Excellent
Greece Itinerary 10 Days: From Athens to Thessaloniki & Chalkidiki
10 Days
3 Stops
Private transfer
Plan your trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Excellent
From$2,700
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertFour nights in Athens with both the Peloponnese circuit and the Meteora excursion is the configuration this itinerary needs, and it's the call I'd always defend when schedule pressure pushes back. Both are full-day commitments, and compressing either to a half-day means absorbing neither properly. Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches are more substantive than most itineraries give them credit for; the Rotunda, the Hagia Sofia, and the Acheiropoietos basilica form a sequence that a morning with a knowledgeable guide turns into one of the trip's strongest chapters. For Sithonia, the road south of Neos Marmaras toward Kalamitsi through pine forest to small coves with almost no tourist infrastructure delivers the most genuinely undeveloped stretch of the entire itinerary.
Four nights in Athens with both the Peloponnese circuit and the Meteora excursion is the configuration this itinerary needs, and it's the call I'd always defend when schedule pressure pushes back. Both are full-day commitments, and compressing either to a half-day means absorbing neither properly. Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches are more substantive than most itineraries give them credit for; the Rotunda, the Hagia Sofia, and the Acheiropoietos basilica form a sequence that a morning with a knowledgeable guide turns into one of the trip's strongest chapters. For Sithonia, the road south of Neos Marmaras toward Kalamitsi through pine forest to small coves with almost no tourist infrastructure delivers the most genuinely undeveloped stretch of the entire itinerary.
Recommended route
Customize at any time with an expert
Athens
Day 1 - 4
Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.
Your accommodation
Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel
Centrally located in Athens, Greece, the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel is an excellent accommodation option for leisure and business travellers. The hotel offers well-appointed and comfortable rooms and suites equipped with central heating/cooling, TVs, mini-fridges, private bathrooms, hairdryers, safety deposit boxes, and toiletries. Guests can start each day with a delightful breakfast buffet on-site. Facilities and services include a 24-hour reception, a restaurant, a bar, room service, a lobby lounge, wake-up calls, and Wi-Fi.
Your activity
Athens Tour: Parthenon & Acropolis
Short on time but want to see everything that Athens has to offer? We know how to get you around all the ‘must see’ sites and sights. Our Athens city tour takes you to the most important sites of the historic capital. The Panathenaic Stadium was the site of the first Olympic Games of modern times in 1896. The Prime Minister's residence (ex. Royal Palace) is guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform. The Temple of Olympian Zeus,Hadrian's Arch, Parliament, and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Omonia Square. We make a short stop at each place. Of course, we can’t leave out the Acropolis, home to the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and ‘the harmony between material and spirit’, the monument that ‘puts the order in the mind’, the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus'. Concluding the tour, we will visit the new Acropolis Museum and admire the wonders of the classical era.
Thessaloniki
Day 5 - 6
The port city of Thessaloniki enjoys a waterfront location at the Thermaic Gulf of Macedonia in northern Greece. This tourist favourite offers a wealth of cultural sights, vibrant cafe culture and exciting nightlife. Explore the ancient archaeological sites, including the remarkably well-preserved Roman Agora in the heart of town, the Rotunda Monument and the Arch of Galerius, among many others. The iconic architectural style of the Byzantine empire is evident throughout the city, most notably at the Agios Demetrios church and the Byzantine Baths, both protected UNESCO World Heritage sites. The White Tower - the well-preserved 16th-century structure - is the city's most emblematic landmark. The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is a must-visit, as is the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Find a mix of esteemed shops and fabulous boutiques in the shopping district surrounding Tsimiski Street, or enjoy the myriad restaurants, cafeterias and nightlife on the lively seafront promenade.
Your accommodation
Anatolia Hotel
Anatolia Hotel Thessaloniki is located in the heart of Thessaloniki. The hotel's rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, TVs with satellite channels, coffee and tea amenities, mini-bars, safes, hairdryers and heating. The hotel features a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and fitness center. Popular area attractions, for guests to explore include the Arch of Gallerius, the White Tower and Aristotle Square.
Sithonia
Day 7 - 10
Situated in the Chalkidiki region of Northern Greece, the peninsula of Sithonia is sandwiched between the cosmopolitan city of Kassandra to the west and Mount Athos to the east. Also known as Longos, Sithonia is known for its wonderfully mild climate and offers a land of dramatic cliffs, pine forests, countless secluded coves, and over 100 pristine white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of fun-filled activities: rent a boat to explore remote and secluded beaches, cycle along the spectacular Sithonia Circuit, bike, or hike through Sithonia’s magnificent mountains. The crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea are perfect for diving, snorkelling and swimming. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the traditional villages of Parthenonas and Palia Nikiti.
Your accommodation
Amyntas Seafront Hotel
Amyntas Seafront Hotel is situated in Neos Marmaras, Greece, near Porto Carras Beach, the Sithonia Trails and the Porto Carras Golf & Country Club. Units feature air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions, safety deposit boxes, wardrobes and coffee machines. Guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea each morning. Additional amenities include daily housekeeping, an airport shuttle, laundry services and complimentary Wi-Fi.
From$2,700
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
24+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
10+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
6+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
24+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
10+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
6+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Explore the many faces of Greece on this 10-day itinerary—a journey that blends the history of Athens with the serenity of Chalkidiki’s shores and the charm of Thessaloniki. Begin in Athens, where millennia of history come alive at the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the atmospheric streets of the Plaka district.
View less details
From here, venture beyond the capital on immersive day trips, discovering the ancient sites of Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the coastal beauty of Nafplio, along with the dramatic monasteries of Meteora perched high above the landscape. Continue north to Thessaloniki, where a lively waterfront, Byzantine heritage, and a renowned culinary scene offer a different perspective on Greece. Your journey concludes in Sithonia, where pine-covered hills meet clear turquoise waters, creating the perfect setting to unwind after days rich in culture and exploration.
Day 1–4: Athens (4 Nights)
Begin your journey in Greece’s historic capital, where ancient landmarks and vibrant city life come together.
Your Accommodation
The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel
Highlights & Activities
Private transfers between the airport and your hotel
Guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
Visit to Cape Sounion with coastal views
Day trip to Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nafplio
Excursion to Meteora and its cliff-top monasteries
Time to explore neighborhoods, museums, and local dining at your own pace
Day 5–6: Thessaloniki (2 Nights)
Continue north to Thessaloniki, a city known for its cultural diversity, history, and lively atmosphere.
Your Accommodation
Anatolia Hotel
Highlights & Activities
Private transfer and flight arrangement from Athens to Thessaloniki
Stroll along the waterfront promenade and city center
Discover Byzantine churches and historic landmarks
Experience Thessaloniki’s renowned culinary scene
Day 7–9: Sithonia (3 Nights)
End your journey in Sithonia, where natural beauty and coastal tranquility define your stay.
Your Accommodation
Amyntas Seafront Hotel
Highlights & Activities
Private transfer from Thessaloniki to Sithonia
Relax on beaches surrounded by pine forests and turquoise waters
Enjoy time at leisure to explore hidden coves and coastal villages
Opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding by the sea
Day 10: Departure
After a final morning by the sea, transfer to the airport for your departure. Leave with lasting impressions of Greece’s ancient heritage, vibrant cities, and serene coastal landscapes.
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Tips for your Greece adventure
The best time for this Northern and Southern Greece combination is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) shoulder seasons. You will experience pleasant weather for sightseeing in Athens and Thessaloniki's ancient sites, while Chalkidiki's beaches will be warm enough for swimming without the intense summer crowds and heat.
The cost will vary based on your preferred travel style, but a mid-range, week-long trip to Greece starts at approximately $1,100, excluding international flights. Since this itinerary focuses on the mainland and less-expensive destinations like Chalkidiki, a budget-friendly trip can start at around $65 per day.
The trip offers a fantastic mix of history and relaxation. Highlights include exploring the Acropolis in Athens and the historical monuments of Thessaloniki, such as the White Tower. For activities, be sure to take a day trip to the Byzantine monasteries of Meteora and enjoy the pristine, secluded beaches along the Sithonia Peninsula in Chalkidiki.
When driving to Chalkidiki from Thessaloniki, you should budget for tolls and be mindful of local driving habits. When exploring the seaside villages, look for traditional tavernas for authentic Greek cuisine, which is often focused on fresh seafood and local Macedonian ingredients that differ from the southern islands.
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
