Hey There~
In 7th grade I had a teacher who spent an entire semester drilling Greek mythology into our heads. At the time it seemed like an odd choice. I had never heard of Athena or Aphrodite and Dionysus sounded like an idiot. Who drinks until they vomit and then continues to drink?
This teacher had a giant life-sized red power ranger standing in the corner of the classroom and was VERY INTENSE about how well we knew our gods & goddesses. Turns out that quirky teacher put a love of greek mythology in my head. I have wanted to visit Greece ever since then. When we finally landed in Athens… I was ECSTATIC!
Spending 11 days exploring Greece isn’t nearly long enough, but it will give you a taste of everything this beautiful country has to offer
We covered a lot of ground from Athens & Santorini to Olympia & Delphi… Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your Greek adventure.
Planning The Trip:
FLIGHTS
If you’re looking to use points to fly to Athens you’re in luck! There are several different ways you can get there:
- Citi ThankYou Points: Transfer to airline partners including Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines for flights to Athens. These points provide additional options for booking award flights.
- American Express Membership Rewards: Transfer points to partners like Delta SkyMiles, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and ANA Mileage Club. Look for transfer bonuses to maximize your points.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points can be transferred to airline partners such as United Airlines, British Airways, and Air France/KLM at a 1:1 ratio. This flexibility allows you to find the best deals across multiple airlines.
NOW FOR THE ITINERARY:
Once you get there, plan on spending the first 3 days or so exploring Athens.
DAYS 1-3: ATHENS
Athens Highlights:
- I highly suggest you take a stroll around Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. With its gorgeous narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and charming shops, you’ll get a great feel for the people and the culture.
- Next up: The Acropolis. A trip to Athens wouldn’t be complete without visiting the home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. With its panoramic views of the city, it should not be missed!
- Stroll through the National Garden and visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of ancient Greek artifacts.
- Take a day trip to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. Enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
DAYS 4-6: SANTORINI
To get to Santorini you have to take a flight or ferry from Athens
We opted for the ferry, which took us about 6 hours, but apparently there are faster ferries and much longer ferries. Double check your schedule so you know what you’re getting into.
Also – fair warning – this ferry ride was NOT for the faint of heart. Mostly b/c the ferry doesn’t really dock in order for you to board. It churns water and you’re expected to jump aboard quickly and then get the heck out of the way so other people can clamber on. It’s definitely an experience. But once you arrive in Santorini you’ll see how worth it the trip was!
Santorini Highlights:
- Explore Fira’s white-washed buildings, winding streets, and stunning caldera views
- Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city preserved by volcanic ash.
- Relax on the famous Red Beach, known for its striking red volcanic sand.
- Visit Oia and soak in all of the beauty Santorini has to offer.
- Take a boat tour to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Hike up the volcano and swim in the hot springs.
- Visit the black sand beaches of Perissa or Kamari for some relaxation.
DAYS 7-8: OLYMPIA
To get there: Fly or take a ferry back to Athens. We stuck with the ferry again… once you get used to the boarding process it’s pretty fun actually. Back in Athens, pick up a rental car and drive or take a bus to Olympia. We drove, which was pretty straight forward and it allowed us to stop and explore along the way.
Olympia Highlights:
- Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, and the Gymnasium.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia to see the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles and other significant artifacts.
DAYS 8-9: NAFPLIO
From Olympia we drove to Nafplio, which is an absolutely charming coastal town that is popular with Cruise ships, but since we were there in the fall, we didn’t see any.
Nafplio Highlights:
- The highlight of this town, hands down, was Palamidi Fortress. It’s a steep trek to get up to the top but once you’re there, enjoy sweeping views of the town and the Argolic Gulf. Nafplio was one of my favorite places during this trip. It’s Definitely a good place to stop for one night to break up the drive from Olympia to Delphi.
DAYS 9-10: DELPHI
Next up: Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology.
Delphi Highlights:
- Visit the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, and the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
- Explore the picturesque village of Arachova, known for its charming streets and local crafts.
DAY 10: BACK TO ATHENS
Take the roughly 2 ½ hour drive back to Athens and spend your last full day visiting any sights you may have missed.
- Did you visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch?
- Walking through the vibrant neighborhood of Psirri is fun. It’s known for its street art and lively atmosphere.
DAY 11: FLY HOME
This 11-day itinerary is definitely faster paced, but it offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, making your trip to Greece an unforgettable adventure.
Happy Travels!
