BEST GREECE ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMER VISTORS - 10N/11D

DAY 1: Arrival in Athens – Begin Your Greek Adventure

• Arrive in Athens and settle into your centrally located hotel, perfectly positioned for exploring the city's iconic landmarks.
• As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely walk through the atmospheric Plaka neighbourhood, known for its cobbled lanes, vibrant shops, and historic charm.
• Savour a traditional Greek dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the illuminated Acropolis.
• Optional: Experience a live performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient amphitheatre renowned for its exceptional acoustics and dramatic setting (subject to schedule).
• Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Athens.

DAY 2:  Athens – Acropolis & Ancient Wonders

• Begin your day exploring the iconic Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike—symbols of ancient Greek civilization.
• Continue to the Acropolis Museum, where modern design meets classical heritage, showcasing artefacts that bring Athens’ golden age to life.
• Wander through the Ancient Agora, the historic heart of public life in classical Athens, dotted with temples, stoas, and ruins that once echoed with the voices of philosophers.
• Witness the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square, a ceremonial tradition in front of the Hellenic Parliament that offers a glimpse into modern Greek heritage.
• Conclude your day with a sunset from Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens, offering panoramic views of the city bathed in golden light.
• Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Athens.

DAY 3: Athens to Delphi – In the Footsteps of the Oracle

• Depart from Athens in the morning, enjoying a scenic drive through the fertile plains of Boeotia, passing picturesque towns like Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova, a charming mountain village known for its traditional architecture and handwoven textiles.

• Arrive at Delphi, the sacred sanctuary of Apollo and once considered the navel of the ancient world. Begin your exploration at the Archaeological Site of Delphi, where myth, religion, and history merge against a breathtaking backdrop of Mount Parnassus.

• Walk along the Sacred Way, lined with the remains of treasuries, monuments, and statues that once led pilgrims to the heart of the sanctuary. Stand before the awe-inspiring Temple of Apollo, where the legendary Pythia delivered her cryptic prophecies.

• Continue to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to masterworks such as the Charioteer of Delphi, the Sphinx of Naxos, and ancient inscriptions that shed light on the spiritual and political life of ancient Greece.

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local taverna, with views over the olive-covered valley of Phocis stretching toward the Gulf of Corinth.

• On the return journey to Athens, make a short photo stop in Arachova, a picturesque village nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus—popular for its traditional charm and local crafts.

• Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Delphi

DAY 4:  Day Excursion to Ancient Olympia – Return to Delphi

• Begin early with a scenic drive from Delphi to Ancient Olympia (approx. 3.5–4 hours), passing through the stunning mountainous heart of the Peloponnese.
• Spend the day exploring the Archaeological Site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walk through the Temple of Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Philippeion, and visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum, home to masterpieces like the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles.
• After soaking in the rich history and beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, return to Delphi by evening.
• Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Delphi, with views over the valley of olive groves, followed by an overnight stay at your Delphi hotel.

DAY 6:  Mykonos – Beach & Culture

• Spend your day lounging at the iconic Paradise Beach or the lively Super Paradise Beach, famous for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant beach clubs, and festive atmosphere.
• Optional: Take a captivating boat trip to Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient ruins and rich mythological history.
• Return to Mykonos Town in the evening to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the charming local tavernas, followed by an exploration of the island’s vibrant nightlife scene if you’re feeling adventurous.

Day 11: Departure – Shopping & Farewell to Athens

• After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping—browse local boutiques, pick up souvenirs from Ermou Street, or explore the traditional markets around Monastiraki.

• Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Athens International Airport for your onward journey, filled with memories of ancient wonders, sun-kissed islands, and timeless Greek hospitality.

TOUR ENDS

DAY 7: Mykonos to Santorini – Stunning Views and Iconic Sunsets

• Take a morning ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, a scenic journey lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours across the Aegean Sea.
• Upon arrival, explore Fira, Santorini’s vibrant capital, where charming streets, shops, and cafés create a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a walk along the famous Fira to Oia cliff trail, soaking in breathtaking caldera views—or choose to drive partway for a more relaxed experience.
• End your day witnessing the world-renowned sunset in Oia, where whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches are bathed in golden light, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Overnight stay in either Oia, for spectacular caldera views, or Fira, offering central access to Santorini’s key attractions.

DAY 8: Santorini – Beach Time & Ancient Akrotiri

• Start your day with a visit to one of Santorini’s unique volcanic beaches—either the striking Red Beach, framed by crimson cliffs, or the expansive Black Sand Beach at Perissa, perfect for sunbathing and a refreshing swim.
• In the afternoon, delve into history at the Ancient Akrotiri archaeological site, a remarkably well-preserved Minoan Bronze Age settlement often dubbed the “Pompeii of the Aegean.” Explore multi-storied buildings, frescoes, and urban planning from nearly 4,000 years ago.
• As evening approaches, take a short hike to Skaros Rock in Imerovigli for a dramatic and lesser-known sunset viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the caldera without the crowds of Oia.
• Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a cliffside taverna, then return for your overnight stay in Santorini.

DAY 10:  Scenic Return – Santorini to Athens via Ferry & Train

• Begin your day with a ferry journey from Santorini to Piraeus Port, enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Depending on the vessel, the ride typically takes 5 to 8 hours, offering a relaxed and picturesque transition from island to mainland.

• Upon arrival at Piraeus, continue your journey to central Athens • After check-in at your hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated Acropolis, a perfect finale to your Greek adventure.

• Overnight stay in Athens.

TOUR SUMMARY

Experience the best of Greece on this 10-night/11-day journey through ancient wonders, island escapes, and timeless coastal beauty. Begin in Athens, where classical heritage meets modern charm. Walk beneath the Acropolis, witness the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square, and enjoy panoramic sunsets from Lycabettus Hill.

Next, head to the glamorous island of Mykonos for golden beaches, iconic windmills, and optional excursions to the sacred island of Delos. Continue to Santorini, where whitewashed cliffs, volcanic caldera views, and world-class wine tastings await. Explore ancient Akrotiri, relax on black sand beaches, and sail to hot springs by catamaran.

Return to Athens for a final cultural fix, with time for shopping, museums, or a day trip to Delphi, Cape Sounion, or Hydra. With its seamless blend of history, island leisure, and local flavor, this itinerary offers a well-rounded and unforgettable taste of Greece.

DAY 9: Santorini – Caldera Adventure & Wine Tasting

• Start your day with a memorable catamaran cruise to the volcanic islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, where you can hike to the crater of the active volcano and take a dip in the therapeutic hot springs. Enjoy sweeping views of the Santorini caldera from the water.
• In the afternoon, visit a renowned Santorini winery such as Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery for a guided wine tasting. Sample the island’s signature Assyrtiko wines while admiring panoramic views over the caldera.
• In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a caldera-view restaurant, where the dramatic cliffs and twinkling lights of the villages create the perfect backdrop for your final night on the island.

Detailed Itinerary. Best time: April-June; September-October

Santorini Ferry Photo by Norbert Nagel from Wikimedia commons licensed under CC by SA-3.0

Akrotiri Archeological site Photo by Ad Meskens from Wikimedia commons licensed under CC by SA-4.0

DAY 5:  Travel to Mykonos – Island Charm and Coastal Bliss

• Start your day early with a scenic drive from Delphi to Athens or Piraeus Port (approx. 3 hours). From there, catch a ferry or short domestic flight to Mykonos. The ferry journey across the Aegean typically takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the route and vessel type.

• Upon arrival in Mykonos, relax and rejuvenate at one of the island’s top beaches—Ornos Beach for a laid-back vibe or Psarou Beach for upscale beach clubs and crystal-clear waters.

• As evening sets in, head to Mykonos Town (Chora) to explore its picturesque alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings, vibrant shops, and quaint cafés.

• Witness a stunning sunset at Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang over the sea, followed by a stroll to the nearby iconic Mykonos Windmills.

• Dine at a seaside taverna, enjoying fresh seafood and Cycladic flavours, before retiring to your hotel for your overnight stay in Mykonos.