Itinerary #1: Athens & the Cyclades

Discover three of Greece’s biggest stars—Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini—in a week-long trip full of ancient wonders, gorgeous beaches, local wines, and delicious fare.

You’ll start in Athens, where you’ll discover the Parthenon and visit the outstanding National Archeological Museum. Afterward, hit nearby shops on Aiolou Street and the Monastiraki flea market. End your day with mezze and cocktails in the Psyrri district, known for its killer nightlife. Next, it’s off to the Cyclades. Spend the next two days taking a day trip to Delos for more archaeological exploration, discovering the charm of colorful Little Venice and Mykonos’ famed windmills, or splashing in the Aegean at fun-filled Ftelia Beach.

On Mykonos, you can choose to sack out on the sand or explore the island like a local with an expert guide. After soaking in stunning panoramic views of Mykonos Town, you’ll discover tiny harbors like Agios Ioannis and enchanting villages like Ano Mera. Then, ferry to Santorini and take one of the many spectacular walking routes with cliffside views. On Day 2 here, board a catamaran and sail past sites like Aspronisi, the Ancient Lighthouse, Indian Rock, and the prehistoric ruins of Akrotiri. Spend your final day in Santorini sipping local wines on a guided tour of the island’s vineyards. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Mainland Greece Roadtrip

Take a week to drive through the mythological territory of mainland Greece with this itinerary. Your seven-day trip will start and end in Athens, covering the historical sites and sprawling castles of the Peloponnese along the way.

Start in Athens, a city whose mythology precedes it. Temples and ancient marketplaces rub shoulders with crowded flea markets and contemporary cuisine. On Day 2, head out on a guided mythology tour that includes the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis, an ancient cemetery at Kerameikos, and the Agora. Your next stop is Mycenae, home to the famous Helen, whose husband, Menelaus, led his people to war when she left him for Paris of Troy. 

Carry on to Nafplio, where you’ll spend time strolling through the city’s squares—or take an afternoon trip to nearby Epidaurus. The small ancient city was one of the most visited healing centers in the world during its peak. Spend a day exploring the site of the first Olympic Games at the archaeological site of Olympia before continuing with a guided tour of the ruins of Delphi, once home to priestesses of Apollo who Ancient Greeks believed could predict the future.

Enjoy one last hurrah with lunch at the foot of Mount Parnassus amid the traditional stone-built houses before a night in charming Galaxidi. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Culinary Heritage on Naxos & Crete

Take an agricultural journey with this weeklong itinerary to two of Greece’s most dynamic islands: Naxos for an immersive food tour and Crete to witness the seasonal harvest. 

Begin in Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis and so much more. On the second day, you’ll head to Naxos to taste some of the trademarks of the island—it’s known for having the best local produce in the Cyclades. From Kindaros to the marble town of Apeiranthos, you’ll meet with local producers to sample and even create some of the island’s better-known dishes. Try loukoumades (fried doughnuts), keftedes meatballs with tzatziki sauce, Naxian cheeses, and a cheese or olive pie picnic.

Next, ferry to Crete, where you’ll visit an olive farm and olive oil mill (with a tasting, of course). During your stay on Crete, you’ll also take part in seasonal agricultural activities—depending on the time of year, you may be harvesting oranges, gathering wine grapes, or picking herbs for a traditional meal. End your trip with a guided tour through the seven historic villages of Apokoronas, home to an Ottoman fort, historic churches, and a folklore museum. Learn more

Itinerary #4: History and Culture in Athens & Santorini

Dive into Greek history, mythology, wine, food, and culture. This itinerary is perfect if you love investigating a destination in depth and soaking in all a location has to offer.

Your trip opens with three days in Athens, giving you ample time to take in world-class sites like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the National Museum, guided by an expert. You’ll also visit the epic Panathenaic Stadium or Kallimarmaro; the structure hosted the first modern Olympic games and, like the ancient stadiums that inspired it, is made completely of marble. 

At your trip’s midpoint, it’s off to Santorini for more ancient wonders accentuated by the backdrop of beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes. Taking one of the many walking routes, explore the island, its caldera, cliffs ,and distinctive cubic architecture. On your second Santorini day, explore the island like a local with an expert who will usher you to neighborhoods and sites off the beaten path.

Your final day here combines archaeological exploration with plenty of relaxation time—spend the morning on a guided tour of Akrotiri, which boasts ruins of one of the Aegean’s most significant prehistoric settlements, and the afternoon on the black sand beaches of Kamari. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Sail and Hike the Dodecanese

Hop around six islands in seven days as you discover the Dodecanese archipelago by land and sea. Make the most of your ports of call with cooking classes, beach time, walking tours, and plenty of hikes to work up your appetite for local fare.

Delve right into the Dodecanese when you arrive on Kos, the second largest island in the chain. The next morning, it’s off to sea when you board the sailboat you’ll call home during your voyage around the Aegean. Your first stop will be the island of Gyali for some snorkeling and splashing around before sailing to the tiny but impressive island of Nisiros for an afternoon hike through the island’s volcanic craters.

The next morning, it’s onto Tilos, an island powered entirely by alternative energy sources like wind and solar. Hike to Mikro Chorio (“small village”), an abandoned village that has a few meandering goats and a secret bar. You’ll also visit Symi, the Dodecanese’s chicest and most remote island. Stop a handful of bays, including the emerald green bay of St. George Disalonas, before hiking from Pedi to a local taverna for a classic Greek cooking class.

As you reach Mandraki, your final port of call on the island of Rhodes, relish another dip or two in the Aegean. Ruins of Medieval walls greet you before you do one last short hike through the stunning medieval town and castle within the imposing stone fortifications. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Local Life on Crete

Discover Crete like a local with this tour including time in Chania, a city and region the northwestern coast of the island. Balance walking tours with botanical gardens, visit cities and countryside and immerse yourself in Cretan culture and culinary delights.

You arrive in Chania, Crete’s second-largest city and your home base for most of the week. Get to know the town on a guided walking tour—you’ll pass through neighborhoods like Topanas, Splantzia, Kolombo, and Kasteli and learn about Cretan history, mythology, and the ruins of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia.

Spend the next two days and nights in the village of Vamos, where you’ll learn about Cretan food traditions and production during a traditional cooking class, after which you can feast on the fruits of your labor. Shake off your post-lunch stupor exploring Vamos, and take a dip in the gorgeous freshwater Kournas Lake before tucking in for the night in a charming village guesthouse.

Return to Chania and wrap up your stay on the island with a long, scenic seafood dinner at Thalassino Ageri, a beautiful seaside taverna, and take care of some last-minute shopping in town. There are countless treats to take home with you; unique Cretan wines, handmade espadrilles, graviera cheese, local olive oil, and beautifully engraved knives. Learn more

Itinerary #7: Mythical Peloponnese Adventure

Hike the tallest mountains in the Peloponnese, paddle around the Mani Peninsula, and scale the heights of ancient Sparta’s Mount Taygetus on this active weeklong tour.

Get settled in Athens and head out for whitewater rafting on the Lousios River. Take a hair-raising ride through gorges and lush vegetation, concluding at a quaint bridge and a series of waterfalls. After an action-packed morning, have lunch in picturesque Stemnitsa—a village perched on the richly green hillside of Mount Mainalon. 

The next few days will be filled with hiking along the Lousios River and in the photogenic Viros Gorge in the heart of Messinian Mani. The gorge begins at the foot of Mount Profitis Ilias and runs into the sea at Kardamyli. Hike along well-marked paths lined by cypress trees, past pretty stone villages and historic churches, and to the sea at Kardamyli. Then, circle back to your hotel to freshen up for an authentic local dinner at a traditional taverna with exceptional sunset views. 

On Day 5, take to the sea for a half-day kayak tour. Hug the shoreline of the stunning Mani Peninsula and paddle to hidden caves and hot water pools. Your last full day in Greece will be spent road-tripping. Visit the magnificent Diros Cave on a half-hour boat ride along an underground lake and explore the picturesque, abandoned ghost village of Vathia. Cap it off with Cape Tenaro—the breathtaking southernmost point of mainland Europe. 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.