Here's a one-week travel itinerary for mainland Greece, that includes Athens, Delphi, Meteora and Nafplio.
Why Travel To Greece
- Magnificent ancient ruins and rich history
- Stunning beaches and islands
- Rich culture
- Diverse natural landscape
- Value for money
- Great weather
- Delicious Mediterranean food
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1:Athens 2:Delphi 3:Meteora 4:Nafplio
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Greece Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Athens
- Day 2: Explore Athens
- Day 3: Day trip to Delphi
- Day 4: Explore Athens
- Day 5: Day trip to Meteora
- Day 6: Travel to Nafplio from Athens, Explore Nafplio
- Day 7: Visit Mycenae ruins, Explore Nafplio
- Day 8: Depart from Nafplio
If you've more days then consider visiting Santorini or/and Myconos islands. You could also replace Nafplio in the above itinerary with any of the islands.
Best Time To Visit Greece
Best time to visit Greece is late spring (May-June) and early fall (September–October), when the weather is great, with lesser crowds and lower prices.
Greece Itinerary Top Experiences
- Incredible Acropolis ruins in Athens
- Amazing ancient Delphi ruins
- The National Archaeological Museum in Athens
- Historic monasteries on top of the rock pillars in Meteora
- Ancient ruins of Mycenae
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Day 1: Arrive In Athens
After arriving in Athens, settle down in your hotel. Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world that is still inhabited, with a history that spans more than 3,400 years. It is often called the birthplace of the Western civilization.
If you're not too tired then stroll through the Plaka neighborhood, which is the oldest and most charming neighborhood in Athens, located at the foot of the Acropolis. The narrow streets are lined with shops, traditional tavernas, and neoclassical buildings. It's an excellent spot for dining and buying souvenirs.
Best area to stay in Athens: Plaka is one of the best areas to stay in Athens as a first time visitor. Plaka is a very charming neighborhood and is located quite close to city’s most popular historic attractions. Stay in Syntagma neighborhood, if you want stay in a area which is centrally located with easy access to transportation.
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| Plaka (Athens) |
Day 2: Explore Athens
- Start your day visiting The Acropolis which is one of the world's most recognizable sites and the symbol of ancient Greek civilization. This flat-topped hill reaches about 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level and is situated in central Athens, making it visible from nearly all areas of the city. It served multiple purposes as a fortress, a religious center, and a symbol of power for ancient Athens. Most of the structures we see today were built in the 5th century BCE, during the Golden Age of Athens led by Pericles. Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea and Temple of Athena Nike are some of the main monuments on the Acropolis. Also from the top, enjoy some amazing views of the Athens city. Travel Tip: Try to visit the Acropolis early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
- After visiting The Acropolis enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the authentic Greek restaurants nearby. After lunch, head to The Acropolis Museum, a world-class archaeological museum focused on the treasures of Acropolis Hill, especially the Parthenon. It is constructed over a real archaeological site of an ancient Athenian neighborhood, which you can see through glass floors. The museum features four main levels, along with a ground-level excavation site, showcasing more than 4,000 artifacts from the Acropolis. Be sure to stop by the museum café for a drink, which offers a fantastic terrace view of the Acropolis.
- Next, explore Anafiotika, which is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Athens. This neighborhood dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, is known for its whitewashed homes, narrow winding alleys, and Cycladic architecture, which brings to mind a village on a Greek island.
- End your afternoon by visiting The Ancient Agora, a key archaeological site in Greece that used to be the center of public life in ancient Athens. Socrates, Plato, and other philosophers often gathered in the Agora. You can also visit Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora nearby.
- Enjoy your evening with a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant or bar in Plaka area.
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| The Acropolis (Athens) |
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| The Parthenon (Athens) |
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| The Erechtheion (Athens) |
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| View from the Acropolis (Athens) |
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| The Acropolis Museum (Athens) |
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| The Acropolis Museum (Athens) |
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| View of the Acropolis from the museum café (Athens) |
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| Anafiotika (Athens) |
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| Ancient Agora of Athens |
(Above image by Jerónimo Roure Pérez, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71574665)
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| Hadrian's Library (Athens) |
Day 3: Day trip to Delphi
Sign up for a Guided Delphi Day Tour from Athens. Alternatively you can rent a car from Athens and explore the ruins on your own. Delphi is located about 180 km (112 miles) from Athens and about 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus.
The ruins of Delphi are one of the most important and interesting archaeological sites in the country, rich in mythology, religion, and history. The central structure of the existing ruins (Temple of Apollo), which have been built and rebuilt multiple times, originate from the 4th century BCE. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was seen as the center of the ancient world in Greek mythology.
Delphi was home to the Temple of Apollo, where the well-known Oracle of Delphi gave prophecies. In addition to its religious significance, Delphi served as a major political center, attracting leaders for advice and allowing city-states to showcase their riches through monuments. Also every four years, Delphi held the Pythian Games.
Some of the main ruins and attractions at Delphi include Temple of Apollo, Theater of Delphi, Stadium of Delphi and Athenian Treasury.
After exploring the Delphi archaeological site, also visit the Delphi Museum. The museum brings the ruins alive by displaying a diverse collection of artifacts excavated at the site.
After visiting the museum, drive to the charming mountain village of Arachova, which is a short 10-minute drive. Enjoy a delicious Greek lunch at one of the nice local restaurants. You can also explore some of the local shops.
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| Athenian Treasury (Delphi) |
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| Temple of Apollo (Delphi) |
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| Ancient Theater of Delphi |
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| Stadium of Delphi |
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| Delphi Museum |
Day 4: Explore Athens
- Start your day at Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens. Here, you can see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament, that occurs on an hourly basis. Then, stroll through the National Garden, a beautiful green space, as you head to the Panathenaic Stadium. This remarkable all-marble stadium was the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and has origins dating back to the 1st century BC.
- Alternatively in morning, you can consider joining a free walking tour of Athens that will include all of the above plus some other significant landmarks of the city.
- After a nice lunch in afternoon, visit The National Archaeological Museum, the largest museum in Greece and one of the most significant archaeological museums in the world. It contains a large collection of artifacts from all over the country, covering prehistoric times to late antiquity, providing a fascinating insight into ancient Greek civilization.
- In late afternoon, after your museum visit, you can also visit Monastiraki Square and its well-known flea market, especially if you like a vibrant atmosphere.
- End your evening with a delicious dinner in the Monastiraki or Plaka area.
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| Syntagma Square (Athens) |
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| Changing of Guard Ceremony (Athens) |
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| National Garden (Athens) |
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| The National Archaeological Museum (Athens) |
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| The National Archaeological Museum (Athens) |
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| Monastiraki Square (Athens) |
Day 5: Day trip to Meteora
Sign up for a Guided Meteora Day Tour from Athens. Meteora is located in central Greece near the town of Kalambaka. It is about 350 km (220 miles) northwest of Athens (approx. 4–5 hours by car or train). The guided tour from Athens will take you via bus. Alternatively you can rent a car or take the train from Athens to visit Meteora. Regardless of how you choose to do a day trip to Meteora, be prepared for a long day and start early.
Meteora is a stunning and unique destination in Greece. It's both a natural wonder and a place rich in spiritual and cultural significance.
Meteora is full of massive, natural sandstone rock pillars rising up to 400 meters (1,300 feet) high. Historic Eastern Orthodox monasteries, some established as early as the 14th century, are built on top of these dramatic sandstone formations.
Between the 14th and 16th centuries, monks built 24 monasteries to find solitude and enhance their spirituality. At present, only 6 of these monasteries are functioning and open for public visits. These monasteries offer spectacular views, beautiful frescoes, chapels, and understanding of monastic life. Visit few of these monasteries as part of your guided tour or your own. Please be aware of proper dress code to visit these monasteries.
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| Meteora |
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| Meteora |
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| Meteora |
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| Meteora |
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| Meteora Monastery |
Day 6: Travel to Nafplio, Explore Nafplio
- Travel to Nafplio from Athens in morning via bus or car. Nafplio is located about 2.5 hours (140 km / 87 miles) from Athens. Nafplio is a charming, historic seaside town, often considered as one of the most romantic and beautiful towns in Greece.
- After reaching and checking into your hotel in Nafplio, enjoy a nice lunch at one of the traditional tavernas. In the afternoon after lunch, climb the 999 steps of Palamidi Fortress, or drive to the top. Palamidi Fortress, built in the early 18th century by the Venetians, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nafplio and the sea.
- After visiting the fortress, take some time to explore the charming streets of the Nafplio Old Town, where you'll find neoclassical architecture, narrow alleys, and various shops.
- In the evening, stroll along the lovely Arvanitia coastal path, which is approximately 1 km walk by the sea. End your evening with a nice dinner and some gelato.
Best area to stay in Nafplio: Old Town (Historic Center) is the best area to stay for first-time visitors in Nafplio. It has lots of boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and restored mansions. It also offers easy walk to cafes, tavernas, museums, and the harbor.
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| Nafplio |
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| Nafplio |
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| Nafplio |
Day 7: Visit Mycenae Ruins, Explore Nafplio
- Begin your day with visit to Mycenae ruins. You can drive or take a taxi to Mycenae from Nafplio (25-30 minutes).
- The Mycenae ruins are one of the most important archaeological sites in the country and are essential for anyone fascinated by ancient history and Greek mythology. It used to be the heart of the strong Mycenaean civilization (1600–1100 BCE). Mycenae was the home of King Agamemnon, who led the Greek troops in the Trojan War, as described in Homer’s Iliad. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key monuments to visit in Mycenae include the Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus, and the Grave Circles.
- Don't miss to visit the Mycenae Archaeological Museum, where you can see pottery, weapons, figurines, and other items.
- Return back to Nafplio and enjoy a nice lunch in afternoon at a traditional taverna again. After lunch visit the Bourtzi Castle, which is the small Venetian castle the middle of the harbor. To visit the fortress take a short boat ride (~10 mins) from the Nafplio port to the Castle.
- Alternatively in the afternoon you can consider visiting the ruins of Epidaurus instead. Epidaurus is famous for its ancient theater, which is still used for performances. (I chose to visit Mycenae ruins only and I spent rest of the day exploring Nafplio).
- Spend your late afternoon browsing the shops in the historic old town. Then, enjoy a nice dinner in the evening, followed by a final stroll by the harbor under the lights.
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| Mycenae |
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| Lion Gate (Mycenae) |
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| Grave Circle A (Mycenae) |
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| Mycenae |
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| Lion Tholos Tomb (Mycenae) |
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| Treasury of Atreus (Mycenae) |
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| Bourtzi Castle (Nafplio) |
Day 8: Depart
Return to Athens. If you have some time, do some last-minute shopping. Then leave for your destination from Athens.
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| Plaka (Athens) |
What to Shop In Greece
Greece is known for olive oil, olive products (olive oil soaps, skincare products, etc.), Greek honey, Greek wine & spirits, Greek textiles & linens, herbs & spices, evil eye charms, replicas of ancient artifacts (statues, coins, etc.).
Safety
Overall Greece is very safe for travel. But like anywhere else in the world, crime and scams do happen. You should exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Please research online some of the most common scams in Greece. I was close to being pickpocketed in Athens. I caught someone trying to unzip my backpack.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.
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