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Day 1: Athens

After touching down at Athens International Airport, make your way to your hotel via taxi, pre-booked shuttle or public transportation.

Where to stay:

Most of the important sights in Athens are within walking distance in the city center, so it makes sense to book your hotel in this area. Here are our recommendations of places to stay:

• Palladian Home is great for views of the Acropolis from your private balcony
• Candia Hotel has a bar and rooftop pool where you can unwind after a day of sightseeing

Once you’ve settled into your hotel, put on your comfy shoes because you’ll be exploring on foot. These must-see spots should be top of your list on your first day in Athens:

• The Acropolis should be your first destination. It’s a must-see sight on any Greek itinerary
• Visits to the Parthenon, the Theatre of Herod Atticus and the Temple of Athena Nike and the New Acropolis Museum
• Explore the Plaka, the pretty historic center of Athens

Day 2: Daytrip to Delphi

Head off on a daytrip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi, 112 miles north of Athens. Delphi is famed as the sanctuary of Apollo and is situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.

• Walk the Sacred Way, the route through the sanctuary, which leads to the Temple of Apollo
• Don’t miss the Theater of Delphi, which could accommodate 5,000 cheering spectators back in the days of ancient Greece

Transportation: There are many organized tours to Delphi, but regular public buses also make the journey daily.

Day 3: Early morning flight or ferry to Santorini

Today it’s off to Santorini. Part of the Cyclades, a long ribbon of islands stretching through the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of the best-loved Greek Island destinations.

Where to stay:

There are many excellent hotels in Santorini. Consider staying at one of our top picks:

• Nautilus Dome has traditional-style whitewashed apartment rooms. You can start your day off with a cooked-to-order breakfast on the balcony
• The exclusive, beachside Katharos Villas offers private pools and self-catering facilities

Transportation: You can get to Santorini either by flight or ferry. Flights are quicker (50 minutes), but a ferry trip from Athens’ port of Piraeus (eight hours) allows you to appreciate the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and see other islands such as Paros, Naxos and Ios as you make stops en route to your final destination. If you decide to travel by ferry, consider renting a car in Athens just before you depart for the islands. Get one of the ferry services for vehicles; as soon as you dock on the islands, you’ll be ready to hit the road!

Days 4-5: Santorini

• Visit Akrotiri, a 6,000-year-old settlement frozen in time after being covered in volcanic ash
• About a 30-minute drive away is the archaeological site Ancient Thera
• Santorini has many sandy beaches, from Paralia Vlichada and Perissa Black Sand Beach

Transportation: The best way to make the most of your time in Santorini is to rent a car. However, there is public bus transportation available between the biggest sights, including Akrotiri and Perissa beach.

Day 6: Ferry to Mykonos

Say goodbye to Santorini as you hop on a ferry bound for Mykonos. This island has more of a party vibe than Santorini, with Mykonos Town and Paradise Beach the heart of the nightlife.

• Spend your first day getting to know the charming medieval Mykonos Town
• Look for the iconic 16th-century windmills on the hilltop, snap photos of the vivid bougainvillea, and take your pick of tiny cafes and restaurants
• See renowned DJs perform at clubs like the Cavo Paradiso and Astra

Where to stay:

• A hotel like Portobello Boutique Hotel will put you within walking distance of all the action, but far enough away for quiet poolside time
• For something more tranquil, choose Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa, offering an infinity pool, as well as a private sandy beach and full service spa

Transportation: The first ferry from Santorini to Mykonos leaves early, but there are several other services throughout the day, but if you have a rental car, make sure to check the times for the car ferries, not just the passenger ones. Each service takes around 2.5 hours.

Day 7: Excursion to Delos

Go on a daytrip to the tiny island of Delos by local ferry from Mykonos Town. Delos Archaeological Site is famed for its Terrace of Lions, where seven marble lion statues stand proudly. Save time to have a dip in the sea before heading back to Mykonos in time for its legendary sunsets.

Day 8: Mykonos

• Panormos and Agios Sostis in the north are pristine blond-colored beaches
• Elia is the island’s longest stretch of sand, and perfect for children
• Head to the town of Ornos, which bustles with seafront restaurants

Transportation: While there are buses between major stops in Mykonos, it’s easier to have a rental car to reach some of its more remote beaches.

Day 9: Return to Athens

In the morning, travel from Mykonos back to Athens, either by ferry or a quick flight.

• Travel to Monastiraki, one of the oldest and busiest neighborhoods in the capital
• Discover rooftop bars and historic sites like the Ancient Agora and the Varvakios Agora food market
• End the day at Cine Paris outdoor cinema

Transportation: There are regular ferry crossings from Mykonos to Piraeus in Athens, and each crossing takes around 5 hours. Alternatively, a flight takes about 45 minutes. If you picked up your rental car in Athens, it might be better to return it back in Athens. Once you drop the car off, use public transportation or a taxi to get back into the city center.

Day 10: Fly home

Depending on the time of your flight, you might be able to squeeze in a trip to the Museum of Cycladic Art in the morning. The ornate museum is home to over 3,000 artifacts of Cycladic, ancient Greek and Cypriot origin. It makes for a lovely farewell to an action-packed yet stress-free Greece vacation.

Transportation: There are bus, metro and suburban railway services to the airport. You could also book a prepaid taxi or shuttle service.

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