Our Top 9 Itineraries for Traveling to Greece for the First Time

Length: 12 Days

Places visited: Athens, Naxos, Santorini, Milos, Cape Sounion

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

When visiting Greece for the first time, experience the essence of the country on our Luxury Highlights of Greece: Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and More itinerary. Begin at Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon stands majestically on a craggy headland above the Aegean Sea. As the setting sun bathes the ancient marble columns in golden light, the sound of waves echoes against the limestone cliffs below as you gaze across the vast azure expanse. In Athens, embark on a private food tour during which the intoxicating aroma of grilling meats mingles with the scent of fresh herbs and baking bread. Sample crispy saganaki, kefalograviera cheese pan-fried to golden perfection and finished with a squeeze of lemon that sizzles dramatically when it hits the hot surface. Bite into a traditional gyro, where tender, herb-infused meat is wrapped in warm, pillowy pita bread and complemented by garlicky tzatziki that provides a refreshing contrast to the savory filling.

Length: 10 Days

Places visited: Athens, Santorini, Crete

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture are yours to delve into on our Best Greece Family Vacation: Athens, Santorini, and Crete. At Delphi, the scent of pine and wild olive trees fills the air as you follow the Sacred Way, a path once walked by kings, generals, and ordinary pilgrims seeking guidance. The mountain setting creates a natural amphitheater, with the sanctuary nestled against the slopes of Mount Parnassus offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and the Gulf of Corinth below. As your family climbs the ancient stone path, your guide will recount tales of the Oracle who delivered prophecies in a trance-like state, bringing history to life for even your youngest travelers. In Crete, the Palace of Knossos reveals the sophistication of Europe's first advanced civilization. Your children will hear stories about the Minotaur, imagining the beast lurking within the labyrinth as they navigate the complex's maze-like corridors. In nearby villages, local families will welcome you into their homes for an authentic cooking lesson to help create traditional cheese pies.

Length: 11 Days

Places visited: Athens, Syros, Mykonos, Santorini, Delos

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Our Greek Romance Tour of Athens, Syros, Mykonos, and Santorini offers an idyllic journey with your loved one to the Greek islands. At Lake Vouliagmeni, slide into therapeutic thermal springs where the water is a constant 75°F year-round and their unique blend of salt and fresh water create a silky sensation against your skin as tiny garra rufa fish nibble at your feet. On Santorini, a private catamaran cruise takes you along the island's volcanic caldera, where sheer cliffs of layered volcanic ash in striking colors plunge dramatically into the sea. As the yacht glides through waters so intensely blue they appear almost surreal, your captain will anchor in a secluded cove where you can slip into warm, bubbling hot springs where the water takes on a rusty orange hue from the high iron content. As the legendary Santorini sunset approaches, the entire sky transforms into fiery oranges and deep purples, the whitewashed buildings of Oia gradually silhouetted against the fading light as you share a toast of chilled Assyrtiko wine.

Length: 8 Days

Places visited: Athens, Mykonos, Delos, Naxos, Santorini, Nea Kameni

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Experience the luxury and beauty of Greece on our Best Greek Island-Hopping Vacation for Travelers Over 50. On the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, walk across a lunar-like landscape where the ground beneath your feet is noticeably warm, physical evidence of active geological forces. After a gentle hike across the otherworldly black volcanic soil, you'll reach hot springs where the sea transitions dramatically from deep turquoise to rusty orange-brown as the iron-rich therapeutic waters blend with the Aegean. As you float in naturally heated waters averaging 86°F, feel the soft, silty bottom between your toes, a natural spa treatment used since ancient times to relieve joint pain and skin conditions. In the picturesque village of Sangri on Naxos, discover the Temple of Demeter, constructed entirely from local marble in the 6th century BCE. Visit a family-owned distillery where citron liqueur has been produced for generations, the distillery heavy with the aromatic citrus scent as your host offers tastings of its varieties.

Length: 13 Days

Places visited: Meteora, Delphi, Nafplio, Athens, Zagori, Monemvasia

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Embark on a journey of discovery and luxury on Zicasso’s Two-Week Tour of Mainland Greece. In Meteora, witness monasteries perched atop massive natural stone pillars. As mist often shrouds the lower landscape, these medieval structures appear to float above the clouds. Gold-leafed Byzantine icons gleam in the dim light filtering through narrow windows while the haunting sound of monastic chants occasionally reverberates through the chambers. In medieval Monemvasia, enter a world frozen in time as you pass through a narrow stone gateway. As you step onto the worn cobblestone streets polished by centuries of footsteps, the modern world falls away. In the underground wine cellar of a restored 17th-century mansion, sample the sweet Malvasia wine that made this fortress town famous throughout medieval Europe while your sommelier explains how modern vintners have revived this varietal using traditional methods.

Length: 16 Days

Places visited: Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

From ancient Olympia to picturesque Santorini, our Amazing Mainland to Greek Islands: 16-Day Tour of Greece immerses you in the country’s history, culture, and beauty. At Olympia, stand on the marble starting line where Olympic athletes positioned themselves 2,700 years ago, feeling the grooves cut for traction beneath your feet while your guide's whispered stories carry clearly through the stadium's remarkable acoustics. In Mykonos' Alefkandra quarter, medieval fishing houses with wooden balconies hang over the sea. Dine at waterfront restaurants where waves lap against foundations and occasional salt spray seasons your fresh-caught fish. As sunset transforms whitewashed walls from brilliant white to gold to soft pink, your private guide will lead you through narrow streets once designed to confuse pirates.

Length: 16 Days

Places visited: Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

If you are a history buff, then our Best of Ancient Greece in a Week Itinerary is for you. At the ancient theater of Epidaurus, experience the most perfectly preserved acoustic marvel of the ancient world. Stand at the center of the circular performance area and speak in a normal conversational tone. The theater's design creates a filter that amplifies human voices while absorbing background noise, an engineering feat that modern architects still study today. In the mysterious Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, duck your head to pass through the famous Lion Gate. Inside the fortress walls, the air temperature drops noticeably, providing relief from the Mediterranean sun while demonstrating the practical defensive considerations of ancient architecture. As sunlight illuminates dancing dust particles in golden beams, you'll feel the presence of the Mycenaean civilization that Homer immortalized in the Iliad.

Length: 17 Days

Places visited: Athens, Zakynthos, Olympia, Costa Navarino, Nafplio, Santorini

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

Discover the incredible history and culture of Greece on our 17-Day Family Vacation in Athens and Western Greece. On Zakynthos, a private boat excursion takes you to the world-famous Navagio Beach, accessible only by sea and considered one of the most photographed beaches in the world. As your vessel rounds the northern tip of the island, the dramatic vista unfolds: a perfect crescent of white pebble beach framed by towering limestone cliffs. The contrast between the turquoise waters, white shore, and rusting hull of a smuggler's ship that ran aground in 1980 creates a scene so striking it appears almost artificial. In Costa Navarino, engage in a family kayaking expedition along the protected coastline of Messinia. As you paddle through crystal waters, your guide will point out ancient olive trees growing remarkably close to the shoreline, some over 500 years old. Stopping at a secluded beach unreachable by road, your children will delight in combing the sand for tiny shells and sea glass polished smooth by decades in the gentle waves.

Length: 8 Days

Places visited: Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Rhenia, Delos

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

On the Ultimate Greek Island-Hopping Getaway for Seniors, you'll experience the best of the Cyclades at a comfortable pace. In the charming village of Lefkes on Paros, follow the Byzantine Road, a 1,000-year-old marble-paved path that once formed part of the island's main thoroughfare. Walking along this ancient route, you'll pass centuries-old olive trees, their twisted trunks testifying to generations of harvests. The path leads to the Church of Agia Triada, where the gleaming white exterior gives way to a cool, hushed interior. The walls are adorned with Byzantine icons whose gold leaf catches and reflects the gentle light of candles, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. At Delos, explore the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Unlike many ancient sites, Delos offers an intimate experience of daily life in antiquity. Modern construction is forbidden, cradling the ancient atmosphere as you walk among ruins with only the sound of the wind and distant waves.

As you've seen from our itineraries on the best places to visit in Greece for the first time, this spectacular country has something for everyone. From the iconic Acropolis to the stunning islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Greece is a destination that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Greece has something for you.

For more inspiration and ideas as you consider traveling to Greece for the first time, be sure to check out our Greece travel guide, where you'll find even more itineraries, tips, and recommendations for making the most of your time in this incredible country. You can also look at our Greece tours and vacations.