Greece 10-Day Travel Itinerary
The cradle of civilization meets the azure beauty of the Cyclades
May-June or Sept-Oct for the perfect Greek experience
$140-700 per day including island transfers
Acropolis, Oia Sunsets, Mykonos Windmills, Delos
Your 10-Day Greek Odyssey
Arrive in Athens, check into hotel in Plaka or Koukaki
Athens
Explore the ancient streets of Plaka
Plaka
Dinner with Acropolis views
Monastiraki
💡 Pro Tip:
Plaka is the most scenic neighborhood and keeps you walking distance from all major sites.
The Acropolis & Parthenon (arrive at 8 AM)
Acropolis Hill
Acropolis Museum & Ancient Agora
Makriyianni
Sunset at Mount Lycabettus
Kolonaki
💡 Pro Tip:
Buy the multi-site ticket to save money and skip the individual lines.
Ferry or flight to Mykonos
Piraeus/Athens Airport
Check into hotel & explore Mykonos Town (Chora)
Chora
Windmills sunset & Little Venice drinks
Little Venice
💡 Pro Tip:
The high-speed ferry takes about 2.5-3 hours. Seajets is a popular choice.
Beach time at Paradise or Super Paradise Beach
South Shore
Rent a scooter/ATV to explore quiet northern beaches
Panormos
Dinner in Chora & explore the nightlife
Chora
💡 Pro Tip:
Paradise Beach is for partying; Elia or Panormos are for those seeking quiet.
Boat trip to Delos Archaeological Site (UNESCO)
Delos Island
Return to Mykonos for relaxing or shopping
Mykonos
Watch the sunset from 180° Sunset Bar
Mykonos Town
💡 Pro Tip:
Delos is uninhabited - bring plenty of water and a hat as there is ZERO shade.
Ferry to Santorini (approx 2.5 hours)
Mykonos Port
Check into hotel in Oia or Fira
Caldera
The world-famous Oia sunset
Oia
💡 Pro Tip:
Oia is the most iconic but Fira is more central and affordable for dining.
Fira to Oia Caldera Hike (approx 3 hours)
Caldera Path
Lunch in Imerovigli & explore Fira markets
Fira
Dinner in a traditional tavern in Ammoudi Bay
Oia
💡 Pro Tip:
Start the hike before 9 AM to avoid the intense midday sun.
Catamaran sunset cruise or Volcano/Hot Springs boat
Caldera
Swimming in the hot springs & snorkeling
Palea Kameni
Dinner on the boat with sunset views
Aegean Sea
💡 Pro Tip:
A semi-private catamaran cruise is the #1 rated experience in Santorini.
Ancient Akrotiri (Minoan Pompeii)
South Santorini
Red Beach & Perissa (Black Sand) Beach
South Shore
Farewell dinner in Pyrgos (highest village)
Pyrgos
💡 Pro Tip:
Pyrgos offers stunning 360-degree views of the island without the Oia crowds.
One last Greek coffee overlooking the caldera
Fira
Transfer to JTR airport or Athinios Port
Airport/Port
💡 Pro Tip:
The airport is small and gets very crowded. Arrive at least 2 hours early.
When to Go
✓ Pros:
Perfect weather, all shops open, manageable crowds, lower prices
✗ Cons:
Sea might be a bit cool in May
✓ Pros:
Hottest weather, vibrant nightlife, non-stop flights
✗ Cons:
Extreme heat, massive crowds, peak prices
✓ Pros:
Wildflowers, very cheap, local culture (Easter)
✗ Cons:
Too cold for swimming, many island businesses still closed
✓ Pros:
No crowds, lowest prices, see the real Greece
✗ Cons:
Cold, rainy, most island ferries and hotels closed
Greece Trip Budget estimates (USD)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | $800-1500 | $2000-4000 | $8000+ |
| Meals & Greek Meze | $300-500 | $800-1500 | $3000+ |
| Ferries & Flights | $200-350 | $500-800 | $1500+ |
| Tours & Catamarans | $150-300 | $400-800 | $2000+ |
| TOTAL (per person) | $1450-2650 | $3700-7100 | $14500+ |
Greek Island Transport Guide
Book ferries in advance via sites like Ferryhopper
Flying between Athens and islands saves hours compared to slow ferries
Rent a small car or ATV in Santorini/Mykonos for flexibility
Athens public transport (Metro/Tram) is excellent and links the airport to the center
Taxis on islands are limited and expensive - pre-book transfers
The 'Slow Ferry' (Blue Star) is much more stable and scenic than high-speed ones
Avoid These Greek Travel Mistakes
Staying only in Athens (the islands are essential)
Taking the fast ferry if you're prone to seasickness (they are bumpy)
Not booking Acropolis tickets in advance (massive summer lines)
Thinking you can flush toilet paper (Greek pipes are old - use the bin!)
Expecting the same sunset views in Oia without booking a spot or dinner
Underestimating the number of steps in Santorini (pack light!)