History and Culture in Athens and Santorini - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! You'll begin your trip in Athens, home to both the iconic Acropolis and so much more. The mythology of this spectacular city precedes it, with towering temples to Classical deities and the ruins of ancient marketplaces rubbing shoulders with lively nightlife, crowded flea markets, and contemporary cuisine. Make the most of your time in the city at some of these spots:

• Check out the views of the can't-miss Parthenon. (Pro tip: The Parthenon is the temple, the Acropolis is the hill.) This temple to Athena has enchanted visitors since its construction was completed in 438 BC. It's probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of ancient Greece and is visible from many of the city's high points.
• Stop at the sprawling National Museum for a crash course in ancient iconography. Be sure to seek out the room housing the Antikythera mechanism, essentially an ancient astronomical computer.
• Visit a smaller archaeological site at the Tower of the Winds, then stroll down neighboring pedestrian Aiolou Street to stop at shops and cafes. 
• Find your perfect souvenir or sun hat in the busy stalls of the Monastiraki flea market. 

Spend your evening exploring the up-and-coming Pangrati neighborhood or amid the nightlife and mezze of the Psyrri district.

Day 2: Guided Mythology & Acropolis Museum Tours

Experience the ancient stories surrounding you with today's guided mythology tour. You'll meet your guide and storyteller at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then head to landmarks around the city including the Acropolis, ancient cemetery at Kerameikos, and the Agora. The myths that founded the city and are featured in its retellings for generations will accompany as you go, with stories of Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysus, and more.

Stick with the supervised experience with another guided tour of the Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. Named one of the ten best museums in the world by National Geographic, this modern museum houses a multitude of artifacts removed from the hill of the Acropolis for safekeeping to provide insight into ancient religious practices and daily life. Linger for lunch in the museum's cafe, with views of the artifacts' former hilltop home.

As night falls, visit the Athens Observatory to learn about the constellations overhead and take a look through the telescope.

Day 3: Visit Kallimarmaro, Ancient Cooking Class

Start off the morning with a trip to the sweeping stands of Kallimarmaro, also known as the Panathenaic Stadium. The grand facility made entirely of marble was constructed in 1896 to host the first modern Olympics and is made entirely out of marble to honor the ancient stadiums.

Once you've been sufficiently inspired to feats of athleticism, you'll move on to feasts of Greek cuisine instead. A resident chef will take you on a journey of discovery into the methods used by the Ancient Greeks to cook their meals. You'll use ingredients available today to reproduce the distinct flavors found in classical dishes over the course of this 3-hour class. And no class is complete without the opportunity to sample the fruits of your labor over dinner (with wine included, of course).

Day 4: Athens to Santorini

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll get an early flight or ferry to Santorini. Nothing says "good morning" like watching the sun coming up over the island's iconic cubic architecture. Upon arrival, you'll take in the island's central caldera—the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history—rising above you. 

The island's volcanic history has led to the formation of some of the more unique beaches in the Greek islands, along with the dramatic cliff views on the island's caldera side. Spend your day relaxing at the beach or catching some exercise—and even more views—from one of Santorini’s more than 12 scenic walking routes, ranging from between two to eight miles each.  At dinner, sample the island's signature cherry tomatoes and white eggplants as guest stars in local seafood dishes.

Day 5: Santorini Tour & Wine Tasting

The morning is yours to spend as you will, whether that's browsing the boutiques of Fira or getting beachside. Don't wear yourself out too soon, though, as in the afternoon you'll take a guided tour that will show you a side of Santorini that most travelers don't see.

You'll check out hidden gems in Oia, the furthest town along the rim of the caldera. Oia's arty streets are the quintessential Santorini scene. Later, you'll take a trip up to the highest peak on the island. Bring your camera for the 360 views at the top, as well as the many stops on your way down. You'll also see medieval villages at Megalochori and Pyrgos and the Blue Dome in Firostefani before your voyage ends with a wine tasting to sample varietals dating back centuries, complete with epic caldera views as the sun goes down.

In the evening, return to Oia to wander the alleys and linger in the town's tavernas into the evening and experience a calmer vibe after the sunset crowds subside. When searching for your dinner, seek out tomato keftedes, deep-fried tomato balls that encapsulate the essence of the Mediterranean diet, and the Santorini specialty spelt pie.

Day 6: Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri

Take a guided tour of one of the Aegean's most significant prehistoric settlements. You'll head to the excavated city at Akrotiri, hidden away at the southern tip of Santorini on the slopes of the caldera. These ruins were once the site of one of the Bronze Age’s most advanced settlements, which prospered for centuries before being buried by a volcanic eruption in the mid-second millennium BC. You'll have the morning to explore its well-preserved (thanks to the volcanic eruption) streets alongside a local guide who will share its stories.

On your way back, stop to see the three bells of Fira. The trio of bells atop this blue-domed church is pictured on many of the postcards you'll find on the island, it's your turn to take a photo of your own

Unwind on the beach with the remainder of your afternoon. The black sands of Perissa and Kamari are always popular, but the colorful red or white beach are also well worth seeing. Or seek out some solitude within the cliffs at Koloumbos on the island's northern tip.

Day 7: Santorini to Athens and Depart

It's time to say farewell to Greece! Savor one more breakfast in Santorini before your transfer to the airport or your ferry to begin your journey home.