5 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Athens and Ancient Greece

Dive deep into Athenian landmarks, ancient Mycenae, and millennia-old treasures in Nafplio on this five-day tour, perfect for history geeks and fans of The Odyssey.

Arrive in Athens, where you’ll spend a day visiting iconic wonders like the Parthenon and exploring lively Athenian neighborhoods like Pangrati. Your second day is full of in-depth stories and factoids - starting at Temple of Olympian Zeus, you’ll take a guided mythology tour of the city’s ancient sites, followed by an afternoon guided tour of the Acropolis and her secrets. 

Get your steps in on day three climbing the marble marvel of the Panhellenic Stadium, or Kallimarmaro. You’ll be grateful for the exercise before spending the afternoon master the art of ancient Greek cooking in a 3-hour cooking class. Head out early the next morning for a full day of excursions: you’ll discover Mycenae, whose legacy dates back to the Early Neolithic Age, before taking in the splendor of Napfio, a gorgeous coastal town peppered with monuments spanning the ages. Climb the 1,000 steps to Palamidi Castle as you enjoy your final sunset in Greece. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Athens and Nafplio

This trip plan is great for travelers curious about Greece’s mainland: spend some time in Athens, then travel to the seaside town of Nafplio, before learning the timeless tradition of pressing olive oil in a quaint rural village.

Your journey begins in Athens, the historical soul of Greece. Spend your first day reveling in the city’s eclectic mix of ancient wonders and modern comforts: the Parthenon is a must before taking in the fantastic National Museum. Drinks and bites await in the Psyrri district, a favorite of Athenian locals. Day two takes you deeper into the city’s history and sites, thanks to a guided mythology tour around town, followed by a guided exploration of the world-famous Acropolis Museum - and if time allows, a peek at the Athens Observatory. 

The next morning, it’s off to Napflio, a stunner of a town off the coast of the Peloponnesian peninsula. Get to know this coastal locale on your own before meeting up with a guide for a walking tour of historical highlights, lighthouses, castles, and incredible views. Day four is all about olives: you’ll head to a nearby rural village to learn olive oil pressing 101. If you time your trip just right, you can even head out among the groves to help with the harvest. Enjoy a final dinner in Nafplio, appreciating the art and labor that goes into the delicious oil drizzled on your mezze, before heading back to Athens the next morning. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Adventure in Athens and the Cyclades

Spend five days with your little ones in this action-packed trip bound to excite both kids and kids at heart: immersive experiences, beach days, and plenty of play await in Athens and the idyllic island of Naxos.

Your family will arrive in Athens, where you’ll discover the rhythm of this ancient epicenter, its world-famous sites like the Parthenon, and bustling markets. Day two is tailor-made for young, curious minds; you’ll all embark on a fun-filled day of interactive mythology experiences. Child education specialists and kid-friendly performers will immerse tiny travelers in millennia-old stories, battle reenactments, games and more. At dinner, the whole family can quiz each other on mythology over plates of mezze in the Plaka, the city's oldest neighborhood. 

On day three, you’ll trade city life for the idyllic Cyclades. After ferrying to the island of Naxos, you and your brood can wander around castles and ancient sites (check out the Temple of Demeter or the Portara, the entrance to the Temple of Apollo). Or make your own landmarks out of the sand on Agios Georgios. Keep the beach vibe going with another full day devoted to worshiping the sun and surf; post up at family-friendly (albeit more popular) beaches or find some quiet time on the island’s more remote strips of sand. After one more morning of stunning sea views, it’s back to Athens and onward. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Local Life on Crete

The Chania region of Crete is a feast for the senses and this trip plan allows you to live like a local; let the seaside charm you, learn the traditions of Vamos village, and set foot in Europe’s oldest city. 

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, welcomes you when you arrive in the northwest city of Chania. Wander Crete’s second-largest city and watch the sunset from a taverna overlooking the sands of picturesque Falassarna beach or from the quiet, pink shores of stunning Elafonissi beach. The next day, you’ll head off to the verdant village of Vamos for a crash course in Cretan cuisine and perhaps a dip in the nearby Kournas Lake. 

On day three, put on your sneakers and pound the pavement on a guided walking tour of Vamos. You’ll break up your trek with frequent stops to taste the town’s flavor, sipping wine and nibbling specialties from local purveyors. Spend your final full day on the island by diving into history, starting with a sojourn to the town of Heraklion and its famed Architectural Museum. Take in the phenomenal Minoan palace of Knossos, believed to be the oldest city in Europe. Your tour continues with a visit to the coastal town of Rethymno, complete with a Venetian harbor and old-world culture. Spend a final night in Chania before bidding adieu to Crete in the morning. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Discover Medieval Rhodes

This comprehensive itinerary introduces you to the medieval magic of the island of Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese chain, as you explore its castles, villages, and breathtaking views. 

After you touch down in Athens, take the day to visit the Greek capital’s treasures and treats. No trip to Athens is complete without seeing the Parthenon or smaller ancient sites like the Tower of the Winds. Indulge in a delicious welcome dinner overlooking the iconic Acropolis or the bustle of downtown. The next morning, you’ll travel to Rhodes, whose Old Town is renowned as a UNESCO world heritage site. A guide will teach you about the evolution of this medieval city and the Palace of the Grandmaster of the Knights of Rhodes, the city's impressively preserved castle. 

Day three begins with a guided hike of the island’s terrain, including the hilltop Kammiri Monastery, the quaint fishing village of Lindos, and the beautiful Bay of St. Paul. On day four, climb to Monolithos, a scenic medieval castle, then wind your way through slow-paced smaller Rhodesian villages like Embonas and Prophete Elias, where you can linger over glasses of local wine. Savor one last breakfast on the island before heading back to Athens. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Greece trip? Check out these other 5-day Greece itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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