With 16 days in Greece, you can enjoy a well-rounded introduction to Athens and the famous Cyclades islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Or, opt for an adventure more catered to your interests. Foodies will find lesser-visited countryside farms and wineries ideal destinations, while active travelers focus on hiking, cycling, and kayaking on the Attica peninsula, Naxos, and Crete. Other options include a laid-back island-hopping itinerary and a fast-paced road trip through the Peloponnese.

Itinerary #1: Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete

From legendary mythological sites to buzzing beach bars, Greece is filled to the brim with bucket-list-worthy experiences, and this well-rounded highlights tour features the best of them. Ponder the striking Parthenon, laze on Mykonos' famous beaches, explore the coastlines of Santorini by catamaran, and hike the striking Samaria Gorge in Crete. In addition, guided countryside tours, a cooking class, and time for independent exploration ensure you're introduced to each destination's authentic side.

Look out at the glittering sea and colorful buildings in Oia
Look out at the glittering sea and colorful buildings in Oia
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Explore the Capital on Your Own Athens
Day 2 Acropolis & Ancient Greece Mythology Tour Athens
Day 3 Day Trip to the Archaeological Site of Delphi Athens
Day 4 Fly to Mykonos, Explore the Island at Your Own Pace Mykonos
Day 5 Half-Day Tour of the Island's Countryside Mykonos
Day 6 Day Trip to the Archaeological Site of Delos Mykonos
Day 7 Ferry to Santorini, Relax on the Beach or Explore the Island on Foot Santorini
Day 8 Enjoy a Free Morning, Set Off on a Half-Day Island Tour Santorini
Day 9 Santorini Catamaran Cruise, Ferry to Crete Heraklion
Day 10 Explore the Palace of Knossos & Heraklion Heraklion
Day 11 Transfer to Chania, Old Town Walking Tour Chania
Day 12 Hiking Excursion in Samaria Gorge Chania
Day 13 Explore the Villages of Apokoronas Chania
Day 14 Learn How to Make Cretan Dishes, Explore Vamos Chania
Day 15 Fly to Athens, Food Tour of the City's Squares & Markets  Athens
Day 16 Depart Athens  


Welcome to Greece! Your adventure begins in Athens, where, over three days, you'll check out the city's ancient highlights and venture to the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Next, fly to the glitzy island of Mykonos and treat yourself to an afternoon of beach hopping, followed by a guided tour of the island's charming villages and rural farms. Nearby is the island of Delos, home to mythological sites, which you'll also visit before ferrying to Santorini. This island is famous for its rugged volcanic terrain and whitewashed buildings, and you'll experience both while exploring on foot and by catamaran. 

From Santorini, another ferry ride brings you to Heraklion, Crete's capital, and through a short but immersive two-night stay, you'll explore its Palace of Knossos and lovely Tsimiski Street. Afterward, transfer down the coast to Chania, which will be your home for the following four days. Stroll through its Old Town, conquer a stunning hike through Samaria Gorge, wander amid olive groves in the region of Apokoronas, and create a Cretan feast alongside locals in Vamos. Then, return by plane to Athens, where an evening of wine bar hopping wraps up your brilliant adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Historic Tour Through Mainland Greece & Crete

Experience the ancient wonders of classical Greece on this immersive history-focused itinerary. Perfect for those eager to delve into the world of Greek mythology, you'll hop between ancient cities, majestic temples, and insightful museums. Highlights include the Archaeological Site of Olympia, Delphi's Temple of Apollo, and the must-see Parthenon. Additionally, a four-day stay in Crete rounds out the adventure with beach days and time to explore dreamy Old Towns independently. 

Wander the ruins of Knossos Palace just outside of Heraklion
Wander the ruins of Knossos Palace just outside of Heraklion
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Self-Guided Tour of the Capital City Athens
Day 2 Explore the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Athens
Day 3 Ottoman History Tour of Athens, Transfer to Nafplio Nafplio
Day 4 Day Trip to the Archaeological Sites of Mycenae & Epidaurus Nafplio
Day 5 Visit Palamidi Fortress & Nafplio's Old Town, Transfer to Sparti Sparti
Day 6 Transfer to Olympia via the Archaeological Site of Messene Olympia
Day 7 Transfer to Delphi via the Seaside Town of Nafpaktos Delphi
Day 8 Explore the Archaeological Site of Delphi Delphi
Day 9 Transfer to Meteora, Cave Hermitages of Badovas & Meteora Sunset Tour Meteora
Day 10 Tour Meteora's Six Monasteries, Transfer to Thessaloniki Thessaloniki
Day 11 Explore Thessaloniki at Your Own Pace Thessaloniki
Day 12 Fly to Heraklion on the Island of Crete, Explore the City on Your Own Heraklion
Day 13 Knossos Palace Tour, Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum Heraklion
Day 14 Transfer to Chania, Relax on the Beach or Discover the City's Museums Chania
Day 15 Ride a Trikke Through Chania Chania
Day 16 Fly to Athens, Depart   


Your history-infused adventure begins in Athens, and a short but immersive stay ensures you have time to visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, and other city highlights. Next, transfer to the coastal city of Nafplio and explore the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, the Sanctuary of Asklepios, and the Fortress of Palamid. Then, over the following few days, continue checking out the best of mainland Greece's historical highlights, including Sparta, Olympia, Messene, and the Old Town of Nafpaktos. Eventually, you'll reach Delphi and settle in for a two-night stay in this once-regarded center of the world.

The second leg of your journey starts with a transfer north to Meteora, where you'll pause to explore its impossible cliff-perched monasteries, followed by a two-night stay in Thessaloniki. This gives you ample time to take in the city's bustling squares, Ottoman fortress, and Roman ruins before flying to Crete. Your first base here is Heraklion, and besides being the island's buzzing capital, it's also home to the sprawling Knossos Palace and imposing Rocca a Mare Fortress. After checking both out, transfer to Chania and spend your remaining days lazing at the beach, museum hopping, and exploring by Trikke. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Island Hopping From Athens Across the Cyclades

On this ultimate island-hopping getaway, you'll venture off the trodden trail to uncover the historical and natural highlights of six stunning Cyclades islands. Taste your way between dreamy wineries on Mykonos, admire the thought-provoking Temple of Apollo on Naxos, and explore Santorini's rugged volcanic landscapes by Jeep. In addition, spend two nights each on the lesser-visited islands of Paros, Sifnos, and Milos, which are home to ancient ruins and quaint villages waiting to be discovered.

Discover some of the lesser known islands of the Cyclades, like Sifnos
Discover some of the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades, like Sifnos
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Self-Guided Tour of the Capital City Athens
Day 2 Half-Day Trip to Sounio, Watch the Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon Athens
Day 3 Fly to Mykonos, Traditional Island Villages & Farm Tour Mykonos
Day 4 Hiking Excursion in Mykonos, Winery Tour & Wine Tasting Mykonos
Day 5 Ferry to Naxos, Discover the Largest of the Cyclades Islands on Your Own Naxos
Day 6 History & Food Tour of the Temple of Apollo & Naxos Old Town Naxos
Day 7 Full-Day Catamaran Cruise Around Naxos Naxos
Day 8 Ferry to Paros, Greek Cooking Class & Local Farm Visit Paros
Day 9 Day Trip to Antiparos, Tour the Island's Famed Castle & Cave Paros
Day 10 Ferry to Sifnos, Tour the Island on Horseback Sifnos
Day 11 Hiking Excursion Along an Ancient Sifnos Trail to Apollonia Sifnos
Day 12 Ferry to Milos, Sample Local Delights on a Food & Wine Tour Milos
Day 13 Hiking Excursion from the Ruins of Phylakopi to Sarakiniko Beach Milos
Day 14 Ferry to Santorini, Explore the Island on a Self-Drive Jeep Tour Santorini
Day 15 Enjoy a Free Morning, Wineries & Sunset Tour Santorini
Day 16 Fly to Athens, Depart   


Before heading to the islands, your adventure begins with a two-day stay in Athens—perfect for unwinding and checking out iconic sites. Then, fly to Mykonos, where you'll venture beyond the packed beaches to quaint villages, wineries, and organic farms. Afterward, a short ferry journey brings you to Naxos, and over a three-day stay, you'll have plenty of time to explore independently, embark on a history and food tour, and spend an enchanting day onboard a catamaran. Next, hop over to the lesser-visited island of Paros and dedicate a day each to a cooking class and a tour of nearby Antiparos

Continuing your island-hopping journey, you'll next find yourself horseback riding and trekking around Sifnos. In addition, spend an afternoon popping into quaint cafés and boutique shops in the capital city of Apollonia before setting your sights on Milos. Here, over a two-day stay, you'll have time for an immersive food tour as well as a spectacular hike from the ruins of Phylakopi to Sarakiniko Beach. Then, on Day 14, set your sights on Santorini and spend your remaining time exploring by Jeep, beach hopping, and savoring postcard-perfect vistas until the time arrives to board your departing flight. Learn more

Plan your trip to Greece
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Itinerary #4: Active Adventure in Greece: Hiking, Cycling, Swimming & Kayaking

Ideal for those who enjoy keeping active while traveling, this adrenaline-filled adventure gets you out hiking, cycling, and kayaking among the idyllic landscapes of mainland Greece and the Cyclades islands. Starting on the Attica peninsula, hop between Athens, Nafplio, and Sparti—all of which are brimming with impressive reminders of the Roman Empire. Then, spend the second leg of the journey in Crete, Santorini, and Naxos, where you'll conquer treks through a gorge and the summit of Mount Zas and delight in unhurried time to explore coastlines by kayak and catamaran.

Explore some of Greece's most beautiful natural landscapes
Explore some of Greece's most beautiful natural landscapes
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Half-Day Tour of the Capital Athens
Day 2 Transfer to Nafplio, Explore the Coastal City on Your Own Nafplio
Day 3 E-Bike Tour Across Nafplio Nafplio
Day 4 Standup Paddleboarding & Snorkeling in Kardamyli, Transfer to Sparti Sparti
Day 5 Hike to the Summit of Mount Taygetus Sparti
Day 6 Visit a Honey Farm, Cycle Through Laconia, Transfer to Athens Athens
Day 7 Fly to Chania, Trikke Tour Through the City Chania
Day 8 Hike Samaria Gorge, the Largest in Europe Chania
Day 9 Visit Anoskeli Winery & Olive Mill, Discover the White Mountains Chania
Day 10 Transfer to Heraklion, Sunset Safari Along an Ancient Minoan Trail Heraklion
Day 11 Explore the Diktaion Andron Cave & Sfendili Village Heraklion
Day 12 Transfer to Santorini, Sunset Catamaran Cruise Santorini
Day 13 Coastal Kayak Tour, Caldera Horseback Ride Santorini
Day 14 Ferry to Naxos, Watch the Sunset at the Temple of Apollo Naxos
Day 15 Hike to the Summit of Mount Zas Naxos
Day 16 Depart Naxos  


Your active adventure kicks off with a day in Athens, where you'll quickly overcome jet lag while exploring intriguing neighborhoods alongside a guide. Then, over the following four days, head out of the city to uncover the Attica peninsula's ruins-dotted landscapes. In the coastal town of Nafplio, hike to fortresses guarding the city and explore by e-bike, and in the city of Sparti, trek to the summit of Mount Taygetus and cycle through the nearby Laconia countryside. Next, catch a flight to Chania on Crete and celebrate your arrival with a thrilling Trikke tour, followed by a full-day hike through the dramatic Samaria Gorge.

While in Chania, you'll also dedicate a day to hopping between wineries and impressive Samaria National Park viewpoints before transferring to Heraklion. This picturesque capital is brimming with storied sites, which you'll discover during an ancient Minoan trail sunset safari and a visit to the Cave of Diktaion Andron. Afterward, spend two days on the island of Santorini, cruising onboard a catamaran and exploring by kayak and horseback. Then, ferry to Naxos and round off your adventure with a thrilling hike to the summit of Mount Zas and a delightful dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage

To discover the finest food of Greece, one must venture off the tourist trail to local farms and small villages, which is exactly where this flavorful culinary experience leads you. Through immersive visits to countryside farms, vineyards, and homes, you'll learn the craft of olive oil production, the use of Greek herbs, and the art of winemaking. In between meals, walk off your indulgences through insightful tours of archaeological sites, museums, and storied towns.

Enjoy delicious Greek food overlooking the Aegean Sea in Mykonos
Enjoy delicious Greek food overlooking the Aegean Sea in Mykonos
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner Athens
Day 2 Visit the Archaeological Site of Mycenae & the Coastal City of Nafplio Nafplio
Day 3 Become a Shepherd for a Day, Sample Local Delights Nafplio
Day 4 Sip Local Wines from Three Vineyards Around Nemea Nafplio
Day 5 Visit a Local Farm to Learn About & Harvest Olives Nafplio
Day 6 Ferry to Tinos, Explore the Cycladic Island at Your Own Pace Tinos
Day 7 Learn How to Cook Traditional Tinian Dishes Tinos
Day 8 Explore the Sanctuary of Poseidon, Visit Three Art & History Museums Tinos
Day 9 Ferry to Mykonos, Relax on the Beach or Wander the Island on Your Own Mykonos
Day 10 Enjoy a Free Morning, Sit Down for Dinner on a Local Farm Mykonos
Day 11 Half-Day Tour of the Mykonos Countryside Mykonos
Day 12 Ferry to Naxos, Climb Mount Zas or Visit the Portara on Your Own Naxos
Day 13 Food Tour Around the Island, Visit the Venetian Castle of Naxos Naxos
Day 14 Visit the Mountainous Village of Apiranthos Naxos
Day 15 Fly to Athens, Afternoon Cooking Class Athens
Day 16 Depart Athens  


Upon landing in Athens, you'll be introduced to Greece's famed cuisine during a welcome dinner overlooking the Acropolis. Then, following a detour to the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, transfer to Nafplio, which will be your home base for four days. While here, you'll delve into the region's fresh cuisine through visits to local farms, three picturesque wineries, and a rural village renowned for its olive oil production. Afterward, board a ferry bound for the island of Tinos, where an extended visit provides ample time to explore independently, join a local to cook up a Greek feast, and museum hop.

Next on your agenda is a three-day stay on the island of Mykonos, the first of which you'll spend lazing on its pristine beaches. Then, thanks to a local farm visit and a village and countryside tour, you'll discover the island's lesser-visited interior. After another ferry journey, you'll find yourself on the island of Naxos, where a scenic hike to the summit of Mount Zas awaits. With your appetite reignited, dig into Naxian cheeses, confections, and wines during a food tour before catching a flight back to Athens and wrapping up your culinary adventure with a delightful cooking class. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Mainland Greece Road Trip

Take the reins and uncover the historical sites and remarkable landscapes of mainland Greece on this epic 16-day road trip. Ideal for travelers who enjoy a fast-paced trip, you'll overnight in eight different destinations and detour to numerous archaeological sites and charming villages. Notable highlights include a boat trip to Nafplio Bay, a visit to the ancient city of Epidaurus, side trips to Sparta and Olympia, and a wander through the Palace of Nestor.

Drive along Greece's pristine coast on this 16-day road trip
Drive along Greece's pristine coast on this 16-day road trip
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner Athens
Day 2 Acropolis & Ancient Greek Mythology Tour Athens
Day 3 Food Tour of the City's Street Food Stalls & Markets Athens
Day 4 Drive to Nafplio, Explore the Coastal City on Your Own Nafplio
Day 5 Sample Local Wines from Three Vineyards Around Nemea Nafplio
Day 6 Visit the Archaeological Site of Mycenae & the Ancient City of Epidaurus Nafplio
Day 7 Drive to the Archaeological Site of Sparta & Mystras Mystras
Day 8 Explore the Archaeological Site of Mystras Mystras
Day 9 Drive to Monemvasia on the East Coast of the Peloponnese Monemvasia
Day 10 Drive to Areopoli, Explore the Mani Peninsula's Charming Villages Areopoli
Day 11 Drive to Pylos via the Palace of Nestor Pylos
Day 12 Drive to Nafpaktos via the Olympia Archaeological Site Nafpaktos
Day 13 Explore Nafpaktos on Your Own Nafpaktos
Day 14 Drive to Galaxidi via the Archaeological Site of Delphi Galaxidi
Day 15 Visit the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Drive to Athens Athens
Day 16 Depart Athens  


Prior to hitting the open road, your adventure begins with three days of discovery in Athens. Meander through the Acropolis, ponder the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and taste your way through the Varvakeios Market. Then, collect a rental car and drive to Nafplio, where you'll boat to Bourtzi Fortress and hop between the region's famed wineries. You'll also dedicate a day to roaming the Archaeological Site of Mycenae and the ancient city of Epidaurus before continuing to Mystras. As the once capital of Byzantine, this town is brimming with well-preserved ruins, which you'll explore on a self-guided tour.

Next, your road trip shifts into a higher gear, and you'll make your way from Monemvasia, across to the west coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, and up to Nafpaktos. Throughout, there's plenty of opportunity to pause and take in your storied surroundings. Enjoy lazy meanders through quaint villages, explore the Palace of Nestor, and tour the Archaeological Site of Olympia. Then, after taking a break from driving during a free day in Nafpaktos, slowly make your way back to Athens, stopping in Galaxidi, the Archaeological Site of Delphi, and the Holy Monastery of Hosios Loukas en route. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Greece? Check out these other 16-day Greece itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

Map

Map of 16 Days in Greece - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 16 Days in Greece - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas