A Week of Sun, History, and Island Charm: Your Greece Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable seven-day journey through the heart of ancient history and into the sun-drenched beauty of the Greek islands. This itinerary offers a blend of iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and moments of pure relaxation. It focuses on Athens and two popular Cycladic islands, Mykonos and Santorini, providing a classic first-time Greek experience.

Current Date: May 6, 2025

This itinerary assumes a full 7 days and 7 nights in Greece.

Option 1: The Classic Aegean Adventure (Athens, Mykonos & Santorini)

This popular itinerary balances the historical wonders of Athens with the vibrant energy of Mykonos and the iconic beauty of Santorini.

Accommodation Style Suggestions:

 * Athens: Boutique hotels in Plaka or Monastiraki for charm and walkability; modern hotels near Syntagma for convenience.

 * Mykonos: Chic boutique hotels in Mykonos Town for nightlife and atmosphere; beach resorts in Ornos or Platis Gialos for relaxation.

 * Santorini: Cave hotels in Oia or Imerovigli for iconic caldera views (often a splurge); charming guesthouses in Fira or Firostefani for a balance of views and accessibility; quieter stays in villages like Pyrgos.

Transportation:

 * Ferries: The primary mode of transport between islands. High-speed ferries are faster but can be bumpier and more expensive. Conventional ferries are slower but offer more deck space to enjoy the views. Book in advance, especially during peak season (May-October). Popular ferry booking sites include Ferryhopper and Seajets.

 * Flights: Consider a domestic flight from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini (or back) to save time on one leg of the journey.

 * Local Transport: Taxis, public buses, and rental ATVs/scooters (ensure you have the correct license and are comfortable with local driving conditions) are common on the islands. Athens has an efficient metro system.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Athens & Ancient Wonders

 * Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). Transfer to your hotel, check in, and leave your luggage.

 * Late Afternoon: Begin your exploration with a visit to the Acropolis. Marvel at the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Consider hiring a licensed guide for a richer experience. Pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended to avoid long queues.

 * Evening: Wander through the charming, historic neighborhood of Plaka, with its neoclassical architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional tavernas. Enjoy your first Greek dinner with classic dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh salads. Consider a restaurant with Acropolis views.

Day 2: Athenian History & Departure for Mykonos

 * Morning: Visit the Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis, to see the original artifacts and sculptures from the archaeological site. Afterwards, explore the Ancient Agora, the center of ancient Athenian life, and the nearby Roman Forum.

 * Afternoon: Depending on your ferry schedule, you might have time to visit the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), site of the first modern Olympic Games, or browse the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market for souvenirs.

 * Late Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to the port of Piraeus (or Rafina, depending on your ferry) for your ferry to Mykonos. The journey typically takes 2.5-5 hours, depending on the type of ferry.

 * Evening: Arrive in Mykonos, transfer to your hotel, and check in. Head into Mykonos Town (Chora) for a stroll through its iconic whitewashed streets, perhaps catching a glimpse of the famous windmills (Kato Mili) and Little Venice at sunset. Enjoy dinner at a seaside taverna.

Day 3: Mykonian Beaches & Chic Evenings

 * Morning: Explore some of Mykonos' famous beaches. For a lively party scene, head to Paradise or Super Paradise Beach. For more relaxed options with beautiful sand and clear waters, consider Ornos Beach, Platis Gialos Beach, or the quieter Agios Sostis (requires own transport and has no facilities, but is beautifully unspoiled).

 * Afternoon: Relax on the beach, swim, or try some watersports. Many beaches have sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, along with beachside cafes and bars.

 * Late Afternoon: Return to Mykonos Town. Explore the boutiques, art galleries, and designer stores. Don't miss the iconic Paraportiani Church.

 * Evening: Experience Mykonos' renowned nightlife. Enjoy cocktails in Little Venice as the sun sets, followed by dinner at one of the island's many sophisticated restaurants. Afterwards, you can explore the lively bars and clubs in Mykonos Town.

Day 4: Mykonos Exploration & Ferry to Santorini

 * Morning: Consider a boat trip to the nearby island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important mythological and archaeological sites in Greece. Alternatively, rent an ATV or scooter to explore more remote parts of Mykonos, such as the Armenistis Lighthouse for panoramic views, or visit the charming village of Ano Mera and its 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery.

 * Afternoon: Enjoy a final Mykonian lunch.

 * Late Afternoon: Take a ferry from Mykonos to Santorini (Thira). This journey typically takes around 2-3 hours by high-speed ferry.

 * Evening: Arrive at Athinios port in Santorini. Transfer to your hotel (note that the port is a significant drive from most main towns like Oia and Fira). Check in and prepare to be mesmerized by your first caldera views, especially if staying in Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, or Fira. Enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Day 5: Santorini's Caldera Magic & Oia's Sunset

 * Morning: Explore Fira, the island's capital. Walk along the caldera edge, browse the shops, and perhaps take the cable car down to the Old Port (and back up by donkey or cable car). Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera to learn about the island's ancient Akrotiri settlement.

 * Afternoon: Consider a volcano and hot springs boat tour. These tours typically take you to the volcanic crater on Nea Kameni, allow you to swim in the sulfurous hot springs of Palea Kameni, and often include a stop at Thirassia island.

 * Late Afternoon: Head to the iconic village of Oia, famous for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets. Find a spot early, as it gets very crowded.

 * Evening: After witnessing the magical sunset, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Oia's cliffside restaurants.

Day 6: Santorini's Diverse Landscapes & Flavors

 * Morning: Discover more of Santorini's unique character. Visit the Red Beach, known for its dramatic red volcanic cliffs, or the black sand beaches of Perissa or Perivolos.

 * Afternoon: Explore the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri, a remarkably preserved prehistoric settlement often referred to as the "Minoan Pompeii." Afterwards, consider a wine tasting at one of Santorini's renowned wineries. The island is famous for its Assyrtiko grapes, which thrive in the volcanic soil. Villages like Pyrgos offer a more traditional, less crowded experience with beautiful views.

 * Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in a location of your choice – perhaps a traditional taverna in a less touristy village or a restaurant with stunning views in Imerovigli (known for its tranquility and beautiful sunsets).

Day 7: Departure

 * Morning: Enjoy a final Greek breakfast and soak in the last views of the caldera. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll.

 * Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to Santorini National Airport (JTR) or the port for your departure.

Option 2: Athens & Cretan Wonders (Athens & Western Crete)

For those seeking a blend of history with a larger island offering diverse landscapes, ancient Minoan sites, beautiful beaches, and hiking opportunities.

 * Day 1-2: Athens (as above).

 * Day 2 (Evening): Fly from Athens to Chania (CHQ) in Western Crete.

 * Day 3: Chania's Venetian Charm: Explore the beautiful Venetian harbor of Chania, its old town with narrow alleys, the Egyptian Lighthouse, and the covered market. Enjoy dinner at a waterfront taverna.

 * Day 4: Beaches & Nature: Day trip to one of Crete's famous beaches: either Elafonissi Beach with its pink sand or Balos Lagoon with its turquoise waters (Balos often involves a boat trip or a challenging drive).

 * Day 5: Samaria Gorge or Knossos Palace:

   * For Hikers: Embark on the famous Samaria Gorge hike (a long and challenging day, ensure you are prepared). This is typically open from May to October.

   * For History Buffs: If not hiking, take a day trip to Heraklion to visit the Palace of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. (This will involve significant travel time from Chania). Alternatively, explore closer historical sites or enjoy more of Chania's surroundings.

 * Day 6: Rethymno & Kournas Lake: Visit the charming town of Rethymno with its Venetian fortress and old town. On the way, stop at Lake Kournas, Crete's only freshwater lake.

 * Day 7: Departure: Enjoy a final Cretan breakfast. Depart from Chania Airport (CHQ) or Heraklion Airport (HER) (if your explorations took you further east).

Alternative Island Combinations (Instead of Mykonos & Santorini):

 * Athens, Paros & Naxos: These islands offer a more laid-back and often more affordable Cycladic experience, with beautiful beaches, charming villages (Naoussa in Paros, Chora in Naxos), and ancient sites (Portara in Naxos). Great for families and those seeking a slightly less intense vibe than Mykonos.

 * Athens, Milos & Folegandros: Milos is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches (like Sarakiniko and Kleftiko), while Folegandros offers dramatic cliffside scenery and a charming, less-crowded Chora.

 * Mainland Focus: Spend more time exploring mainland historical sites like Delphi, Meteora, and Olympia, with perhaps a shorter visit to a nearby Saronic island like Hydra or Aegina from Athens.

Important Considerations & Tips for your Trip:

 * Book Accommodation & Ferries in Advance: Especially if traveling during peak season (June-August).

 * Cash is King: While credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, smaller tavernas and shops, especially in less-touristy villages, may prefer cash.

 * Learn a Few Greek Phrases: "Yassas" (hello/goodbye), "Efharisto" (thank you), "Parakalo" (please/you're welcome), and "Ne" (yes) / "Ohi" (no) will be appreciated.

 * Sun Protection: The Greek sun is strong. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

 * Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on cobblestone streets and at archaeological sites.

 * Embrace "Island Time": Things can move at a more relaxed pace. Be patient and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

 * Try Local Cuisine: Don't just stick to moussaka and souvlaki! Explore regional specialties, fresh seafood, local cheeses, and delicious pastries. Ask for recommendations.

 * Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.

 * Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and churches.

 * Travel Insurance: Always recommended for any international trip.

This itinerary is a suggestion and can be customized to your interests, budget, and travel style. Whether you seek ancient history, vibrant nightlife, serene beaches, or culinary delights, Greece offers an abundance of experiences to create lasting memories. Enjoy your incredible journey!

For more trips like this reach out to B&B Travel Agency at Joseph.Bernardini@fora.travel