Our best Greece itineraries for hiking, honeymoons and more

Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and island beauty. One day, you’re standing beneath the Parthenon; the next, you’re sipping wine on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean. With so many ruins, beaches, and villages to explore, the hardest part isn’t deciding if you should visit, but how to plan a trip that works for you. We’ve curated our best Greece itineraries for every kind of traveler, from history buffs and hikers to families and adventure-seekers. These top picks are designed to help you make the most of your vacation, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth.

Exploring our top Greece itineraries

Take a discovery tour of Mainland Greece

This 12-day discovery tour isn’t just a highlight reel; it’s an immersive deep dive through the best of Mainland Greece. The allure of this top-rated Greece travel itinerary is that it combines top attractions you’ve always dreamed of with places most travelers never see. You’ll visit icons like the Acropolis, Delphi, and Olympia, but also dine in remote villages, hike little-known gorges, and explore monasteries clinging to cliffsides.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for nature lovers:

It’s a thoughtfully handcrafted route where nature is always right at your fingertips, whether it’s Meteora’s surreal rocky spires or the lush landscapes of Zagori. Outdoor lovers can take a kayak across Navarino Bay, wander Nafplio’s painted alleyways, and kick back with seafood by the sea in the coastal town of Pylos.

Unearth the secrets of Thessaloniki & the Halkidiki peninsula

This seven-day self-drive adventure offers an immersive look into northern Greece. It’s a favorite because it combines big-hitter historical attractions with local gems. You’ll explore Greece’s culinary capital Thessaloniki, sip your way through Drama’s lush vineyards, and relax on some of Sithonia’s quietest beaches—all without the crowds you’ll typically find in Greece’s southern hotspots.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for curious travelers:

Whether you’re exploring Drama’s ancient caves, strolling the pastel streets of Kavala, or kayaking over crystal-clear waters in Halkidiki, every stop on this route is a highlight. You’ll have plenty of time to explore Macedonia’s past in places like Aegae, home to royal tombs that changed the course of history. If you’re looking for a Greece trip that mixes culture and coastlines, this seven-day road trip adventure is hard to beat.

Plan a 10-day Greek island odyssey

This 10-day trip offers a mix of blue domes, beach time, and zero planning stress. Island-hopping through Greece is a bucket list-topper for many, but doing it well takes more than just ferry tickets and a wish list. This tour visits many of Greece’s top destinations, including Mykonos and Santorini, where you’ll experience ancient wonders, postcard-perfect beaches, and authentic Greek island life.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for bucket lists:

This route is ideal for travelers who want to see the “greatest hits” of Greece while keeping things low-stress. You’ll explore tucked-away villages on Santorini, soak in the charm of Paros, and learn about Cycladic architecture. As a bonus, you can enjoy optional activities like a romantic catamaran cruise. And because the logistics are handled for you, there’s more room for spontaneous golden-hour beach walks.

Read more: The best Greek islands to visit

Take a slow travel journey through Greece

If you’ve been craving a slow travel itinerary through Greece, this eight-day route delivers. Designed for those craving a slower pace, this relaxed trip swaps packed itineraries for sun-drenched strolls, relaxing meals, and time to soak up what makes Greece so special. You’ll start and end in Athens, but the heart of this itinerary is in two of Greece’s smaller islands, Hydra and Spetses. Both are car and crowd-free.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for slow travel:

This itinerary’s biggest perk is its pace. It’s perfect for travelers who’ve done the top-rated sights in Greece and now want something quieter and more local. You’ll have time to watch the incredible sunsets, linger over lunch in a family-run taverna, and chat with locals instead of rushing past. It’s not about ticking off a list on this itinerary.

Hike in the shadow of Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus isn’t just a picture-perfect backdrop; it’s a landscape worth exploring if you love the outdoors.

This six-day itinerary is more than a hiking trip. It’s a retreat in one of Greece’s most under-explored regions. You’ll walk trails once used by monks, stretch beneath the pines with Pilates sessions in forest clearings, and soak in thermal springs after days spent traversing through waterfalls, ravines, and valleys.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for active travelers:

Whether you’re cooling off in a natural waterfall pool, standing in awe beneath Meteora’s towering cliffs, or raising a glass of local wine after a long day outdoors, this is where Greek history and nature combine. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply someone who finds peace in the outdoors, this Mount Olympus itinerary is the perfect way to experience a quieter side of Greece.

Plan a family-friendly adventure in Athens, Crete and Santorini

Traveling with kids? This 11-day family-friendly itinerary offers structure without rigidity. This itinerary is designed to keep kids engaged and adults relaxed. From mythology to mezze dinners, this trip covers the country’s greatest hits in a way that’s immersive and stress-free. You’ll start in Athens with stories of ancient heroes, dive into the myths of Crete, and end in Santorini with volcano views and breezy boat rides.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for families:

It’s designed with families in mind, so includes short travel days and hands-on activities. You can make family memories without the chaos. And as a bonus, someone else does the planning! It’s educational, but more importantly, it’s fun. Kids won’t just learn about ancient Greece, they’ll walk the paths of Socrates, see the ruins of Delphi, and climb fortress walls in Crete.

Enjoy the ultimate Greek honeymoon

Newlywed or not, this 10-day itinerary was designed with romance in mind. It’s a celebration of love that brings you and your partner to some of Greece’s most romantic destinations. You’ll start in Athens, stroll hand-in-hand through the whitewashed lanes of Mykonos, and end cliffside in Santorini. This honeymoon is designed so you can focus on each other, not logistics.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for couples:

What sets this itinerary apart is how relaxed it feels. You’re not shuffling from one tour group to another. You’re just enjoying each other’s company in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Special touches like wine tastings, spa options, and beachside dinners elevate this itinerary beyond the standard honeymoon getaway. It’s designed so you can focus on what matters most while soaking in a caldera sunset or clinking glasses of Assyrtiko during a private tasting.

Take a self-drive tour through the ancient theaters of Epirus

This is Greece with fewer crowds, more ruins, and lots of adventurous road tripping. The eight-day self-drive route takes you through one of mainland Greece’s best-kept secrets. You’ll have the freedom of the open road, paired with landmarks that most travelers miss: ancient theaters. Along the way, you’ll pass arched stone bridges, Byzantine castles, lakeside towns, and traditional mountain villages in the Zagori region.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for adventure:

This itinerary lets you explore a side of Greece that doesn’t make it onto most travel blogs. You’ll navigate winding mountain roads and coastal curves to reach some of Greece’s most captivating ancient theaters. You can expect to see quiet mountain roads, dramatic stone amphitheaters, and maybe a sheep crossing the road now and then. For archaeology fans and scenic-road lovers, it’s a win-win.

Dive into a world of ancient Greek history

Short on time but big on history? This seven-day itinerary spans centuries in just one week. If you’re curious about Ancient Greece and want to see more than just the postcard icons, this itinerary is a well-crafted introduction. You’ll see major archaeological landmarks, gain real historical context, and still have time to explore modern Athens. You’ll walk where philosophers debated and where Olympic athletes first competed.

Why it’s one of the best Greece itineraries for history fans:

In one week, you’ll explore the Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Delphi, Cape Sounio, and the incredible theatre at Epidaurus, without rushing from site to site. With access to top archaeological sites, you’ll get the backstory behind what you’re seeing. If you’ve always wanted to understand the world of Greek gods, oracles, and philosophers, this is the perfect itinerary.

Read more: Top historical sites in Greece

Frequently asked question about planning a vacation to Greece

How many days do you need for Greece?

Plan for 10–14 days if you want to explore both the mainland and the islands without feeling rushed. This gives you enough time to explore top-rated sites, enjoy the coast, and visit a few locations without rushing between them.

Is 7 days enough for Greece?

Absolutely, as long as you keep your itinerary focused. In one week, you could explore Athens paired with a region like the Peloponnese (think Nafplio and ancient Epidaurus), or base yourself in one of the Cycladic islands. However, less is more when time is tight.

Where should I go for the first time in Greece?

Athens is a must for history lovers. If island-hopping is on your radar, Naxos, Paros, or Milos deliver plenty of charm without the crowds of Mykonos or Santorini. If you prefer the mainland, pairing Athens with Nafplio or Delphi gives you a great mix of culture and scenery.

Make it happen

If our Greece itineraries have inspired you to find out more about this destination, get in touch with our local experts today. They’ll help you customize these trip ideas to suit your needs and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable time away.