Greece and luxury go hand in hand, and with one week to explore, you can hop between the mainland and one or two islands. Athens is a natural starting point for most tours, while Santorini and Mykonos are must-visits for those dreaming of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and world-class cuisine. History enthusiasts will want to spend more time on the mainland, especially in Olympia. Or, for the ultimate getaway, hire a private yacht and sail around the Cyclades.

Itinerary #1: Luxury Highlights of Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

This weeklong luxury highlights itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers to Greece with a penchant for 5-star accommodations and exclusive experiences. In Athens, delight in private tours of the Acropolis and the wondrous Temple of Poseidon. Then, dedicate two days to lazing and dining in Mykonos before wrapping up your trip beach hopping and wine tasting in Santorini. Throughout, spend your nights in hotels selected for their opulent amenities and awe-inducing locations, including the Athens Capital Center Hotel, Cavo Tagoo Mykonos, and Canaves Oia Suites.

On Mykonos, your base is a luxe retreat carved into the island's cliffs (photo courtesy of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos)
On Mykonos, your base is a luxe retreat carved into the island's cliffs (photo courtesy of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos)
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Tour the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Athens
Day 2 Driving Tour of the Athenian Riviera: Temple of Poseidon & Fine Dining  Athens
Day 3 Ferry to Mykonos, Oysters & Bubbles Shellfish Experience Mykonos
Day 4 Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise, Evening Walking Tour Mykonos
Day 5 Ferry to Santorini, Sea View Dinner at Lycabettus Restaurant Santorini
Day 6 Santorini Island Tour: Beaches, Wine Tastings & Historic Sites  Santorini
Day 7 Depart Santorini   


Welcome to Greece! Your luxury trip begins in Athens, and with the exclusive Athens Capital Center Hotel as your base, you're in a prime location to tour the Acropolis and other city highlights. In addition, dedicate a day to exploring the Athenian Riviera and its famous Temple of Poseidon before boarding a ferry bound for Mykonos. If you're already familiar with this island's chic reputation, you'll know you're in for a lavish few days. Check into the 5-star Cavo Tagoo Mykonos, an exclusive retreat built into a natural cliffside, and spend the afternoon indulging in local oysters, clams, and sparkling wine.

Your second day in Mykonos promises equal splendor and features a seven-course dinner aboard a cruise. Then, on the morning of Day 5, transfer to Santorini by ferry and pause to refresh at your gorgeous boutique accommodation, the Canaves Oia Suites. That evening, don your finest for dinner at Lycabettus, one of the island's top restaurants, and be sure to linger long enough to catch the sunset from its cliffside terrace. The next morning, follow the lead of a local guide to discover the ruins of ancient Akrotiri and the dramatic Red Beach before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Greek Gastronomy Tour: Athens, Santorini & Naxos

Delight in an exclusive tour of Santorini's private wineries, learn the art of cheese making on the island of Naxos, and dine with Acropolis views on this Grecian gastronomy tour. Crafted for foodies who enjoy experiencing both local eateries and world-renowned restaurants, you can look forward to a well-rounded introduction to Athens and the Cyclades islands' time-tested recipes and modern fusions. Plus, with numerous temples to happen upon, coastlines to explore, and cobblestone streets to meander, you'll have no problem finding your appetite. 

Explore the flavors and history of Greece on this luxury tour
Explore the flavors and history of Greece on this luxury tour
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner with Acropolis View Athens
Day 2 Ferry to Santorini, Evening of Dinner & Wine  Santorini
Day 3 Santorini Wine Tour, Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise & Barbecue  Santorini
Day 4 Ferry to Naxos, Flavors of Naxos Old Town Tour Naxos
Day 5 Naxos Island Tour, Farm Visit with Wine & Cheese Tasting  Naxos
Day 6 Return to Athens, Excursion Along the Athenian Riviera & Dinner  Athens
Day 7 Depart Athens  


Greece is celebrated for its fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and one of the best places to introduce yourself to its perfected flavors is Athens. Before heading out to dinner at a highly recommended restaurant, pause to refresh at your accommodation, the 5-star Dolli Hotel, and embark on a self-guided meander around the city's colorful streets. The following morning, bid farewell to the mainland and catch a ferry to Santorini. Spend your first evening enjoying a leisurely dinner at a restaurant picked for your tastes, then fill the following day with a memorable winery-hopping experience and private sunset cruise.

From Santorini, transfer by high-speed ferry to Naxos and let a privately guided, food-focused tour welcome your arrival. An overnight stay at the peaceful 18 Grapes ensures you're rested and ready to tackle a full-day island tour, which spotlights stops at the Temple of Demeter, the marble village of Apeiranthos, and local Greek farms. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll and prep for the following morning's flight to Athens. Your adventure isn't over yet, though, and you can look forward to a private tour along the Athenian Riviera and an indulgent dinner before catching your departing flight. Learn more

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Itinerary #3: Luxury Journey Through Ancient Greece: Athens, Peloponnese & Santorini

Experience the ancient wonders of classical Greece on this enlightening cultural odyssey. Perfect for those with an affinity for history and the finer things in life, you'll hop between 5-star accommodations, legendary temples, and insightful museums. Highlights include the Archaeological Site of Olympia, Delphi's Temple of Apollo, and the must-see Parthenon. To make this trip even more idyllic, you can look forward to two days of beach and island hopping from Santorini.

Sunset over the Poseidon Temple ruins at Cape Sounio
Sunset over the Poseidon Temple ruins at Cape Sounio
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Cape Sounio Sunset Tour, Cocktails in Plaka Athens
Day 2 Guided Tour of Mycenae, Highlights of Nafplio, Transfer to Olympia Olympia
Day 3 Walk in the Footsteps of Olympiads at Ancient Olympia, Transfer to Galaxidi Galaxidi
Day 4 Transfer to Athens via Amfissa & Ancient Delphi Athens
Day 5 Fly to Santorini, Gourmet Dinner, Wine & Sunset Experience Santorini
Day 6 Full-Day Sailing Cruise Around Folegandros, Milos & Polyaigos Santorini
Day 7 Depart Santorini  


After arriving in Athens and refreshing at your lavish accommodation, the COCO-MAT Athens BC, a private guide will scoop you up for a private tour starring the Athenian Riviera and the color-kissed Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods. The following morning, repack your bags in preparation for a three-day journey through the mainland's storied classic sights. Your first destination is the fabled Homeric city of Mycenae, which is followed by time in the seaside town of Nafplio and an overnight in ancient Olympia. Then, set your sights on Galaxadi, where a lovely evening at the Ganimede Hotel awaits. 

A return transfer to Athens is featured next on your itinerary, but first, learn about Galaxadi's connection to former seafaring families. You'll also pause in Amfissa to learn about bellmaking and in Delphi to meander through the Temple of Apollo en route. Afterward, fly to Santorini and check into the 5-star Art Maison Aspaki Hotel, which will be your home for the final nights of your luxury trip. Spend your first afternoon sampling wine with sunset views, then delve into a fantastic day of island hopping, cruising, and swimming before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury & Adventure in Greece: Athens, Crete & Santorini

In addition to its famous historical sights, Greece is filled to the brim with beautiful coastlines and charming family farms, and this relaxed outdoor adventure invites you along to experience the best of them. Ideal for those who enjoy keeping active while traveling, the trip features a kayak excursion around Cape Sounio, time to meander through the remains of Knossos Palace, and a picturesque hike along Santorini's Caldera coast. In between, treat your luxury-loving side to decadent dinners, 5-star accommodations, and a memorable sunset catamaran cruise.

Sail along Santorini's coastline by private catamaran
Sail along Santorini's coastline by private catamaran
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner with Acropolis View Athens
Day 2 Sea Kayak Tour of Sounio & Poseidon Temple, Athenian Riviera Dinner Athens
Day 3 Fly to Heraklion, Explore the City, Farm-to-Table Dining Experience Heraklion
Day 4 Guided Excursion to Lassithi Plateau: Cave of Zeus & Knossos Palace  Heraklion
Day 5 Ferry to Santorini, Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise & Barbecue  Santorini
Day 6 Guided Hike of Santorini's Caldera, Farm Picnic in Oia Santorini
Day 7 Depart Santorini  


Your adventure begins in Athens, and after checking into the 5-star AthensWas boutique hotel, you'll spend the afternoon exploring the Acropolis independently. Eager for more adventure, embark on a dreamy kayak tour around Cape Sounio and cap off your Athens stay with dinner at a premiere Athenian Riviera restaurant. Next, board a flight bound for Crete, and upon arrival, meet a private driver who'll transfer you to the Manili Boutique Suites and Villas. This 5-star retreat is brimming with opulence, and at its doorstep, you'll find Heraklion's Old Town and Lions Square waiting to be explored. 

Being Greece's largest island, there's plenty to experience on Crete, and thanks to a private chauffeur, you'll effortlessly explore the Lassithi Plateau, the Cave of Zeus, and the remains of Knossos Palace. Yet, postcard-perfect Santorini still awaits, so on Day 5, transfer by ferry to the island and check into the decadent Andronis Concept-Wellness Resort. Beyond boasting fabulous sea views, you'll find this accommodation's central location is perfect for embarking on a sunset cruise and a guided hike. Lastly, celebrate the end of your grand adventure over a farm picnic dinner in Oia. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Sailing in the Cyclades: Santorini, Paros & Mykonos

If unspoiled islands, sandy beaches, and long days at sea come to mind when you think of Greece, this personalized sailing experience through the Cyclades is for you. Featuring a private yacht and crew paired with overnights at lavish accommodations, this itinerary provides the perfect mix of land and water-based activities. Sip wine at sunset from Santorini's highest point, enjoy unhurried afternoons sunbathing on uninhabited islands, discover caves reachable only by boat, and top off your adventure with a fun-filled evening in Mykonos.

Set off from Santorini for a week of day sails around the Cyclades on a private yacht
Set off from Santorini for a week of day sails around the Cyclades on a private yacht
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Santorini, Cruise Around the Caldera Santorini
Day 2 Day Cruise to Ios, Relax on Maganari Beach & Explore the Island  Santorini
Day 3 Day Cruise to Anafi, Explore the Island, Sunset Wine Tasting  Santorini
Day 4 Sail to Paros, Explore Naousa Paros
Day 5 Day Cruise to Antiparos via Panteronisia & Despotiko Paros
Day 6 Sail to Mykonos via Rhenia & Delos Mykonos
Day 7 Depart Mykonos  


Straight after landing in Santorini and dropping your bags at the 5-star Canaves Oia Epitome, you'll be collected by a driver and welcomed onboard the Beneteau Oceanis. This luxury sailboat will be your mode of transportation for the following six days, and you'll get right to it with a short cruise to Red Beach and White Beach on the agenda. Over the following two days, experience more of Santorini's nearby delights thanks to your private sailboat. Cruise to the island of los to laze on unspoiled beaches and visit Anafi, a tiny island, to snorkel amid crystal-clear waters.

On the morning of Day 4, pack up and embark on a seven-hour sail to Paros. Upon arrival, refresh at the elegant Hotel Andronis Minois and treat your sea legs to a delightful stroll through Naousa village. While based in Paros, you'll also take the opportunity to visit its neighboring island of Antiparos, which is famous for its whitewashed churches, hiking trails, and tucked-away beaches. Then, with your trip winding down, continue to Mykonos to celebrate the end of your adventure over dinner at a top restaurant and an overnight in the luxury Myconian Villa Collection. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Greece? Check out these other one-week Greece itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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Map of 1 Week in Greece - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
Map of 1 Week in Greece - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas