Tour Yourself in Greece: 7-Day Flexible Itinerary for Food and History Lovers

From the whitewashed islands of the Aegean to the ancient ruins of Athens, Greece blends culture, cuisine, and coastlines like nowhere else. With Smartours’ Greece self-guided tour, explore at your own pace.

Introduction: Experience Greece at Your Own Pace

Greece isn’t just a destination — it’s a living museum of sun, sea, and stories. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the blue-domed cliffs of Santorini, every corner offers a mix of myth, flavor, and timeless charm . But beyond the postcard views lies a slower rhythm — one best experienced without the confines of a group tour.

With Smartours’ Greece self-guided tour , you’re free to set your own pace. Our intelligent itinerary tools let you balance must-see landmarks with hidden local gems — all while handling logistics like transport, timing, and accommodation recommendations for you. Whether you’re wandering through archaeological sites, enjoying seaside taverna meals, or chasing sunsets on an island terrace, Smartours helps you do it seamlessly.

Greece at a Glance

Pre-Travel Essentials: Smart Planning Before You Go

A successful trip to Greece begins with a few smart steps before you arrive. From entry rules to connectivity, here’s what to prepare to make your Greece self-guided toursmooth and stress-free.

Entry & Documentation

• Visa Requirements:U.S., U.K., and most EU travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Passport Validity:Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure.
• ETIAS Update:Starting in 2026, non-EU travelers will need to complete an online ETIAS authorization before arrival.
• Smart Tip:Upload your passport and ETIAS confirmation to your Smartours profile for secure backup and offline access.

Connectivity & Technology

• Data Options:

• eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) for regional coverage.
• Pocket Wi-Fi for groups or heavy data users.

• Essential Apps:

• Google Maps (offline mode) – for navigation.
• Ferryhopper – for island transfers.
• Google Translate – with Greek downloaded offline.
• Smartours Trip Hub – for syncing routes, tickets, and hotel check-ins.

• Smart Tip:Enable Smartours’ “Offline Sync” mode before flying — it auto-downloads your maps and bookings for data-free access.

Money & Payments

• Currency:Euro (€).
• ATMs:Widely available; choose local bank ATMs to avoid high exchange fees.
• Cards:Visa and Mastercard accepted nearly everywhere; American Express less common.
• Tipping:5–10% in restaurants and cafés; round up in taxis.
• Smart Tip:Use a multi-currency card linked to your Smartours account for fee-free conversions across Eurozone countries.

Packing & Essentials

• Seasonal Musts:

• Spring/Summer – lightweight linen, hat, sunscreen, walking sandals.
• Autumn – layers and light jacket.
• Winter – sweater and rain gear (especially in Athens).

• Cultural Notes:

• Modest clothing required for monasteries (cover shoulders and knees).
• Carry cash for rural tavernas and small ferries.

• Smart Tip:Keep a small backpack for daily exploration — many historical sites restrict large bags.

Health & Safety

• Tap water is safe in cities but bottled water recommended on smaller islands.
• Pharmacies are common and English-friendly.
• Emergency number: 112 (EU-wide).
• Smart Tip:Enable Smartours’ “Safety Locator” — it logs your travel points securely so local assistance can be coordinated in case of emergency.

Greece Self-Guided Tour Itinerary: The Perfect 7-Day Route for Food and History Lovers

A week in Greece can feel both timeless and transformative. This itinerary blends history, coastal relaxation, and authentic local dining — all while giving you freedom to customize with Smartours’ AI trip planner.

Day 1–2: Athens — Where History Meets Modern Greece

• Morning:Visit theAcropolis,Parthenon, and Temple of Athena Nikebefore crowds arrive. Walk throughPlaka, Athens’ oldest district, lined with cafés and souvenir shops.
• Afternoon:Explore the Acropolis Museumand Roman Agora; enjoy coffee with a view of Lycabettus Hill.
• Evening:Dine in Monastiraki Square, where rooftop tavernas serve souvlaki and moussaka under a glowing Acropolis skyline.
• Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ app to time your museum entries and track sunset viewpoints — it syncs automatically with your hotel’s location.

Day 3: Delphi — The Center of the Ancient World

• Morning:Drive or take a guided bus toDelphi, about 2.5 hours fromAthens. Explore theTemple of Apollo,Theatre of Delphi, and Ancient Stadiumsurrounded by mountains and olive groves.
• Afternoon:Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museumto see the bronze Charioteer statue, then stroll through the town for traditional Greek lunch.
• Evening:Stay overnight inArachova, a mountain village known for cozy inns and local wines.
• Smart Tip:Smartours’ route planner calculates fuel, tolls, and scenic stops for your self-drive trip between Athens and Delphi.

Day 4–5: Santorini — Whitewashed Beauty and Caldera Views

• Morning (Day 4):Fly or ferry toSantorini; settle into your stay inOiaorFira. Wander through cliffside streets framed by blue domes and sea vistas.
• Afternoon:Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Sitefor Bronze Age ruins preserved in volcanic ash.
• Evening:Enjoy a sunset dinner inImerovigli— seafood and local Assyrtiko wine are essentials.
• Morning (Day 5):Take a caldera boat tour, swim in hot springs near Nea Kameni,and visit local wineries.
• Evening:Watch the world-famous Santorini sunset with local cheese and honey pairing.
• Smart Tip:Book ferries and wine tastings through Smartours’ integrated system — it syncs with weather forecasts and crowd density data.

Day 6: Crete — Myth, Mountains, and Meze

• Morning:Fly or ferry toHeraklion, Crete’s capital. Visit thePalace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos and the Minotaur myth.
• Afternoon:Drive toChaniaor Rethymnofor scenic Venetian harbors and pastel-colored streets.
• Evening:Enjoy Cretan cuisine — dakos salad, grilled lamb, and local raki — at a waterfront taverna.
• Smart Tip:Smartours’ AI navigator suggests Cretan villages with low tourist traffic for authentic experiences.

Day 7: Return to Athens — Food, Art, and Farewell

• Morning:Return flight or ferry to Athens. Spend your final hours at the Central Marketfor local olive oil, herbs, and sweets.
• Afternoon:Visit Psiridistrict for modern street art and trendy cafés.
• Evening:End your journey with dinner inPlaka, toasting your trip with ouzo or Santorini wine.
• Smart Tip:Smartours automatically syncs your return trip to Athens airport or Piraeus port, ensuring smooth connections with no last-minute rush.

Optional Extensions (3–4 Extra Days)

• Meteora:Visit monasteries perched atop towering rock formations — a UNESCO wonder.
• NaxosorParos:Quieter island alternatives with excellent beaches and local food.
• Thessaloniki:Greece’s northern hub for Byzantine history and nightlife.

Transportation Highlights: Navigating Greece Efficiently on a Self-Guided Tour

Greece’s beauty lies in its diversity — and traveling between its mainland ruins and island escapes is easier than it looks. With Smartours’ AI tools, every leg of your journey—from ferries to flights—is auto-synced, saving you time and confusion.

Getting Between Mainland and Islands

• Ferries:

• The most scenic way to island-hop.
• Athens (Piraeus) → Santorini or Mykonos:5–8 hours by high-speed ferry.
• Heraklion (Crete) → Santorini:2 hours.
• Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ integrated Ferryhopper APIfor real-time schedules, ticketing, and sea condition alerts.

• Flights:

• Perfect for longer routes like Athens → Creteor Athens → Rhodes(1 hour).
• Budget airlines: Aegean, Sky Express, Ryanair.
• Smart Tip:Enable Smartours’ “Flight Sync”feature — it automatically reschedules hotel check-ins if flights are delayed.

Exploring the Mainland

• Trains:

• Operated by Hellenic Train, connecting Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa.
• Fast, clean, and affordable (~€25–€40).

• Buses (KTEL):

• Cover most regions not served by trains.
• Great for Delphi, Nafplio, and Meteora.

• Smart Tip:Smartours’ itinerary dashboard calculates exact travel times and inserts rest stops or scenic detours automatically.

Driving in Greece

• Why Rent a Car:Essential for flexibility in Crete, the Peloponnese, and Delphi.
• Rules:Drive on the right; international driving permit required for non-EU travelers.
• Parking:Paid lots in major cities; street parking limited.
• Tolls:Present on major highways; Smartours estimates and includes them in your route budget.
• Smart Tip:Activate “Scenic Mode” in Smartours for the most photogenic routes — it highlights coastal roads, vineyard drives, and archaeological detours.

Urban Transport

• Athens Metro:Fast, clean, connects the airport to central districts (~€9 fare).
• Trams & Buses:Great for short hops; use a Reloadable Ath.ena Card.
• Taxis/Rideshares:Beat (Greek Uber) and Free Now available in major cities.
• Smart Tip:Smartours’ Metro Synctool displays real-time crowd data to help you avoid peak-hour congestion.

Budget Snapshot

Smart Travel Tip

Plan travel legs strategically — use Smartours’ “Optimize My Route” to minimize transfers and maximize sightseeing. The AI adjusts ferry and flight schedules automatically so you spend more time exploring, not commuting.

Accommodation Snapshot: Where to Stay in Greece by Region and Style

From island-view villas to traditional mountain inns, Greece offers stays for every travel style. Smartours’ booking integrations help you filter by distance, amenities, and flexibility—so your accommodations fit your route, not the other way around.

Athens — Central Stays with History at Your Doorstep

• Best For:First-timers, history buffs, and food explorers.
• Where to Stay:

• Plaka:Steps from the Acropolis and museums; classic Greek charm.
• Monastiraki:Great for nightlife, rooftop bars, and central metro access.
• Koukaki:Local feel with quick Acropolis access.

• Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ “Walkability” filter to find hotels within 1 km of key attractions and metro stops.

Santorini — Cliffside Luxury and Caldera Views

• Best For:Honeymooners, photographers, and sunset chasers.
• Where to Stay:

• Oia:Iconic whitewashed views, luxury stays, perfect for sunsets.
• Fira:Central base with easy ferry and airport access.
• Imerovigli:Peaceful area with high-end boutique hotels and scenic paths.

• Smart Tip:Smartours auto-suggests accommodations with pool access and luggage delivery options—crucial for Santorini’s many stairs.

Crete — Culture, Coast, and Countryside

• Best For:Food lovers, families, and road trippers.
• Where to Stay:

• Heraklion:Central hub near Knossos and the airport.
• Chania:Picturesque harbor stays with Venetian flair.
• Rethymno:Balanced mix of history, beaches, and calm local life.

• Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ “Drive & Stay” pairing tool to link car rentals directly with hotel locations for a seamless island route.

Delphi & Meteora — Mountain Retreats and Heritage Inns

• Best For:Cultural travelers and hikers.
• Where to Stay:

• Arachova:Cozy inns and boutique lodges close to Delphi’s ruins.
• Kalambaka:Base for visiting Meteora’s monasteries.

• Smart Tip:Smartours identifies hotels with on-site parking—essential for mountain towns with limited street access.

The Peloponnese — Local Flavor and Hidden Luxury

• Best For:Off-the-beaten-path explorers.
• Where to Stay:

• Nafplio:Romantic harbor town with boutique stays.
• Kalamata:Olive-growing heartland with coastal resorts.
• Monemvasia:Medieval castle town with heritage inns carved into cliffs.

• Smart Tip:Filter by “Historic Stay” in Smartours to find properties in restored mansions or fortresses.

Booking Insight

Smart Tip:Combine 2–3 types of stays (city → island → countryside) for the most authentic Greek experience. Smartours automatically balances transit times and check-in windows to keep your schedule smooth.

Food Highlights: Savor Greece One Meal at a Time

Greek cuisine is simple, seasonal, and full of flavor — best enjoyed slowly, surrounded by locals. On your Greece self-guided tour, food isn’t just part of the itinerary; it’s the story of every region you visit.

Athens — Street Eats and Modern Greek Bistros

• Street Eats:Try souvlaki(grilled meat skewers) and gyroswrapped in warm pita, found at corner stalls in Monastiraki and Psiri.
• Modern Dining:Athens’ new-wave tavernas blend tradition with creativity — spots like Kolonaki and Koukaki serve reimagined classics like lamb with herbs and citrus.
• Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ “Local Eats” filter to find highly rated family-owned tavernas within walking distance of your hotel.

Santorini — Sun, Sea, and Assyrtiko Wine

• Signature Flavors:Tomatokeftedes(fried tomato fritters) and fava dipmade from yellow split peas.
• Dining View:Enjoy seafood and local wine at sunset restaurants in Oia or Imerovigli — Assyrtiko pairs beautifully with grilled fish.
• Smart Tip:Smartours can auto-schedule winery visits around your sightseeing day to avoid overlapping ferry or sunset times.

Crete — The Heart of the Mediterranean Diet

• Farm-to-Table Origins:Cretan cuisine is pure simplicity — dakos salad, mizithra cheese, olive oil, and mountain herbs.
• Don’t Miss:Traditional mountain tavernas in Archanes or Anogeia serving slow-cooked lamband local raki.
• Smart Tip:Use Smartours’ “Culinary Trail” mode to find villages known for olive oil or wine tastings along your drive route.

Delphi & Central Greece — Rustic and Comforting

• Must-Try:Stifado(beef stew with onions), wild mushroom dishes, and local cheesesfrom Arachova.
• Atmosphere:Mountain inns often double as restaurants with family recipes passed down generations.
• Smart Tip:Smartours maps small family-run eateries along hiking and heritage routes for authentic post-sightseeing meals.

Peloponnese — Olive Groves and Coastal Flavors

• Highlights:Kalamata olives, seafood pasta, and fresh figs.
• Where to Eat:Nafplio’s harborside tavernas serve the best mix of land and sea dishes — perfect for a sunset meal.
• Smart Tip:Save favorite spots in your Smartours app — it automatically adds them to your itinerary and recommends nearby dessert cafés or bakeries.

Desserts & Drinks to End the Day

• Desserts:Baklava, loukoumades(honey doughnuts), and galaktoboureko(custard pastry).
• Drinks:Try Greek coffee— thick, strong, unfiltered — or end with a glass of ouzoor tsipouro.
• Smart Tip:Enable Smartours’ “Café Mode” — it shows scenic coffee stops or rooftop bars along your walking routes.

Wrap-Up: Plan Your Greece Self-Guided Tour the Smart Way

Greece is a destination built for discovery — and the best way to experience it is on your own terms. With Smartours’ Greece self-guided tour, you’ll have all the flexibility of independent travel backed by intelligent tools that handle the logistics for you.

From the ruins of Athens to the cliffs of Santorini and the olive groves of Crete, every stop can be tailored to your pace, interests, and travel style. Smartours’ AI-curated system keeps your routes optimized, ferry schedules synced, and hotel bookings coordinated — so your journey unfolds effortlessly.

Start Planning with Smartours

• Design your itinerary:Use Smartours’ smart planner to map Athens, Delphi, Santorini, and Crete into one seamless route.
• Customize your pace:Add or remove destinations, adjust travel time, and see real-time recommendations for local tours and dining.
• Book smarter:Compare hotels, ferries, and experiences side by side — all through one integrated platform.

Smart Travel. Simplified.
With Smartours , your trip to Greece becomes more than a vacation — it’s a personalized journey through history, flavor, and sunlit coastlines.

Plan once. Travel intelligently. Discover Greece your way.