Best 7-Day Greece Itinerary: Islands, History & Culture

What to expect on this itinerary
Leisurely travel may be par standard in Greece, but that will not prevent you from properly exploring with just one week. This handcrafted tour mixes a little of everything that makes Greece so intoxicating with ruins and archaeological sites traditional fishing villages, sublime coastlines and cruises, colorful neighborhoods, and indulgent taverns. Mixing an island vacation with a dose of history is easily done while minimizing travel time, and these seven days are the perfect introduction to Greece with time spent in Athens, Santorini, and Crete.
Customizable Itinerary
Athens – Ancient Greece, Plaka and the Acropolis
The Acropolis is your Athens compass point, its colonnades, and temples visible from almost anywhere in the city. You might even glimpse its splendor from the plane window, the remains of an ancient civilization perched high on the rocks above Greece’s capital. Check into your hotel and check out the rooftop view, the compass point almost within touching distance. Down below the streets twist and turn, and a myriad of sounds creep out from the tavernas and echo upwards, suggesting what’s to come this evening. But once your bags are dropped there is only one place for you today, the centerpiece of a civilization that changed the world in so many ways.
A path ascends, and the ruins start. Beyond the Beule Gate, you will glimpse what lies ahead with polished stone lies along the path, small sculptures sit on the floor, with temples coming gradually into view. Keep ascending, walking slowly in the heat, and take your time as the Acropolis temples and Parthenon rise high above you. It is the ruins of the Parthenon you never forget, so perfectly proportioned, so remarkably preserved. And although busy with tourists, there is enough to the area that you can also find quiet moments to take it all in. There is a chance to escape the heat with a look inside the Acropolis Museum, a place preserving marble and friezes that were rescued from destruction.
Maintain the slow walking pace as you descend, this time amid the cobblestone and marble of Grand Promenade. Skirting Acropolis Hill, you will be led to the Theater of Dionysus before plunging you forward into the 17th and 18th centuries. That is the time when Plaka evolved, and the neighborhood still has a lived-in old-world atmosphere. Boutique stores spill their wares into pedestrianized streets, enticing aromas come from narrow taverna doorways, and street traders call as they walk past. It is energetic and laid-back at the same time, classically Greek, but just completely different from the nearby Acropolis. Your guide will point you in the right direction for a traditional dinner before you take an early night, or stay out and enjoy all that is on offer.
What's Included:
Santorini – More Ruins and History Before Sunset in Santorini
Santorini – Cruising Across the Blue and White Island of Santorini
Santorini – Santorini by Catamaran and Helicopter
Ellinika – Beauty and Archeology on the Island of Crete
Ellinika – Discovering the Lasithi Plateau and Elounda Peninsula
Athens – Day Trip to Delphi and the Temple of Apollo
Athens – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Watch the sunset from a private terrace in the Santorini village of Oia
- Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Athens Acropolis
- Spend the day in Delphi, in awe of the Temple of Apollo
- Get to know the best of Crete, including the dramatic ruins of Knossos and the patchwork fields of Lasithi
- Soar above Santorini in a helicopter and spend an afternoon cruising the island’s coastline on a private catamaran
- Delve into the colorful streets of Plaka and other Athenian neighborhoods
- Walk the cliffs from Fira to Oia, explore the Minoan-era ruins of Akrotiri, and dine in waterside taverns
- Visit the archaeological museums in Athens and Crete, two of the best of their kind on the planet
- Relax on the coast – even with just seven days there can be plenty of downtime
Detailed Description
Nothing is rushed in Greece. Meals continue long into the evening, the walking pace is languid, and the mantra of siga siga, slowly slowly, can be felt everywhere. Even in the capital city, you will rarely encounter a sense of urgency. But to see the best of Greece in seven days? Surely that is a no-go given the languorous way of life? Not any more. Modern transport connections are making one-week itineraries possible, allowing you to hop between ruins and islands without missing out on the siga siga way of life. This best of Greece tour takes you to Athens, Santorini, and Crete with seven active days followed by seven tranquil evenings.
While the sights are many, you will not need to charge around. Slow down, change your perception of time, and appreciate the Greek ambiance that unfolds all around. In the evenings, you will discover one of the most cultural and traditional of all the world’s countries. During the days, you will explore settings beyond the imagination with the Acropolis in Athens, the blue and white villages perched above the Aegean Sea, the vast ruins of an old Minoan city, crystalline waters, towering volcanoes and the magnificent Temple of Apollo. Also included in this best of Greece itinerary is a helicopter and catamaran tour around Santorini, Crete’s remote landscapes, intimate Athens neighborhoods, and a whole host of other coastal and historical treasures.
Day one and you will head straight to the Acropolis. Explore the ruins beyond the Beule Gate, basking in the glory of the Parthenon and its nearby temples. This is classical Greece, and it is so much more impressive than the photos suggest. Plaka is a lively evening destination, perfect for strolling and eating local. Then the next morning you stay within history, seeing important galleries at the National Archeological Museum and passing another couple of temples. Fly next to Santorini and inhale the fresh sea breeze, and you will be staying in Oia, a village of blue and white houses that only gets prettier at sunset. Cliffs glimmer in the moonlight and your hotel is built on the cliffs, ideal for appreciating slow island life.
Spend day three exploring the best of mainland Santorini with beaches, villages, vineyards, volcanic remains, and then what remains of Akrotiri, a once lavish Minoan town. Santorini epitomizes the Greek island vibe, and you will continue to take things slow on day four, admiring the island from a helicopter window before a half-day private catamaran cruise. Fly next to Crete and savor a second island as Knossos is all dramatic ruins, Iraklion offers intimate market experiences, and other old cities present a maze of culture and charm. You will be staying close to the village of Ellinika, at a five-star retreat on cliffs that preserve this itinerary’s laid-back atmosphere.
Crete is vast and diverse, an island of beautifully barren landscapes and simple pleasures. Spend day six discovering rural sides to the island, the Lasithi Plateau a puzzle of orchards and pastures topped by tiny villages and cottages. Remote turquoise waters are nearby, the Elounda Peninsula a place to swim alone beneath the cliffs. You will have an early flight back to Athens on day seven, meaning you can spend the day visiting Delphi and the Temple of Apollo as it would not be the best of Greece without something majestic and mysterious to end on. Your final night in Athens is back where you started, amid tavernas and traditions in the neighborhood of Plaka. Don’t take just our word for it - consider reading some of our travelers’ reviews of Greece, and see how you can customize your own dream vacation.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 1404 reviews
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We booked a 2 week vacation to Greece with this agent and travel company for the end of May. Our travel agent helped us plan the perfect vacation for our 25th wedding anniversary. It was the most incredible trip, more than we could ever have imagined! She planned accommodations, excursions and tours at each place we visited that highlighted each place. We started our trip in Athens for 3 nights, Crete 3 nights, Mykonos 3 nights and Santorini for 4 nights.
We were met promptly at the Athens airport by our driver taken to our Hotel in Athens where we were met by our agent personally to give us all of our tickets and instructions for our stay in Greece. As well she gave us a cell phone programmed with her number and the travel agency in case we had any issues during our time in Greece.
We stayed at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens at a wonderful boutique hotel. Our trip started with a private tour(highly recommend) of the Archeological museum of Athens ,the Acropolis and the area surrounding. Truly specials and unforgettable! A romantic dinner at a beautiful restaurant in the center of Athens. Watching the sun set on the Acropolis with all of Athens at our feet...stunning. A free day to explore a bit of the ancient and beautiful city then onto Crete.
We were met by a delightful young man, who was our guide for all 3 days on this amazing island. Wine tours, Palace of King Mynos at Knossos, ancient cities Rhethmynon and Chania, beautiful beaches and stunning views. We fell in love with Crete.
Then Mykonos. A beautiful little jewel of an island with beautiful beaches and ancient cities once attacked by pirates. A romantic dinner, tour of the island of Delos (incredible!) and getting lost in the maze of streets that make up Mykonos town.
Then onto Santorini. A jewel in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. Stunning hotel on the cliffs with a view that you never tired of, wine tours, a full day Catamaran sail to beaches and the Caldera ending with a magnificent sunset at Land's End. Santorini was the cherry on top of the trip. Truly a stunning island.
And everywhere we went the friendly, hospitable and welcoming Greek people. We can't say enough on how well orchestrated this trip was. We had flawless connections, over-the-top accommodations, incredible guides, amazing excursions that did not disappoint at any of our island visits. "More than we could have ever imagined" is how we describe this trip to friends and family. We highly recommend this company and the travel agent who planned a trip exactly to fit us personally.
Thank you Zicasso for your stellar travel agents and fantastic job of Jackie who paired us up with such great agents to choose from.
Tanya and Ross
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We had a terrific trip because of the personal attention to our preferences and the knowledge of Greece of our agent at this Greece travel company. We had never used a travel agent before despite travelling extensively in Europe, but feared that travel logistics from one island to another and language difficulties would make travel planning daunting.
We wanted to something other than a cruise because we did not want to spend our time and meals with other tourists. To determine what kind of lodgings we preferred our agent asked just a few questions and then said "OK, I've got you" and she did. The hotel in Athens was at the foot of the Acropolis. The hotel on Santorini was in Oia, the most beautiful town on the island, and overlooked the sea. However, our favorite was a hotel in Chania, Crete that overlooked an ancient Venetian harbor.
Our package included a private tour of the Acropolis and Delphi. The tour guide selected by our travel company was incredibly good--extremely knowledgeable, responsive to our preferences, and excellent company. At each airport or ferry arrival, we were greeted by a driver with a sign with our name on it (a new experience for us). The Athens driver also drove us to Delphi, and he was incredible. We had told our guide that we needed to be back to Athens that evening by 6 p.m. because we had a reservation at one of Athens' top restaurants. She shared this with the driver. Unfortunately, we hit both a substantial late-May hail storm and a massive (even by Athenian standards) traffic jam. Somehow, our driver got us back on time by driving a series of convoluted streets in the suburbs and the city.
The price of the trip did not seem significantly more than if we had made the arrangements ourselves and it would have been a much less enjoyable trip. I would recommend this company to any friend (I already have!) or family member.
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My husband and I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Greece, exploring the breathtaking islands of Crete, Santorini, and Naxos, and the vibrant city of Athens. Our trip was meticulously planned and executed by Zicasso’s exceptional team, who went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. From the moment we set foot in Greece until the day we reluctantly departed, they were with us every step of the way, turning our vacation into the memory of a lifetime.
Chania, Crete: Our adventure began in Chania, Crete, where we stayed at a luxurious hotel and spa. This boutique hotel, situated right on the waterfront, offered stunning views and impeccable service. The highlight of our stay in Crete was a delightful cooking class, where we learned to prepare traditional Cretan dishes with fresh, local ingredients. The warmth and hospitality of the staff at the hotel made us feel right at home.
Santorini: Next, we traveled to the iconic island of Santorini. Our hotel was nestled on the cliffs overlooking the caldera and provided an idyllic setting for our vacation. One of the most memorable experiences was the catamaran sunset cruise, on which we sailed around the island, marveling at the stunning volcanic landscape and enjoying a delicious onboard dinner as the sun set over the Aegean Sea. The hotel staff ensured every moment was magical. The hotel concierge kept in touch with us via WhatsApp. She was amazing!!!!
Naxos: Our journey continued to the charming island of Naxos. The hotel’s blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities provided a comfortable and stylish retreat. Our travel agency organized a fantastic Naxos town food tour, allowing us to savor the island’s culinary delights and learn about its rich history. We also embarked on a private village tour, exploring the quaint villages and experiencing the authentic Naxian way of life. The hospitality at the hotel was exceptional, making our stay truly memorable.
Athens: Our final destination was the bustling city of Athens. Located in the heart of the city, our luxurious hotel offered stunning views of the Acropolis and easy access to Athens’ historical sites. The staff went out of their way to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable.
Outstanding Service: The personal touches provided by Zicasso’s travel agency truly set them apart. During the planning phase, I had the pleasure of speaking with the founder and lead travel designer. He took the time to understand our expectations and preferences, recommending Naxos instead of Mykonos based on our interest in food tours, culture, and history. Trusting his advice was one of the best decisions we made, as Naxos turned out to be one of our favorite islands.
His company’s commitment to our satisfaction was evident from the moment we landed in Athens, where we were greeted by an agent, with a lovely gift, who walked us to our gate for the flight to Chania. Throughout our trip, we communicated via WhatsApp, receiving daily messages with our boarding passes and itinerary. Their professionalism shone through when unexpected situations arose, such as a five-hour ferry delay in Crete. They reassured us continuously, adjusting our schedule as needed without any hassle.
When my luggage was lost on the flight from Naxos to Athens, the company promptly contacted the airline and ensured my luggage was delivered to our hotel in Athens. Their proactive and attentive service made all the difference.
Each hotel provided us with sumptuous breakfasts, a feast for the eyes and the palate, prepared by amazing chefs. The food throughout our trip was memorable and the hospitality at every location was outstanding.
Every trip I take from now on will be compared to this bucket-list vacation that Zicasso’s company planned for us. I would not hesitate to use them the next time I visit Greece, knowing it will be another dream trip.
Final Thoughts: The travel agency turned our Greek vacation into a seamless, extraordinary experience. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and commitment to excellence made our trip a true dream. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, I highly recommend them – they create memories that last a lifetime.
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