7 Days in Greece: 5 Top Itinerary Ideas for First-Timers

Spending 1 week in Greece to enjoy its essence is a popular choice for first-timers. This usually includes Athens with one or two Greek islands, normally Santorini and/or Mykonos, balancing history, culture, and beach relaxation.

You could also embark on a road trip from Athens to the Peloponnese peninsula to explore Greek mythology and ancient history with natural wonders, which is perfect for history enthusiasts.

To maximize your vacation, you would have to work out a time-smart itinerary. Read on for some time-smart itinerary ideas that may help you plan a trip of 7 days in Greece.

Itinerary List

Itinerary 1: 7-Day Best of Greece

Day 1: Athens arrival
Day 2: Athens (the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Athens Central Market)
Days 3–4: Mykonos (the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and a day trip to Delos for the ancient ruins)
Days 5–6: Santorini (the blue-domed churches, take a sunset caldera cruise, and enjoy a wine-tasting experience)
Day 7: Departure

After your arrival in Athens, the rest of the day is all yours to unwind or explore the neighborhood at your leisure. Your private guide would lead you further into the heart of Athens, visiting historical sites to delve deep into ancient Greek history and culture, such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Next, you would fly to Mykonos and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of the island. Walk through the village of Ano Mera, admire exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, and relax on Paradise Beach. We highly recommend taking a day trip to Delos, which is only 20 minutes away by ferry, to discover more about ancient Greek mythology and stories.

Your journey would be concluded in Santorini, the stunning volcanic star of the Cyclades. Explore the eye-catching maze of white-washed buildings, embark on a caldera cruise for the breathtaking sunset, and taste some famed local wine to bottle up memories of this magical trip.

This itinerary is to introduce you to the top three must-see destinations in Greece, which are most popular with first-timers. It is fully customizable based on your interests. Let us know if you have any specific preferences or activities you'd like to include, and we can tailor the itinerary to create your perfect Greek getaway.

7-Day Essence of Greece Athens - Mykonos - Santorini

Itinerary 2: 7-Day Laid-Back Vacation in Greece

Day 1: Athens arrival
Days 2–4: Athens (the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Mount Lycabettus, a traditional cooking class, and a day trip to Delphi for history and natural beauty)
Days 5–6: Santorini (blue-domed churches, a caldera cruise, a wine-tasting experience, and relaxation on the volcanic beaches)
Day 7: Departure

This itinerary is suitable for those seeking a relaxed vacation with a mix of activities, especially for families with teenagers. Honeymooning couples may opt for more time in Santorini to savor its romantic ambiance and scenic beauty.

You would embark on your journey from Athens, exploring iconic landmarks, such as the Acropolis and Syntagma Square, with a private guide who makes history come alive. Teenagers may enjoy a traditional Greek cooking class, creating authentic cuisine and having some quality time as a family.

Additionally, you would venture to Mount Lycabettus for breathtaking views of Athens, then immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of Greece with a day trip to Delphi.

Finally, fly to Santorini and experience the enchanting beauty of the island. Taking a caldera cruise is a must as you could witness one of the world's most beautiful sunsets without crowds and relax on the volcanic beaches with your family. Taking a scuba lesson with your children and exploring the underwater wonders is also interesting.

From Athens, the birthplace of European culture, to Santorini, the captivating volcanic island, this seamless itinerary showcases famous landmarks and saves you the trouble of changing hotels more than once, allowing you to discover Greece's wonders at your own pace. All of our itineraries are customizable so please feel free to contact us if you are ready to craft your dream journey.

7-day Athens and Santorini TourGreece's Culture and Blue Aegean Sea

Itinerary 3: 7-Day Crete Exploration in Greece

Days 1–2: Athens — have a city sightseeing tour accompanied by your local guide
Days 3–6: Chania — embark on day trips and visit historical sites as you explore Crete
Day 7: Departure

If you are not interested in popular tourist spots like Santorini and Mykonos, which may feel overly crowded and commercialized, Crete offers a perfect escape, where you could enjoy a more peaceful vacation while also making your budget go further.

After 2 days of unwinding and sightseeing in Athens, you would fly to Chania. Embrace its vibrant vibe as you explore the ancient ruins and Venetian architecture of the old town. Take a day trip to Elafonisi Beach, known for its pink sands, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Another day could be spent on a boat tour to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, or hiking through Samaria Gorge.

You could opt for some free days to explore the old town on your own or use our private transfer service to go to Heraklion for a day trip. Visit Knossos Palace to delve into the rich history of the ancient Minoan civilization and explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to discover artifacts dating back centuries.

On your departure day, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring local cafés and shopping for souvenirs for your friends. Take a stroll along the harbor and immerse yourself in the Mediterranean atmosphere before departing. Feel free to share any specific interests or preferences so that we can tailor a personalized tour for you.

7-Day Family Adventure to Athens and Crete Athens - Chania

Itinerary 4: 7-Day Mainland Tour for the History of Greece

Days 1–2: Athens, city sightseeing
Day 3: Nafplio
Day 4: Olympia
Day 5: Delphi
Day 6: Meteora
Day 7: Departure

This itinerary is perfect for history enthusiasts, offering an off-the-beaten-path adventure to explore mainland Greece's ancient history, mythology, and natural wonders.

One of the highlights is spending a full day in Delphi, immersing yourself in ancient Greek mythology and appreciating the stunning hilltop scenery. You could fully explore "the center of the world", marvel at monuments that represent old stories and legends, and immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere.

Another highlight is the opportunity to visit two Byzantine monasteries perched on the steep cliff of Meteora. As you hike across peculiar rock formations and enter "the city in the sky", you may be thrilled to witness the breathtaking world beneath you, enveloped in a tranquil religious ambiance.

During your trip, you would have the chance to visit a local farm to savor authentic flavors, such as fresh olive oil, olives, and wine. Dive into the spirit of traditional cooking methods and uncover the stories behind these culinary practices. Our itineraries can be customized according to your preferences, allowing you to add or modify destinations and experiences based on your interests.

7-Day Ancient Greece Tour Explore Ancient Greek History, Mythology, and Architecture

Itinerary 5: Culinary Exploration in Greece

Days 1–3: Athens
Days 4–6: Sifnos
Day 7: Departure

Not a fan of history and culture? Do you prefer Greek food and beaches? This itinerary is tailored for foodies who only want to eat out and appreciate the authentic tastes of Greece. Enjoy yourself with delicious cuisine and beach relaxation.

Spend your first 3 days exploring the culinary delights of Athens. Dive into the vibrant street food scene in Monastiraki while savoring traditional Greek dishes, such as souvlaki and spanakopita. Wander through Athens Central Market to sample fresh fruits, olives, and cheese. Don't miss the opportunity to visit a vineyard and sample some local wines.

Transfer to Sifnos for the next 3 days to continue your culinary adventure. Experience the island's rich gourmet traditions by tasting local specialties, such as mastelo (oven-baked lamb), revithada (chickpea stew), and amygdalota (almond cookies). Visit a local farm to savor some home-cooked meals and participate in a cooking lesson to craft dishes with your own hands.

Before your departure day, remember to take some time to unwind on one of the scenic beaches on Sifnos and enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the Aegean Sea. Let us know your specific interests and we would personalize a private tour just for you.

7-Day Culinary Exploration of Athens and Sifnos Athens - Sifnos