Why Greece – Miles and miles of indigo and aquamarine-colored coastline with crystal clear waters and countless islands with virgin sandy beaches having volcanic rocks. The typical Mediterranean climate makes Greece a perfect destination for tourists. Let’s go for a Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary with the best places to visit in Greece.
Greece’s ancient and mystical land is heaven for history and archaeology lovers. Nature has blessed Greece with mountainous landscape also so that mountain lovers or trekkers also find it a perfect destination. That is why the Greece tour is ideal for history lovers too.
The people of Greece are also full of warmth, talkative, and welcoming. Different styles of white houses with colored doors on narrow streets are peculiarities of Greece. Greek food is also famous for its uniqueness, so food lovers find Greece very tempting.
GLORIOUS GREECE 12 DAYS ITINERARY
My Greece Itinerary -> Athens – Santorini – Mykonos – Athens – Delphi/Meteora – Athens
- Athens – Land at the International airport – Take a flight to Santorini that evening – 1st day
- Santorini – 3 to 4 Days – Click here to Read about things to do in Santorini.
- Santorini to Mykonos – By Blue star ferry
- Mykonos – 3 days – Click here to read about things to do in Mykonos.
- Mykonos to Athens by Ferry (in between hopping at islands)
- Stay in Athens – 2 days – Athens city tour – Click here to read about things to do in Historical Athens.
- Athens to Delphi / Meteora – 1-night stay near Meteora. CLICK HERE TO BOOK ATHENS TO DELPHI TOUR
- Return back to Athens and night stay in Athens
- Athens nearby attractions and fly back.
CaÃrete (Hello in Greek language) or Kalimera(Good Morning)
Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary – Two parts
- Mainlands Tour in Greece (Athens, Delphi & Meteora)
- Islands Tour
Top islands of Greece which are recommended on Glorious Greece Tour – Greece Itinerary
- Crete
- Mykonos
- Santorini
- Naxos. – There are many unique nearby islands boat tours from Naxos.
- Andros Island
- Rhodes
- Corfu
- Hydra
- Samos
- Skiathos
- Ithaca
- Syros
- Milos
- Kimolos
How to go to the Islands from international airports?
Many cruises, ships, and local airplanes take you there. We took Ryan Air, Blue Star Ferry, and Super Jet to commute to the islands. Also, people hire Luxury Charters to commute between the Greek Islands. Know about Sailing Greece.
We covered Santorini, Mykonos, and Syros. Beautiful islands and recommended stay is 2 nights each on each island to enjoy beaches and town sidewalks with sunsets and explore each and every corner of the island. Know more about the cost to travel to Greece. Know more about Backpaking Greece – a complete guide.
Glorious Greece Tour in 12 days – Greece Itinerary – Greece Trip Planning
SANTORINI – 3 Days | Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
The most famous island of Greece in the whole world because it is set amidst indigo-colored Aegean Sea on volcanic rocks. As it is hilly so the houses are nicely patterned up and down forming a beautiful landscape. All the white houses have a view of blue waters and hills as they are on top of rocks. Sunset from Santorini is amazing and hence it tops the list of Greece itineraries and Greece tours.
Tip – Take Rent a Car to roam around on the whole island.
Things to see in Santorini | Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
- Old churches with blue domes
- Red Beach,
- Black Beach,
- Oia(famous for sunsets) town,
- Fira town(more lively area),
- Akrotiri(prehistoric sites and beautiful driveway).
MYKONOS – 3 Days | Glorious Greece in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
Greece’s most glamorous island destination is Mykonos.
Mykonos is also known as a windy island, so many winds with waves on sandy beaches have crystal clear aquamarine waters. Mykonos is known for its beaches and streets with white houses with blue doors.
Here in Mykonos also rent a car to roam around the city. Go to beaches and parking is not an issue as on the islands you can park on the side of a road because the population is significantly less here. Also, you can rent quad bikes or motorbikes to move around. Mykonos is one the best places to visit in Greece. Therefore it should be included in your Greece tours.
Things to see in Mykonos | Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
- Little Venice,
- Windmills,
- Waking in the town(must)
- Top Beaches of Mykonos – Paradise, Super Paradise, Lia, Elia, Paraga, Platis Gialos, Psarou.
Syros – Beautiful island while going towards Athens from Mykonos.
Naxos – There are many beautiful islands near Naxos. Naxos is the Cycladic capital island.
GREECE MAINLANDS tour during Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days
We visited Athens, Delphi, and Meteora. Delphi and Meteora are 2 days trip from Athens with an overnight stay near Meteora by road. Renting a car is an option, or many tour operators are available from Athens who take you there.
HISTORICAL ATHENS | Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
Many archaeological sites, beaches, ports, a modern city, the Olympic stadium, the Parliament building, shopping centers, bars, Greek cafes, and Plaka (old-style shopping) are to be visited. Many Hop on Hop Off buses runs in the city, which is a great option, and Athens can be covered in 2 days. Stay near Acropolis for old-style city life and if a modern style of staying, then stay near Parliament or University area.
Things to see in Historical Athens | Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
- Parthenon
- Acropolis
- Erechtheion
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Agora of Athens
- Plaka Street
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hephaestus Temple
- Syntagama Square
- Beaches & Harbor of Athens
- Evenings of Athens.
Delphi – Meteora Tour from Athens | Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
Read about the complete tour to Delphi and Meteora from Athens.
Delphi
On the Greek mainland, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine, the site was sacred to the ancients, who went on pilgrimages to worship Apollo (god of light, prophecy, music, and healing) to ask advice from the mythical Oracle. It comprises the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater, and a stadium, dating from between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD.
Nearby stands the Delphi Museum Archaeological Museum, displaying an impressive collection of finds from the site. Delphi lies 180 kilometers northwest of Athens. While going to Delphi from Athens via Archova beautiful drive is there because of the hilly drive. Mediterranean landscape with agriculture on hilly slopes with snow-clad peaks in between. Picturesque and must-visit driveway.
Meteora
One of the most beautiful places to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Meteora. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, six monasteries are open to the public. You need to climb up several stone steps carved into the rocks to reach each monastery, and inside, you’ll find flickering candles, religious icons, frescoes, and burning incense. Opening hours vary, and to see all six monasteries, you must spend at least one day in the area.
The nearest town is Kalambaka for a night stay. From Delphi go to Meteora, have a night stay, and on the next day see all monasteries and return back to Athens which is a 4 to 5 hours drive. Meteora should not be missed in your Greece trip itinerary.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary
- CURRENCY OF GREECE – EURO
- LANGUAGE – Greek but most people understand English
- Food – Mediterranean cuisine, feta cheese, seafood, Mousaka, Stuffed Tomatoes, Greek Salad.
- Shopping – Greek sandals made of authentic leather, Greek-style brass jewelry, handmade olive soaps, pumice stones from natural volcanic rocks, handmade cotton white colored clothes, some precious stones, olive products, strawberries, and all-natural handmade cosmetics.
Dance and Music – Enjoy Greek dance and music in an old tavern-style Greek restaurant with Greek cuisine.
Most famous International Airport – Athens(Capital of Greece).
As an artist, I get inspired by my travel to paint something so after coming from Glorious Greece Trip, I painted Mykonos Town. Have a Look…. I hope you loved reading about the Glorious Greece Tour in 12 Days – Greece Itinerary and would soon plan your Greece Trip with some of the best places to visit in Greece in your bucket list itinerary.
So, until then KEEP TRAVELING……………… KEEP EXPLORING……………………………………………………
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This makes for a great guide for first timers to Greece – like me! I have long had Greece on my bucket list, and I love your intinery and how you have broken out each destination for a 3-day tour, giving you just enough time to get a taste. I think I wouldn’t change a thing.
We had planned a 9 day trip to Greece last summer which didn’t come through. Seeing your itinerary would love to extend it by three days. And add Syros, Delphi & Mateora. A 2 day trip by car sounds exciting.
Such a great itinerary! Thank you!
This post has revived some really amazing memories from my own Greece trip a few years ago. I also visited Santorini and Mykonos, apart from Athens and I absolutely loved them. I wish to return though, and this time I want to make it to other islands such as Milos and Corfu. Also, some smaller, untouched islands would be nice. Its a good idea to rent a car in Santorini so that you can also visit the black sand beaches which are a little distance from the common places such as Fira and Oia.
Not only islands but mainlands are also worth visiting. Try some new places in Greece mainlands too when you visit next time.
I thought about going to Greece this year but I put it on the wait list. This is a great list! I see I have to check out multiple islands when I go. And see traditional Greek dance.
Greece is a beautiful country and one I will be visiting soon so thanks for sharing this. Has helped me with things to do and how. The post gives details and the visuals compliments the story. I am looking forward to Athens and it’s history and the beaches of Santorini. Thanks fir sharing
Yes, Greece is must visit country as it has lots of wonderful sights. If you need any insights then please feel to discuss me on that.
Greece is definitely a bucket list destination for me, as I’m sure with most people! But you shown me that there is more to Greece than Athens, Santorini or Mykonos. I would love to visit Meteora and Delphi because of those amazing historical sites.
What a great guide to greece- I loved your Delphi trip guide, it gave me so much new insight into the area! There is so much that visitors may miss because they are only going to the most popular places. I’d love to see all of the greek islands on your list, as well as some of the tiny and uninhabited ones. Can’t wait to see more of your travels!
Greece is such a beautiful country with beautiful places, people and delicious food. I visited Greece last year and love it totally. We went to Mykonos, Santorini, Athen, Delphi and Meteora. Love the abundance of history they have. This post brought back so many memories from our trip.
Wow, these are such beautiful pictures.
It looks glorious! I love Greece civilization and learning about history – it is absolutely fascinating!
It feels like you’ve taken us with you with all the photos in this post! The archaeological remains of this beautiful lands holds a lot of value to our history as a civilization:D
I have never been but it is on my LIST!! I just can’t wait to go look at those blue hues!!
Beautiful country!y grandson spent some time there and he loved it.
Greece needs no introduction but I loved these images. The sheer blue and white patterns on the Mediterranean shores look too beautiful to be true. And it has so much history and civilization attached to it that it becomes hard to resist.
I haven’t visited Greece but it’s always on the top of my list. Hope that I can visit these beautiful islands one day. Santorini looks like a paradise, right?
Santorini and Mykonos have been on my list since forever. I love your pictures and description of Athens too. Guess I will plan a week-long trip in 2018. Cheers!!
We visited Athens, Mykonos and Santorini on a cruise a couple of years ago and it was a great way to get an overview and know where we’d like to return. I thought I’d love Santorini, but we ended up enjoying Mykonos much better!
Greece is one of those places that I’ve been literally DYING to get to, but schedules and ticket prices haven’t really cooperated with me yet. My initial reaction to your opening line of “Why Greece” was “why not?” There are so many amazing things to experience, taste, smell, see…it’s really like one of those places that you have to try really hard to not have a good time!
Everything about Greece looks so beautiful! Especially the water, it’s such a striking shade of blue. I’d love to visit Crete and eat lots of feta! Santorini has been on my list for a long time too, such a spectacular view with all those beautiful white buildings against the blue. Glorious indeed!
I would love to go to Greece someday. Everything about it is so beautiful. I love the monastery on the cliff. I would definitely hike up the stairs to see that!
We spent 2 weeks in Greece just last month. What a fabulous place. We saw a few things on your list – Delphi and Santorini but there is so much more to see. I would so love to go back.
I really want to visit Greece. I have a uni friend who lives there and he always vacations on the Greek islands. I would particularly like to visit the monasteries of Meteora. Amazing!
I am yet to visit Greece. Your post and pictures are really inviting. Can’t wait to visit Mykonos island as it’s landscapes are breathtaking.
I have always wanted to go to Greece, but never had the chance. This is such a lovely photo compilation; uugh the wanderlust is strong. And such a great souvenir you have!
Nice article – I like how you have a list of all the different islands to go to, that’s useful 🙂
I have not been to Greece yet. Your post makes me feel that Greece is the best getaway destination. There are so many things to do and see there. I do love going to the beach. I think Greece has a lot of mesmerizing beaches. Your painting looks nice. It is a good piece of remembrance that you can share with your loved ones.
Oh my – that castle on top of the cliffs is stunning! Can you imagine living there? Every single window must have an impeccable view.
There are so many places to visit in Greece, and your photos totally capture them! We’ve been to Athens, which was not my favorite, and Santorini, where I’d love to spend a summer. That blue and white is breathtaking.
This is a really informative post on Greece! Your pictures are stunning! The whites and blues are beautiful. I hope to go someday!
Thanks for sharing a very informative post, great job. I would love to visit the islands so gorgeous and the views are outstanding.
A comprehensive post – all the relevant info that we need to know about Greece. Love your photos! Thanks for sharing this post with us 🙂 Cheers.
I have been fortunate enough to go to Corfu and it is definitely a beautiful place, the people are fantastic, the food is gorgeous. My mum and dad keep going to Rhodes as they love it there
Such a lovely and detailed article! I’m definitely saving it up for reference if I ever plan on visiting Greece soon! I like how u differentiated what many of the islands are known for and the pictures of course are stunning! 🙂 xo
Akshita,
http://www.cateyesandchai.com
Greece looks so beautiful! Definitely on my dream travel list!