Greece hums with stories that shaped the Western world—philosophers debating in the Agora, ships sailing mythic seas, and islanders tending vines rooted in volcanic ash. In one week you can time-travel from Periclean Athens to Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs, where blue-domed churches punctuate the sky.

Expect highlights like the Acropolis and Parthenon, the new Acropolis Museum, the cliff path from Fira to Oia, and wines grown on vines trained low to the ground against Aegean winds. Meals stretch long: grilled octopus, tzatziki with peppery olive oil, and honey-drenched loukoumades give way to sunset cocktails above the caldera.

Practical note: summers are hot and busy—go early to major sites, prebook ferries and tours, and carry cash for small tavernas. Athens Metro links the airport to the center; in Santorini, distances are short but roads are narrow—consider a transfer or prebooked driver for ease.

Athens

Once the heartbeat of Classical civilization, modern Athens blends antiquity with an energetic food and café scene. Ancient stones sit beside neoclassical balconies, and neighborhoods like Plaka, Koukaki, and Psyrri invite wandering between galleries, rakomelo bars, and bakeries perfumed with butter and sesame.

• Top sights: Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, National Garden, Syntagma’s changing of the guard.
• Eat & drink: Classic tavernas with live rebetiko, third-wave coffee roasters, and rooftop bars with Acropolis views.
• Fun fact: The Panathenaic Stadium is the world’s only all-marble stadium, host of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Where to stay (Athens):

• Hotel Grande Bretagne — landmark luxury on Syntagma Square with a storied rooftop and spa.
• City Circus Athens — boutique/hostel hybrid in Psyrri with creative design and social vibe.
• Novotel Athenes — family-friendly pick with a seasonal rooftop pool.
• Athens Backpackers — budget favorite steps from the Acropolis Museum.
• Search Athens vacation rentals on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting in (bookings): For flights to Athens and within Europe, compare on Omio (flights). From Athens International Airport (ATH) to the center: Metro M3 (~40 min, ~€9), X95 bus to Syntagma (~60 min, ~€5.50), or taxi (~€40 day/€55 late night, ~35–50 min).

Day 1 — Arrive in Athens

Afternoon: Land in Athens and drop bags at your hotel. Shake off jet lag with a stroll through the National Garden to Zappeion, then peek at the Panathenaic Stadium’s marble curves.

Evening: Wander Plaka’s lanes up to Anafiotika, a Cycladic-style micro-village beneath the Acropolis. Dinner at Klimataria (since 1927; slow-braised lamb, baked beans, occasional live music) or Tzitzikas kai Mermigas near Syntagma (meze spread, fried feta with honey). Nightcap at Brettos (colorful backlit bottles; ouzo and masticha) or The Clumsies (Top 50 bar; inventive Greek-flavored cocktails).

Day 2 — Acropolis, Museum, and the Old City

Morning: Beat the crowds at the Acropolis, then dive deeper with a guided experience:
Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Expect context on Pericles, Caryatids, and how the Parthenon frieze once looked in color.

Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Agora (Socrates’ stomping grounds) and the well-preserved Hephaisteion. Lunch at Kostas (since 1950; classic pork souvlaki with tomato and yogurt—arrive early; sells out), or Seychelles in Metaxourgio (neo-bistro Greek cuisine; slow-cooked beef with hilopites). Coffee at Taf or The Underdog roastery.

Evening: Sunset views from Aeropagus Hill. Dinner in Koukaki at Dio Dekares i Oka (homestyle Macedonian-Greek dishes; smoky eggplant, grilled meats). Rooftop cocktails with Acropolis views at A for Athens or 360 Cocktail Bar by Monastiraki Square.

Day 3 — Day Trip to Delphi (Oracle and Mountain Vistas)

Full-day small-group excursion into the myths of Apollo and the famed Oracle, with museum highlights and a scenic lunch stop:
Premium Delphi Day Trip with an Expert Guide, Museum & Lunch

You’ll walk the Sacred Way, see the Temple of Apollo and the Charioteer of Delphi, and return early evening.

Evening (back in Athens): Light mezze supper at Psaras Taverna in Plaka (since 1898; grilled fish, zucchini fritters), or casual plates at Karamanlidika-style delis around Agias Irinis Square. Sweet finish: loukoumades drizzled with honey and cinnamon.

Santorini

Santorini is the rim of an ancient volcano, a crescent of cliffs gazing over a flooded caldera. Whitewashed villages cling to the edge—Fira lively, Oia dreamy—while black-sand beaches stretch on the east coast and vineyards curl low to the ground in kouloura baskets.

• Top sights: Oia’s sunset, Fira–Oia clifftop path, Amoudi Bay, Akrotiri archaeological site, Pyrgos village, caldera viewpoints, Santo Wines terrace.
• Eat & drink: Seafood at the harbor, island tomatoes and capers, and volcanic wines (Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto) at cliffside wineries.
• Fun fact: Santorini’s vines are among the world’s oldest ungrafted rootstocks, protected by volcanic soil from phylloxera.

Getting there (Athens → Santorini, morning departure): Fly (~45–55 min, ~€50–€120; frequent morning departures—compare on Omio (flights)) or take a high-speed ferry from Piraeus or Rafina (~4.5–6 hr, ~€45–€90—check schedules on Omio (ferries)). Plan a hotel check-in mid-afternoon.

Where to stay (Santorini):

• Canaves Oia Hotel — polished cliffside suites with postcard views in Oia.
• Canaves Oia Suites or Canaves Oia Suites & Spa — elevated suites, serene pools, and spa.
• Aegean Plaza Hotel — comfortable base steps from Kamari Beach.
• Santo Miramare Resort — relaxed beachfront in Perivolos.
• Villa Manos — value-friendly stay near Fira with a welcoming, local feel.
• Browse Santorini villas on VRBO or find hotels on Hotels.com.

Day 4 — Travel to Santorini, Fira and Oia

Morning: Depart Athens by flight or ferry. If flying, aim for an early morning departure to maximize island time; prebook on Omio (flights) or compare ferry timings on Omio (ferries).

Afternoon: Check in and explore Fira’s lanes: goldsmith workshops, small churches, and caldera viewpoints. Coffee and a sweet at LukuMum (loukoumades, ice cream) or a freddo espresso at a cliff café.

Evening: Head to Oia for blue-hour magic. Dinner at Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia (beloved among locals—Cretan-influenced meze; reserve) or To Psaraki in Vlychada (seasonal; grilled fish, taramasalata, harbor views). Sunset cocktails at PK Cocktail Bar in Fira overlooking the caldera.

Day 5 — Hike the Caldera and Amoudi Bay

Morning: Walk the Fira–Firostefani–Imerovigli–Oia cliff path (10–11 km; 2.5–4 hours). Start early, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Pause at Skaros Rock for castle ruins and sweeping caldera views.

Afternoon: Descend stairs to Amoudi Bay for a swim off the rocks (mind sea urchins and currents) and a seafood lunch—think grilled octopus, fava, and tomato fritters.

Evening: Unwind on the black sands of Perivolos or Kamari; beach clubs rent loungers and umbrellas. Dinner at Aktaion in Firostefani (since 1922; moussaka, tomato keftedes) or Lucky’s Souvlakis in Fira for a simple, perfect gyro.

Day 6 — Villages, Wineries, and Red Beach Views

Morning: Explore Pyrgos, a hilltop village of blue doors and quiet alleys. Coffee at a local kafeneio, then drive to Akrotiri for the prehistoric city preserved in volcanic ash (optional museum visit).

Afternoon: Private half-day tour to tailor the island to your interests—hidden chapels, photo stops, and tastings:
Half-Day Santorini Private Tour

Cap the afternoon at a winery terrace—Santo Wines or Venetsanos—for Assyrtiko with caldera views. Note: Red Beach is photogenic but prone to rockfall; observe posted advisories.

Evening: Splurge night: tasting menu at Selene (seasonal, contemporary Greek rooted in island produce) or fine seafood at Ammoudi’s waterfront. Toast the day with Vinsanto, the island’s sun-dried dessert wine.

Day 7 — Santorini Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Final swim or a leisurely breakfast at Passaggio in Oia (good coffee, pastries) or a fruit-and-yogurt bowl in Fira. Pick up edible souvenirs: capers, sundried tomatoes, and a bottle of Assyrtiko.

Afternoon: Fly from Santorini (JTR) to your next destination or via Athens; check schedules and fares on Omio (flights). If you’re ferrying onward within the Cyclades, browse Omio (ferries).

Optional extra tour ideas (Athens add-ons if you extend):

• Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens

  

  Perfect for tasting koulouri, loukoumades, and market-fresh meze.
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon (sunset)

  

  A golden-hour classic on the Attica coast.

How to move between cities (quick reference):

• Athens → Santorini: Flight ~45–55 min (~€50–€120) via Omio (flights) or ferry ~4.5–6 hr (~€45–€90) via Omio (ferries). Morning departures recommended.
• Local transport: In Athens, walk/Metro/taxi; in Santorini, prebooked transfer, bus (Fira hub), ATV or car hire for flexibility.

In seven days you’ll stand where democracy began, taste wines born of fire, and watch the sun sink behind volcano-sculpted islands. Greece rewards the curious—come ready to walk, taste, and linger at the view just a little longer than planned.