The Best of Greece in Just 10 Days

Most flights from the US arrive in Athens early afternoon, giving you just enough time to check into your hotel and get your bearings. Keep things easy today with an unstructured wander through Plaka or the surrounding neighborhoods, stopping for a coffee or a light meal as the mood strikes. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs, take in the city’s charm, and ease into the time change. Head to bed early to be ready for a big first full day.

Make today your “big history” day with a private guide who can help you navigate the major archaeological sites efficiently. Start early at the Acropolis to visit the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Theater of Dionysus before the crowds build, then continue to the Acropolis Museum for context and artifacts. After lunch, explore the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus—beautiful, remarkably intact, and often less crowded. It’s a full but rewarding day that gives you a strong foundation for everything else you’ll see in Greece.

Use today to experience Athens beyond antiquity. Visit key city landmarks like Syntagma Square, the Presidential Guard, and the Panathenaic Stadium, then wander through neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Psiri to get a sense of everyday life. In the afternoon, join a guided food tour—sampling Greek coffee, market specialties, cheeses, pastries, and meze—to understand the city through its flavors. It’s the perfect counterbalance to yesterday’s history-heavy day.

Today you’ll leave the mainland behind and head to the iconic island of Santorini. Flying is usually the best choice—roughly a 45-minute flight—saving several hours compared with the ferry, which can take 5–8 hours depending on the type. If your flight isn’t until the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed morning exploring a local market in Athens. You could visit Varvakios Central Market, the city’s bustling food hub full of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and spices, or Monastiraki Flea Market, where you’ll find a mix of souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts. By mid-afternoon, you’ll be in Santorini, ready to check into your hotel and start soaking in the island’s stunning caldera views and legendary sunsets.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the caldera, letting the stunning views set the tone. Spend the morning exploring Fira, the island’s lively capital, with its cliffside streets, boutique shops, and small museums. In the afternoon, venture to Oia, the world-famous village known for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and postcard-perfect alleys. Wrap up the day with a sunset dinner overlooking the caldera—Santorini’s sunsets are legendary, and Oia is the perfect vantage point.

Dedicate today to experiencing Santorini’s natural beauty and local flavors. Take a morning excursion to the volcanic beaches, like the Red Beach or Perissa, or join a boat tour to the volcanic islands and hot springs. In the afternoon, visit one of Santorini’s renowned wineries in Pyrgos or Megalochori for a tasting of the island’s unique Assyrtiko wines. End the day with a relaxed dinner in a quieter village, soaking in the atmosphere and savoring local seafood specialties.

After your late-morning high-speed ferry from Santorini (about two hours), you’ll arrive in Paros around early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day getting a first taste of the island’s charm. Start in Parikia, the capital, wandering the quaint old town with its narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and the iconic Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church. From there, take a short drive or stroll along the waterfront to enjoy cafés, gelato, and a gentle introduction to the island’s relaxed pace. If time allows, head to Livadia Beach nearby for a quick dip or sunset stroll before dinner at a local taverna.

Today is all about slowing down and soaking in Paros’ tranquil beauty. Start with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a seaside café, then spend the morning at one of the island’s serene beaches—Kolymbithres, with its unique rock formations, or the long sandy stretch of Golden Beach are both perfect options. In the afternoon, wander the picturesque village of Naoussa, known for its charming harbor, boutique shops, and waterfront cafés. Enjoy a relaxed lunch or coffee by the sea, then spend the rest of the day strolling, swimming, or simply unwinding with a book and a view. End the evening with a sunset dinner at a local taverna, savoring fresh seafood and the peaceful island atmosphere.

Use today to dive a little deeper into Paros’ charm. Consider a morning drive or short ferry ride to the nearby island of Antiparos, known for its peaceful beaches, sea caves, and quaint village feel. Back on Paros, you could explore the hilltop village of Lefkes, wandering its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and small local churches. The afternoon is perfect for more beach time, a gentle hike along coastal paths, or simply relaxing with a book and a cocktail at a seaside café. Finish the day with a farewell dinner in a local taverna, enjoying the fresh flavors of the island one last time. Tomorrow, you begin the journey home.