The Best Itinerary for 10 days in Greece

You’re planning to spend 10 days in Greece and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

That’s perfect!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 9-10-11 days itinerary in Greece.

A quick note before starting: This itinerary is about a trip to Central Greece. If you prefer to visit Greek islands, you should rather read my 2 other articles: “The best 10 days Greek islands itinerary” and/or “One Week in Greece (Athens + Santorini)“.

Now let’s get back to this itinerary!

During your trip, you will discover some of the country’s best places to visit such as Athens, the Peloponnese region, Delphi, the Meteora and Thessaloniki, the 2nd largest city in Greece.

In addition to the must-see attractions for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend 10 days in Greece?

Let’s find out!

1) Athens (3 days)

For your 9-10 days itinerary in Greece, the best is to land in Athens. You will spend your 3 first days in Greece’s capital city.

During your stay in Athens, you won’t need a car, as most tourist attractions are located in the city centre and it’s easy to get around the city on foot.

However, you will need a car for the rest of your 10 days trip to Greece, so you will have 2 options:

1. You can rent your car directly when you arrive at the Airport
2. Or you can rent your car on the 4th day, when you will be leaving Athens.

In any case, if you want to rent a car in Greece, you should use Booking.com Cars website. I’m using this website everytime I need to book a car, whether I’m traveling to Scotland, Sicily or even Thailand!

Here is why:

The website is very user friendly, it allows you to compare prices between all the rental companies located at Athens’ airport. You can also check customers reviews.

Booking Cars also offers a Full Protection Insurance. If you purchase it, you will get complete excess refund in case of damages or car accident. It can be really useful, as you can be charged for every tiny scratch! To be honest, it’s the most effective insurance I have ever used, they have already refunded me more than 1200 euros.

If you already know your travel dates for your 10 days itinerary in Greece, you should book your car right now to get the best price.

It doesn’t commit you to anything, as you can modify or cancel your booking for free.

Just click the button below to compare car rental prices:

If you haven’t rented your car, the fastest option to reach Athens’ city centre from the airport is the Metro. Just take the line 3 to reach Syntagma Square.

You can also get a taxi (for around 40€), or take the bus (the cheapest option, but also really slower than the metro!)

It’s now time to discover Greece’s capital!

Start your day with a visit to the Acropolis Museum. There, you will learn everything about Athens’ most iconic landmark.

If you visit the museum first, you will understand the historical context before going to the Acropolis. You will also enjoy a great view of The Parthenon from the top floor terrace!

To avoid waiting in line, you can directly get a skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum here:

Then, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis. During your tour, you will be able to admire the Parthenon. This marble temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the best preserved monument on the site.

You will also see 2 other temples, a theatre and an amphitheatre. 

It will now be time for lunch. You’re lucky: you’ll find everything you need in Plaka district, located at the foothill of the Acropolis. How about a chicken or pork gyros? I must admit that it was my daily lunch during my trip to Greece!

You can also try an authentic Greek restaurant. One of the best in the neighborhood is the Liondi Traditional Greek restaurant, located right next to the Acropolis Museum. It offers a typical and tasty Greek cuisine, much better than most of the tourist traps you can find in Plaka.

After your meal, take a stroll in Plaka district. The place still looks picturesque, even if there are many souvenir shops.

Then, walk to Athen’s other must-see place: the Ancient Agora. There, you will admire the Temple of Hephaestus, Greece’s best preserved Doric temple. On the site, you can also visit the Museum of the Ancient Agora to picture what the site looked like in Ancient times.

The Agora is located in Monastiraki district, another place worth a visit. With its many shops selling clothes, shoes or jewelry, it feels a bit like the Arabic souks!

Right before sunset, you should go to Philopappos Hill. There, you will enjoy the panoramic view over the Acropolis and the city.

And if you want to celebrate the 1st day of your 9-10-11 days road trip in Greece, go to Gazi district. With its trendy bars and night clubs, it’s the best place to have a drink or party all night!

Spend the night in Athens.

The next day, continue your 10 days itinerary in Greece and spend a 2nd day in Athens.

Start your day at the Panathenaic Stadium. It was built in the 4th century B.C, to host the ancestor of our modern Olympic Games. During these sporting events, athletes were competing in wrestling, track and field and chariot races.

You have to pay 5€ to access the inside of the stadium and the track. If you don’t want to pay, you can also enter the park located right next and reach the top of the bleachers to admire the view of the Acropolis.

After that, have a brief stop at the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Then, go to Zappeion Park and the National Garden (they are actually the same park). You can wander in the shaded alleys to reach Syntagma Square.

Every hour, the Changing of the Presidential Guard takes place on Syntagma Square. You will see the evzones (the guards) and their traditional uniform with skirts, white tights and pompom shoes! It’s one of Athens most touristic attractions.

Even if this show fascinates you, don’t forget to look at the main building on the square: the House of Parliament.

From Syntagma Square, reach Ermou street to do a bit of shopping. You will find here most big international brands, like Zara and H&M.

Ermou street goes straight to Monastiraki district. As you’ve already seen it the day before, you can continue with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. One of its most famous artefacts is the Golden Mask of Agamemnon, found in Mycenae. You will be amazed by the museum’s incredible collection, from the Neolithic era to the end of the Roman period!

End your day on Mount Lycabettus, one of the best places to admire the sunset over the Acropolis. You can take the stairs or use the cable car to reach the top.

Spend another night in Athens.

For the 3rd day of your 10 days trip to Greece, you will discover Athens’ surroundings. 

You can choose between these 2 one-day trips from Athens: 

• From Athens – Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion to see the Temple of the Poseidon, and admire the view of the Saronic Gulf.
• From Athens – Visit the Saronic Islands to discover Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

Spend a last night in Athens.

If you want to know more about the things to do in Athens, you can read my article: Visit Athens: the definitive guide.

Where to stay in Athens

• Bedbox Hostel: A Youth Hostel located 300m from Monastiraki Square, and 700m from the Acropolis. Dormitory room starting from 18€ per night. Strong points: the location, the really kind staff and the cleanliness!
• Evripides Hotel: Located 400m from Ermou Street and 500m from Monastiraki. The rooms are simple but comfortable, starting from 70€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the rooftop, the location (perfect to visit Athens on foot) and the friendly and helpful staff! A great choice in Athens for its exceptional value for money!
  
• Amalia Hotel: Located on Syntagma Square, just in front of the National Gardens. The double rooms are modern and spacious. Some of them even have a balcony with a nice view of the gardens. The price starts at 155€ per night with breakfast included. Strong points: The comfort, the generous breakfast, and the location in the centre of Athens.
• Wyndham Grand Athens: 5-star Hotel located 1km from Ermou Street and 1.5km from the Acropolis. You’ll love the elegant and design double rooms here, starting from 200€ per night. Breakfast will cost you 16€. Strong points: the outdoor pool on the roof, the view of the Acropolis, the spa center, and the location right next to a metro station!
• Electra Metropolis: This 5-star hotel is located only 200m from Syntagma Square and 600m from the Acropolis. The price for a spacious and comfortable double room starts at 270€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the ideal location, the view of The Acropolis from the rooftop, the amazing restaurant, the pool. The best choice for a luxury stay in Athens.

2) Mycenae / Epidaurus / Nafplio (1 day)

Now that you’ve seen Athens and its surroundings, it’s time to leave the city to discover Peloponnese.

There are 3 points of interest you can visit during your day:

• Corinth Canal, located around 1-hour drive from Athens. This impressive and narrow canal was carved into stone to avoid the boats a 400 km detour between the Saronic Gulf and the Aegean Sea. Just stop for a souvenir photo, it won’t take long. And if you are looking for a unique experience, you should really try a bungee jump over Corinth Canal! (click here to book it)
• Mycenae, only 40 minutes away from the Canal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest in Greece, and the former home of the Trojan War hero Agamemnon. There, you can discover the Palace, Tholos Tombs and an Archaeological Museum. I must warn you: the site is mostly in ruins and you won’t see many remains. As the entrance ticket costs 12€, if you’re not an History lover, just go to the next place.
• Epidaurus, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is worth a visit for its very well preserved theatre. You will be amazed by the exceptional architecture and acoustics of this theatre built in the 4th century B.C. If you drop a coin in the middle of the scene, someone sitting on the last row will hear it! On the site, you can also discover a temple dedicated to the god of Medicine Asclepius and a small museum. It takes 45 minutes to go from Mycenae to Epidaurus.

Then, drive for 30 minutes to reach Nafplio.

Nafplio is a lovely seaside town. There, you can take a stroll in the old town’s picturesque alleys and admire the Bourtzi Castle, located at the port entrance. And if you want a nice view over the city, just go up to Acronafplia Fortress.

Then, end your day at Arvanitia Beach. You can relax, have a drink and rent deckchairs on this nice pebble beach!

Spend the night in Nafplio.

If you want more information about Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio, you can read my article about Peloponnese: The 15 best things to do in Peloponnese.

Where to stay in Nafplio

• Agamemnon Hotel: Located in Nafplio’s old town, just in front of the Bourtzi Castle. The double rooms, with a balcony and sea view for some of them, are starting from 55€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the view, the kind staff.
• Amymone and Adiandi Hotel: Located 5 minutes away from the beach, in the old town. You will love the elegant double rooms, starting from 75€ including breakfast. What I loved: the delicious breakfast, the location on a pedestrian alley, the rooms’ original and nice design. It offers the best value for money in Nafplio!
• Amalia Nafplio Hotel: Located about 2km away from the city centre. The luxurious and comfortable double rooms are starting from 110€ per night, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the free private parking, the quietness, the varied breakfast.
• Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas: This 5-star hotel is only 5 minutes away from the beach and 15 minutes away from the city centre. The rooms are large and modern, with balconies and the offer a great views of the sea and the castle. Price starts from 260€ per night. If you want an even more luxurious stay, you can sleep in a villa with its private pool, starting from 570€ per night. It’s my favorite hotel in Nafplio, perfect for a luxury stay!

3) Palamidi Fortress / Monemvasia (1 day)

After your night in Nafplio, continue your 9 or 10 days in Greece itinerary with a visit to Palamidi Fortress, located outside Nafplio.

You can drive to the fortress and park your car near the entrance. The entrance ticket costs 8€, and you have to plan at least 1h30 or 2 hours to visit the site. I personally really loved that place, with its many strongholds to contemplate the view over Nafplio and the sea.

Then, take your car and drive for 3 hours to reach Monemvasia. Don’t worry, time will fly by, as the landscape on the road is really gorgeous!

This village is located on a small island, only connected to the mainland by a dike. Park your car on the parking lot right after this dike, and take the 1€ shuttle to reach the city. You can also walk there, as it only takes 15 minutes.

From the mainland, Monemvasia is completely undetectable. The village is located under a cliff, and surrounded by an heavy fortification wall. You won’t see it until you cross the main gate of this natural stronghold.

It was built to protect the inhabitants during the Barbarian invasions and the numerous wars against the Franks and the Turks.

Inside the walls, you will enjoy your walk in Monemvasia’s nice paved alleys, with many traditional shops, bars and restaurants. Take a stroll and reach the main square, to admire the church and the cathedral.

Then, you can follow one of the walking trails to go to the fortress, at the top of the cliff. It’s the best place to admire the view over the village and the sea!

At the end of your visit, get back in your car and drive for 1h30 to go to Mystras. Spend the night there.

Where to stay in Mystras

• Byzantion Hotel: Located just across Mystras’ main square. The simple but comfortable rooms offer a view on the Archaeological site. Price starts from 55€, breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the view, the private parking lot.
• Mazaraki Guesthouse: Located close to Mystras’ Archaeological Site and surrounded by nature, this place offers large and warm suites with balcony, starting from 115€ including breakfast. What I loved: the pool, the environment, the decoration, and the breakfast served in your room.
• Arxontiko Taygeti: This Guesthouse is located only 5km away from Mystras’ city centre. The duplex suites, with a kitchen, a living room and a balcony with a beautiful mountain view are starting from 160€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the calm, the kind staff, the environment. You will also find everything you need for breakfast in your fridge!
• Mystras Grand Palace Resort: This 5-star hotel is located only a 5-minute drive from Mystras. This brand new hotel offers rooms with stone walls, exposed beams and terrace, starting from 180€ per night including breakfast. What I loved: the pool, the hot tub, the sauna, the comfortable rooms, the calm. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Mystras.

4) Mystras / Olympia (1 day)

For the next stage of this 10 days road trip in Greece, you will visit one of the places I enjoyed the most during my trip in Greece: Mystras. It only takes 5 minutes to get there from the village.

Mystras is divided in 2: the upper town and the lower town. There are parking lots and ticket offices at the 2 entrances.

Start with Mystras’ upper city: park your car in the upper parking lot and buy your entrance ticket (remember to keep it, as you will need it at the other entrance). This ancient fortified city,  now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was the former capital of the Byzantine Empire.

In the upper city, you will see a fortress, and enjoy a magnificent panorama on the surrounding plain. You will also discover the Agia Sofia Church, the small palace and the Palace of the Despots.

Then, get back in your car and reach Mystras’ lower town.

There, you will visit many churches, monasteries and covent. The best monuments to see are:

• The Pantanassa Monastery
• The Peribleptos Monastery
• The Brontochion Monastery
• The church of Agios Theodoros

Mystras is located in the heart of nature, and the monuments are really well restored. It’s clearly one of the most beautiful places to see during this 10 days in Greece recommended itinerary.

Plan at least 3 hours for your visit. The site is really big and it’s not flat!

Let’s continue this road trip in Greece with Olympia, another famous site to visit.

From Mystras, you will drive for 2 hours to reach Olympia.

If you visited Mystras during 3 hours, then drove for 2 hours, you should arrive in Olympia around 3 or 4 p.m. You will have plenty of time left to visit the archaeological site. In the afternoon, the site is less crowded, as most of the tourist buses already left. You will also get a perfect lighting for your pictures!

Olympia is also one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece. The Ancient Olympic Games were hosted here from 776 B.C to 393 A.D. During the games, the athletes were competing in many sporting events, including wrestling, discus throw and chariot racing.

On the site, you can discover the Gymnasium, the Temples and some sports facilities. I must warn you, the site is mostly in ruins, and you will only see a few columns and remains.

Right next to the archaeological site, you can visit the Archaeological Museum. The entrance is included in your 12€ entrance ticket. It’s even better if you start your visit with the museum, to help you picture what the site looked like!

If you still have some time at the end of the day, you should visit the Museum of the Olympic Games. There, you will learn everything about the Olympic Games’ History and sporting events. The entrance is also included in your ticket.

Spend the night in Olympia, to recover from this long day.

Where to stay in Olympia

• Leonidaion Guesthouse: Located only 10-minute walk from the Archaeological site of Olympia. The large and comfortable double rooms are starting from 55€ per night, including breakfast. What I loved: the free private parking lot, the location close to the site, the quietness. It’s the best value for money in Olympia!
• Amalia Hotel Olympia: Located at the city’s entrance. The large and bright rooms, with balcony or terrace are starting from 80€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the pool, the very tasty breakfast, the kind staff, the free fruit basket and water in your room.
• Arty Grand Hotel: Located on a hill overlooking the city, this 5-star hotel offers modern double rooms, with a small living room and a balcony, starting from 95€ per night including breakfast. Strong points: the huge outdoor pool, the indoor pool, the environment. It’s the best hotel for a luxury stay in Olympia!

5) Delphi (1 day)

It’s now time to continue this 10 days itinerary in Greece with the ancient site of Delphi.

Delphi is located 3h15 away from Olympia. Don’t worry, there are many places worth a visit during your journey, and time will just fly by!

• Kalogria Sandhill: you can have a nice walk on this large sand beach, surrounded by pine trees.
• Gianiskari Beach: a beautiful and quiet sand beach you can access by a dirt road.
• Nafpaktos: a small village on the seaside with 2 large beaches, bars and a small port. This is the perfect place for lunch. There is a castle on the hill above the village. You can visit it, and enjoy a beautiful view over the bay and the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge. (entrance fee is 2€)
• Galaxidi, an other small seaside village. You can take a stroll along the harbour and in the pine forest. There are also many cafés and restaurants.
• Between Nafpaktos and Galaxidi, the road is beautiful, with several beaches to take a dip!

You will arrive in Delphi in the afternoon. There is no need to rush, as the site is less crowded at the end of the day and the light is also better. The ancient site of Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside the city, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. You can park your car right next to the entrance.

Delphi was considered to be the centre of the world by ancient Greeks. The Pythia (the Oracle of Delphi), transmitted Apollo’s directives from the gods to humans. The interpretations of these prophecies shaped Greece’s History during 6 centuries.

During your walk, you will admire the Temple of Apollo, the theatre and the stadium. The viewpoints of the mountains and the valley are breathtaking!

In my opinion, Delphi is one of the best ancient site in Greece.

After your visit, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum, located right next to the site. There, you will see some ancient objects and statues found in Delphi.

Spend a night in Delphi.

Where to stay in Delphi

• Fedriades Delphi Hotel: Located a 10-minute walk from the ancient site of Delphi. The modern double rooms with balcony are starting from 55€, and you have to add 8€ for breakfast. Strong points: the panoramic view, the high quality beds, the kind staff.
• Kastalia Boutique Hotel: Located only 5 minutes from Delphi. You’ll enjoy large and modern double rooms, starting from 62€ including breakfast. What I loved: the terrace, where you can have your breakfast, the warm welcome, the location. It’s the best value for money in Delphi!
  
• Nidimos Hotel: Located only 1km from the archaeological site. The bright and comfortable double rooms with balcony are starting from 65€ per night, with a 10€ breakfast. Strong points: the various and copious breakfast, the free parking lot, the beautiful view.
• Amalia Hotel Delphi: Located 800 meters from the archaeological site. Modern and bright double room offering a nice view up to the sea starting at 90€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the large swimming pool, the view. The most high-end hotel in Delphi!

6) The Meteora (1 day)

Now, your 10-11 days itinerary in Greece will take you to one of my favorite place: the Meteora.

As the site is located 3 hours away from Delphi, don’t get up too late so you can visit it in the afternoon.

Before visiting the site, you can stop in Kalambaka (the closest city) for your lunch break and ask for your map of Meteora Monasteries at the Tourist Office.

Then, follow the road to the Meteora. You’ll be amazed by these monasteries built on top of huge rocks! The scenery is really unique, and the Meteora are clearly one of the best places to see in Greece.

Even if the Meteora is quite far from the other tourist attractions of the country, it’s still one of the must-see places during your road trip in Greece.

You can visit 6 monasteries, and the entrance costs 3€ each time. You don’t need to visit all of them, 1 or 2 is enough! The Monastery of Great Meteoron is the most famous, it’s really huge and impressive.

Where to stay in Meteora

• Pyrgos Adrachti: Located in the village of Kastraki, only a 5-minute drive from the monasteries. The double rooms, with a beautiful view of the Meteora are starting from 60€, with a 7.50€ breakfast. Strong points: the magnificent view, the quietness, the amazing big breakfast.
• Meteora Hotel at Kastraki: Located in Kastraki. The modern and bright double rooms are starting from 80€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the pool, the location in the countryside, the spectacular view. It’s the best value for money in Meteora!
• Hotel Meteoritis: Also located in Kastraki. You will love the spacious and comfortable double rooms, with a balcony and a view of the Meteora, starting from 125€ including breakfast. Strong points: the kind staff, the location, the private parking, the varied breakfast.

7) Thessaloniki (1 day)

For the last full day of your 10 days in Greece itinerary, you should go to Thessaloniki. It’s the country’s 2nd largest city, after Athens.

If you want to spend 1 day in Thessaloniki, you can:

• Go to Modiano market, to buy the best local products
• Take a stroll in Egnatia street and its many shops
• Stop by the Roman Agora
• Visit the church of Agios Dimitros
• Walk in Ana Poli district to see the Ossios David church and Vlatadon Monastery
• Walk along the city walls to reach Trigoniou Tower
• Admire the view over the city from the Agios Pavlos church
• Relax in Pasha Gardens
• Take the Elenis Zogafrou Street, and take a short detour by the Nikolaos Orfanos church
• Discover the Arch of Galerius and Rotunda
• Admire Thessaloniki’s most iconic landmark: the White Tower
• End your day in Thessaloniki Waterfront, where you will find many bars and restaurants
• And how about spending your last night in Greece partying in Ladadika and Valaoritou districts?

If you want more details about the best places to see in Thessaloniki, you should read my article: The 12 best things to do in Thessaloniki.

Spend the night in Thessaloniki

The next day, your trip to Greece will already be over! It will be time to drop off your rental car, and take your return flight.

Don’t forget to choose a rental company that won’t charge you if you take your car in Athens and drop it off in Thessaloniki! If you use Booking.com Cars website to book your car, you will directly see all the “drop off at a different location” fees, if any.

Where to stay in Thessaloniki

• Stay Hybrid Hostel: This youth hostel is located around Ladadika and Valaoritou districts. Dormitory rooms starting from 10€ per night only! Strong points: the price, the modern rooms, the ideal location to go out at night, the rooftop.
• Plaza Hotel, Philian Hotels and Resorts: Located in Ladadika district, only 50 meters from the seaside. The warm double rooms, with comfortable beds are starting from 60€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the ideal location, if you want to get around Thessaloniki on foot, the great breakfast, the kind staff. A great choice in Thessaloniki for its exceptional value for money!
• Astoria: Located 300 meters from the port and 500 meters from Modiano market. The double rooms, with a balcony for some of them, are starting for 100€ per night, with a 10€ breakfast. Strong points: the location, the good breakfast, the kind staff.
• Electra Palace Thessaloniki: This 5-star hotel is located on Aristotelous Square, in the heart of the city. You will love its large rooms with a classical decoration and wooden furniture! The price starts at 200€ per night, including breakfast. What I loved: the swimming pool and the restaurant on the roof, with a great panoramic view, the location in the city centre, the hotel services. The best choice for a luxury stay in Thessaloniki!

Greece Tours

On Voyagetips.com, I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Greece by yourself. (Click here to read all my articles about Greece)

However, if you prefer to book a Greece tour with a travel agency, I recommend you to check the 10 best Greece tours by clicking the button below:

Renting a boat in Greece

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Greece, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Greece? 😊

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions

• Athens: The 20 Best Things to do and see
• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit

Cyclades (Greek islands)

• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!

• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Santorini: The definitive guide
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do

Dodecanese

• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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