10 Days in Greece: Top 5 Greek Themed Itineraries

A land that recorded the glory of humanity, a cradle that gave birth to Western civilization, while having 10 days to spend in Greece, how should I manage my itinerary to sample the most out of this country with its treasured ruin sites, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant islands? Dive into these 5 10-day itineraries to inspire your unforgettable Greece tour.

Itinerary #1: Classic Greece With Santorini

Start your journey to Greece with a classic 10-day itinerary to explore its timeless beauty, from iconic ancient sites to enchanting islands resembling jewels. Immerse yourself in the rich history, distinctive culture, and breathtaking landscapes that define this charming destination.

Land in Athens as your gateway back to the ancient glory, which housed the Acropolis of Athens with its typical sites of Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaia.

Crossing the ruins that showcase the rich history is the Acropolis Museum reveals captivating details of classical Greece's booming era. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll bathed in the gentle afternoon sun through the Plaka section, where open-air cafes and quaint shops are nestled in the winding alleyways.

About a 2.5-hour drive westward to begin your next day trip in Delphi, where you'll explore the Temple of Apollo, an ancient religious sanctuary connecting mortals with the gods. Delve into the stories intricately carved on the walls, and don't miss giving a gentle touch to the Omphalos, symbolizing the center of the world, the navel of the Earth.

Following breakfast, catch a flight to the picturesque island of Crete and dedicate the next two days to exploring Chania, a charming and walkable city ideal for a leisurely stopover. Stroll through the vibrant houses lining the narrow streets of the old town, pause at a seaside bar or café imbued with the scent of salt in the air, and, after your afternoon tea, meander along the winding streets that lead to the harbor, where the lighthouse path awaits.

As the city that not only hosts the historic site of Knossos but also serves as your gateway to commence your beach holiday in Santorini, don't forget to set aside one night for dinner in Heraklion. Enjoy the authentic restaurants, accompanied by local dance and an idyllic melody.

Santorini is always a good place to end your 10-day Greece itinerary, as time is never too short on this enchanting island. Along the sparkling Aegean Sea, surrounded by its whitewashed towns and beautiful peaks as azure as the sky, every angle is perfect for the glorious sunset.

Acropolis of Athens

Itinerary #2: Leisure Greece & Island Hopping

Aegina, Poros, Hydra, or Santorini, with a large number of islands dotted around the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, an enchanting 10-day adventure of island-hopping always allows you to discover those sparkling jewels of Greece.

Wear comfortable shoes for a leisurely exploration of Athens. Start in Syntagma Square with views of the ancient royal palace, then visit the nearby Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held. Finally, move on to the main course - the Acropolis - for a glimpse of Greece's ancient glory.

Followed by a day trip to Delphi to gently touch the navel of the earth, standing at the site of the Temple of Apollo. Before driving north to Meteora, take a brief detour through the charming streets of Arachova, where you can also capture the enchanting scenery of the Gulf of Itea.

Draw inspiration from the delicate Byzantine art as you explore the monastic complexes perched on high cliffs, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon returning to Athens, get ready for tomorrow's adventures of island-hopping through Aegina, host of the Fistiki Fest; Poros, adorned with lush greenery and historical sites; and the Hydra Islands, a hub of art and maritime culture.

Get ready with your sunglasses and sandals because the first day of island-hopping is just the appetizer. Mykonos awaits as the main course for the next two days, a magical island with serene beaches basking under the lovely sun, picturesque towns adorned with windmills and whitewashed houses, and a plethora of shops and bars that keep the night alive. To satisfy your appetite for the rich history of Greece, the nearby island of Delos, one of the most famous archaeological sites, also welcomes you.

Let the perfect Santorini end your 10-day itinerary in Greece without regrets. Feel the heartbeat of the earth from the caldera, enjoy your meal with exquisite wine and fresh lemon, and watch the sunset dye the sea into a delicate pink, while the city lights twinkle as the stars as the best farewell to your journey.

Itinerary #3: Romantic Greece: Best Honeymoon Tour

Enchanting bays cradle the echoes of waves and whispers of love, offering leisurely cruises through the azure ocean with candlelit dinners and petal-strewn pools. As a country symbolizing romance, Greece has never been short of ideal destinations for a 10-day honeymoon journey with a unique romance.

Begin this 10-day honeymoon itinerary in Athens, hand in hand, strolling in the shadow of columns and historic sites of the Acropolis. Rind the olive branch to each other, and carefully explore the Temple of Apollo where the laurel tree might stand. Savor local delicacies from the markets, indulging in a taste of sweetness.

Whisk your Venus away to Milos, an idyllic island that infuses your honeymoon journey with a touch of adventure, where the surface of Sarakiniko beach could take you to the distant moon, and the treasure cave of Papafragas could be your time capsule of love. End your adventure in Klima, a colorful fishing village adorned with lovely houses, your ideal spot for a unique shot.

Extend this kind of romance by continuing your journey to Santorini. Waken by the echoes of the gentle waves, enjoy a sunbath breakfast on the open-air rooftop of Oia with a pool to capture the splendid views of the caldera, and board the catamaran with your loved one to catch the breathtaking sunset as it gracefully dips below the horizon.

Let the two sides of Mykonos Island be your final stop, an ideal destination to elevate your romantic sojourn. Take a peaceful couple's world stroll through those winding alleys of Chora, featuring painted houses, idyllic churches, lovely windmills, and even ancient sites to explore. Feed your belly at the verandah seat with lightened streets and the taste of rose salt, as well as the soothing melodies, set the stage for a night of celebration.

Santorini

Itinerary #4: Greek Antiquity & Picturesque Islands

Designed for island and beach aficionados, particularly those seeking a unique experience beyond the usual, like Paros and Naxos islands, or for those eager to rediscover Greece, the following is a sample 10-day itinerary.

Still arriving in Athens, the Acropolis of Athens is always worth a multiple visit to those delicate carvings of history on the Parthenon, Erechtheion and more. Dive deeper into your interests at the Acropolis Museum, also combined with a food tour through local markets, an ideal way to sample the culture and tradition.

Start your exploration of Paros from Paroikia, with its neoclassical and medieval architecture. Admire the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and try to find its hidden secret door. Slow down your pace in the villages of Naousa, savoring coffee against the backdrop of the site the Venetian castle accompanied by the gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt.

Adjacent to Paros is the island of Naxos, about an hour's ferry ride away, where you can take a leisurely stroll along a signposted path and discover its stunning natural beauty. From the bustling old town market to the rippling coastline, from sites such as the Catholic cathedral to those hidden gems and mines, from the summit of Mt. Zas to its cave full of adventure. Nature lovers will even find a good spot for bird watching.

Allocate a few leisure days in Santorini as your final destination. Allow the vibrant walls and roofs of Oia and Fira to evoke memories of fairy tales set against starry nights. Collect unique stones at the Red and White Beach, painted by nature's hand, and let the soothing waves heal your soul before embarking on a quest for the golden sun through an exhilarating catamaran cruise.

Paros

Itinerary #5: Heritage Tour With Santorini Vacation

A 10-day heritage tour of Greece is always recommended, as this cradle of Western civilization holds a treasure trove of gems hidden beneath the dust, which awaits those with the curiosity and will to discover the stories and lives behind each stone and paint.

Arrive in Athens to begin your heritage tour, capturing a glimpse of modern life at Syntagma Square, the site where Greece's first constitution was published. Explore the nearby Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games, and delve into the treasures of the Acropolis, where philosophers once showcased their wisdom and profound thoughts.

After crossing the Canal of Corinth, which links the Peloponnese with mainland Greece, the city of Epidaurus unfolds its history, narrating the medical legacy within the sanctuary of Asclepius. A subsequent day excursion to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the site where the flame lit, is an essential stop before your historical journey to Delphi.

Followed by another day trip to Delphi, an ancient sacred precinct housing the oracle and revered as the center of the world, where the stone of Omphalos was set as the navel of the earth, with the opportunity to explore the Delphi Museum and admire the intricate carvings on it.

Proceed north to Kalambaka, your gateway to marvel at the magnificent cliff-top monasteries, showcasing Byzantine architectural wonders. Explore these sanctuaries adorned with artifacts and wall paintings, offering an ideal vantage point to take in the panoramic beauty of Meteora, accompanied by the fresh air, the fragrance of flowers and the melodious warbling of birds.

Finally, let your 10-day itinerary in Greece end in the enchanting Santorini, allowing the picturesque beauty to calm your thoughts of that rich history. Stroll through the coastal village, painted in bright colors that come alive under the lights, or take a catamaran cruise to touch the tails painted on the horizon.

Byzantine Monasteries in Meteora

More Itineraries in Greece With Odynovo

To ensure the optimal experience for your Greece tour, beyond these five 10-day itineraries, there are additional options to inspire you. Whether you're planning a week-long adventure in 7 days or an extended journey lasting 14 days, your dream trip to Greece is just a step away - share your requirements with Odynovo, and we'll tailor it to perfection.