Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Explore the Capital on Your Own

Welcome to Greece! You'll begin your trip in the capital, Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis. The mythology of this spectacular city precedes it, with towering temples to classical deities and the ruins of ancient marketplaces rubbing shoulders with lively nightlife, crowded flea markets, and contemporary cuisine. After settling into your hotel, the day is yours to spend as you wish. A good place to start is Syntagma Square to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Then, visit the National Archaeological Museum for a crash course in ancient iconography. Be sure to seek out the room housing the Antikythera mechanism, essentially an ancient astronomical computer. If you want to shop, visit the Monastiraki Flea Market and navigate the narrow alleys lined with stalls selling a range of handmade goods, quirky collectibles, and traditional Greek artifacts. Spend your evening exploring the up-and-coming Pangrati neighborhood or amid the bustling nightlife of the Psyrri district.

Day 2: Acropolis & Ancient Greece Mythology Tour

Immerse yourself in the ancient stories surrounding the city with today's four-hour mythology tour. Meet your guide and storyteller at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, dedicated to the god of sky and thunder, then head to landmarks around the city, such as the Acropolis, the Kerameikos Archaeological Site, and the Ancient Agora of Athens. The myths that founded the city and are featured in its retellings for generations will accompany you as you go, with stories of the gods and goddesses. Hear both the stories themselves and the historical facts behind them, adding resonance to the archaeological ruins.

If you still have the energy, make your way to the Acropolis Museum on your own after the tour. This modern museum houses a multitude of artifacts removed from the Acropolis for safekeeping as well as to provide insight into the religious practices and daily life of the city's ancient residents. Linger for lunch in the museum's café, with views of the artifacts' former hilltop home. As night falls, you may be able to visit the Athens Observatory to learn about the constellations overhead and take a look through one of the telescopes. 

Day 3: Day Trip to the Archaeological Site of Delphi

Today, you'll seek out the oracle during a day trip to the Archaeological Site of Delphi, once home to the priestesses of Apollo, who ancient Greeks believed could predict the future. After a 2.5-hour transfer, set off on a guided tour through this sprawling archaeological site, with stops at the Athenian Treasury, the Temple of Apollo, and the expansive theater. Follow the ancient footpath once used by worshippers of the god Pan, who started from the temples of Delphi and proceeded to Corycean Grotto for their religious rites.

Once you've explored the ruins, head to Amfissa to visit the leather tanneries that have been operating here for centuries. Learn about the meticulous process of transforming raw hides into high-quality leather goods, then sit down to enjoy local cheeses and olives in the town square. After lunch, stroll to the Archaeological Museum of Amphissa to find the bronze charioteer of Delphi, the marble Sphinx of Naxos, and what may be the first recorded notation of a melody once inscribed on the walls of the Athenian Treasury. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel in Athens to relax.

Day 4: Fly to Mykonos, Explore the Island at Your Own Pace

Say goodbye to mainland Greece this morning as you head to the airport to catch a 45-minute flight to Mykonos, one of the most famous islands in the Cyclades group, known for its glitzy restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and eclectic art scene. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can refresh before venturing out to explore the area on your own. If you want to relax, wander to one of the many pristine beaches around the island, like the remote Agios Sostis Beach or the upscale Psarou Beach.

No matter which beach you choose, you can spend the day soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Those who want to explore can enjoy a stroll through Little Venice instead, an 18th-century neighborhood where colorful former captains' mansions and seaside restaurants seem to sprout straight from the sea. It's also right next to the famous hillside windmills for great photo ops. In the evening, visit the old town for dinner and a drink at one of the many restaurants or bars. If you're up for it, you can dance the night away at a nearby club to immerse yourself in the island's nightlife.

Day 7: Ferry to Santorini, Relax on the Beach or Explore the Island on Foot

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the pier to catch an early ferry to Santorini, a pristine island renowned for its iconic whitewashed buildings overlooking the deep blue sea. After the 2.5-hour journey, head to your hotel to refresh before exploring the island on your own. A good place to start is the island's central Caldera, formed by a volcanic eruption millenniums ago, which is also what led to the formation of some of the unique beaches on the island, like Perissa Beach or Kamari Beach on the southeastern coast, both known for their black volcanic sand.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or stretch your legs on one of the many scenic walking routes, ranging from between 2 to 8 miles (3 to 12.8 km) each. In the evening, wander to the scenic village of Imerovigli, perched on the Caldera cliffs, for dinner with panoramic views of the lush landscape. Start with the island's signature appetizer, tomatokeftedes, deep-fried cherry tomatoes, then enjoy a local entree, like grilled octopus or psarosoupa, a fish soup made with a tomato base and Mediterranean herbs.

Day 8: Enjoy a Free Morning, Set Off on a Half-Day Island Tour

The morning is yours to spend as you wish, whether that's browsing the boutiques of Fira or lying on one of the pristine beaches. Don't wear yourself out too soon, though, as in the afternoon, you'll take a guided tour that will show you a side of Santorini that most travelers don't get to see. Check out hidden gems in Oia, the furthest town along the rim of the Caldera. Oia's arty streets are the quintessential Santorini scene. Later, take a trip up to the highest peak on the island. Bring your camera for the panoramic views at the top, as well as the many stops on your way down.

You'll also see the medieval villages of Megalochori and Pyrgos and the blue domes in Firostefani before your voyage ends with a wine tasting to sample varietals dating back centuries, complete with epic Caldera views as the sun goes down. In the evening, return to Oia to wander the alleys and linger in the town's tavernas to experience a calmer vibe after the sunset crowds subside. When searching for your dinner, seek out dishes like fava, a creamy dip made with local fava beans, or Santorini salad, a refreshing salad made of tomatoes, cucumber, capers, olives, and feta cheese. 

Day 9: Santorini Catamaran Cruise, Ferry to Crete

Enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast before taking some time to wander and scope out small shops and boutiques. Explore Fira, the capital of the island, which offers plenty to check out. History buffs will be delighted by the proximity to the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Folklore Museum of Emmanuel Lignos, and the Church of the Hypapante. As the day unfolds, head to Vlychada Port to board your semi-private catamaran cruise around the island. Your first stop is at Red Beach to swim and soak up the sun.

Continue to White Beach, where you can take in all the distinctive-colored sands of Santorini. After another refreshing swim, enjoy a barbecue lunch served onboard while you sail past landmarks like the island of Aspronisi, Akrotiri Lighthouse, or the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, hidden away at the southern tip of Santorini. Top off your tour with a visit to the hot springs of Nea Kameni, where the mineral-rich volcanic waters are believed to have therapeutic properties. Once you return to port, jump on a 2.5-hour ferry to Heraklion, the capital of Greece's largest island, Crete.

Day 10: Explore the Palace of Knossos & Heraklion

Set off for a guided exploration of the magnificent Palace of Knossos, a 3,500-year-old Minoan palace. Wander through the sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops while your guide teaches you about what's believed to be the remains of Europe's oldest city. Follow up your visit with a guided stroll through Heraklion, exploring the old city's medieval streets with architecture representing the island's Venetian past.

Highlights include discovering the elegant arches of the Venetian Loggia, now in use as the town hall, and the Rocca a Mare Fortress. Don't miss a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the afternoon, home to one of the largest collections of Minoan artifacts in the world. Spend the evening on Tsimiski Street, the city's main shopping street, to browse the array of shops and boutiques selling international brands and handmade goods. End the night with dinner at a nearby restaurant, Anchorage Traditional Mezedopolio, to try authentic Cretan cuisine.

Day 12: Hiking Excursion in Samaria Gorge

Get ready for an early wake-up call this morning to set off on a hike through Samaria Gorge, the largest gorge in Europe, set amid the White Mountains. After the 1.5-hour transfer, stretch your legs and follow your guide down the 11-mile (18 km) path into the heart of the gorge. Hold on tight as you descend the rocky stairway carved into the cliffside, looking out for the kri-kri (Cretan goats) that climb the rocky slopes surrounding the gorge. 

When you reach the bottom of the staircase, walk through the lush valley and over a tranquil river until you get to the ruins of the village of Samaria, which was abandoned in 1962 when the government declared the area a national park. After four to five hours of walking, you'll reach a peaceful beach in the village of Agia Roumeli, where you can take a dip and wash off the trail dust. There will be time to linger on the sand and relax before you wrap up the outing with a boat trip to Chora Sfakion, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Chania.

Day 13: Explore the Villages of Apokoronas

Delve into the island's rich history today as you head north to Apokoronas, a captivating region full of fertile valleys, picturesque villages, and ancient ruins. Start your tour of the region in the olive-clad hills of Stilos. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to the central square, where a preserved Venetian fountain sits. Then, stroll down the Kiliaris River to see another preserved Venetian structure, a watermill sitting on the water's shores. From here, the tour takes you to Gavolochori for a visit to a women's cooperative to learn how they handcraft lace using ancient Byzantine techniques.

The next stop is a glassblowing factory in the charming village of Kokkino Chorio, where you can watch artisans manipulate glass into exquisite forms, like delicate vases and dishes. End the tour at the Archaeological Site of Aptera, the ruins of one of the largest city-states in Crete until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the seventh century. Wander through the site overlooking the Cretan Sea to discover remnants of the once-thriving society, including a Roman theater, ancient city walls, and intricate Roman baths. 

Day 14: Learn How to Make Cretan Dishes, Explore Vamos

Head to the traditional village of Vamos this morning, where the lush greenery and natural scenery will set the stage for your discovery of local food production. A resident cook will teach you all about Cretan culinary traditions and some of the island's secret recipes. Then, put their advice into action, creating a full Cretan feast for you to enjoy at the end of the class. You may make dishes like kalitsounia (sweet or savory pastries typically filled with cheese) or stifado (a hearty stew made with rabbit or beef, shallots, tomatoes, and red wine).

After class is over and you've had your fill, relax into the rhythm of traditional village life. Wander down the cobblestone streets lined with stone houses and visit local markets to browse the collection of handmade goods. You can also visit the nearby Kournas Lake, a shallow freshwater lake fed by two natural springs. Stroll around the lake to soak up the natural beauty, or rent a kayak to discover the area from the water before you return to Chania in the evening.

Day 15: Fly to Athens, Food Tour of the City's Squares & Markets 

Bid farewell to Crete this morning as you head to the airport to catch a 50-minute flight back to Athens. Once you get settled in at your hotel, meet your guide in Syntagma Square to sample the best of what the city's street food stalls have to offer, like a classic souvlaki skewer or loukoumades, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar. Learn about the Mediterranean diet and its potential benefits while strolling the city streets in neighborhoods you may not have discovered yet and bustling open-air markets.

Venture into Varvakios Market, the largest and most popular fish, meat, and vegetable market in the city, and explore the city's main spice street. Sample olive oils, honey, cheeses, cured meats, and olives from around the country. Everything from baklava to gyros are available to appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Spend your evening in the Koukaki neighborhood, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, to unwind in the off-the-beaten-path wine bars, where you can sample a wide selection of Greek wines amid friendly crowds.

Day 16: Depart Athens

Start your final day in Greece with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then venture out to explore more of the city on your own if you have some time before your flight. You can revisit iconic landmarks like the Acropolis or head to the Benaki Museum to browse the collection of ancient sculptures, Byzantine icons, traditional costumes, and ancient artifacts. Don't miss the extensive Islamic art gallery, where you can see an array of artifacts from different periods and regions in the Islamic world. When it's time, meet your driver back at the hotel to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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