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Greece in 12 Days: 4 Recommended 12-day Itineraries to Greece

A woman with a glass of wine enjoying the view of Mykonos Island during her 12 days in Greece.
Life changing trip
  • Amber Middlesworth
  • From Greece
This trip has been by far my favorite travel experience of my life. Lauren is a Greec...” Read More

Greece 12-day Itinerary Options

Stuck for ideas? Take a look at our recommended Greece 12-day itinerary suggestions below. From exploring the ancient wonders of Athens to relaxing on the idyllic islands of Santorini and Mykonos, these plans will help you make the most of your Greek adventure!

Itinerary #1: Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini

The view of Paros Island on a clear day in Greece.
Visit Paros Island in Greece and discover its charming villages, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture
The front view of Acropolis in Athens on a clear sunny day.
Uncover the grandeur of ancient Greece at the Acropolis, where historic ruins and stunning views blend.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens. Arrival Athens
Day 2 Take a guided tour of Athens and discover Neoclassical wonders and the Acropolis. Sightseeing Athens
Day 3 Ferry to Mykonos for Aegean views and free time to explore the city. Exploration Mykonos
Day 4 Enjoy a free day enjoying the tour of Mykonos. Leisure day Mykonos
Day 5 Enjoy a ferry to Paros and unwind on beautiful beaches while exploring picturesque villages. Ferry ride Paros
Day 6 A free day on Paros to relax and explore at your own pace while immersing yourself in the Cycladic culture and discovering ancient ruins near the capital. Relaxation and cultural exploration Paros
Day 7 Enjoy a free day on your Paros tour, relaxing on beaches and exploring trendy bars and shops. Leisure day Paros
Day 8 A trip to Santorini and discover Fira’s stunning views and breathtaking sunset. Nature exploration Santorini
Day 9 Explore Santorini’s enchanting sights and take an optional sailboat tour of the Caldera. Boat tour Santorini
Day 10 Discover Santorini’s volcanic beaches and stunning sunsets. Beach relaxation Santorini
Day 11 Return to Athens with a ferry transfer from Santorini. Ferry ride Athens
Day 12 Departure from Athens. Departure  

Dive into the heart of Greece with this 12-day itinerary beginning in Athens. Discover the city’s Neoclassical gems and the timeless grandeur of the Acropolis on a guided tour, before catching a ferry to Mykonos. Spend your days lounging on sun-drenched shores, dancing the night away, or savoring mouthwatering Greek dishes. Then sail to Paros, a haven of picturesque beaches and charming villages. Here, you will relax, explore ancient ruins, and immerse yourself in the laid-back Cycladic vibe. In Santorini, be enchanted by Fira’s stunning vistas and fiery sunsets, with an optional sailboat tour offering panoramic views of the volcanic Caldera. Wrap up your journey with a scenic ferry ride back to Athens, taking with you unforgettable memories of Greece’s breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture.

Itinerary #2: Legends and Landscapes

Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, Delphi,
During your trip to Greece, take your time to explore the many ancient ruins, like the ones in Delphi.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Athens. Arrival Athens
Day 2 Explore the iconic Acropolis and the Parthenon to uncover ancient Greece’s secrets. Exploration Athens
Day 3 Sail to Naxos, the hidden gem of the Cyclades, and immerse yourself in Greek charm. Sailing and exploration Naxos
Day 4 Discover Naxos, with farm-to-table cheese making and traditional Greek lunch. Food tour Naxos
Day 5 Uncover the charms of Naxos, wander through Crimson-lined streets while exploring the Kastro, and conclude the day by watching the sunset at Portara. Exploration Naxos
Day 6 Journey west to Nafplio and marvel at the Corinth Canal before exploring the Venetian fortress and savoring local cuisine in the coastal city. Food tour Nafplio
Day 7 Climb to Palamidi Castle for panoramic views, explore the ancient city of Mystras, and unwind in the port town of Gytheio with a dinner to cap off the day. Town exploration Gytheio
Day 8 Discover the Diros Caves' turquoise waterways and rock formations, explore the town of Aeropoli, and enjoy seafood and local liquor Gytheio. Exploration Gytheio
Day 9 Journey through the Peloponnese, exploring the town of Kardamyli, enjoying a traditional olive oil tasting in Olympia. Town exploration Peloponnesse
Day 10 Explore ancient Olympia, the charming town of Nafpaktos with its Venetian castle, and end the day in historic Delphi. Historical exploration Delphi
Day 11 Unveil Delphi’s sacred secrets with a guide, and savor local honey in Itea. Exploration Delphi
Day 12 Conclude your trip to Athens. Departure  

Experience the best of Greece in 12 days as you delve into the country’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Begin your journey in Athens, exploring the iconic Acropolis and its ancient marvels. Sail to Naxos, a hidden gem of the Cyclades, where you can learn from the masters in a traditional Greek cooking class and immerse yourself in authentic island charm. Continue to Nafplio and marvel at the Corinth Canal, the Venetian fortress, and local cuisine before climbing to Palamidi Castle for breathtaking views. Discover the turquoise waterways of the Diros Caves and explore the charming town of Gytheio. Journey through the Peloponnese, savoring traditional olive oil and ancient Olympia, before concluding with a visit to sacred Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll uncover its secrets and enjoy local honey in Itea.

Itinerary #3: Athens, Peninsula, Sicily and Rome

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus in Peloponnese on a clear day.
Explore the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Peloponnese and witness the grandeur of one of Greece’s best-preserved theaters, renowned for its remarkable acoustics and historical significance.
View of the Colosseum in Rome during sunrise.
A visit to Rome is incomplete without sightseeing its main attraction which is the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Athens. Arrival Athens
Day 2 City tour of Athens and discover iconic landmarks like Presidential Mansion and the Acropolis. City sightseeing Athens
Day 3 Journey through the Peloponnese. Stop at the Corinth Canal, visit the ancient site of Olympia (the birthplace of the Olympics), and explore the charming town of Nafplio.  Exploration Nafplio
Day 4 Travel to Mycenae to see the ancient ruins and the famous Lion Gate. Continue to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theater, known for its exceptional acoustics. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Nafplio. Exploration Nafplio
Day 5 Depart for Delphi, visiting the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Continue your journey to Meteora and take in the breathtaking views of the monasteries. Historical exploration Meteora
Day 6 Explore the Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, drive to Thessaloniki. Temple exploration Meteora
Day 7 Spend the day exploring Thessaloniki's historical sites, including the White Tower, Rotunda, and the Byzantine Walls. Historical exploration Thessaloniki
Day 8 Fly to Rome and settle into your accommodation. In the evening, take a relaxed stroll through Piazza Navona and enjoy a classic Italian dinner. Flight Rome
Day 9 Explore ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Sightseeing Rome
Day 10 Spend the morning visiting Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Museum visits Rome
Day 11 Continue exploring Rome with visits to the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. Exploration Rome
Day 12 Departure from Rome. Departure  

Experience the perfect blend of ancient history, culture, and stunning landscapes with this 11-day journey through Greece and Italy. Begin in Athens, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in the Plaka district with views of the Acropolis. Explore iconic sites like the Parthenon and Agora before heading to the Peloponnese to visit the ancient ruins of Olympia, Mycenae, and the stunning theater of Epidaurus. Continue to Delphi and Meteora, where breathtaking views and historical monasteries await. In Thessaloniki, immerse yourself in Byzantine history and local cuisine before flying to Rome. Uncover the wonders of ancient Rome with a tour of the Colosseum, Vatican City, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Stroll through Rome’s picturesque streets and savor Italian cuisine in vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere. This itinerary offers an unforgettable exploration of Greece’s ancient treasures and Rome’s eternal charm.

Itinerary #4: Rhodes, Crete and Continental Greece

View of Anthony Quinn Bay on Rhodes Island on a clear day in Greece.
Visit Anthony Quinn Bay on Rhodes Island and immerse yourself in its stunning turquoise waters and scenic beauty, perfect for a day of relaxation and exploration.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Trip starts in Athens. Arrival Athens
Day 2 Discover Athens’ landmarks on a sightseeing tour and enjoy an evening in the historic neighborhood of Plaka. Sightseeing Athens
Day 3 Enjoy a free morning in the city before boarding a comfortable night ferry from Piraeus. Ferry ride Piraeus
Day 4 Explore the historical city of Rhodes with a morning tour of its walled citadel and diverse old town. Historical exploration Rhodes
Day 5 Explore Rhodes Island with a tour to Filerimos and Lindos, including visits to historic sites and scenic views before an evening flight to Crete. Historical exploration Crete
Day 6 Discover the charm of Crete’s west coast with stops in Rethymno’s Venetian heritage and Chania’s historical allure before returning to Heraklion. Sightseeing Crete
Day 7 Explore the ancient Minoan wonders at Knossos and unwind in the seaside charm of Agia Galini or Matala. Beach activities Matala
Day 8 Discover Kritsa’s frescoes, explore Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and tour the historic Fortress of Spinalonga. Exploration Spinalonga
Day 9 Explore Santorini’s stunning Oia and Fira, from white-washed streets to breathtaking views, before returning to Athnes by high-speed ferry. Beach activities Athens
Day 10 Discover Northern Greece with visits to historic Thermopylae, the charming village of Kastraki, and the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries. Historical exploration Meteora
Day 11 Take a trip to Delphi and explore ancient ruins and the Hosios Loukas Monastery. Exploration Delphi
Day 12 End your trip to Athens. Departure  

Immerse yourself in rich history and culture with this 12-day in Greece itinerary. Begin in Athens, where you will marvel at ancient landmarks and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Plaka. Then, board a night ferry for a dreamy ride to Rhodes. Embrace the beauty of Rhodes Island with scenic visits to Filerimos and Lindos before flying to Crete. Wander through Rethymno’s Venetian streets and Chania’s historical alleys, then dive into the ancient wonders of Knossos and the relaxing seaside vibes of Agia Galini. Explore Crete’s hidden gems, from Krista's frescoes to the enchanting Fortress of Spinalonga. Sail to Santorini next and be captivated by Oia’s iconic sunsets and Fira’s breathtaking views. Continue your journey with a trip through Northern Greece, visiting the legendary Thermopylae, the picturesque village of Kastraki, and the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries. Delve into Delphi’s ancient ruins and the tranquil Hosios Loukas Monastery before wrapping up your adventure back in Athens.

Need help planning your 12-day itinerary to Greece?

With 12 days in Greece, you can explore various Greece 12-day itinerary options that allow you to savor the diverse experiences this captivating country offers. From exploring ancient ruins in Athens to basking in the sun on the stunning beaches of Mykonos, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy strolls through charming villages, uncover the rich history of Crete, and soak in the breathtaking views of Santorini’s cliffs. You can even extend your adventure to neighboring countries like Italy for a border experience. Whether planning a deep dive into Greece’s cultural treasures or a mix of relaxation and exploration, a 12-day trip to Greece provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself fully.

If you are not sure how much time to spend in Greece, check our guide on how many days to spend in Greece. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Greece. If you want a more personalized travel experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Greece

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