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

- Amber Middlesworth
- From Greece
- Amber Middlesworth
- From Greece
- Miranda Beller
- From Greece
- Adanna Nustad
- From Canada
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


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

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


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

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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