Greece is where myth and marble meet the Mediterranean. From the birthplace of democracy and drama to whitewashed villages spilling down a volcanic caldera, this itinerary stitches together 3,000 years of history with present-day coastal living. Expect ancient temples at golden hour, feta sprinkled like confetti, and seas the color of sapphire.

Across seven days, you’ll explore Athens—home to the Acropolis and buzzing neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri—then hop to Santorini for volcanic beaches, sailing, and world-class Assyrtiko wines. The rhythm is deliberate: deep culture first, island ease second.

Practical notes: summers can be hot, so aim for early sightseeing and late dinners like a local. Tap water is fine in Athens; on Santorini, buy bottled. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated. Book ferries or flights in advance during high season, and note that drones are not permitted at the Acropolis.

Athens

Once a city-state that gave the world philosophy and theater, Athens today is a lively patchwork of neoclassical facades, contemporary street art, and café culture. Its core is compact and walkable, with hilltop views that reward every stair.

• Top sights: Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Panathenaic Stadium, National Garden, Syntagma changing of the guard.
• Why visit now: A booming food scene mixing meze traditions with creative Greek cuisine, plus rooftop bars with Acropolis views.
• Local flavor: Coffee culture runs deep; try freddo espresso mid-morning and souvlaki for a quick lunch.

Stay in Athens (curated picks):

• Luxury classic: Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens — grand views over Syntagma and the Acropolis from the rooftop.
• Design-y boutique: City Circus Athens — fun, artsy base walkable to Monastiraki and Psyrri.
• Great value with pool: Novotel Athens — spacious rooms, rooftop pool for summer.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Athens | Hotels.com Athens

Getting to Athens: If you’re flying from within Europe, compare fares on Omio flights. From North America, Asia, or Oceania, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Athens Metro M3 links the airport to Syntagma/Monastiraki in ~40 minutes; taxis are fixed-fare.

Day 1: Arrival in Athens, Plaka and Monastiraki at Twilight

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off travel with a stroll through Plaka’s neoclassical lanes to Anafiotika, the “island village” tucked under the Acropolis. Pause for a freddo espresso at Yiasemi on the steps.

Evening: Dinner suggestions near the center: - O Kostas (since 1950) for outstanding souvlaki—go early before they sell out. - Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani for cured meats, warm pita, and dips. - Nolan for modern Greek-Asian plates (get the cod kataifi). Nightcap at world-ranked cocktail bars The Clumsies or Baba au Rum.

Day 2: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Rooftops

Morning: Beat the heat and crowds with a guided Acropolis experience. Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour with Ticket covers the Parthenon plus the superb Acropolis Museum, with priority entry.

Afternoon: Wander down to the Ancient Agora—democracy’s cradle—then browse Monastiraki Flea Market. Coffee break at Taf Coffee or Dope Roasting Co. near Psyrri. Snack on loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts).

Evening: Golden-hour Acropolis views from a rooftop. Consider dinner in Thissio or Plaka: - Klimataria for classic tavern fare and live rembetiko some nights, - Feyrouz (casual) for fragrant Levantine pies and soups, - Gelato at Le Greche to finish.

Day 3: Markets, Meze, and Coastal Temples

Morning: Dive into Athenian flavors with a guided tasting through Varvakios Market and artisan stops: Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens (cheese, olives, koulouri, coffee traditions).

Afternoon: Stroll the National Garden and peek into the marble Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympics. Freshen up by the hotel pool if you have one.

Evening: Time your ride along the Athenian Riviera to see Cape Sounion’s Temple of Poseidon at sunset (about 70 minutes each way by car/coach; tours run daily). Back in town, late bites at Oineas in Psyrri or creative meze at Seychelles.

Moving on: Athens to Santorini (Day 4 morning)

• Flight: 45–55 minutes; typical fares €60–€180. Compare on Omio flights.
• Ferry: High-speed 4h45–5h15; standard 7–8h. Economy usually €50–€90; business €90–€130. Search schedules and book on Omio ferries. From central Athens, the metro to Piraeus takes ~25 minutes; arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure.

Santorini

Santorini is the gleaming rim of an ancient volcano, where sugar-cube houses and blue domes cling to cliffs above a flooded caldera. The island’s light feels operatic—sunsets spill over Oia like an ovation.

• Top sights: Oia castle viewpoint, Fira–Oia cliff path, Akrotiri Bronze Age ruins, Red and White Beach overlooks, Pyrgos hill town, Ammoudi Bay.
• Signature experiences: Catamaran cruise to hot springs and beaches, wine tasting (Assyrtiko, Nykteri, Vinsanto), seaside dining.
• Good to know: Beaches are pebbly or volcanic sand—pack sturdy sandals. Buses connect major towns; taxis are limited in peak season.

Stay in Santorini (curated picks):

• Iconic cliffside: Canaves Oia Hotel — dazzling suites and postcard views.
• Stylish beach base: Aegean Plaza Hotel (Kamari) — easy beach access and pools.
• Resort comfort: Santo Miramare Resort (Perivolos) — wide beachfront and family-friendly.
• Great value: Villa Manos — central location, warm hospitality.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Santorini | Hotels.com Santorini

Getting there from Athens: Book your flight on Omio flights or ferry on Omio ferries. If you’re continuing beyond Greece after Santorini, check Omio for Europe flights or, for long-haul, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 4: Travel to Santorini, Fira Old Town, Oia Sunset

Morning: Fly or ferry to Santorini. Drop bags and refresh.

Afternoon: Explore Fira’s lanes and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera if time permits. Coffee and a light lunch at Galini Café (caldera views) or Enigma Café in central Fira; for gyros, try Lucky’s Souvlakis.

Evening: Head to Oia for the famed sunset. Stake out a spot near the castle ruins or book a terrace ahead. Dinner ideas: - Pitogyros for affordable, excellent gyros; - Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia, short taxi from Fira) for Cretan-influenced dishes; - Katina Fish Tavern at Ammoudi Bay for catch-of-the-day by the water.

Day 5: Akrotiri Ruins + Santorini Catamaran Cruise

Morning: Visit the exquisitely preserved Bronze Age town of Akrotiri (often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean”). Stop at the Red Beach viewpoint and the Akrotiri lighthouse for wide-open caldera panoramas.

Afternoon to Evening: Sail the caldera on a small-group catamaran with swimming stops, hot springs, and a BBQ dinner: Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfers. It’s a 5-hour highlight—bring a light jacket for the ride back.

Night: Back on land, grab gelato in Fira or a cocktail at PK Cocktail Bar overlooking the lit caldera.

Day 6: Beach Time, Wine Country, and Hilltop Dining

Morning: Slow start at Perivolos or Kamari Beach—black volcanic sand, sunbeds, and calm swims. Brunch and coffee at Passaggio (Oia) if you’re up north later.

Afternoon: Taste the island’s world-famous Assyrtiko with a guided small-group tour to three wineries: Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset. Expect volcanic terroir wines, cave-like cellars, and meze pairings.

Evening: Dinner in Pyrgos for village charm and views—consider Selene for a destination meal focused on Cycladic ingredients, or cozy tavernas around the main square. Wind down with a stroll through the quiet alleys.

Day 7: Caldera Walk and Departure

Morning: Walk the most scenic portion of the Fira–Oia cliff path (Fira to Imerovigli, ~45–60 minutes). Coffee stop at a caldera-view café in Imerovigli, then pick up edible souvenirs (capers, sun-dried tomatoes, Vinsanto).

Afternoon: Depart for the airport or ferry port. For intra-Europe connections, check Omio flights or Omio ferries. For long-haul travel, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you prefer a souvenir lunch before you go, try To Psaraki at Vlychada for pristine seafood by the marina.

Optional and Nice-to-Have Add‑Ons

• All-day island cruise from Athens (Saronic Gulf): If you have extra time before heading to Santorini, this wooden boat day is a joy: All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included.

  

• Acropolis-focused alternative: If you want a shorter Acropolis-only visit, consider Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour.

  

Airport/Port Transfers (Athens): Prefer a private ride on arrival or departure? Book Private Athens Airport/Port Luxury Transfer-Taxi.

Dining cheat sheet for quick reference:

• Breakfast/Coffee (Athens): Kora Bakery (Pangrati) for kouign-amann; Takis Bakery (Koukaki) for spanakopita; Taf Coffee for specialty roasts.
• Lunch (Athens): O Kostas (souvlaki), Karamanlidika (meze and charcuterie), Nolan (creative small plates).
• Dinner (Athens): Klimataria (live music nights), Seychelles (modern meze), rooftop spots around Thissio/Monastiraki.
• Breakfast/Coffee (Santorini): Passaggio (Oia) for espresso and brunch; local bakeries for tiropita (cheese pie).
• Lunch (Santorini): To Psaraki (Vlychada, seafood), Lucky’s Souvlakis (Fira), beachfront tavernas in Perivolos.
• Dinner (Santorini): Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia), Selene (destination dining), Katina Fish Tavern (Ammoudi Bay).

In one week, you’ll stand on the Acropolis, taste Athens through its markets, cross the Aegean to Santorini, swim from a catamaran at sunset, and toast with volcanic wines as the caldera glows. It’s a classic Greece journey—history first, horizons second—that lingers long after you’ve gone.