Enjoy elegant dining near the Acropolis Museum with traditional dishes and view of the Parthenon.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk Around Anafiotika

Stroll through the tiny, picturesque neighborhood beneath the Acropolis with Cycladic style houses and peaceful alleys.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Have a creative Greek dinner on a rooftop terrace with sunset views over the Acropolis, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Athens Sights & Shopping

Athens, Greece on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tailor Made

Start the day with quality coffee and creative breakfast options in the vibrant Psirri district.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Syntagma Square & Hellenic Parliament

See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of Parliament building.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Visit the colossal ruins of one of the largest temples of ancient Greece, open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR6, 1h

12:00pm

National Garden

Relax and stroll through the tranquil National Garden, a welcome nature break in the heart of Athens.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zuccherino

Enjoy brunch-style dishes and salads close to the National Garden in Kolonaki area.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Panathenaic Stadium

Explore the all-marble stadium that hosted the first modern Olympics, open 8:00am-6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at Ermou Street

Browse trendy shops and international brands on Ermou Street, Athens’ main shopping avenue.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Oineas Restaurant

Dine in the artistic Psirri neighborhood with traditional Greek cuisine and local wines.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cape Sounion Coastal Trip

Athens, Greece on August 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your Athens hotel before the day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Half-day Trip to Cape Sounion

Take a scenic coastal drive to Cape Sounion and visit the Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean Sea, open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR12, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at To Steki Tou Souniou

Savor fresh seafood with sea views near Cape Sounion’s archaeological site.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Athens Around Hotel

Relax and wander the local neighborhood near your hotel, discovering local cafés and shops.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Karamanlidika Tou Fani

Taste traditional Greek charcuterie and cheese in a cozy setting near central Athens, open until 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Museums & Markets

Athens, Greece on August 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mokka Coffee

Begin with specialty coffee and breakfast snacks near National Archaeological Museum.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

National Archaeological Museum

Explore Greece’s largest archaeological museum with exhibits ranging from prehistory to late antiquity. Open 8:00am-8:00pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Varvakios Agora Food Stalls

Sample fresh Greek street food and local delicacies at Athens’ central market.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping for Souvenirs at Monastiraki Flea Market

Hunt for unique souvenirs and antiques in the bustling market area of Monastiraki.
Variable, 2h

8:30pm

Thision Outdoor Cinema

Watch a movie under the stars with views of the Acropolis, an unforgettable local experience. Check schedule for screening times.
EUR7, 2h
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Day 6: Views & Riviera Relaxation

Athens, Greece on August 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the Hotel

Light breakfast before an active morning.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Climb Mount Lycabettus

Hike or take the funicular to the summit for panoramic views of Athens, open daily from 9:00am.
EUR7 (funicular), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Orizontes Lycabettus

Enjoy lunch with a view at the restaurant atop Mount Lycabettus.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Relax at Athenian Riviera Beaches

Spend the afternoon at Glyfada or Vouliagmeni beach to swim and unwind by the sea.
Beach access free; sunbed rental approx EUR10, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sardelaki

Traditional seafood taverna in Glyfada to conclude the day with fresh fish dishes.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 7: Transfer & Santorini Village

Santorini, Greece on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Athens Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Athens before checking out.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Santorini

Take a short flight (around 45 minutes) or ferry to Santorini, arrange transfers accordingly.
EUR70-100 (flight), 3h including transfers

2:00pm

Check-in at Studio Elpida

Settle into your accommodation and refresh after travel.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll in Nearby Village

Explore the local peaceful village near your hotel to get a feel of Santorini’s charm and tranquility.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pelican Kipos

Relax over delicious fusion Greek dishes in a garden setting in Fira.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 8: Fira to Oia Walk

Santorini, Greece on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Roma

Fuel up with coffee and pastries in Fira town before your walk.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Walk from Fira to Oia

Enjoy a scenic 10km hike along Santorini’s caldera edge with stunning sea views, taking about 3-4 hours.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Lotza Tavern (Oia)

Taste traditional Santorinian dishes in the picturesque town of Oia.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Oia Village

Browse art galleries, shops, and iconic blue-domed churches.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Sunset at Oia Castle

Experience Santorini’s world-famous sunset from the castle ruins, a breathtaking iconic moment.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Ambrosia

Elegant fine dining with caldera views, perfect to end the day in Oia.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 9: Beach Day

Santorini, Greece on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Stella's Bakery

Get fresh Greek pastries and coffee to start your beach day right.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Relax at Perissa Black Sand Beach

Swim and sunbathe on Santorini’s famous volcanic black sand beach, with cafes and watersports.
Free access; optional rentals, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tranquilo

Enjoy healthy and vegetarian-friendly meals at this relaxed beachside spot on Perissa.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kamari Beach

Short drive to Kamari Beach, explore its lively promenade, shops, and cafes, ideal for another swim or stroll.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taverna Giorgos

Family-run taverna specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes near Kamari.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 10: Volcano & Hot Springs Cruise

Santorini, Greece on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Quick Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a light breakfast before the morning cruise.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise

Take a half-day boat tour sailing around Santorini’s caldera, visit Nea Kameni volcanic island and swim in hot springs. Tours run 8:30am-1:00pm approx.
EUR50, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Lucky's Souvlakis

Enjoy casual Greek souvlaki and fresh salads back in Fira after the cruise.
EUR15, 1h

3:30pm

Free Afternoon Relaxation

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Fira or relaxing at your hotel.
Free, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Argo Restaurant

Dine on gourmet Greek cuisine with sunset views in Fira’s caldera-side location.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Santorini, Greece on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast with a view before check-out and airport transfer.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Check-out & Transfer to Airport

Depart Studio Elpida and travel to Santorini Airport for onward flight.
Variable depending on transfer, 1h
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