How to spend 10 days In Greece - 5 unique itineraries

Explore the ancient wonders and modern curiosities of Greece with our five unique 10-day Greek itineraries. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover or culinary adventurer, these 5 unique itineraries will provide you with an extraordinary Greek adventure.

Mykonos with famous windmill © Shutterstock

Mykonos with famous windmill © Shutterstock

Itinerary #1: The Historical and Mythological Cyclades Islands

This Cyclades islands itinerary begins in Athens. After arriving at your city centre hotel, you'll have time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Athens.

Itinerary overview

On day two you'll travel to the island of Syros and explore the charming town of Ermoupoli, while on day three you'll have the opportunity to explore the island's pristine beaches and sample exquisite Syros wines.

On the fourth day, you'll head to Paros, where you'll visit the picturesque town of Naoussa and the unique beach of Kolimbithres. The next day you will discover the hidden gems of Paros.

Day six allows you to relax or cruise to Delos, followed by a cruise to Mykonos. On day seven, you'll travel to Santorini and explore the charming village of Oia.

Days eight and nine include exploring Santorini's traditional villages, hiking through the breathtaking caldera and savouring the beauty of the island.

On the tenth day, you will return to Athens where you will spend your final day before leaving this incredible Greek journey.

Santorini, Greece. Picturesq view of traditional cycladic Santorini houses on small street with flowers in foreground. Location: Oia village, Santorini, Greece © Shutterstock

Oia Village, Santorini, Greece © Shutterstock

Check this 10-day itinerary to Cyclades:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Athens
  • Walking tour of the city centre
  • Guided tour of the archaeological site of the Acropolis
  • Overnight in Athens

Day 2

  • A boat tour to the island of Syros - capital of the Cyclades
  • Check in the guesthouse in the Ermoupolis
  • Exploration of the Ermoupolis town
  • Relax at the Asteria Beach
  • Overnight in Ermoupolis

Day 3

  • Tour of the Syros island's traditional villages and sandy beaches by car
  • Wine tasting of exquisite Syros wines
  • Overnight in Ermoupolis

Day 4

  • Boat trip from the port of Syros to the island of Paros
  • Check in to the hotel close to Naoussa, Paros
  • Relax at the hotel pool or visit to the nearby beach
  • Afternoon exploration of the picturesque Naoussa town
  • Overnight in Naoussa, Paros

Day 5

  • Exploration of the most charming and lesser known villages of Paros island
  • Visit to Paroikia - the capital of Paros
  • Overnight in Naoussa, Paros

Day 6

  • Day cruise to the islands of Delos
  • Continuation of the boat tour to Mykonos and visit to the famous "Little Venice"
  • Overnight in Naoussa, Paros

Day 7

  • Boat tour from Paros to Santorini
  • Exploration of traditional Oia village
  • Marvelous sunset watching
  • Overnight in Oia, Santorini

Day 8

  • Tour to the traditional villages of Santorini.
  • Overnight in Oia, Santorini.

Day 9

  • Hiking from Oia to Fira
  • Return boat tour to Athens
  • Overnight in Athens

Day 10

  • Final day in Athens and departure

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Acropolis, Athens © Shutterstock

Acropolis in Athens © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece

This 10-day self-drive tour of Greece offers a fascinating mix of history, mythology and outdoor recreation. Starting in Athens, you'll hire a car and explore the bustling metropolis at your own pace.

Itinerary overview

The journey continues with a tour of Athens' iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis and Parthenon. Day three will take you to Rethy, followed by a night in a forest treehouse in the village of Pheneos.

Day four focuses on the mythical landscapes of Mount Erimantos, the waterfalls of Nemuta and the magical forest of Foloi. On day five, ancient Olympia takes centre stage, followed by a visit to the picturesque town of Galaxidi.

Day six is a hike to Corica Cave and the sanctuary of Delphi. The journey continues to Thermopylae, the site of Leonidas' famous battle, and concludes with a visit to the island of Naxos.

On the ninth day, cruise to Delos and Mykonos, where you can touch the ancient history and charm of the island. Finally, on the tenth day, your adventure comes to an end as you bid farewell to Greece and head home from the airport.

Greece Olympia, ancient ruins of the important Philippeion in Olympia, birthplace of the olympic games © Oleg Znamenskiy/Shutterstock

Ancient ruins of the important Philippeion in Olympia © Oleg Znamenskiy/Shutterstock

Check this 10-day Greece itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrival in Athens
  • Free time to get a feel of the city
  • Overnight in Athens

Day 2

  • A guided tour of the Acropolis & the Parthenon
  • Visit to the New Acropolis Museum
  • Visit the temple of Poseidon in Sounio
  • Enjoy the sunset views of the Aegean sea in Sounio
  • Overnight in Athens

Day 3

  • Morning drive to Rethi
  • Horse-riding across the mountains and in the forest in Rethi
  • Drive towards Feneos village
  • Overnight stay in a tree-house in the forest in Feneos with breathtaking views

Day 4

  • Morning drive towards the forest of Foloi
  • Hike on Mount Erymanthos
  • Cross the waterfalls of Nemutha
  • Drive towards ancient Olympia for an overnight stay

Day 5

  • Morning exploration of Ancient Olympia
  • Departs towards Galaxidi for sightseeing and an overnight stay

Day 6

  • Departure towards Delphi
  • Hiking adventure to the Corycian cave
  • Following a path towards the Sanctuary of Delphi
  • Delphi exploration
  • Departure towards Thermopylae for an overnight stay

Day 7

  • Morning visit to Thermopylae museum
  • Departure towards Rafina & speedboat tour to Naxos
  • Overnight stay in Naxos

Day 8

  • Climbing the Mount of Zas
  • Visit to the ancient marble quarries of Apollo
  • Wine tasting in the local winery
  • Another overnight in Naxos

Day 9

  • Day cruise to the small island of Delos
  • Continue with a boat trip to Mykonos
  • Return to Naxos for an overnight stay 

Day 10

  • Transit to airport and departure.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

The North Entrance of the Palace with charging bull fresco in Knossos at Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Knossos, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

This 10-day self-drive holiday in Crete offers a rich mix of cultural exploration and relaxation. It starts in Heraklion, where you will pick up your hire car and have time to explore the vibrant city. 

Itinerary overview

On day two, you'll visit the legendary Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum.

On the third day, you can choose to relax on one of Heraklion's beautiful beaches or take a historical tour. On the fourth day, you will travel to Eleutherna, Moni Arkadiou and finally to Rethymno.

Day five is dedicated to exploring the old town of Rethymno and its historical sites. Then, on the sixth day, you'll head to Chania, stopping off at the picturesque coves and Preveli beach along the way.

On the seventh day in Chania, you'll enjoy a tour of the charming old town. On the eighth day, you can relax on Platanias Beach, and on the ninth day, you can choose between a beach holiday and excursions to exotic destinations.

Finally, on the tenth day, you will say goodbye to Crete, return to Heraklion Airport, hand over your hire car and head home.

Chania at sunny summer day, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Chania at sunny summer day, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Check this 10-day Greece itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrival at Heraklion Airport
  • Self-drive to the hotel by rental car
  • Heraklion exploration on foot
  • Overnight in Heraklion

Day 2

  • Visit to the palatial complex of Knossos
  • Exploration of the nearby archaeological museum
  • Afternoon visit to a local winery
  • Overnight in Heraklion

Day 3

  • Relaxing day at the beach or private historical tour
  • Overnight in Heraklion

Day 4

  • Departure from Heraklion towards Rethymno
  • Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Eleutherna and the Monastery of Arkady along the way
  • Stop in the village of Kapsaliana for a traditional Cretan cuisine and local wine tasting
  • Overnight in Rethymno

Day 5

  • Exploration of the romantic medieval town of Rethymno
  • Visit a local bakery for "fyllo" pastry leaves and syrup sweets
  • Dinner at a local restaurant, located in a Venetian building
  • Overnight in Rethymno

Day 6

  • Departure from Rethymno towards Chania
  • Stop for Agios Pavlos Beach with it's magic sand dunes along the way
  • Visit to Preveli Lake on the way
  • Overnight in Chania

Day 7

  • Exploration of the old town of Chania
  • Visit to Miaouli Beach
  • Discover the city's museums
  • Overnight in Chania

Day 8

  • Relaxing at the Platanias Beach
  • Overnight in a beach resort in Platanias

Day 9

  • Relaxing at the Platanias Beach, Falasarna Beach or Balos Beach
  • Overnight in a beach resort in Platanias

Day 10

  • Departure from Heraklion airport

Excited to discover? Waste no time and book this trip now.

The Corinthian Canal in Greece © Shutterstock

The Corinthian Canal in Greece © Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

On this trip to a secluded Greek villa, you'll stay in a private villa with magnificent sea views and explore this beautiful corner of mainland Greece in your own hire car.

Itinerary overview

The journey begins in Athens with a transfer to the city centre, allowing you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city.

The second day begins with a self-guided drive through the Southern Peloponnese with stops at the Corinth Canal and Epidavros. You will continue to the town of Nafplio before reaching Kardamili.

The third day offers a rest or exploration of Kardamili, famous for its tiled roofs and restored towers. Day four is a tour of the Lakonian region of Mani.

On the fifth day, you will embark on a sea kayaking trip along the coast of Mani. On days six and seven, you'll visit Gythion and the medieval town of Mistras before travelling to Sparta, home to the Museum of Olives and Greek Olive Oil.

Day eight includes an introduction to ancient Messenia, a city rich in history and archaeological treasures, followed by a tour of Messenia. The ninth day offers visits to Monemvasia, Epidavros Limera, Ierakas and the Liotrivi Mansion.

Finally, on the tenth day, you will return to Athens airport for your return flight, completing an incredible journey through Greece.

Bourtzi port fortress in Nafplio, Greece © Shutterstock

Nafplio, Greece © Shutterstock

Check this 10-day Greece itinerary

Day 1

  • Arrival in Athens
  • Free time to explore the city or choice of guifed tours

Day 2

  • Self-drive trip to Southern Peloponnese towns by rental car
  • Exploration of Corinth, Epidavros and Nafplio
  • Evening check-in in Kardamyli

Day 3

  • Relax by the pool in your villa or at the nearby beach
  • Kardamyli Exploration

Day 4

  • Full day tour of the Laconian Mani Region
  • Visit to the spectacular caves of Diros, Alepotripa and Vilchada caves
  • 40-minute boat trip inside the cave
  • Easy hike to the lighthouse of Cape Tenaro
  • Exploration of traditional villages (Vathia, Gerolimenas)

Day 5

  • Sea kayaking at the foot of Taygetos in Kardamyli
  • Discovering hidden caves & cliffs
  • Stop for swimming & snorkeling
  • Snack made from local products

Day 6

  • Start the day with a tasty Greek coffee in the coastal village of Gythion
  • Explore the medieval city of Mystras
  • Visti Sparta
  • Explore Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

Day 7

  • Visit the tower of the families Troupakis and Mourtzinos by foot
  • Explore Ancient Messene
  • Enjoy an Olive Oil Experience in Messinia

Day 8

  • Explore the castle city of Monemvasia
  • Head north to the ancient site of the Epidavros Limera
  • Have a traditional lunch in a village of lerakas
  • Go wine tasting at a wine bar in Monemvasia

Day 9

  • Drive back to Athens
  • Enjoy the last day of your trip

Day 10

  • Return flight from Athens airport

Excited by the possibilities? Book this trip now.

The Terrace of the Lions on Delos island Greece © Shutterstock

The Terrace of the Lions on Delos island Greece © Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Discover Naxos in style

Lasting 10 days, this Naxos itinerary leaves plenty of room for relaxation and exploration of the amazing island of Naxos, with its authentic mountainous villages and magnificent sea views.

Itinerary overview

Your journey will start in Athens, after transfer from the airport to your private apartment in the city centre, you will have free time to explore the lively atmosphere of the city.

On the second day, you will head to the harbour to take a speedboat to Naxos. The following days are dedicated to relaxing on the magnificent beaches of Naxos. Day five offers a day cruise to the ancient island of Delos, and cosmopolitan Mykonos.

Day six allows you to explore Naxos, and discover the charming villages of Apiranthos and Halki. On day seven, you'll embark on a culinary tour and sample local specialities.

On day eight, take a catamaran or sailing boat to the south of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades, where you can visit beautiful beaches and coves. Day nine is the return to Athens, where you will have free time to explore the city.

Day ten concludes the journey in Athens, leaving you free time to walk around the city and reflect on the incredible exploration of Greece's rich history and natural beauty.

Naxos island in Greece, Cyclades © Shutterstock

Naxos island in Greece, Cyclades © Shutterstock

Check this 10-day Greece itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrival in Athens
  • Free time to explore the city

Day 2

  • Speedboat tour to the island of Naxos and check-in to the villa
  • Relax at the villa or nearby beach
  • Evening exploration of the main town of Naxos

Day 3

  • Full day at the Naxos beach of your choice

Day 4

  • Day Cruise to the Island of Delos
  • Follow by boat tour to Mykonos island
  • Return to the Naxos in the evening

Day 5

  • Free day to explore the island of Naxos

Day 6

  • Private full-day tour with a local guide
  • Exploration of Naxos' Hora (main town) and lesser-known traditional villages
  • Visit to a local cheese-making shop and tasting of traditional delicacies

Day 7

  • Catamaran/sailing day tour in the small Cyclades

Day 8

  • Return to Athens by the speedboat

Day 9

  • A day in Athens at your leisure

Day 10

  • Departure from Athens airport

Striving for unforgettable memories? Book this trip now to create unforgettable moments.

For more inspiration for your trip to Greece, see The Rough Guide to Greece. Browse our customisable Greece itineraries or talk to our local Greece travel experts.

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 18.10.2023

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

Ready to travel and discover
Greece?

Get support from our local experts for
stress-free planning & worry-free travels

Plan my trip ⤍