From the heights of the Acropolis to the thermal waters of Elounda, this 13-day itinerary offers a span of the Greek travel experience. You'll start off in Athens, then head south over the seas starting with Mykonos, home to both beach parties and island archaeology. Next is Santorini for wine and secluded bays, then conclude in Crete with historic Spinalonga and rejuvenating spa time.

Highlights

  • Hear and tour the mythology of the ancient Acropolis
  • Explore the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis on Delos
  • Sip volcanic varietals in Santorini's ancient wineries
  • Relax in the therapeutic mineral spas of Elounda

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens Athens
Day 2 Explore Athens & the Acropolis Athens
Day 3 Athens to Mykonos Mykonos
Day 4 Beach Day & Sunset Boat to Delos Mykonos
Day 5 Mykonos Day Cruise Mykonos
Day 6 Mykonos to Santorini Santorini
Day 7 Fira and Amoudi Bay Santorini
Day 8 Santorini Wine Tasting Tour Santorini
Day 9 Travel to Heraklion, Transfer to Elounda Elounda
Day 10 Visit Spinalonga Elounda
Day 11 Spa Day in Elounda Elounda
Day 12 Return to Athens & Free Evening Athens
Day 13 Depart Athens  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Monastiraki Square and the Acropolis
Monastiraki Square and the Acropolis

Welcome to Greece! You'll begin your trip in Athens, home to both the iconic Acropolis and so much more. 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. Make the most of your time in the city at some of these spots:

  • Check out the views of the can't-miss Parthenon. (Pro tip: The Parthenon is the temple, the Acropolis is the hill.) This temple to Athena has enchanted visitors since its construction was completed in 438 BC. It's probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of ancient Greece and is visible from many of the city's high points.
  • Stop at the sprawling National Museum for a crash course in ancient iconography. Be sure to seek out the room housing the Antikythera mechanism, essentially an ancient astronomical computer.
  • Visit a smaller archaeological site at the Tower of the Winds, then stroll down neighboring pedestrian Aiolou Street to stop at shops and cafes. 
  • Find your perfect souvenir or sun hat in the busy stalls of the Monastiraki flea market. 

Spend your evening exploring the up-and-coming Pangrati neighborhood or amid the nightlife and mezze of the Psyrridistrict.

Day 2: Explore Athens & the Acropolis

The Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium

Today's full day tour brings you up to the mighty Acropolis and more. You'll start at the white marble Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic games in 1896 as well as previous tributes to Athena. Continue past Zappeion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Athens Trilogy, which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library.

Eventually, you'll reach the top of the Acropolis hill, where you'll follow your expert guide through the ruins of the iconic 5th-century BC complex overlooking the city and hear the stories of the country's most famous monument. In addition to the iconic Parthenon, dedicated to the city's patron goddess Athena, you'll view and learn about the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the most sacred temple of Erechtheion, all located on the sacred rock of the Acropolis.

Continue with a walk past Herodion and the Dionysus Theater to the modern Acropolis Museum. Many of the more delicate statues and other artifacts originally found at the Acropolis have been moved here, but you can imagine them in their previous home as you explore the exhibits. Don't miss the Caryatids or the Parthenon Hall, with its impressive metopes, pediments and frieze. Complete your visit with a stop in its cafe for either lunch or a relaxed snack and coffee.

Day 3: Athens to Mykonos

Bright balconies of Little Venice
Bright balconies of Little Venice

You'll start your time in the islands on Mykonos, one of the most famous islands in the Cyclades chain. Known for its glitzy restaurants and nightlife, art scene, and jet set crowds (it was recently home to a Gucci pop-up boutique), Mykonos will throw you headfirst into your island adventure.

Your first day's itinerary is up to you. You'll receive a personalized list of tips for exploration, but some highlights include:

  • If you need to get your toes in the sand immediately, head to remote Agios Sostis beach to find your own isolated paradise.
  • For a more active experience, Ftelia Beach is known for its excellent windsurfing.
  • Stroll through Little Venice, 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 island's famous hillside windmills for great photo ops.

Day 4: Beach Day & Sunset Boat to Delos

Terrace of the Lions
Terrace of the Lions

Spend your daylight hours basking on one of Mykonos's many lovely beaches, such as:

  • Agios Sostis, full of island residents and travelers who prefer tranquility to amenities, with just sand and a nearby taverna.
  • Elia, considered one of Mykonos's most beautiful beaches. This beach has one of the longest stretches of sand on the island and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas to keep you fed and serviced.
  • Platis Gialos, a popular beach lined with hotels and restaurants with music drifting out of their patios.
  • Ftelia on the northern side of the island, known for windsurfing and sailing when the winds are blowing and tavernas along the bay.

As the sun sets, voyage out to the archaeological site at Delos. You'll board a small boat at the old port to cruise for 45 minutes out to one of ancient Greece's most sacred sites. This small island was the center of the Cyclades during the Classical era and the mythological birthplace of twin deities Apollo and Artemis. Pilgrims from around the region were attracted to the mystical site and helped it evolve into one of the largest trade centers of the Mediterranean.

Your guided tour will wind you through the foundations of former traders' mansions, temples, and landmarks such as the Terrace of the Lions. Don't skip the island museum, where many of the smaller artifacts and frescoes have been moved to protect them from the elements.

Day 5: Mykonos Day Cruise

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

You have two seafaring options to choose from for today's excursion.

Your first option is a private yacht cruise around the secluded bays of Mykonos, along with a stop at the uninhabited island of Rineia. In addition to the natural attractions, your boat will come equipped with snorkeling gear, floating mats, and fishing equipment, and you can even add a jet ski if you so choose.

Option two is a group experience on a glass-bottomed boat. Mingle with fellow travelers as you enjoy a barbecue meal and soft drinks while enjoying views of the Aegean horizon.

Day 6: Mykonos to Santorini

Santorini's caldera
Santorini's caldera

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll get an early ferry to Santorini. Nothing says "good morning" like watching the sun coming up over the island's iconic cubic architecture. Upon arrival, you'll take in the island's central caldera—the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history—rising above you. 

The island's volcanic history has led to the formation of some of the more unique beaches in the Greek islands, along with the dramatic cliff views on the island's caldera side. Spend your day relaxing at the beach or catching some exercise—and even more views—from one of Santorini’s more than 12 scenic walking routes, ranging from between two to eight miles each.  At dinner, sample the island's signature cherry tomatoes and white eggplants as guest stars in seafood dishes or the main event.

Day 7: Fira and Amoudi Bay

Boats in the bay
Boats in the bay

Today, start your morning on the streets of Fira, the island's capital, and pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Santorini, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Folklore Museum of Emmanuel Lignos, and the sweeping white arches of the Orthodox church of Hypapante.

Then make your way to Oia for a leisurely stroll down to Amoudi Bay. Do some shopping at the stores you pass along the way before you descend down the 300 steps to the waterside. Once you reach the bottom, jump off the rocks into the water to cool off, then visit the taverna when hunger strikes.

Either walk back up or take the cable car to take in the views over the caldera as you return to the top of the cliffs just in time to watch the sunset.

Day 8: Santorini Wine Tasting Tour

Vineyard hills
Vineyard hills

Raise your glasses to a day in the islands with a vineyard tour. You'll visit three of the island's ancient wineries, where you'll learn about some of the award-winning volcanic vintages of Santorini. With twelve varietals, all accompanied by local cheese and other snacks, the history of the island will be right at the tip of your tongue. 

Don't miss a dramatic Santorini sunset. You can visit the smaller town of Firostefani or stay on the other side of the caldera rim out in Oia. The furthest town along the rim of the caldera, Oia's arty streets are the perfect spot for sunset views, although you won't be alone. Stake out your viewing platform over the panorama, then stick around to wander the alleys and linger in the town's tavernas into the evening.

Day 9: Travel to Heraklion, Transfer to Elounda

The Venetian fortress
The Venetian fortress

Travel to Crete, the largest and most populous of the 230 inhabited Greek islands. Upon arrival via airport or ferry, you'll have a few hours to spend seeing Crete's capital city before your transfer to your base of Elounda. Heraklion is a city to be lived in, and with any luck you'll stumble upon one of its many festivals in its streets.

Take some time to walk around the old city's medieval streets with architecture representing the island's Venetian past. Highlights include the Venetian gates, elegant arches of the Loggia (now in use as the town hall), and the Koules Venetian fortress along the harbor walls.

Hop another transfer out to Elounda, a picturesque former fishing village on the island's northern coast. The area wraps around the glittering blue Gulf of Kourfos and is now home to a slew of luxury resorts rubbing elbows with the quieter Plaka harbor town.

Day 10: Visit Spinalonga

Approaching the shores of Spinalonga
Approaching the shores of Spinalonga

In addition to its own attractions, Elounda is the neighbor to one of the most fascinating modern Greek ruins out on the isolated island of Spinalonga. This now-abandoned island  was once a leper colony until it was shut down by Greece's government in 1957, and is only populated today by slowly tumbling buildings and strolling day visitors. 

Spend the rest of the day winding through the more down-to-earth Plaka town center scoping out the waterfront bars and restaurants until you find the perfect spot to sip ouzo as the sun goes down.

Day 11: Spa Day in Elounda

Elounda promenade
Elounda promenade

Greeks have been indulging in various types of spa treatments for centuries, with records of oil massages, medicinal diets, healing music, and physical exercise dating back to the Classical era. Now it's your turn to experience the natural benefits of this island.

Elounda is home to some of Greece's most famous spas just waiting for you to visit them. Curative hot and mineral springs, mineral-rich seawater, and various therapies involving the inhalation, imbibing or bodily application of herbal and flower essences are all on offer.

Day 12: Return to Athens & Free Evening

National Archaeological Museum
National Archaeological Museum

Return to Athens after your final breakfast. Once you've returned, use your afternoon to scope out some of the museums you may have missed earlier in your trip. The city has a whole slew to be explored, depending on what specialty speaks to you.

For more history and mythology:

  • Acropolis Museum
  • National Archaeological Museum
  • Museum of the Ancient Agora
  • Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos

Find some fine arts at:

  • Benaki Museum
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • National Gallery

Go off the beaten path at:

  • Museum of Cycladic Art, where you can also buy some truly unique souvenirs
  • The digital interactive museum at the Platonic Academy, next to the site where the actual Academy stood
  • Museum of Ancient Greek Technology in the center of Athens, featuring a working model of the Antikythera mechanism, the first analog computer 

Museum tickets and guided tours can be arranged upon request.

Day 13: Depart Athens

Wave to the Acropolis
Wave to the Acropolis

Time to say farewell to Greece. Enjoy your final Athenian breakfast and sneak in some last-minute exploring before your transfer to the airport.