Showcase · Day 1 to Day 13

Greece. Islands, slowly.

Athens first for the museums, then two islands only, chosen so the ferry legs are short and the evenings are long.

Painted panel for the Greece trip
Nights
12
Party
Two people
Budget
A$13,500 for two, flights in
Best months
May and September
Checked, dated, sourced

The facts behind this trip.

Estimates say estimate. Forecasts say risk. Every line carries where it came from and the day it was read.

Transport

Island ferry timetables

Summer schedules usually publish from February

Greek ferry operators, official listings · checked 05/09/2026

Price

Island four star double, May

A$290 a night, estimate not a quote

Planning estimate · checked 05/09/2026

Opening days

Acropolis summer hours

Extended hours from April, last entry before closing

Hellenic Ministry of Culture · checked 05/09/2026

Key decision

Two islands, not four

Every island change costs half a day at each end. Two islands with short ferry legs buys you six more usable mornings than a four-island run.

Athens3nNaxos5nMilos4n
Base 1 · Day 1 to Day 3

Athens

The museums first, while the trip is still fresh and the legs still work.

  • Day 1: land, rooftop dinner with the rock lit up, nothing else
  • Day 2: Acropolis at opening, Acropolis Museum after lunch
  • Day 3: National Archaeological Museum, then the market lanes and an early ferry night
Base 2 · Day 4 to Day 8

Naxos

A working island with beaches, mountain villages and food that is not built for cruise ships.

  • Day 4: fast ferry from Piraeus, settle in, swim
  • Day 5: the old town and the marble gate at dusk
  • Day 6: mountain villages by car, long lunch in Halki
  • Day 7: beach day, one taverna, no driving
  • Day 8: morning market, afternoon on the south beaches
Base 3 · Day 9 to Day 12

Milos

One short ferry hop, and the coastline is the point. Boat day sits mid-stay so weather can move it.

  • Day 9: ferry across, quiet afternoon
  • Day 10: boat day around the coast, moved if the wind is up
  • Day 11: fishing villages and the hot springs
  • Day 12: last swim, then the flight back through Athens