Little Itineraries : Two Weeks in Greece & Turkey
When we compiled our Best of the Best guide covering all of our favorite destinations, restaurants, activities, and more from our first three months of travels, Greece and Turkey dominated the list. (With Slovenia on their tail!) We couldn’t get over how much we enjoyed our time in both countries.
While I wish that everyone could travel slow and long term like we did, it’s just not possible for every traveler. It’s hard to imagine tackling a jam packed itinerary like this now, but we’ve definitely done it. Before our long term travels, we traveled fast and loved it! You can sleep when you’re home. For most people, you only get one chance to see amazing places like the ones on this itinerary, so you gotta make it count.
So here it is, our very favorites from Greece and Turkey all rolled up into one two week itinerary. Enjoy!
ATHENS - 3 DAYS
Arrive to Athens with all of the energy and excitement of a vacation ahead of you! Three days in this historical city isn’t a lot but it’s enough to see the highlights. Stay in the hip Koukaki neighborhood. It’s walking distance to the Acropolis and full of great restaurants (like Kinono or Bel Ray). Visit the Acropolis early in the morning to beat the crowds. Spend an afternoon at the National Archeological Museum. Shop through the super touristy, but charming Plaka neighborhood.
(Read our full Destination Guide : Athens post for all the details.)
PAROS - 5 DAYS
If there’s any place to extend the duration of your time, it’s here! You could easily spend your entire two weeks on Paros. (We spent 16 days on this island!) If you want to use Paros has a home base to island hop, then you’re definitely going to want more time!
We loved our stay at the Paros Bay Hotel. Rent a car to really see the island. It’s inexpensive and basically impossible to really enjoy the island without one. Spend an afternoon shopping and dining at this gyro restaurant in Naousa. We also loved our meals at Fish Tavern Moragio and Siparos Seaside Restaurant. Visit the Church of 100 Doors. Spend days at the beaches (especially Kolympethres and Lolandonis). And maybe even rent a boat for the day to explore AntiParos.
Paros is also a great ferry hub. You can take a day trip to nearby Naxos (1.5 hours away and known for its beaches) and AntiParos (only 7 minutes away and a quiet, beautiful island). You could also head out to Mykonos (almost 3 hours away and known for its windmills) and Tinos (only 15 minutes from Mykonos and known for its little villages and tavernas). These day trips might take a lot of energy and time, but if crossing them off your bucket list is a priority then it will be worth it!
(Here’s our Destination Guide : Paros full with all of our favorite places.)
SANTORINI - 2 DAYS
The cliffside town of Oia is on so many people’s wanderlust list. It certainly was on mine! It was beautiful to see, but after so much time in Greece already, it wasn’t my favorite part. Greece is just so beautiful everywhere! I still think that Santorini is a great spot to visit and its airport makes this island the perfect last stop along your time in the Cyclades.
Our stay at Hippocampus Hotel in Kamari was perfect. Just a short walk to a black sand beach! Enjoy a meal at Metaxi Mas or Fistikies (delicious food and they have a playground!). Pop in for a tasting at the Santorini Brewing Company. And, of course, take a trip out to see the beautiful cliffside buildings in Oia.
ISTANBUL - 4 DAYS
Oh gosh, another spot that I would highly recommend to extend your time. There is so much to do and see in Istanbul! Stay at Hotel Alilass, a boutique hotel located in the Sultanahmet district and walking distance to many of the city’s most popular tourist sights. Spend time exploring Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. Wander the Grand Bazaar and get ice cream at the endlessly entertaining Turkish Ice Cream stands. Take a Bosphorus Cruise at sunset or the ferry to visit the Karakoy (the Asian side of the city). And most importantly, make an appointment for time at a Hamam. It’s one of my favorite experiences in all of our travels.
(Check out the full Destination Guide : Istanbul.)
Head home full of new favorite foods, knowledge, and experiences!
Are Greece and Turkey on your must-see list? If you’ve visited either, what would you add to this itinerary? If you use this itinerary to inspire your travels, let me know! I love sharing travel tips and itineraries and it would make my day knowing that it helped you.
