With a week to spend, you and your family can find plenty of ways to explore Greece. Whether you want to hit the highlights with interactive tours in Athens and Santorini, get into some less-explored parts of the country with a Corinthian canal cruise, or head out on a scavenger hunt through the streets of Crete, there's something waiting for everyone.
Two weeks gives you and your family plenty of time to traverse the nearly 1,000 miles of coastline that Greece has to offer. Whether you're going for a deep dive into the northern Greek mainland, island-hopping through the Cyclades, or getting cultural on Crete or in the Peloponnese, you'll find something that speaks to you.
Many travelers spend a few days on Crete, splitting their time between Chania in the west and Heraklion in the east. As you make your way from one region to the other, don't miss the chance to spend some time in the Rethymno, home to a famous monastery, a charming old town, and excellent restaurants. What to do, where to go, and what to see—especially if you only have 24 hours to spend? Follow this guide to find out.
Charming Rethymno has more to offer than beautiful beaches and a gorgeously preserved medieval center. The city, located on the western side of Crete, is also a foodie destination. Sample fried snails, slow-roasted goat, locally produced wines, and potent raki — a traditional spirit — while exploring the quiet streets of the old town. Whether you're dining with a sea view or in a lush courtyard garden, you're sure to eat well.
The best hotels in Rethymno combine the city's beach access with the Cretan culture, serving up local specialty dishes alongside historic stones under the sun. Whether you're enjoying a former schoolhouse turned boutique, savoring suites accompanied by one of Greece's best restaurants, or slowing down on a wellness-focused farm stay, it's hard to go wrong with these options.
Spend a week getting in touch with Greek culture alongside your school-aged children on this itinerary. The first half of your trip takes place in Athens, where you'll find inspiration at the Parthenon and the rest of the Acropolis and practice your running form at the Panathenaic Stadium. Then, head to Rethymno on Crete to explore ancient ruins and try your hand at an excavation.
This active island-hopping itinerary visits two gems in the Aegean Sea—both world-famous for different reasons. You'll start in Crete, largest of the Greek islands and home of ancient Minoan palaces and striking landscapes like canyons, gorges, mountains, and beautiful beaches. You'll then ferry over to the smaller volcanic island of Santorini and have three days to explore its whitewashed cliff-side villages with hiking, swimming, sea kayaking, and, of course, romantic sunsets.
This two-week itinerary gives you and your school-aged children plenty of time to get their hands on Greek cultural activities in Athens and the major cities of Crete. Start in Athens, where you can paint the Parthenon and exercise like an Olympian at the Panathenaic Stadium. You'll fly to Crete, where you'll participate in mosaic-making workshops, archaeological adventures, and botanical treasure hunts, alongside plenty of time to wander at your own pace or relax on the beach.
