7-Day Greek Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Greek Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGreek Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Greece, incl. Athens and Santorini

  The Greek islands unfold over 7 days across Athens' historic center, Mykonos' Little Venice, and Santorini's caldera. Featuring a 6-hour volcanic cruise, dinner at sea, and thermal spring visit at Agios Nicholaos. Includes 2 nights each at 4-star hotels per location.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens

    Plan to arrive in Athens after 2 PM to avoid morning traffic. Check into your hotel near Plaka and spend the evening walking to Monastiraki Square for dinner. A recent visitor noted: "Hotels were centrally located, making it easy to explore the historic center on foot - especially nice in the cooler evening hours."

    
  • Day 2

    Athens to Mykonos

    Head to Piraeus port by 6 AM for your Mykonos ferry. Regular service takes 4 hours, or you can pay about $30 more for the 2.5-hour fast ferry. Book your stay in Mykonos Town (Chora) to be within walking distance of restaurants and attractions.

    
  • Day 3

    Mykonos

    Get an early start to explore Mykonos Town before the cruise crowds arrive at 10 AM. Walk through the harbor area and Little Venice to see the famous windmills. Skip the busy Paradise and Super Paradise beaches and try the quieter Agios Sostis beach in the north. Bring water shoes since some beaches are rocky.

    
  • Day 4

    Mykonos to Santorini

    Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking the afternoon ferry to Santorini (2.5-3 hours). Stay in Fira or Imerovigli for great caldera views without paying Oia prices. One traveler said: "Mykonos was nice but the beauty of Santorini was spectacular. The tour was well organized and all the assistants and drivers very polite."

    
  • Day 5

    Santorini Volcano Cruise

    Take the 6-hour volcano cruise to explore Nea Kameni. You'll need good walking shoes for the volcanic terrain. The trip includes hot spring swimming and sunset views near Oia. Bring a light jacket for the boat ride back. Dinner features local specialties like tzatziki and Greek salad with unlimited wine.

    
  • Day 6

    Santorini to Athens

    Visit Oia early (before 7:30 AM) to beat the crowds. Take the afternoon ferry back to Athens (5 hours). Stay near Syntagma Square for convenient airport access the next day.

    
  • Day 7

    Athens Departure

    Your airport transfer is scheduled 4 hours before flight time. While this seems early, Athens traffic can be unpredictable. If you haven't visited the Acropolis yet, it opens at 8 AM.

    

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• 7 Day Greece Itinerary, incl. Athens and Santorini

  A 7-day Greek getaway takes you to Paros' Lefkes village and Kolymbithres Beach, Ios' 7 different shores with included snorkeling at Neverbay, and Santorini's stunning caldera. Rich with orientation walks, beach tours, and traditional village visits.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens

    Begin your trip in Athens and stay in the Plaka neighborhood. It's an ideal central location within walking distance to major attractions. "The winding streets of Plaka are perfect for getting lost and finding hidden tavernas away from tourist crowds," according to a recent visitor. Plan for late dinners since most restaurants don't get busy until after 8 PM.

    
  • Day 2

    Athens to Paros (4 hours by ferry)

    Take a morning ferry from Piraeus port to Paros. Get there 90 minutes early since the port gets busy and confusing. Once you arrive in Paroikia port, explore the white-cube old town and Venetian castle. Stay in Paroikia or Naoussa for convenient access to food and beaches. Look up ferry schedules before your trip since they vary by season.

    
  • Day 3

    Paros

    Visit the mountain village of Lefkes in the morning and walk through its olive groves. Get to Kolymbithres Beach before 11 AM to find a good spot near the unique rock formations. One visitor advises: "The water at Kolymbithres is crystal clear but bring water shoes - the rocks can be slippery." Watch the sunset from Naoussa harbor to end your day.

    
  • Day 4

    Paros to Ios (2.5 hours by ferry)

    Catch a mid-morning ferry to Ios. Walk up to Chora village after checking in. The climb is steep but rewards you with great views. Spend time walking the narrow marble paths between white buildings. Head to Mylopotas Beach for sunset. Keep in mind that Ios gets crowded with partiers in high summer.

    
  • Day 5

    Ios Beach Hopping

    Take a tour of seven beaches around the island. Manganari Beach stands out with its calm swimming waters. Pack plenty of water and sun protection since shade is limited. A past visitor notes: "The beach tour was amazing but bring cash for beach bars as many don't accept cards." Have dinner at one of Mylopotas Beach's casual tavernas.

    
  • Day 6

    Ios to Santorini (1.5 hours by ferry)

    Travel to Santorini in the afternoon. Walk from Fira to Oia, which takes about 3 hours. Start around 4 PM to see the sunset in Oia. Wear good walking shoes and bring water. Stay in Fira where accommodations are more reasonable and transportation is easier.

    
  • Day 7

    Santorini

    On your final day, you can leave or stay longer to see more. Optional activities include wine tasting, boat trips to the volcano or visiting the colored-sand beaches. Book your airport transfers early since taxis are limited and expensive.

    

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• 7 Days in Crete, incl. Heraklion and Chania

  A cultural immersion through 5 major Greek destinations costs approx. $130 per day. The rich itinerary includes Heraklion's archaeological treasures, boat trips to Spinalonga island, and Zeus's mythical birthplace. Features guided tours of Knossos Palace, Venetian towns Chania and Rethymnon, plus traditional Cretan meals in Elounda village.

  

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  • Day 1

    Heraklion Arrival

    After landing at Heraklion Airport take a 30-minute drive to your hotel in Gouves or Hersonissos. Book a room on an upper floor if possible since ground floor rooms can be noisy near kitchen areas. Staying in Hersonissos puts you right by the beaches and restaurants.

    
  • Day 2

    Free Day to Explore

    Take time to settle in and get to know the area. The morning is best for swimming before afternoon winds pick up. In the evening walk along Hersonissos's beachfront promenade and try one of the many tavernas serving fresh seafood.

    
  • Day 3

    Spinalonga Island (8-hour tour)

    Start early for a boat trip to Spinalonga the former leper colony. One visitor noted: "The guide's stories about daily life in the former colony were deeply moving." The tour includes a traditional Cretan lunch in Elounda. Pack water and sun protection as the island offers little shade.

    
  • Day 4

    Palace of Knossos & Heraklion (7-8 hours)

    Visit Knossos Palace first thing to avoid the crowds. Wear good walking shoes for the uneven ground. Spend your afternoon at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Stop by the market near Lion's Square to pick up some local olive oil and Cretan herbs.

    
  • Day 5

    Chania & Rethymnon (10-11 hours)

    A full day exploring two beautiful cities. Start in Rethymnon's historic old town then move on to Chania's Venetian harbor. It's a long 326km round trip so bring something to do on the bus. Look past the tourist-heavy leather lane in Chania for better prices in the side streets.

    
  • Day 6

    Land Rover Zeus Cave Tour (7-8 hours)

    Head into the mountains for some off-road adventure. You'll visit villages and the Cave of Zeus plus enjoy a barbecue lunch with unlimited wine. Bring sturdy shoes for the cave's steep slippery entrance steps.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Head back to Heraklion airport early (20-30 minutes). Book an afternoon flight if you can to avoid morning traffic.

    

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