Greece threads millennia of history through everyday life—marble columns rising above buzzing cafés, and myth-laden capes framed by blue-on-blue seas. In Athens, the Parthenon still crowns the city as it has since the 5th century BCE; on Santorini, lava-forged cliffs cradle whitewashed villages; in Mykonos, Cycladic lanes twist toward beaches and breezy nights.

Across ten days, this itinerary balances icons and local life. You’ll roam the Acropolis, sail caldera waters on a catamaran, sip Assyrtiko at clifftop wineries, and wander to a windmill-studded horizon. Expect walkable old towns, ferries and short flights between islands, and food that runs from market stews to sunset seafood at the water’s edge.

Practical notes: Summer (June–Sept) brings heat and meltemi winds—book ferries early and pack sun protection. ATMs are widespread; tipping 5–10% is appreciated. Museums often close on select holidays; check hours. For international flights, see Trip.com or Kiwi.com; within Europe or domestic flights/ferries, compare on Omio Flights, Omio Ferries, and Omio Trains.

Athens

Athens is a city of layers: Ottoman mansions abut Roman forums, and neoclassical facades shelter third-wave cafés. The Acropolis is the headline, but neighborhoods like Plaka, Psyrri, and Pangrati reward wandering—street art, mezze tables, and late-night pastry counters.

• Top sights: Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum, Syntagma and the Changing of the Guard, Panathenaic Stadium.
• Eat and drink: Meat pies at Ariston (since 1910), souvlaki at Kostas on Pentelis, meze at Karamanlidika tou Fani, seafood at Varvakios Market taverna counters, cocktails at The Clumsies or Brettos.

Where to stay: Browse options on VRBO Athens and Hotels.com Athens. Standouts: Hotel Grande Bretagne (rooftop Parthenon views), Novotel Athens (family-friendly, pool), City Circus Athens (stylish budget), and Athens Backpackers (social, near Acropolis).

Getting in: Fly into ATH. From the airport, the metro (Line 3) to Syntagma or Monastiraki takes ~40 minutes (~€9), the X95 bus ~60 minutes (~€5.50), taxi ~35–50 minutes (~€40–€50). For flights, compare on Omio Flights, Trip.com, or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrival and a Soft-Landing Stroll

Morning: Fly into Athens. Hydrate on the plane and download an offline map. If you arrive early, drop bags at your hotel.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs through Plaka’s lanes. Pop into Takis Bakery near Koukaki for sesame koulouri and spanakopita; grab a freddo espresso at Dope Roasting. See Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard on the hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Evening: Dinner in Plaka at Saita Taverna (paper tablecloths, fried cod with garlic skordalia) or Scholarhio for family-style meze. Finish with gelato at Le Greche and an ouzo or masticha liqueur at Brettos, famous for its rainbow-lit bar.

Day 2: The Acropolis and Athenian Flavors

Morning: Beat the heat with a guided small-group tour that includes skip-the-line tickets to the Acropolis and its museum:

Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

Walk the Theater of Dionysus, the Propylaea, and the Parthenon, then admire the Caryatids in the cool glass-walled Acropolis Museum café.

Afternoon: Lunch at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani (pastrami, aged cheeses, and warm pita). Explore the Ancient Agora—philosophers once debated here—and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus. Coffee break at Mokka for traditional Greek coffee brewed in hot sand.

Evening: Dive into Athens after dark with a guide who knows the tastiest corners and the stories behind them:

Athens Evening Food Tour

Expect loukoumades drizzled with honey, creamy tzatziki, and a convivial stroll through Psyrri and Monastiraki.

Day 3: Markets, Museums, and a Sunset Cape

Morning: Start at Varvakios Central Market—order beef stifado or chickpea stew at Oinomageireio Epirus inside. Then head to the National Archaeological Museum to meet the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera mechanism.

Afternoon: Wander street-art pockets of Psyrri and snack at Feyrouz (Levantine lahmajoun and stuffed pitas). Siesta or cool off at your hotel pool if you have one.

Evening: Chase one of Attica’s great sunsets at the clifftop Temple of Poseidon on a small-group tour:

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour

Dine back in the city at Ama Lachei (meze and Cretan touches in a schoolyard setting) or Seychelles (modern Greek plates, natural wines).

Day 4: Full-Day Pilgrimage to Meteora (Day Tour)

Join a full-day excursion from Athens to the Meteora monasteries, where 14th-century sanctuaries perch on sandstone pillars. This is a long but unforgettable day—expect early departure and a late return; the tour typically includes transport, monastery visits, and a local lunch stop.

Athens: Meteora Monasteries, Caves & Coastal Stopovers with Lunch

Tip: Shoulders and knees must be covered for monastery entry; bring a light scarf or shawl. If you prefer a shorter day, swap Meteora for more Athens museum time or a coastal sail in the Saronic Gulf.

Santorini

Born of volcanic fire, Santorini is dramatic from every angle: black-sand beaches, white houses cascading down cliffs, and a sun that pauses over the caldera before it slips into the Aegean. The island’s crisp Assyrtiko wine and tomato capers tell a story of windy fields and lava-rich soil.

• Top sights: Fira–Oia cliff path, Red and White Beaches, Akrotiri Bronze Age site, Pyrgos village, Ammoudi Bay.
• Signature experiences: Catamaran sailing in the caldera, vineyard tastings, sunset in Oia, seafood by the water at Vlychada or Ammoudi.

Where to stay: Explore VRBO Santorini and Hotels.com Santorini. Favorites: Canaves Oia Hotel (iconic cliff suites), Aegean Plaza Hotel (Kamari beach access), Villa Manos (value, central), and Santo Miramare Resort (Perivolos beachfront).

Getting there from Athens (Day 5 morning): Fly ATH–JTR ~45–50 minutes; fares ~€40–€120 in spring/fall, higher in peak season—check Omio Flights. Ferries from Piraeus take ~4.5–8 hours depending on speed; fares ~€40–€90—see Omio Ferries. Aim for a morning departure to maximize your Santorini day.

Day 5: Athens to Santorini + Caldera Views

Morning: Fly to Santorini. Taxi or pre-arranged transfer to your hotel (20–35 minutes depending on village; ~€25–€45). Grab breakfast at Galini Café (Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts) or a puffy bougatsa from a local bakery.

Afternoon: Settle in and walk Fira’s lanes—peek into the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the Prehistoric Thera Museum if you love archaeology. Light lunch at Lucky’s Souvlakis (fast, tasty) or Argo for an easy caldera-view bite.

Evening: Stroll part of the Fira–Firostefani path for golden-hour photos. Dinner at Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia (book ahead for fava purée, goat cheese salad, and grilled octopus). Nightcap overlooking the caldera.

Day 6: Sail the Caldera

Morning: Leisurely breakfast; browse boutiques for ceramics and sandals. Pack swim gear and sunscreen.

Afternoon: Board a small-group catamaran to swim at the hot springs, glide past Red and White Beaches, and feast on a BBQ lunch with drinks:

Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers

Evening: Return glowing and hungry. Fresh fish at To Psaraki in Vlychada (try grilled sea bream, tomato fritters) or seafood at Ammoudi Bay below Oia. Watch the last light ignite the cliffside.

Day 7: Beaches, Wine, and Oia Sunset

Morning: Beach time at Perissa or Kamari (umbrellas, black sand, clear water). Brunch on the beach—omelets, Greek salads, and frappés.

Afternoon: Taste Santorini’s volcanic terroir on a small-group wine tour (up to 12 varietals, cave-like cellars, and vineyard views):

Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset

Evening: Head to Oia for sunset. If crowds are intense, find dinner away from the main lookout: try a courtyard taverna for slow-cooked lamb and fava, then gelato as the stars appear.

Optional upgrade: Prefer a private, customizable island tour? Consider Private Santorini Tailor Made - Choice of the Guest!

Mykonos

Mykonos pairs postcard Cycladic architecture with sandy coves and a social rhythm that flows from long lunches to sunset bars. Its maze-like Mykonos Town (Chora) was built to confuse pirates; today, it invites lingering between white lanes, bougainvillea, and boutiques.

• Top sights: Windmills of Kato Mili, Little Venice, Paraportiani Church, beaches like Platis Gialos, Ornos, and Agios Sostis.
• Flavors: Charred octopus by the harbor, island sausages, honey-drizzled louza, and beachside salads when the day runs long.

Where to stay: Compare VRBO Mykonos and Hotels.com Mykonos. Picks: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos (design-forward with infinity pools), Mykonos Princess Hotel (Agios Stefanos, sea views), and MyCocoon Hostel (budget-cool capsule feel).

Getting there from Santorini (Day 8 morning): Fast ferries cover JTR–JMK in ~2–3 hours (often via Naxos/Paros), ~€55–€90—check Omio Ferries. Weather can affect schedules; morning boats are usually smoother.

Day 8: Santorini to Mykonos + Town and Windmills

Morning: Ferry to Mykonos. Drop bags and refuel with open-face dakos at a café in Chora.

Afternoon: Explore Mykonos Town’s labyrinth: Panagia Paraportiani Church, waterfront Little Venice, and the iconic windmills. Coffee at Alley or a baklava pit stop at Gioras Bakery (wood-fired since the 18th century).

Evening: Sunset at 180° Sunset Bar (reserve). Dinner at To Maereio (tiny, heartfelt Greek dishes—order the meatballs and horta). Post-dinner stroll along the harbor; for a quiet nightcap, try a simple ouzo at a backstreet bar.

Day 9: Aegean Sailing or Island Highlights

Morning: Sleep in and late breakfast, or join a half-day catamaran to Rhenia or along the southern coast—swim, snorkel, and lazy-lunch on board:

Mykonos: Brand-New Catamaran Cruise with Meal, Drinks & Transport

Afternoon: Beach-hop by water taxi from Platis Gialos: Paraga for a chill vibe, Psarou for glam, or Elia for space. Grab grilled calamari and a Greek salad between swims.

Evening: Seafood in Little Venice (book a waterside table; watch for splashes) or go inland to Avli Tou Thodori near Platis Gialos. Nightlife options run from Bao’s Cocktail Bar to the classic Scandinavian Bar; for mellow, pick a wine bar in Chora’s backstreets.

Day 10: Easy Morning + Departure

Morning: Brunch near the old port—omelets, spinach pies, and fresh fruit. Last-minute shopping for Cycladic ceramics or olive soaps.

Afternoon: Fly Mykonos–Athens ~40–50 minutes (~€40–€130; see Omio Flights) for onward connections, or ferry to Piraeus ~2.5–5 hours (~€40–€70; check Omio Ferries). For long-haul flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional Athens/Islands Add-Ons

If you have energy on Day 2 or prefer a different pace, alternative Athens tours include:

• Athens Sightseeing Small Group Tour (Acropolis Tickets Included)

  

• Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour

  

In Mykonos, if you’d like a guided highlight reel (handy even if you’re not arriving by cruise), try:

Mykonos Shore Excursion with Pickup from Cruise Ship Terminal

Logistics Snapshot

• Athens → Santorini: Morning flight ~45–50 min (from €40–€120 on Omio Flights); or ferry 4.5–8 hrs (from ~€40–€90 on Omio Ferries).
• Santorini → Mykonos: Fast ferry 2–3 hrs, ~€55–€90 (check Omio Ferries).
• Mykonos → Athens: Flight 40–50 min (from ~€40–€130, Omio Flights); or ferry 2.5–5 hrs, ~€40–€70 (Omio Ferries).
• Within cities: Walk, local buses, or taxis. In peak season, pre-book transfers; meltemi winds can affect ferry timings.

Athens extra idea (if you trade a day): A Saronic Gulf wooden-boat day to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina—with lunch and swims: All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina

Dining cheat sheet by city:

• Athens: Breakfast—Ariston (cheese pies), Just Made 33 (sandwiches). Lunch—O Thanasis (kebab), Nolan-style modern Greek-Asian spots are trendy; check availability. Dinner—Seychelles, To Kafeneio. Drinks—The Clumsies, Brettos.
• Santorini: Breakfast—Galini Café; bakeries for bougatsa. Lunch—To Psaraki, Pitogyros. Dinner—Metaxi Mas, Ammoudi fish tavernas. Wine—Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto.
• Mykonos: Breakfast—Gioras Bakery; brunch by the harbor. Lunch—Kiki’s Tavern at Agios Sostis (no electricity, queue worth it). Dinner—To Maereio, seaside tavernas in Little Venice. Bars—Bao’s, 180° Sunset Bar, Scandinavian Bar.

Finally, a few lodging quick-picks by budget:

• Splurge: Hotel Grande Bretagne (Athens), Canaves Oia Hotel (Santorini), Cavo Tagoo Mykonos.
• Midrange: Novotel Athens, Aegean Plaza Hotel (Santorini), Mykonos Princess Hotel.
• Value: City Circus Athens, Villa Manos (Santorini), MyCocoon Hostel.

In ten days, you’ll step through Western civilization’s front door in Athens, sail a volcanic caldera in Santorini, and trace Mykonos lanes to windmills and beaches. With flights and ferries stitched between easy food stops and golden-hour views, this route delivers Greece’s greatest hits—and enough local flavor to make it your own.