Greece 11-Day Itinerary: Athens, Santorini, Meteora & Beyond
This route combines Greece’s greatest hits - ancient Athens, stunning Santorini sunsets, and the otherworldly monasteries of Meteora. A perfect mix of islands and mainland.
Route Overview
Athens (2 days) → Olympia & Nafplio day trip → Santorini (3 days) → Athens → Meteora (2 days) → Delphi → Athens
Day 1: Arrive in Athens
Getting to the city:
- Airport bus to Syntagma Square (~€4.50)
- Or Metro Line 3 directly
Afternoon exploration:
- Syntagma Square - Watch the changing of the guard (every hour on the hour)
- Athens National Garden - Peaceful escape from the city
- Temple of Olympian Zeus - Once the largest temple in Greece
- Panathenaic Stadium - First modern Olympic venue (1896), all marble
Evening:
- Plaka neighborhood for dinner - Tourist-friendly but charming
- Walk around the illuminated Acropolis views
Accommodation: Near Syntagma or Plaka for easy access
Day 2: Athens Ancient Sites
Morning:
- Acropolis - Go early to beat crowds and heat
- Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike
- Book combined ticket for multiple sites
- Acropolis Museum - Modern museum, ancient treasures
Afternoon:
- Ancient Agora - Where Socrates taught
- Neoclassical Trilogy: Academy of Athens, National Library, University
- Varvakios Central Market - Athens’ main food market (closes 6 PM)
Evening:
- Lycabettus Hill for sunset - Cable car or walk up
- Dinner in Monastiraki or Psyrri
Day 3: Day Trip - Olympia & Nafplio
Full-day road trip (rent a car or join a tour):
Morning: Drive to Olympia (~3.5 hours)
- Birthplace of the Olympic Games
- Ancient stadium, temples, and museum
- Walk where ancient athletes competed
Afternoon: Continue to Nafplio (~2 hours)
- Greece’s first capital, beautiful coastal town
- Climb to Palamidi Fortress (999 steps!)
- Wander the charming old town
Evening: Return to Athens (~2 hours)
Day 4: Ferry to Santorini
Morning: Flight or ferry to Santorini
- Flights: ~45 minutes
- Ferry: ~5-8 hours (scenic but long)
Afternoon: Settle into Fira
- Walk the caldera edge
- First glimpse of the famous view
Evening:
- Sunset in Fira
- Dinner with caldera views (book ahead!)
Accommodation: Fira for central location, Oia for luxury
Day 5: Santorini - Explore the Island
Morning:
- Hike from Fira to Oia (10km, ~3 hours)
- Stunning caldera views the entire way
- Start early to avoid midday heat
Or take the bus and explore Oia:
- Famous blue-domed churches
- Narrow marble streets
- Art galleries and boutiques
Afternoon:
- Red Beach or Perissa Black Beach
- Wine tasting (Santorini’s volcanic wines are unique)
Evening:
- The famous Oia sunset - Arrive early for a spot
- Dinner in Oia (pricey but memorable)
Day 6: Santorini - Deeper Discovery
Morning options:
- Visit Akrotiri - Minoan ruins buried by volcano
- Ancient Thera - Hilltop archaeological site
- Boat trip to volcano and hot springs
Afternoon:
- Relax at your hotel pool
- Last shopping in Fira
- Traditional Greek cooking class
Evening:
- Sunset from a different spot
- Fresh seafood dinner
Day 7: Return to Athens
Ferry or flight back to Athens
Afternoon: Explore anything you missed
- Monastiraki Flea Market
- Temple of Hephaestus (best preserved ancient Greek temple)
Evening: Early rest - big driving day tomorrow
Day 8: Athens → Meteora
Morning: Drive to Kalabaka (~4 hours)
- Or take the train (scenic route)
Afternoon: First glimpse of Meteora
- The towering rock pillars are breathtaking
- Visit 1-2 monasteries today
Sunset: From Meteora observation point
Accommodation: Kalabaka or Kastraki village
Day 9: Meteora Monasteries
Full day exploring monasteries:
Six monasteries open to visitors (not all on same days):
- Great Meteoron - Largest, most popular
- Varlaam - Beautiful frescoes
- Roussanou - Most accessible
- St. Nicholas Anapausas - Smallest
- St. Stephen’s - Easiest access (no stairs)
- Holy Trinity - Most dramatic setting
Tips:
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
- Each monastery has different hours/days
- Visit 3-4 monasteries is realistic in a day
Evening: Sunset from the rocks (magical)
Day 10: Meteora → Delphi → Arachova
Morning: Last Meteora views, then drive to Delphi (~2.5 hours)
Afternoon in Delphi:
- Ancient Delphi - Oracle’s sanctuary, “center of the world”
- Delphi Museum - The Charioteer bronze
- Theater and stadium with mountain views
Evening: Stay in nearby Arachova
- Charming mountain village
- Great restaurants and atmosphere
- Popular ski resort in winter
Day 11: Return to Athens & Departure
Morning: Leisurely drive back to Athens (~2.5 hours)
Afternoon:
- Last souvenir shopping
- Final Greek meal
Evening: Flight home
Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit
- April-May or September-October: Ideal weather, fewer crowds
- June-August: Hot and crowded but festive
- Winter: Meteora can have snow, islands quiet
Transportation
- Ferries: Book on ferryhopper.com
- Flights: Aegean or Sky Express for islands
- Car rental: Essential for mainland road trips
- Athens: Metro system is excellent
Budget Breakdown (per person)
- Flights (internal): ~€100-200
- Ferries: ~€50-100
- Car rental (4 days): ~€150-200
- Accommodations (10 nights): ~€700-1200
- Site admissions: ~€100
- Food: ~€400-500
Total: ~€1,500-2,200 for a comfortable trip
What I’d Skip
- Mykonos if short on time (Santorini is enough)
- Athens tour buses (walking is better)
- Overcrowded restaurant terraces (side streets have better value)
Santorini Tips
- Stay in Fira for value and convenience
- Oia is romantic but expensive
- Book sunset dinner reservations weeks ahead
- Rent an ATV or car to explore freely
Meteora Tips
- Visit monasteries early morning or late afternoon
- Bring layers (mountain weather changes)
- Some monasteries closed certain days
- Consider sunrise photography session
Greece is magical. I’ve done this exact route and happy to share restaurant picks or hotel recommendations.