8 Days in Greece: 5 Top Customizable Itinerary Ideas

Written by Carper Updated Mar. 22, 2024

While spending 1 week in Greece allows you to enjoy its essence, with an extra day, you could opt for a more relaxed pace, continue to experience a place that interests you, or dig deeper into Greek cuisine, history, and culture.

Here are five itineraries for an 8-day trip to Greece and they are all customizable based on your preferences.

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Itinerary List

Itinerary 1: 8-Day Classic Highlights of Greece

This itinerary is perfect for first-timers, visiting the top highlights within one trip. 

From Athens (the birthplace of European culture) to Mykonos (famous for its vibrant nightlife and strong winds), and finally to Santorini (for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world).

Below is the itinerary breakdown:

  • Day 1: Athens arrival
  • Days 2–3: Athens (the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens Central Market, and Mount Lycabettus)
  • Days 4–5: Mykonos (the village of Ano Mera, the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, Paradise Beach, and a day trip to Delos for ancient Greek myths)
  • Days 6–7: Santorini (see the blue-domed churches, take a sunset caldera cruise, and enjoy a wine-tasting experience)
  • Day 8: Departure

Start your Greek adventure from Athens. Immerse yourself in the city's ancient history and vibrant culture, exploring landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, with your local private guide sharing the stories behind them. 

For a deeper understanding of Athens, we suggest a guided leisurely city stroll and food adventure. You would have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and sample local wines while walking through the narrow streets and experiencing an authentic Athenian lifestyle.

Next, journey to the island of Mykonos. There, you may love the windmills dotting the hillsides and the lively ambiance. Spend your day relaxing on the beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and exploring the charming villages. A day tour of the island of Delos may amaze you with its stunning views and stories relating to the ancient Greek myths.

Conclude your journey on the volcanic island of Santorini. You would see white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and cliffs plunging into the sea. You could take a sunset cruise to Oia and enjoy a breathtaking view of the caldera as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Our private tours are fully customizable. Please let us know your specific interests and we would personalize a private tour just for you.

Itinerary 2: 8-Day Leisure Vacation in Greece

If you would prefer a more leisurely travel pace or plan to travel with teenagers, this itinerary is perfect for you. 

Focusing on Athens and Santorini, this itinerary contains more activities to deplete the excess energy of teenagers and create family bonding moments. Additionally, this trip is very relaxed with only one change of hotel, making it ideal for a family trip, especially if you travel with a lot of luggage.

Below is the itinerary breakdown:

  • Day 1: Athens arrival
  • Days 2–4: Athens (the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Mount Lycabettus, join a Greek cuisine cooking class, and take a day trip to Delphi for more history and natural beauty)
  • Day 5: Fly to Santorini 
  • Days 6–7: Santorini (see the blue-domed churches, take a caldera cruise, and relax on the volcanic beaches)
  • Day 8: Departure

In Athens, embark on a journey of discovery with your local guide, exploring iconic landmarks, such as the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. Your private guide would bring the history of these places to life with lively explanations, making the experience even more fascinating for children.

During your stay in Athens, we would specially prepare a family-friendly cooking class for you. Learn to prepare authentic Greek dishes under the guidance of an expert chef and enjoy a meal that you and your children created together.

For children who love history, a day trip to Delphi from Athens would add more fun to Greece's rich history and natural beauty. 

Then, you would fly to the enchanting island of Santorini, where you could take a caldera cruise to appreciate one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world and have a warm-water swimming experience with your children in volcanic hot springs.

All of our tours can be adjusted based on your requirements so please feel free to contact us to inquire.

Itinerary 3: 8-Day Island-Hopping Tour in Greece

This itinerary is popular with couples who are not only interested in island-hopping but also want to have more diverse experiences. 

  • Days 1–3: Athens
  • Days 4–5: Naxos 
  • Days 6–7: Santorini
  • Day 8: Departure

Accompanied by a private guide, you would explore markets, such as Athens Central Market, and engage with locals in the vibrant atmosphere of Athens. Stroll through narrow streets and visit traditional Greek shops and restaurants for an authentic experience.

Naxos, less visited than Mykonos, is full of fun experiences that you shouldn't miss. Other than relaxing on the beaches, you could take a walk around the town of Hora and the Temple of Apollo to get a glimpse of Greek myths, embark on a light hike to Mount Zeus to witness some natural beauty, or even ride a horse along the tranquil shore.

Santorini is renowned not only for its stunning sunsets but also for its wineries, which are known worldwide. Raising a wine toast with your loved one as you watch the sunset, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Itinerary 4: 8-Day Greece Mainland History Tour 

If you're planning a return trip to Greece or your primary interests lie in its rich history, then this unique itinerary is tailored just for you. It takes you off the beaten path and focuses on the fascinating history and myths of Greece. 

  • Days 1–2: Athens
  • Days 3–4: Nafplio 
  • Day 5: Olympia 
  • Day 6: Delphi
  • Day 7: Meteora
  • Day 8: Departure

Start your journey from the ancient heart of Athens and admire its timeless charm from the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Immerse yourself in the Venetian castles of Nafplio, where you would find yourself transported to another era.

The next 3 days would present you with an array of experiences that are chosen to leave you in awe. 

You would stand in the birthplace of the Olympic Games at Olympia, feeling the pulse of ancient competition and human perseverance beneath your feet. Then, make your way to Delphi to learn the captivating stories behind the mythical "navel of the Earth". Prepare to be awed by the spectacular rock-top monasteries of Meteora, a city that seems to have been built in the sky.

This itinerary can be customized according to your preferences, allowing you to add or modify destinations and experiences based on your interests.

Itinerary 5: 8-Day Crete Exploration Tour in Greece

In this itinerary, your main destination would be the largest island of Greece — Crete, which offers diverse activities and avoids the hassle of changing hotels, making the most of your vacation.

  • Days 1–4: Chania, Crete
  • Days 5–7: Heraklion, Crete
  • Day 8: Departure

Spend your first 4 days in Chania, where we would help you immerse yourself in its rich history, exploring ancient ruins and admiring the Venetian architecture of the old town.

Chania's convenient location allows for easy day trips: you could relax under the Aegean sun at Elafonisi Beach, take a boat tour to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, or trek through Samaria Gorge.

The following 3 days in Heraklion, the cultural capital of Crete, would be full of historical discovery. Explore the ancient story at the Knossos Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering insights into the Minoan civilization. Don't miss Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from Crete and beyond.

Before departing, savor your last day in Heraklion with leisurely activities, such as shopping for souvenirs, enjoying lunch at local cafés, or simply relaxing in a park under the warm Cretan sun.

Let us know your specific interests and we would personalize a private tour just for you.

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