From the Acropolis to the walls of Dubrovnik

Who it is for

For anyone who wants ancient history and the sea in one trip, with sunset in Oia and walls by the water.

Not for anyone travelling in July and August without bookings, the busiest months.

The strategy

Athens comes first; plan the Acropolis around your ticket and visiting hours. Santorini sits in the middle, with the walk along the caldera rim. Before booking three bases in one week, check how to reach the island and continue to Dubrovnik, including possible connections; each transfer day needs room for travel and a break.

What you will see

• Acropolis and Parthenon, Athens. The site brings together the Parthenon (447–432 BC), the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its porch of the Caryatids.
• Oia's Kastro and Ammoudi, Santorini. The ruins of Agios Nikolaos castle are the late-afternoon lookout.
• City walls, Dubrovnik. A closed 1,940 m circuit walked in one direction, with walls up to 25 m high and 6 m thick facing the mainland.

Day by day

Athens

1. 1
   Day 1: The Acropolis, the museum and the hill

   1. 1Acropolis and ParthenonOne to two hoursEssential
   2. 2Acropolis MuseumEssential
2. 2
   Day 2: The Agora, the market, and the Archaeological Museum

   1. 4Ancient Agora and HephaisteionWorth a visit
   2. 5KerameikosUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   3. 3National Archaeological MuseumOne to two hoursEssential
3. 3
   Day 3: The port, the sea and the view · if you have more time

   1. 7Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center (SNFCC)Worth a visit
   2. Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)Up to half an hourIf there is time
   3. 6LycabettusUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   4. 1Acropolis and ParthenonOne to two hoursEssential

Santorini

1. 4
   Day 4: The caldera rim, from Fira to Oia

   
2. 5
   Day 5: Volcano, Thirasia, and vineyards

   
3. 6
   Day 6: Bronze Age and black sand · if you have more time

   

Dubrovnik

1. 7
   Day 7: The walled city, from the top down

   1. 4Rector's PalaceUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   2. 9Sponza PalaceUp to half an hourIf there is time
2. 8
   Day 8: Market, island, and hill

   
3. 9
   Day 9: Ston, salt and oysters · if you have more time