Greece 10-Day Itinerary: Athens, Santorini & Mykonos
A Spontaneous Celebration Abroad with Mama Van
Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink. Our Greece adventure came together in less than a month—a spontaneous idea to celebrate my mom’s 75th birthday in a big, beautiful way. Since we were both fully vaccinated, the timing felt right. I suggested either Greece or Croatia, keeping in mind that both destinations are famously hilly. Comfort was key—I wasn’t planning any strenuous hikes, and I wanted to ensure my mom would feel safe and relaxed every step of the way.
She chose Greece. And just like that, the planning began.
After a few days of research and some quick bookings, here’s how our 10-day itinerary shaped up:
Day 1: Departure
Fly from the U.S. to Athens
Day 2: Arrival in Athens
-
Arrive in Athens
-
Taxi to city center
-
Check-in at Brown Acropol Hotel at 3 PM
-
Overnight in Athens
Day 3: Travel to Santorini
-
Early departure to Santorini
-
Check-in to Airbnb at 1 PM
-
Dinner at Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant at 7:30 PM
-
Overnight in Santorini
Day 4: Iconic Santorini Experiences
-
9:30 AM Flying Dress Photoshoot (a must!)
-
4:15 PM Horseback riding along scenic trails
-
Overnight in Santorini
Day 5: Catamaran Cruise & Sunset Magic
-
4–8 PM Sunset Catamaran Cruise (includes food and drinks)
-
Overnight in Santorini
Day 6: Ferry to Mykonos
-
Morning ferry to Mykonos
-
Arrive around 2 PM
-
Check-in at Mykonos Riviera Hotel at 3 PM
-
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 7: Exploring Mykonos
-
Morning: Free day to explore or relax
-
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 8: Cruise & Coastal Views
-
11 AM Old Port Cruise around Mykonos
-
Overnight in Mykonos
Day 9: Back to Athens
-
Travel back to Athens
-
2 PM check-in at The Gem Society Hotel
-
5–10 PM Private evening tour with driver (highly recommend)
-
Overnight in Athens
Day 10: Departure
Fly home to the U.S.
A Few Notes on Travel Logistics
Although this was a 10-day itinerary, keep in mind that two days were spent flying, and one was partially lost to jet lag. Realistically, we had about seven full days on the ground, which made pacing important.
Dining & Planning Tips
For this trip, we took a spontaneous approach to dining — wandering neighborhoods and selecting restaurants based on Google Reviews and vibe. With COVID restrictions still in place, we often had entire restaurants, hotels, and iconic landmarks almost entirely to ourselves. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy places like Santorini at sunset without the crowds.
Highlights & Reflections
This trip easily ranks in my top five. The people in Greece were warm, genuine, and incredibly kind—especially to my mom, which made this experience even more special. We loved our stays, particularly at Mykonos Riviera and The Gem Society Hotel in Athens, where the service and food were exceptional.
Some highlights:
-
Our flying dress photoshoot in Santorini was magical and fun
-
The catamaran cruise was the perfect way to see the island and enjoy the sunset
-
Strolling through quiet streets without tourist crowds made everything feel intimate and peaceful
We ate our way through Greek salads, fresh seafood, and of course, lots of yogurt. The entire country was gorgeous and photogenic, and Mama Van enjoyed every photo opp.
My Final Thoughts
Planning a multigenerational trip can feel daunting, but Greece made it easy. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just looking for a magical destination that blends beauty, culture, and history—this itinerary can work for you, too.
If you’re inspired to plan your own trip to Greece, feel free to reach out to me or Nomoon Travel. We’re now partnering with our favorite hotels and local vendors to recreate this itinerary for future travelers — so you can enjoy the same seamless, meaningful experience. Stay tuned for my next visit in May 2025.
