10 Days in Greece: 5 Varied Itinerary Ideas for First-Timers

Spending 10 days in Greece would give you plenty of choices when planning an itinerary to include your must-sees, from a road trip in mainland Greece for history and culture exploration to an island-hopping journey soaking up the sunshine and relaxing vibes.

Not sure what to do? Read our 10-day itinerary ideas for inspiration on what to see and what to do. All of our itineraries are totally customizable, so please feel free to contact us for your personalized journey.

Itinerary List

Itinerary 1: 10-Day Essence of Greece

Days 1–3: Athens (the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Athens Central Market)
Days 4–6: Naxos (the Church of Panagia Drossiani, Apeiranthos, Apollonas, and a boat tour to Mykonos and Delos)
Days 7–9: Santorini (a walking tour of the towns, the Akrotiri archaeological site, wine tasting, and a caldera cruise)
Day 10: Departure

This classic itinerary offers the quintessential Greek experience for first-time visitors. Embark on a journey to gradually discover Greece's rich treasures, delicious cuisine, historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and warm hospitality.

After you arrive in Athens, you would start your exploration of its ancient history. Wander in the iconic Acropolis, hear stories about the Parthenon, and explore various other ancient ruins. A visit to the Acropolis Museum would deepen your understanding of the significance of the artifacts. Don't forget a stroll through local neighborhood streets for a taste of traditional Greek cuisine.

Then, transfer to Naxos, an island known for its stunning beaches and slow pace of life. Spend your days exploring the ancient village of Apeiranthos to witness traditional living or unwind at Agios Prokopios and Maragas beaches.

For a more diverse experience, we recommend taking a boat tour of the nearby islands of Mykonos and Delos: Mykonos for its lively ambiance and charming windmills; Delos for its archaeological marvels, such as the Temple of Apollo.

Conclude your trip in Santorini, which is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and romantic atmosphere. Explore the enchanting towns of Oia and Fira, where you could get absorbed among their streets of whitewashed buildings. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri to uncover the history of the Minoan civilization. Take a caldera cruise to admire a stunning sunset from onboard — it is quite a unique experience.

10-Day Athens, Naxos and Santorini Family Tour Athens - Naxos - Santorini

Itinerary 2: 10-Day Romantic Getaway in Greece

Days 1–3: Athens sightseeing and take a day trip to Delphi
Days 4–6: Milos (take a boat tour to travel around the island and enjoy some free days for relaxing on the beach and exploring)
Days 7–9: Santorini relaxation
Day 10: Departure

If you are adventurous and seeking intimate moments with your loved one, this itinerary is ideal for you, offering a range of outdoor activities and creating unforgettable moments. It spans from the historical city of Athens to the island of lovers, Milos, and climaxes in the romantic paradise of Santorini.

After 2 days in Athens for historical monuments and a city walk, you would take a day trip to Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be the center of the world by ancient Greeks. Marvel at the archaeological site and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

The journey continues with a visit to the island of lovers, Milos, known for its gorgeous beaches and unique rock formations. Relax on the lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white cliffs. Explore fishing villages like Klima, boasting colorful boathouses, and join locals on a fishing trip. Indulge in cave-aged wine and witness a dreamy sunset with your loved one.

Head to Santorini for its romantic ambiance and famous sunsets. Admire the charming whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. Savor Santorini wine and desserts while taking in the panoramic views.

For a special experience, we recommend taking a sunset cruise to the volcanic islands. You could soak in the hot springs, swim in the sea, relax on board to witness a sunset without crowds, all the time sharing these serene moments with your loved one.

10-Day Cyclades Island Hopping Tour-Athens, Santorini and Milos Combination of Popular and Less Touristy Cyclades: Santorini and Milos

Itinerary 3: 10-Day Greek Summer Vacation in Greece

Days 1–4: Athens sightseeing and join a cooking class, then take a day trip to Delphi
Days 5–7: Chania, Crete (take day trips to Elafonisi Beach, Balos Lagoon, and Samaria Gorge)
Days 8–9: Heraklion, Crete (visit Knossos Palace, Diktaean Cave, and Spinalonga Island)
Day 10: Departure

If you prefer staying in one place for a more immersive experience or would become tired when changing hotels frequently, this itinerary allows you to explore Crete thoroughly while enjoying various activities, such as scuba diving, hiking, boat tours, and cave adventures. It's perfect for families with teenagers seeking engaging activities.

Spend your first 3 days exploring the ancient capital of Greece, Athens. After sightseeing at historical sites and exploring the city streets, you and your family would participate in a traditional Greek cooking class conducted by a family-friendly chef. Your children could easily keep pace and learn to cook with their own hands.

We suggest that you allocate a day to exploring Delphi, where ancient ruins and a mystical ambiance await. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the hilltop overlooking natural landscapes, offering a truly immersive experience.

Then, you would fly to Chania, Crete, a charming town filled with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. As well as exploring Old Town, you could spend some days relaxing on Elafonisi Beach for sunshine and water sports, take a boat tour to marvel at Balos Lagoon, and hike through Samaria Gorge to witness natural wonders.

Heraklion offers a different kind of joy for you and your family. Visit the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos to delve into the ancient history. Explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to discover Minoan artifacts and embark on a boat tour to Spinalonga Island to sample local Cretan cuisine while relaxing in a sandy bay.

10-Day Athens and Crete Family Tour Athens - Delphi - Chania - Heraklion

Itinerary 4: 10-Day Historical Exploration of Mainland Greece and Santorini

Days 1–2: Athens
Day 3: Nafplio
Day 4: Olympia
Day 5: Delphi
Day 6: Meteora
Days 7–9: Santorini
Day 10: Departure

If you're a Greek history enthusiast and enjoy road trips to explore different cultures, this itinerary is tailored for you. It would take you on a journey through the Peloponnese peninsula, offering a deep dive into history and culture before ending with some beach relaxation in Santorini.

Get an overview of the glorious history of Greece in Athens, then Nafplio would show you Greek culture blended with other civilizations. Explore the winding streets of its Old Town, admire some Venetian architecture, and sample some local gelato for dessert.

Olympia is known as the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, so how could you not start a race on this exciting field and feel the passion with your own body and rising pulse?

After exploring Delphi for the sacred ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum, you would visit Meteora, the city in the sky. Your guide would show you the monasteries perched on towering rock formations, where you could enjoy a mystical and awe-inspiring landscape.

Stay in Santorini during the last days of the itinerary to appreciate its famous sunsets and whitewashed buildings, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Don't forget to taste some local famed wine to relax along the way.

All of our itineraries are customizable. Contact us and we would come up with a private tour that meets all of your requirements.

10-Day Ancient Ruins and Santorini Tour Historic Peloponnese and Captivating Santorini

Itinerary 5: 10-Day Island-Hopping in the Greek Cyclades

Day 1: Athens arrival
Days 2–3: Milos
Days 4–5: Paros
Day 6–7: Tinos
Days 8–9: Syros
Day 10: Departure

Looking for a 10-day island-hopping itinerary in Greece? This itinerary would take you to discover some of the hidden gems of the Cyclades, ensuring a crowd-free and budget-friendly vacation experience.

After your arrival in Athens, you would visit Milos, the island of lovers, known for its unique rock formations. Then, head to Paros to wander through its picturesque villages and hike into its rocky wilderness.

Hop on a ferry to Tinos to enjoy its strong religious significance and beautiful architecture, and enjoy quiet Kolymbithres Beach all to yourself. Syros offers a more cosmopolitan charm, where you could delve into Ermoupoli town's traditional Cycladic cuisine and wait for the stunning sunset with a cocktail at one of the seaside tavernas.

This island-hopping itinerary promises a blend of historical landmarks, stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences in the beautiful Greek islands. Less touristy than popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, these stops promise a more authentic experience for you.