15 Days in Greece - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Athens, Mykonos, Santorini & Crete

Spend 15 days on this tour of the capital city and three of the most quintessential Greek islands, combining historic sites with wine-tasting, a catamaran cruise, a trek through Samaria Gorge, and more.

Begin the trip in Athens with a guided mythology tour that takes in the Temple of Olympian Zeus and such landmarks as the Agora and the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Then make a day trip to the ruins of Delphi before skipping to Mykonos for three days to experience the most charming villages, little harbors, and remote beaches on this cosmopolitan Cyclades island. You'll also spend a day on an excursion to Delos—one of ancient Greece's most sacred sites.

Transfer to Santorini, with its iconic cubic architecture and sunsets over the massive caldera. Your highlights include hiking the crater rim, wine-tasting, and a catamaran cruise before catching the ferry to Heraklion in Crete. Here, you'll delve into the past with history-focused guided tours of ancient Knossos and the Minoan-themed Archaeological Museum, plus an old town walking tour in Chania. Then strap up your boots for an exhilarating hike in Samaria Gorge, Crete's most impressive natural wonder. You'll end with a food tour in Athens, taking in market stalls and sampling everything from baklava to souvlaki. Learn more.

Itinerary #2: Historic Peloponnese & Zakynthos

This 15-day itinerary travels through Greek history as you explore the Peloponnesian peninsula and set sail for Zakynthos to experience quintessential Greek island culture and scenic beauty.

Arriving in Athens, you'll have two days to take in the top sights, including on a guided walk that brings the history of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon, and the Agora to life. Plus, at night, discover the Athens Observatory before heading to the Peloponnese, where a guided stroll through the pretty seaport town of Nafplio includes climbing up 1,000 steps for the view from the Palamidi Castle. Then travel further back in time to the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. You'll next savor red wine varietals on a visit to Nemea before heading to Sparti (ancient Sparta) for a fascinating guided tour.

After a night in Mystras, head to Monemvasia. Next comes the fortified Palace of Nestor and/or beach time at Voidokoilia, in seaside Pylos; the ancient archaeological site of Olympia (setting of the first Olympic Games) en route to Nafpaktos, on the Corinthian Gulf; plus a ferry ride to the Ionian isle of Zakynthos. Your four days here feature a full-day boat ride, including to stunning Navagio Beach; an exploration of the mountainous interior to experience rural island life; plus a wine tour to learn why Zakynthos wines are renowned. After relaxing and enjoying a sunset on the Athenian Riviera, you'll return to Athens. Learn more.

Itinerary #3: Mainland Greece Road Trip

On this 15-day self-drive adventure, you'll experience the sun-kissed natural beauty of the Peloponnese, taking in Byzantine castles and monasteries, ancient cities, and palaces such as the Temple of Athena at Delphi, plus the wineries of Nemea, and other memorable culinary and cultural treats.

In Athens, you'll delve into ancient history at the Acropolis, sample traditional cuisine at classic restaurants and the Varvakios Market, plus enjoy the Athenian nightlife at off-the-beaten-path tavernas and wine bars. Now drive to the pretty seaport town of Napflio to roam its winding streets, admire its Venetian architecture, and climb the 1,000 steps to the Palamidi Castle. You'll also explore the Nemea wineries and the ancient sites of Epidauros and Mycenae before hiking over Mount Taygetos to the ancient Byzantine citadel of Mystras, then a boat trip to the medieval island town of Monemvasia.

For your second week, continue west to the restored cobbled town of Areopoli, then a day spent exploring the Palace of Nestor and relaxing on Voidokoilia Beach. Next, you'll marvel at the site of the first Olympic Games before crossing the Gulf of Corinth via one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges. You'll spend two nights in Nafpaktos, with time to hike to the hilltop Venetian castle and to chill on nearby beaches. Finally, you'll seek out the oracle at the ruins of Delphi, savor tranquility at the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, and relax after a gourmet meal beside the Kryas Livadeia Springs. Learn more.

Itinerary #4: Relaxing Secret Cyclades

Discover four lesser-known Cyclades islands on this 15-day itinerary that also immerses you in Athenian history and culture and is rich with culinary experiences and active adventures.

Begin in Athens, with free time to follow your interests, being sure to take in the can't-miss Parthenon and Acropolis Museum, and the nightlife of the Psyrri district. Day two is dedicated to a foodie walking tour, including the off-the-beaten-path tavernas and wine bars of Koukaki. Then take a day excursion to ancient Mycenae and the pretty Peloponnesian seaport of Nafplio before heading to Syros, capital of the Cyclades, known for its many stately mansions, pine forest, and the medieval settlement of Ano Syros. After two days on Syros, take a ferry to under-the-radar Tinos, replete with stunning beaches and almost 80 windmills.

Here, sample craft beer at Nissos brewery and cheeses at a cheese cooperative. Take a culinary workshop, follow the Marble Route, and swim at Agia Thalassa beach. Then on to Naxos to unwind before exploring the island's culinary traditions and treats (such as loukoumades and local kitron liqueur); plus a guided bicycle tour along the beach-lined western side of the island. Finally, take a ferry to Ios, renowned for its beach-focused daytimes and lively nightlife. Then it's a day trip to unspoiled Sikinos island, with a scenic hike to the Monastery of Episkopi, before a final night of revelry back on Ios. Learn more.

Itinerary #5: Adventurous Athens, Central Greece & Corfu

This active adventure itinerary combines the Greek capital, the highlights of mainland Greece, plus the most iconic of the Ionian islands, with a variety of fun outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, sea kayaking, and more.

Begin with free time to explore Athens as you like before a half-day city bike ride that wheels past many of the highlights you'll explore on day three during a guided tour. On day four, hop on board a traditional kaiki fishing boat to cruise the Saronic Gulf. Then hop the train to Meteora for hiking among the world-famous cliff-top monasteries. From here, it's a short distance to the Zagori Villages, set amid a wild landscape where you'll hike, create a traditional three-course Zagorian meal during a cooking class, and thrill to a rafting adventure on the Voidomatis River during four full days here.

Then take a ferry to Corfu for four nights. Here, your explorations of fortified Corfu town include a bicycle tour, ending at the Venetian Old Fortress atop its rocky sea promontory. Next, hike up to the still-working Paleokastritsa Monastery and the Bella Vista scenic overlook, then descend through cypress forest to lounge on St. George Pagoi beach. On your final day on Corfu, slip into a sea kayak for an aquatic adventure along the coast before returning to Athens to end your active vacation. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Greece Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Greece? Check out these other 15-day Greece itineraries, with trekking trips, cultural adventures, and best-of trips to hit the highlights.