18 days in Athens & Thessaloniki Itinerary

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

Step off the beaten path and head to Mount Lycabettus and Philopappos Hill. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Athens: Vouliagmeni Beach (in Vouliagmeni) and Temple of Poseidon (in Sounio). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of Hephaestus, explore the ancient world of Temple of Athena Nike, admire the masterpieces at Museum of Cycladic Art, and test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms.

For ratings, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Athens trip planner.

Brisbane, Australia to Athens is an approximately 26-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 8 hours traveling from Brisbane to Athens. In October, daytime highs in Athens are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to travel to Thessaloniki.

A city with a stormy history and a cosmopolitan heart, Thessaloniki attracts visitors with its diverse culinary scene, dynamic nightlife, and youthful energy.

Explore hidden gems such as Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) and White Tower of Thessaloniki. Explore Thessaloniki's surroundings by going to Vima Apostolou Pavlou (in Veroia), Edessa (Church of the Koimisis (14th cent.) & Edessa Waterfalls) and Nea Fokea (Cavalo riding resort, Saint Paul's Church, &more). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, examine the collection at Hellenic Pharmaceutical Museum, steep yourself in history at Church of St.Sophia, and explore the ancient world of Rotunda.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our Thessaloniki journey tool.

You can fly from Athens to Thessaloniki in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Athens in October, things will get little chillier in Thessaloniki: highs are around 24°C and lows about 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.