Greece Itinerary Help

Have you done something like this before? I can’t say I would do it with two adults. Two long drives and two flights would be too much for me. I’d rather be on the ground, but if those are the only things you want to see and you’ll never be coming back to Greece, then I guess you could go for it.

I agree with valadelphia - far too much time spent travelling (plane or car) and far too little time on the ground.

Delphi is a must for my husband and Meteora is a must for me. We could take Crete out of the itinerary and do something else.

What would you recommend instead of going to Crete?

I agree with the previous answers, you will literally spend 50% of your vacation time in the car, on transfers, and on flights.
Even without kids, it would be too busy.

In March, sites and museums close around 5 pm at the latest (sometimes 3 pm is the last entry).

Be aware that March 25th is a public holiday in Greece (the celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821), and all sites and museums are closed. In Athens, there will be a parade on the avenues near Syntagma Square.

Going to Crete for just two full days is, in my opinion, pointless. You would need at least 10 days to see even a part of Crete.
You could reorganize your trip to include Athens-Delphi and Meteora and maybe spend 3 nights on a nearby island like Aegina, or go to Cape Sounion, but above all, don't plan any site or museum visits on March 25th.

I would investigate things that would be on your way north and back then. I would stay a night at Delphi (in the area I mean), maybe stay two nights in Kastraki. Make all that driving feel less of a slog. The Bradt Guide is really comprehensive and could help you fill in with some things your family would enjoy. Or the super easy solution is to stop at Nafplio.

I agree with the previous posters. And I second the recommendation to spend a few nights in Nafplio. It’s a beautiful town on the water. You can visit Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio.

I agree with the others' comments that you don't have enough time to go to Crete.

If you're set on Meteora and Delphi, then be prepared for a long day to drive from Athens airport to Meteora, a good half day from there to Delphi, and then another good half day to Nafpilo.

I did a similar route in mainland Greece in spring 2025. I'd suggest picking the car up as planned on 3/26, then driving to Kastraki and staying 2 nights. Depart 3/28 and drive to Delphi, stay one night. The drive to Nafplio and stay 3 nights, 3/29 - 3/31. Head back to Athens on 4/1 and stay in Rafina close to the airport, for your flight the next day.

In Kastraki we stayed at Dellas Boutique Hotel. It was perfect for us. There is also a great restaurant across the road, Meteoron Panorama (had the best moussaka of our trip there).

dellasboutiquehotel.com

meteoronpanorama.gr

I count that you have 10 nights. I would also skip Crete and do something like this.

Athens 3 nights
Meteora 2 nights
Delphi 1 night
Nafplio 3 nights
Athens near airport 1 night

If you arrive late in the day on 23 then maybe stay near the airport first night. Then something like this.

Nafplio 3 nights
Delphi 1 night
Meteora 2 nights
Athens 3 nights