Often overlooked, Athens was easily my favorite part of my Greek adventure. Back in 2018, my best friend and I booked a one-way into Santorini from JFK and the rest is history. From the fresh OJ each morning, to the amazing gyro combinations available all day long. Check into your hotel or villa, and soak it all in. My hotel recommendations are: A77 Suites, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel, Hotel Grande Bretagne, King George, New Hotel and Xenodocheio Milos Hotel Go. Spend the rest of the day, evening exploring your new area or find the closest rooftop bar to check out those panoramic views. The restaurants that come to mind in Athens are Hoocut, Travolta, Geros tou Moria, Nolan or Ovio.

Off to the Islands! Check out of your 1-night stay in Athens, before heading off to the Ferry Port or Airport. Santorini is about 4.5 hours from Athens via ferry or less than 40-minutes via air. Flights are super affordable, so it's also worth heading straight to Santorini and doing Athens on your way out. Especially if you're planning to head into Europe.

Santorini is known for its black sand beaches, rich vineyards and of course, Oia. Oia is the beautiful, white homes you see up along the cliffs of Santorini. Take this day to settle into your hotel/villa. The best options for accommodations here, vary on your reason of travel (couples/families/solo/etc). But I highly recommend Canaves Oia Suites, Canaves Oia Epitome, Grace Hotel, Katikies Santorini, Mystique, Perivolas Hotel and Vedema.

Grab dinner at your hotel's restaurant or ask the bellman/hotel workers where to go! That's always been my go-to.

Day Three, finally. A day to relax in one place! Soak up your first morning in Santorini. Hopefully you're drinking your coffee overlooking the beautiful Aegean Sea. Explore what your hotel/villa has to offer and start becoming familiar with your surroundings.

Later into the day, head back to your room to freshen up before you head on a Wine Tour! If you're extra adventurous and in the DIY mood, rent an ATV and conduct your own Wine Tour! This is what my friend and I did, and it kept costs wayyy down. The tours available on Santorini can be as boujee or as hidden-path as you want it to be. Working with your agent to perfect your ideas and priorities here is super important.

Day 4 is your final (full) day in Santorini. Today will be spent, on my favorite way to explore a new destination... ON A BOAT!

For the afternoon, you have a private charter booked for you and your guests. Luckily it's Europe so prices typically includes limoncello.

Before you meet the charter and as you adventure down to Amoudi Bay, arrive early and head all the way to the left. As left as you can go, before you have to start climbing through the rocks. A bit past those rocks is a legendary cliff-jumping point. Just listen out for the giggles and loud voices of the locals as they use this area to relax and cool down. Enjoy the beautiful island of Santorini for what it is, a volcano!

The ferry ride's about two/three hours, which isn't too bad especially if you upgrade yourself on SeaJet. The best hotels in Mykonos are Belvedere Hotel, Bill & Coo, Grace Hotel, Kalesma, Kensho Psarou, Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort,
Santa Marina, The Wild Hotel by Interni and Myconian Villa Collection. Best to know now that Mykonos only has 31 taxis on the island, so always book your transfers ahead! Working with a travel agent, this is a step we won't forget!

Now that you're in Mykonos you'll notice once the sun goes down how different it is than Santorini. It's not as quiet, this is your place to party like nobody's watching or until the sun comes up. Whichever comes first! If you're not into the clubs, don't worry. You can experience some of the most epic sunsets during dinner here.

Day 6

First full day in Mykonos should be spent poolside, soaking it all up. Odds are you went out last night as well and the pool just sounds like the best place to be. Ideally, your day began with a fresh juice and yummy breakfast. Grab an early dinner at Little Venice and enjoy what the cute down has to offer.

Day 7

Head out early for a taste of true Mykonos to explore the Old Harbor. Then head over to the marina where you'll get on a ferry to head over to Delos, a small island in the Cyclades. Roundtrip costs about 20 euros and it's known to be the most important mythical sites in Greek history. Not to mention, another boat ride.

Day 8-10

This may be your bonus day, meaning you're traveling home today. OR you're one of the lucky ones who extended their trip or knew they wouldn't be able to leave. Today would be a good day to head to another island, one I'd recommend next would be Naxos. The biggest of the Cyclades.