The Ultimate Greece Travel Itinerary

Greece Travel itinerary
A Vagabond Life
Greece Mainland Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through Mainland Greece

Welcome to your ultimate mainland Greece travel itinerary! From the ancient wonders of Athens to the sacred ruins of Delphi and the dramatic cliffs of Meteora, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in Greece’s rich history, vibrant cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the Acropolis, hiking in Zagori, or savoring souvlaki in Thessaloniki, your Greek adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let mainland Greece captivate your heart!

Top Tips for Visiting Greece

When to Go

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is hot and busy, especially in Athens and Delphi. Winter is quieter with lower prices, ideal for cultural sites.

Weather

Athens averages 15–25°C in spring/fall, 25–35°C in summer, and 5–15°C in winter. Thessaloniki is cooler (10–20°C spring/fall, 0–10°C winter). Northern Greece (Zagori, Meteora) sees 5–15°C in winter and 20–30°C in summer.

Transportation

Book intercity buses via KTEL for affordable travel. Athens metro tickets cost ~€1.20. Rent cars for rural areas like Zagori or Peloponnese (~€30–€50/day).

Culture

Learn basic Greek phrases like "Kaliméra" and "Efcharistó." Tipping is optional (5–10% for good service). Dress respectfully in monasteries (cover shoulders and knees).

Budget Tips

Purchase Athens City Pass for museum and transport discounts. Eat at local tavernas for affordable meals. Book accommodations and tours early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in busy areas like Athens and Thessaloniki. Keep valuables secure and use reputable bus or taxi services for safe travel.

Athens (Days 1–3)

The cradle of Western civilization, blending ancient ruins with vibrant city life.

History: Founded over 3,000 years ago, Athens is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater.

Highlights: Acropolis, Parthenon, National Archaeological Museum, Plaka, Monastiraki.

Best Time: April–June or September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Transport: Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH).

Food to Try: Souvlaki, Moussaka, Feta Meze, Baklava.
Day 1: Morning – Acropolis and Parthenon; Afternoon – Acropolis Museum; Evening – Stroll in Plaka.
Day 2: Morning – National Archaeological Museum; Afternoon – Monastiraki Square; Evening – Dinner at Tzitzikas kai Mermigas.
Day 3: Morning – Temple of Olympian Zeus; Afternoon – Bus to Delphi (~2.5 hrs, €15–€25, KTEL).

Delphi (Days 4–5)

A sacred ancient site nestled in the mountains, known for its oracle.

History: Delphi was the spiritual center of ancient Greece, home to the Oracle of Apollo, revered through antiquity.

Highlights: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Archaeological Museum, Tholos of Athena Pronaia.

Transport: Bus from Athens (2.5 hrs, €15–€25, book via KTEL).

Food to Try: Horta, Grilled Lamb, Loukoumades, Retsina wine.
Day 4: Morning – Temple of Apollo; Afternoon – Delphi Archaeological Museum; Evening – Dinner at Taverna Vakhos.
Day 5: Morning – Tholos of Athena Pronaia; Afternoon – Explore Delphi village; Evening – Depart Delphi.

Athens (Days 1–3)

A historic city where ancient ruins meet modern vibrancy.

History: Athens’ legacy includes the birth of philosophy, theater, and democracy.

Highlights: Acropolis, Agora, Syntagma Square, Plaka.

Transport: Fly into Athens (ATH).

Food to Try: Gyros, Spanakopita, Greek Salad, Loukoumades.
Day 1: Morning – Acropolis and Parthenon; Afternoon – Acropolis Museum; Evening – Dinner in Plaka.
Day 2: Morning – Ancient Agora; Afternoon – Syntagma Square and Changing of the Guard; Evening – Monastiraki nightlife.
Day 3: Morning – National Garden; Afternoon – Bus to Nafplio (~2 hrs, €10–€20, KTEL).

Nafplio (Days 4–6)

A charming coastal town with Venetian history and scenic fortresses.

History: Nafplio, one of Greece’s first capitals, blends Ottoman, Venetian, and Greek heritage.

Highlights: Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Castle, Epidavros, Syntagma Square (Nafplio).

Transport: Bus from Athens (2 hrs, €10–€20).

Food to Try: Pastitsio, Tiropita, Seafood Meze, Ouzo.
Day 4: Morning – Palamidi Fortress; Afternoon – Bourtzi Castle; Evening – Dinner at Kastro’s Taverna.
Day 5: Morning – Day trip to Epidavros (bus, ~30 min, €5–€10); Afternoon – Ancient Theater.
Day 6: Morning – Nafplio’s Syntagma Square; Afternoon – Stroll along the promenade; Evening – Bus to Athens (~2 hrs, €10–€20).

Delphi (Day 7)

A mystical site of ancient prophecy amid stunning mountains.

History: Delphi was the ancient world’s spiritual hub, centered around the Oracle of Apollo.

Highlights: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Museum, Arachova.

Transport: Bus from Athens (2.5 hrs, €15–€25).

Food to Try: Fasolada, Grilled Octopus, Galaktoboureko.
Day 7: Morning – Temple of Apollo; Afternoon – Delphi Museum; Evening – Depart Delphi.

Athens (Days 1–4)

A city where ancient history and modern energy collide.

History: Athens is the birthplace of Western philosophy, art, and democracy.

Highlights: Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, Cape Sounion.

Transport: Fly into Athens (ATH).

Food to Try: Dolmades, Feta with Honey, Kleftiko.
Day 1: Morning – Acropolis and Parthenon; Afternoon – Acropolis Museum.
Day 2: Morning – National Archaeological Museum; Afternoon – Plaka.
Day 3: Morning – Day trip to Cape Sounion (bus, ~1.5 hrs, €8–€15); Afternoon – Temple of Poseidon.
Day 4: Morning – Syntagma Square; Afternoon – Bus to Delphi (~2.5 hrs, €15–€25).

Delphi (Days 5–6)

A sacred site with ancient ruins and breathtaking mountain views.

History: Delphi was the spiritual center of ancient Greece, home to the Oracle of Apollo.

Highlights: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Museum, Arachova village.

Transport: Bus from Athens (2.5 hrs, €15–€25).

Food to Try: Horta, Grilled Lamb, Retsina wine.
Day 5: Morning – Temple of Apollo; Afternoon – Delphi Archaeological Museum.
Day 6: Morning – Arachova village; Afternoon – Bus to Meteora (~3 hrs, €15–€25, KTEL).

Meteora (Days 7–9)

A UNESCO site with monasteries perched atop dramatic rock formations.

History: Meteora’s monasteries, built in the 14th–16th centuries, are a testament to Byzantine spirituality.

Highlights: Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, Kalambaka.

Transport: Bus from Delphi (3 hrs, €15–€25).

Food to Try: Revithada, Sausage Meze, Tsipouro.
Day 7: Morning – Great Meteoron Monastery; Afternoon – Varlaam Monastery.
Day 8: Morning – Roussanou Monastery; Afternoon – Explore Kalambaka.
Day 9: Morning – Hiking in Meteora; Afternoon – Bus to Thessaloniki (~3 hrs, €20–€30).

Thessaloniki (Days 10–12)

A vibrant coastal city with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage.

History: Founded in 315 BC, Thessaloniki was a key Byzantine and Ottoman center.

Highlights: White Tower, Rotunda, Archaeological Museum, Ano Poli.

Transport: Bus from Meteora (3 hrs, €20–€30).

Food to Try: Bougatsa, Soutzoukakia, Trigona Panoramatos.
Day 10: Morning – White Tower; Afternoon – Archaeological Museum.
Day 11: Morning – Rotunda; Afternoon – Ano Poli (Old Town).
Day 12: Morning – Ladadika district; Afternoon – Bus to Zagori (~3.5 hrs, €20–€30).

Zagori (Days 13–14)

A rugged region of stone villages and dramatic gorges.

History: Zagori’s traditional villages and bridges date back to the Ottoman period.

Highlights: Vikos Gorge, Papingo, Monodendri, Zagori stone bridges.

Transport: Bus from Thessaloniki (3.5 hrs, €20–€30).

Food to Try: Pites (savory pies), Wild Boar Stew, Local Cheese.
Day 13: Morning – Vikos Gorge hike; Afternoon – Monodendri village.
Day 14: Morning – Papingo village; Afternoon – Depart Zagori.

Your Greek Mainland Adventure Awaits

Greece’s mainland has enchanted you with its ancient wonders and natural beauty, from the historic heights of Athens’ Acropolis to the sacred ruins of Delphi, the ethereal monasteries of Meteora, and the rugged charm of Zagori. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve savored Greece’s cuisine, history, and landscapes. Ready to plan your trip? Book your buses at KTEL and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. Kaló taksídi!