We love Greece and this 7-day Greece itinerary is balanced to give you time to explore, relax and recharge during your Greece vacation.
Getting there: There are direct flights from many U.S. airports, but they can be expensive. We have been hearing lately that flights out of Newark are quite a bit less expensive lately. A quick check on Kayak shows lower prices if you can connect through or fly direct from Newark, NY (EWR)
See our article below about Kayak to save on airfare. https://thepassporter.com/searching-for-airfare/
A few thoughts for possible itineraries: We recommend starting your Greek vacation in Athens. We highly recommend staying in the heart of Athens, just know that the airport back and forth is about 45 minutes. Many of the attractions are in the heart of the city and staying near the airport will add quite a bit of travel. There are many hotels near the capital building complex and it is great for people-watching. Many international embassies are in the same area. Check out our article on vacation rentals vs. hotels.
Day One- The food in Athens is great and the city is walkable. There are plenty of nice hotels within one mile of the Acropolis. Take a day to beat your jet lag, grab a quick meal and take in the city of Athens. The view of the Acropolis at night is breathtaking and you can get the view from almost anywhere in the city.
Day Two- Acropolis and Acropolis Museum- We recommend taking a shuttle or taxi to the base of the Acropolis. Wear comfortable shoes that have good traction. The ancient marble is worn and can be slippery. Bring a bottle of water and some sunscreen because there is very little shade. The Acropolis Museum has a view of the Acropolis and is surrounded by a large number of bars and restaurants.
Guided tours with a guide and driver are fairly reasonable and help you cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time if you prefer a VIP experience to and from the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Be sure to buy your Museum tickets in advance. Purchase Tickets Here.
Day Three- The Acropolis was a big day. Take day three to shop, eat and explore. Be sure to check out the stadium from the first modern Olympic games.
If you are up for a drive, journey to the Temple of Poseidon. A 45km drive from downtown Athens, you can be there in about an hour. Not likely to be crowded and it is something to behold. Perched on the rocky cliffs of the Mediterranean, you can understand why many believe it is the work of the Gods.
See the post below for a summary of a sample day in Athens: https://thepassporter.com/a-day-in-athens/
Greece Vacation- Days 4-7
There is debate about which Greek isle is the best choice and you can’t really go wrong. Most are a short flight from Athens airport or a two to four-hour SeaJets Greek ferry ride. The ferries are gigantic and stop at multiple islands as they journey around the Mediterranean. If you prefer fast travel, stick with flying. If you have time and want to experience the Mediterranean commute and save a few Euros, the jet boats might be right for you. Check out sample Greek ferry fares and stops Here.
A few of our favorite Greek Isles:
Santorini: The main town is built on the peak of a collapsed volcano. The views are incredible. Many people stay in the city on the hilltop. Keep in mind there are also lovely resorts at the coast, near the airport. The weather is amazing and the vibe is super chill. There are a few things worth seeing but definitely at a leisurely pace.
More specific details in this post: https://thepassporter.com/exploring-santorini/
Mykonos: Arguably, the most famous Greek island. The white buildings with blue roofs and windmills are incredible. Mykonos has more of a club scene in the main town and incredible beaches on the other side of the island. Lots of shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from. This is a popular cruise ship destination and might get crowded depending on the timing.
Bonus Itinerary:
If you have a bit more time or you are looking for an extra adventure, consider adding Croatia to your itinerary
Croatia- Dubrovnik is this ancient city on the Adriatic that is not like anything you have seen before. If you have seen Game of Thrones, this is King’s Landing. There is an amazing Hilton at the bottom of the hill that we highly recommend. Spend the day walking around the old city and plan to take a ferry to the nearby islands.
The Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is easy to navigate and you are less than 30 minutes from the city. The airport is small but actually is an international airport. You might be able to coordinate a return flight to NYC directly from Croatia. Air Lingus offers a flight to JFK that connects through Dublin. There is also direct service to Newark (EWR) available.
View of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik
More details about Dubrovnik, Croatia in this post: https://thepassporter.com/a-day-in-dubrovnik/
Have a wonderful adventure!
Looking for more travel ideas? Check out our Travel Tips or Destinations collections.
The Passporter