Description
DAY 1
Touch down in Athens
Welcome to the ancient city of Athens! Continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years, Athens was the heart of the powerful and expansive Greek civilization that marked the beginning of Western civilization. Today, the city is an interesting mix of old and new–it’s time to explore!
What to do:
- Arrive by plane in Athens in the morning before dropping your bags off at the hostel.
- Visit the Acropolis, the famous citadel home to ancient buildings that formed the center of the Ancient Greek civilization.
- See the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and imagine watching a play thousands of years ago.
- Visit the remains of the Theater of Dionysus, a 4th century BC architecture temple.
- Head into the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the complex and the Ancient Greek civilization.
- Find our hostel and head out for a night on the town!
DAY 2
Sample local cuisine
The Mediterranean city of Athens has a lot to offer food-lovers. From gyros to souvlaki, take the time to dive into Greek cuisine. At the same time, get a feel for Greek culture and what it’s like to live in the sunny country.
What to do:
- Walk around the Plaka neighborhood, one of the oldest parts of the city. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to sample local cuisine.
- Try a gyro from a street vendor, or sit down for a falafel and moussaka.
- Walk through the Athens Central Market, where locals buy a variety of goods from fish to produce.
- Visit the Ancient Agora, another complex of old Greece.
- See the locations of the old marketplace that was the heart of the city’s commercial and social life.
- See the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus before leaving the area.
DAY 3
Make your way to the popular island of Mykonos
The rocky island of Mykonos was created (according to legend) from the petrified bodies of giants that were killed by Hercules. Now, it’s evolved into a popular Greek destination with great local food, beautiful beaches, and exciting nightlife.
What to do:
- Begin your time on the island with a walk through Chora, the old town of Mykonos.
- Get lost in the narrow alleyways and streets before feasting on some delicious Greek food.
- See the wealth the island attracts by passing by Prada and Gucci stores.
- Leave the old town and descend the coast to one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
DAY 4
Visit windmills before exploring the nightlife
Enjoy another day of exploring the happening island of Mykonos. Make sure not to miss the famous windmills and beaches.
What to do:
- Make a visit to the Little Venice area of the island.
- Stop in one of the neighborhoods many beachside restaurants and bars.
- Take a hike up to the island’s famous 16th-century windmills.
- Don’t miss the chance to experience the island’s world-famous nightlife.
- Spend the evening on Paradise Beach and dance until the early morning!
DAY 5
Take the ferry to the small island of Ios
Fall in love with this small Cycladic island. It’s young, it’s vibrant, and it’s much more affordable than the more popular Santorini and Mykonos. You’ll have a great time visiting the colorful town of Chora and the numerous beaches.
What to do:
- Get acquainted with the island by taking a walk from Chora to your hostel, weaving on a path through the rocky cliffs.
- Rest at the pool at the hostel or head to the beach across the street to catch some sun.
- Vibe to some music at the poolside hostel bar with some other travelers.
- Grab dinner at a restaurant with a seat overlooking the scenic sunset.
- Head back to the town of Chora at night for an amazing time at one of the countless small bars filled with backpackers.
DAY 6
Explore the far reaches of the island
Ios isn’t nearly as crowded as the other islands you’ll be visiting. Take advantage of this by finding your own stretch of beach or scenic cliff overlook.
What to do:
- Hike along the coast, diving into the water when necessary to cool off.
- Have the option to take a boat tour to do some snorkeling at a shipwreck site.
- Rent an ATV for cheap to quickly navigate the island.
- Don’t miss the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean.
DAY 7
Take in the beauty of whitewashed towns
Located in the Aegean Sea, the Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands. A volcano over 3500 years ago shaped the landscape you see today, leaving colorful beaches made of lava pebbles. Take in the wonderful atmosphere created by the whitewashed buildings contrasting against the blue sea!
What to do:
- Spend the day in Oia, the iconic seaside village that features white buildings and blue-domed churches.
- Get lost in the narrow alleyways of the city, built on the steep cliffs of Santorini.
- Check out the ruins of the Oia Castle, before stepping into the Church of Panagia.
- Find some good views of the Amoudi Bay
- In the evening, make sure you’re in a good viewing spot for one of the prettiest sunsets in the world.
- Want a little nightlife? Head to the young and hip Perissa for cheap drinks.
DAY 8
Explore the colorful beaches of the Greek island
See the rugged landscape and the colorful beaches created by the eruption of the island’s still-active volcano. Take a swim in the crystal-blue sea before catching another amazing sunset over the water!
What to do:
- Spend the morning in Fira, exploring the capital of the Aegean Sea island.
- Go to one of the several popular beaches, which feature volcanic pebbles in a variety of colors–including red, black, and white.
- Head to the smaller town of Akrotiri to find the Red Beach, located beneath Martian-looking cliffs that give the area its namesake.
- Or, go to Black Beach that spans a couple miles of coastline.
- Don’t miss another beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean on your last day!
DAY 9
Make your way back to Athens
Move back up the Aegean to Athens for your last day. Take the time to do a little more exploring before your trip comes to an end.
What to do:
- Visit the more modern Syntagma Square, home of the Parliament building and changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier Memorial.
- Consider a quick trip to Hydra, Poros, or Aegina to get an early experience of life on a Greek island.
- Make sure to take your camera to capture the picturesque crystal blue waters and rocky coastlines.
- Fan of Poseidon? Take a day to visit the Temple of Poseidon Sounion, which has nice beaches nearby.
- Spend the evening at Monastiraki, a colorful square with many restaurants and food stalls.