Greece is a country with an abundance of culture, stunning landscapes, and endless adventures.
This 10 day itinerary takes you on a whirlwind experience to provide a memorable Greek getaway filled with ancient ruins, charming villages, Mediterranean views, and much more.
Land in Athens & Explore the Ancient Ruins
After your overnight flight, land in Athens for an action-packed first day. As the historical capital, Athens provides an ideal introduction to ancient Greek culture.
Spend the morning visiting the iconic Acropolis and snapping photos of the impressive Parthenon. Afterwards, walk down to the Agora, the ancient market and gathering place.
Grab a tasty gyro for lunch and don’t miss seeing Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Spend the night near Plaka, where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and lively nightlife.
Take a One Day Meteora Tour
The mountaintop monasteries of Meteora provide a uniquely spiritual experience. Join a full day tour to see these Eastern Orthodox monasteries dramatically perched atop rock towers and cliffs.
Visit two of the six active monasteries by foot and enjoy stunning views across the Plain of Thessaly.
Be sure to see the Great Meteoron Monastery, the highest of all. If time and stamina allow, hike the nature trail taking you past small cave chapels for contemplative moments amid olive and cypress trees. Return to Athens for the night.
Ferry to Naxos & Try Windsurfing at Plaka Beach
Take to sea on a high speed ferry bound for Naxos in the Cyclades island group. Arrive late morning with time for a quick bite before an afternoon windsurfing adventure.
Rent equipment and take a lesson for one of the most popular water sports in Greece. Naxos’ reliable Meltemi winds and miles of sandy beaches make it an ideal spot to learn.
After, relax at a beachfront café while watching the experts glide back and forth across emerald waters. Fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
Discover Naxos Town & Ancient History
Spend the next day exploring Naxos Town and Temple of Demetra. Walk along the waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and boutiques selling jewelry, pottery, olive oil and other local products.
Tour the bustling castle quarter, stopping at the centuries-old Domus Venetian Museum. Then venture into the island’s fertile interior to see the unfinished Temple of Demetra.
Dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess of agriculture, it dates back to 530 BC. Take the evening to sample Naxos cuisine and nightlife. Traditional dishes like seftalia and lemon chicken are not to be missed!
Island Hop to Santorini
Trade the sandy beaches of Naxos for Santorini’s volcanic cliffs and whitewashed villages. Arrive midday via speedy catamaran able to navigate the choppy Aegean Sea.
Santorini is renowned for breathtaking sunsets so start by finding the perfect viewpoint for your first night.
Imerovigli and Oia are ideal with their maze-like blue and white settlements built into cliffsides overlooking azure waters.
Later, wander cobblestone alleyways peppered with luxury hotels, quaint shops and tavernas until finding a cliff-perched table to enjoy dinner with a cinematic sunset view.
Explore Thirasia Island
Escape the crowds with a day trip to Santorini’s much smaller neighbor, Thirasia. Hop aboard a morning ferry to arrive at the island’s solitary village port.
Have your camera ready for spectacular views looking back at Santorini with its iconic whitewashed buildings clinging dramatically to rocky cliffs.
Spend the day scaling stone stairs, walking seaside nature trails lined with wildflowers, and swimming below rocky outcroppings.
Before returning to Santorini, don’t miss eating at one of Thirasia’s tiny family-owned tavernas right at water’s edge for incredibly fresh seafood like grilled octopus and fava dip.
Wine Taste at Estate Vineyards
No Greek vacation is complete without sipping the regionally famous wines so spend your second Santorini day visiting estate vineyards and tasting rooms.
Santorini’s terroir infuses unique minerality and acidity into grapes grown in the island’s naturally rich volcanic soil. Travel inland to see vineyards intricately trained in circular baskets to protect grapes from fierce winds off the Aegean Sea.
Taste crisp white Assyrtiko, vibrant red Vinsanto dessert wine and other endemic varietals while looking out over the dramatic cliff-rimmed caldera basin.
Finish with sunset while discussing favorite bottles and places to eat on the town’s postcard-perfect waterfront.
Overnight Ferry Back to Athens
Board an evening ferry bound for Athens. Enjoy breathtaking views leaving Santorini’s sun-soaked ports. You’ll arrive on the mainland just after sunrise, ready for history and architecture in Greece’s sprawling capital.
After checking into your hotel, head out to see sights like the Temple of Hephaestus – one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples, and the Stoa of Attalos – an impressive two story building that hosts the impressive Agora Museum.
Don’t miss the ancient Kerameikos Cemetery and gates built wide enough for two chariots to pass with ease!
Day Trip to Delphi & the Temple of Apollo
On your second to last day, escape the city for breathtaking natural scenery and ancient history outside Athens in Delphi.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches across the slopes of Mount Parnassus punctuated by crumbling structures, sports arenas, and the impressively intact 4th century BC Theater.
One of Greece’s most important ancient sites, Delphi was considered the center of the world and home of Apollo’s Oracle. Walk the Sacred Way to explore temple ruins and take in sweeping coastal views. You’ll never forget the towering pillars and epic history!
Depart Greece Relaxed & Culturally Enlightened
On your last morning in Athens, enjoy one final stroll through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and markets picking up any last minute souvenirs like olive oil, feta cheese and Bouzouki music.
Grab an iced Freddo espresso before heading to the airport fully enlightened about ancient history and culture after your fast-paced 10 day introduction to Greece’s very best. You’ll leave with endless island daydreams longing to return to relax even longer!
