12 days in Athens, Oia & Chania Town Itinerary

One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): get engrossed in the history at Museum of the Ancient Agora, browse the different shops at Athens Metro Mall, then take a stroll through Anafiotika, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Philopappos Hill. Here are some ideas for day two: hunt for treasures at Central Market, enjoy the sand and surf at Vouliagmeni Beach, and then steep yourself in history at Hellenic Parliament.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Athens sightseeing planner.

Toronto, Canada to Athens is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern European Time (EET) is 7 hours. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Toronto in June: high temperatures in Athens hover around 36°C and lows are around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) so you can travel to Oia.

Every day hundreds of visitors come to Oia just to experience its sunsets.

Akrotiri and Ancient Thera will appeal to history buffs. Head to Aquamarine Jewelry and Eponymofor plenty of shopping. Explore Oia's surroundings by going to Akrotiri (Red Beach & The Good Heart) and Perissa Black Sand Beach (in Perissa). And it doesn't end there: take some stellar pictures from Sunset in Oia, stop by Stardust, take in the exciting artwork at Mnemossyne Gallery, and examine the collection at Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

To see maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Oia travel planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Athens to Oia takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. When traveling from Athens in June, plan for slightly colder days in Oia, with highs around 32°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) so you can travel to Chania Town.

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Get some historical perspective at Old Venetian Harbor and Souda Bay War Cemetery. Get a sense of the local culture at Rethymnon Old Town and The Venetian Fortezza. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Chania Town: Historical and Folk Art Museum of Rethymnon (in Rethymnon), Fisika (in Kolymbari) and Falassarna Beach (in Falassarna). Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Balos Beach and Lagoon, delve into the distant past at Ancient Aptera, learn about all things military at Maritime Museum of Crete, and look for gifts at Georgina Skalidi.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Chania Town trip builder.

Fly from Oia to Chania Town in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In June, daytime highs in Chania Town are 33°C, while nighttime lows are 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) to allow time to travel to Athens.

On the 2nd (Sun), explore the ancient world of Acropolis of Athens and then pause for some photo ops at Erechtheion.

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Athens trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Chania Town to Athens by combination of bus and flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: ride a ferry; or take a bus. On the 3rd (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.