We’d love Athens, a classical site or two and a proper taste of the islands, without it turning into a route march. The itineraries vary wildly in length and price. What felt like enough to do Greece justice without it starting to drag?
I’d go for around 10 days. Start with 2–3 days in Athens soaking up the historic sites, then use the rest of the time for island hopping. Santorini and Mykonos are stunning, but they can get really crowded. If they’re not a must for you, I’d highly recommend Naxos and Rhodes or Corfu as great alternatives!
Personally, I’d look for a tour that includes Athens and 2–3 islands so you can enjoy each place at a relaxed pace. Greece is really one of those destinations where you think you’ve seen the most beautiful beach imaginable, and then the next one blows you away all over again. And the food! I’ve honestly eaten some of the freshest and most delicious meals of my life there, so you’re in for a treat.
With that in mind, I’d browse a few tours that combine Athens with a handful of islands. If it’s around 10 days in total, I think you’ll get the full Greece experience, without overdoing it, but without rushing either :)!
Honestly I’d say 8–10 days feels like the sweet spot for this kind of Greece trip. Enough time to get Athens, the Acropolis/classical history, and at least one proper island moment without feeling like you’re just being herded from ferry to hotel to ruin to ferry.
For me, 8 days works if you want a tighter “highlights” version: Athens, a big classical site or two like Delphi/Meteora/Mycenae, then a softer landing somewhere island-y like Santorini or the Saronic Islands. But 10–11 days is probably better if you want Greece to breathe a bit more. That’s where you can do Athens + mainland history + Santorini/Mykonos or Naxos without every day feeling like a travel day. I’d personally avoid trying to cram too many islands in unless you love logistics, because Greece looks close on a map until you’re suddenly building your whole personality around ferry times lol.
Anything under a week might feel like you only got a sampler plate, and anything much over 12 days can start to drag unless you’re really into slow travel or beach days. What kind of pace are you hoping for? More “see the icons” or more “coffee, ruins, swim, sunset, repeat”?
I can’t imagine anywhere in Greece starting to drag! 10 days at the least in my opinion- 14 days would be best! Gives you a chance to see the sights, check out the really cool parts of a few islands, and also bask in the beauty and peace you find there