Greece 14-Day Itinerary

If you're looking for a Greece trip that goes beyond the essentials, this two-week itinerary offers a rewarding mix of history, island scenery, local culture, and slower-paced moments. It combines the country's ancient heritage and archaeological sites with coastal towns, volcanic landscapes, and Mediterranean island life, creating a journey that feels both diverse and distinctly Greek. Travelers with less time may prefer the 7-day itinerary or the 10-day itinerary.

Duration: 14 days Pace: Balanced Budget: Midrange
Heraklion

Route at a glance

A broad but well-paced Greece route starting in Athens with a Delphi day trip, continuing to Nafplio in the Peloponnese, then moving on to Santorini and Crete before returning to Athens for departure.

  • 1 Athens Days 1–3
  • 2 Delphi Day 3 · Day trip
  • 3 Nafplio Days 4–6
  • 4 Mycenae Day 5 · Day trip
  • 5 Santorini Days 7–10
  • 6 Heraklion Days 11–13
  • 7 Crete inland Day 13 · Day trip
  • 8 Athens Day 14 · Departure

Where this trip comes to life

A quick visual preview of where this route settles in.

Day-by-day plan

Click a day to view the details

Planning tips for this Greece itinerary

Practical tips for Greece

Use a car for Nafplio

Nafplio, Mycenae, and the Peloponnese work best with a rental car, while Athens and the islands are easier without one.

Book major sights early

Reserve the Acropolis, Knossos, and popular Santorini activities ahead, especially in spring, summer, and early autumn.

Carry some cash

Cards are widely accepted, but small tavernas, cafés, beach bars, and countryside stops may still prefer cash.

Save appetite for Crete

Crete is one of Greece’s strongest food regions, so leave room for long dinners, local cheeses, olive oil, seafood, and traditional tavernas.

Start archaeological days early

The Acropolis, Delphi, Mycenae, Akrotiri, and Knossos are more comfortable in the morning before the strongest heat and crowds.

Keep ferry days flexible

Ferry routes between Athens, Santorini, and Crete can be affected by weather and schedules, so avoid tight same-day plans.

Where to stay for this itinerary

  • Athens 3 areas
    Plaka Historic, walkable, and ideal for first-time visitors who want easy access to the Acropolis.
    Best overall
    Koukaki Relaxed and local, with great restaurants and convenient access to the Acropolis Museum.
    Best atmosphere
    Syntagma Practical for airport transfers, central transport, and the final departure night.
    Most practical
  • Nafplio 3 areas
    Old Town Atmospheric, walkable, and close to restaurants, cafés, the waterfront, and evening strolls.
    Best overall
    Waterfront Scenic and convenient, with easy access to harbor views, dining, and the Bourtzi area.
    Best views
    New Town edge More practical if you have a car and want easier parking for Mycenae or beach trips.
    Best for parking
  • Santorini 3 areas
    Fira Central, lively, and practical for buses, restaurants, caldera walks, and ferry connections.
    Best overall
    Oia Iconic and romantic, with famous sunsets, boutique hotels, and dramatic cliffside views.
    Best views
    Imerovigli Quieter than Fira and Oia, with exceptional caldera scenery and a more peaceful feel.
    Best atmosphere
  • Heraklion 3 areas
    Old Town Best for restaurants, museums, Venetian sights, and easy evening walks without needing a car.
    Best overall
    Port area Practical for ferry arrivals, short stays, and quick access to central Heraklion.
    Best for transport
    Ammoudara Better for beach access while staying close enough to Heraklion for Knossos and museums.
    Best beach base
Keep transfer days lighter

This route includes mainland drives, ferries, and a final flight, so avoid overloading Days 4, 7, 11, and 14.

Best time to visit Greece

A quick seasonal view for this route across Athens, Delphi, Nafplio, Santorini and Crete.

Jan
Cool · Quiet
Feb
Cool · Museums
Mar
Spring starts
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
Warm · Islands
Jul
Hot · Busy
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Best
Oct
Warm · Softer
Nov
Cool · Quieter
Dec
Cool · Quiet

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are usually the best times for this Greece itinerary, with comfortable weather for Athens, Delphi, Nafplio, Santorini and Crete. July and August still work, but they are hotter, busier, and more expensive, especially in Santorini. Winter is quieter and can work for Athens, Nafplio and archaeology, but island services are reduced and the route feels less complete.

Details

Greece 14-day itinerary overview

This itinerary covers Athens, a Delphi day trip, Nafplio, Santorini, and Heraklion. It’s built as a broad yet well-paced Greece route: ancient history and city life up front, a scenic mainland base in the Peloponnese, a classic Santorini block for caldera views and island atmosphere, and a final Crete stay with Minoan history and local food.

Route at a glance

  • Athens (Days 1–3) + Delphi day trip
  • Nafplio (Days 4–6) + Mycenae
  • Santorini (Days 7–10)
  • Heraklion (Days 11–13)
  • Return to Athens on Day 14 for departure

Day-by-day highlights

  1. Day 1 (Athens): Arrival, Plaka stroll, traditional dinner
  2. Day 2 (Athens): Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Anafiotika
  3. Day 3 (Delphi - Day trip): Sanctuary, museum, return to Athens
  4. Day 4 (Nafplio): Drive from Athens, Palamidi, old town
  5. Day 5 (Nafplio/Mycenae): Mycenae, beach time, harbor dinner
  6. Day 6 (Nafplio): Museums, waterfront, Bourtzi
  7. Day 7 (Santorini): Transfer via Piraeus, Oia, seafood by Ammoudi
  8. Day 8 (Santorini): Akrotiri, Perissa Beach, Firostefani
  9. Day 9 (Santorini): Volcano boat tour, hot springs, Imerovigli
  10. Day 10 (Santorini): Pyrgos, wine museum, free island time
  11. Day 11 (Heraklion): Ferry to Crete, Knossos, old town
  12. Day 12 (Heraklion): Archaeological Museum, Ammoudara Beach
  13. Day 13 (Crete inland - Day trip): Arkadi Monastery, countryside, final Heraklion evening
  14. Day 14 (Athens departure): Morning flight, stroll, brunch, airport transfer

Customize this itinerary in minutes

Generate an editable plan with maps, photos, and day-by-day views.

Complete 14-day Greece itinerary (day-by-day plan)

Full written version of this 14-day Greece itinerary, including the main stops, transfers, and highlights for each day.

Travelers with less time can check the Greece 12-day itinerary, the Greece 10-day itinerary or the Greece 7-day itinerary.

Day 1: Athens (arrival, Plaka, and first dinner)

Arrival in Athens with a relaxed first afternoon exploring the historic center around Plaka before a traditional Greek dinner.

  • 14:30 — Arrive in Athens and transfer to accommodation
  • 15:30 — Check-in in central Athens
  • 16:30 — Stroll through Plaka neighborhood
  • 19:00 — Dinner at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Transport: Airport transfer by taxi, local walking around Plaka and central Athens.

Day 2: Athens (Acropolis and museum highlights)

Full day discovering Athens’ most iconic ancient landmarks, with time at the Acropolis, its museum, and atmospheric neighborhoods nearby.

  • 09:00 — Visit the Acropolis of Athens
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant
  • 14:00 — Visit Acropolis Museum
  • 17:00 — Walk through Anafiotika neighborhood
  • 20:00 — Dinner at O Thanasis

Transport: Walking and metro within Athens city center, with no intercity travel.

Note: For a more immersive experience in Athens, see the Athens 3-day itinerary or Athens 4-day itinerary which includes more attractions and activities.

Day 3: Delphi day trip from Athens

Long but rewarding day trip to Delphi to explore one of ancient Greece’s most important sacred sites before returning to Athens in the evening.

  • 07:30 — Athens → Delphi (bus)
  • 11:00 — Visit Delphi Archaeological Site
  • 13:30 — Lunch at Taverna Vakchos
  • 15:00 — Visit Delphi Archaeological Museum
  • 17:30 — Delphi → Athens (bus)
  • 20:30 — Light dinner at Kuzina

Transport: Round trip Ktel bus Athens ↔ Delphi, plus local walking at Delphi and in Athens.

Day 4: Nafplio (drive from Athens and old town)

Travel from Athens to Nafplio by rental car, then ease into the Peloponnese with fortress views, seaside atmosphere, and a relaxed old-town walk.

  • 08:30 — Athens → Nafplio (car rental)
  • 11:00 — Check-in in Nafplio town center
  • 11:30 — Explore Palamidi Fortress
  • 13:30 — Lunch at Aiolos Taverna
  • 15:00 — Walk along Nafplio Old Town
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Prosilio Restaurant

Transport: One-way car rental from Athens to Nafplio, plus local walking in Nafplio.

Day 5: Nafplio and Mycenae

Easy day combining the major archaeological site of Mycenae with a more relaxed afternoon back in Nafplio by the sea.

  • 09:00 — Drive to Archaeological Site of Mycenae
  • 09:30 — Visit Mycenae ancient citadel
  • 12:00 — Lunch at Orestis Tavern
  • 14:00 — Return to Nafplio and relax at Arvanitia Beach
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Alaloum

Transport: Private car for the Mycenae return trip, with walking for the beach and town.

Day 6: Nafplio (slow-paced culture and waterfront)

Relaxed day in Nafplio with local museum visits, a scenic harbor walk, and a short boat trip to the town’s island fortress.

  • 09:30 — Visit Komboloi Museum
  • 11:30 — Walk along the waterfront promenade
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Pidalio Mezedopoleio
  • 15:00 — Visit Bourtzi Castle
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Prosilio Restaurant

Transport: Walking and a short boat trip within Nafplio.

Day 7: Santorini (ferry day and Oia)

Travel from Nafplio to Santorini, then spend the afternoon settling into island life with a first look at Oia’s famous cliffside views.

  • 07:30 — Nafplio → Piraeus Port (car)
  • 08:30 — Drop off rental car near Piraeus Port
  • 10:00 — Piraeus → Santorini (ferry)
  • 15:00 — Check-in in Santorini (Oia area)
  • 16:00 — Explore Oia village
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern

Transport: Car rental drive to Piraeus, ferry to Santorini, and local walking in Oia.

Day 8: Santorini (Akrotiri, beach, and sunset views)

Balanced island day with archaeological history, black-sand beach time, and a scenic evening walk overlooking the caldera.

  • 09:00 — Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Pelagos Restaurant
  • 14:00 — Relax at Perissa Beach
  • 19:00 — Walk and sunset at Firostefani
  • 20:30 — Dinner at Pelican Kipos

Transport: Local bus or taxi between sites, with mostly walking in the villages.

Day 9: Santorini (volcano boat tour and Imerovigli)

Classic Santorini day built around a volcano and hot springs excursion, followed by a slower evening in one of the island’s most scenic villages.

  • 09:00 — Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs boat tour
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Sea Side by Notos
  • 15:00 — Rest and relax at accommodation in Imerovigli
  • 19:30 — Evening walk in Imerovigli
  • 20:30 — Dinner at Avocado Restaurant

Transport: Local boat tour, with short transfers by taxi or on foot.

Day 10: Santorini (Pyrgos, wine, and final island dinner)

Another relaxed island day focused on traditional village atmosphere, local wine culture, and free time before a casual evening meal.

  • 09:30 — Visit Pyrgos Village
  • 12:00 — Santorini Wine Museum visit
  • 13:30 — Lunch at Metaxi Mas
  • 15:00 — Free time for shopping or beach
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Lucky's Souvlakis

Transport: Taxi and walking within Santorini villages.

Day 11: Heraklion (ferry from Santorini and Knossos)

Travel onward to Crete, then dive straight into the island’s Minoan history with a visit to Knossos and an evening in Heraklion’s old town.

  • 08:00 — Santorini → Heraklion (ferry)
  • 10:30 — Check-in in Heraklion city center
  • 11:30 — Visit Palace of Knossos
  • 14:00 — Lunch at Peskesi Restaurant
  • 16:00 — Walk through Heraklion Old Town
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Herb's Garden

Transport: Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion, plus local walking and taxi rides in Heraklion.

Day 12: Heraklion (museum and beach afternoon)

Day mixing Crete’s top archaeological museum with an easy beach break and a relaxed evening back in the city.

  • 09:30 — Heraklion Archaeological Museum visit
  • 12:30 — Lunch at Ippokambos Restaurant
  • 14:30 — Relax at Ammoudara Beach
  • 18:30 — Return to hotel and freshen up
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Transport: Local walking and taxi rides between the city and the beach.

Day 13: Arkadi day trip from Heraklion

Inland day trip through Crete’s countryside to visit the historic Arkadi Monastery before returning to Heraklion for a final evening.

  • 09:00 — Drive to Arkadi Monastery
  • 10:00 — Visit Arkadi Monastery
  • 13:00 — Lunch at Taverna Palladion
  • 15:00 — Drive back to Heraklion
  • 17:00 — Free afternoon for shopping or museums
  • 20:00 — Dinner at Kouzeineri

Transport: Rental car or taxi for the Arkadi round trip, plus walking in Heraklion.

Day 14: Athens (return and departure)

Final travel day back to Athens with a light city-center stop before heading to the airport for departure.

  • 06:30 — Heraklion → Athens (flight)
  • 08:30 — Arrive Athens and transfer to city center
  • 09:30 — Check-in at hotel in Athens
  • 10:30 — Morning stroll in National Garden
  • 11:30 — Brunch at Avocado Restaurant
  • 13:00 — Transfer to Athens International Airport

Transport: Flight from Heraklion to Athens, plus taxis and walking in Athens city center.

FAQ

Is this itinerary customizable?

Yes—MyTripBlueprint generates editable plans. You can change pace, interests, and transport preferences.

Does the full plan include maps and photos?

Yes—generated plans include an interactive day view with maps, routing, and place photos.

Is 2 weeks enough for Greece?

Yes—2 weeks is a great amount of time for Greece. It allows you to combine Athens with islands or mainland destinations more comfortably and with a less rushed overall pace.

What is a good 14-day itinerary for Greece?

A good 14-day Greece route often includes Athens plus a mix of islands or historic mainland stops, depending on your travel style. This itinerary is designed to keep transfers logical and the trip enjoyable.

Can I personalize this Greece itinerary for islands or culture?

Yes—this itinerary is meant as a realistic example. In MyTripBlueprint, you can generate your own version and adapt it toward island time, archaeology, food, or a slower pace.