Itinerary Summary
The trip starts with three days in Athens — the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum's interactive children's exhibits and the Noesis science museum — before a 45-minute flight to Heraklion for the zoo, Kn…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Athens arrival and a first evening of loukoumades
14:00
2.5h
Airport metro to the Plaka hotel
Take Metro Line 3 from the airport to Syntagma, using the lifts at both ends, then walk into Plaka. Children under six travel free on Athens transport; keep tickets for the barriers.
📍 Athens International Airport
17:00
1.5h
Plaka walk ending at a loukoumades shop
Take a gentle first walk through the car-free lanes, ending at a shop selling loukoumades, the honey-drenched doughnuts children love. Order a small portion to share; they are rich and served hot.
📍 Plaka, Athens
💡 Pro Tip: Athens metro is stroller-friendly and runs from the airport to Syntagma in about 40 minutes. Greece is UTC+2 (UTC+3 from late March to late October), and entry rules depend on your passport, so read the Greece visa section. Greek restaurants welcome children and will usually serve half portions. Plaka's pedestrian lanes are flat and car-free, easy with a buggy.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$58035%
Family rooms, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$33020%
Family taverna meals
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Athens and Crete trip with the Acropolis and Knossos good for young children?+
Yes, if you pace it. The Acropolis involves steep, uneven paths and little shade, so go at opening time. The Acropolis Museum's children's exhibits and the Noesis science museum suit rainy or hot afternoons. At Knossos, the Minotaur story keeps the ruins engaging for kids.
What is the best time of year for a family holiday in Athens and Crete?+
May to June and September to October bring milder temperatures and calmer beaches. July and August can top 35°C in Athens, making midday sightseeing hard with children. Shoulder season also means shorter queues at the Acropolis and easier restaurant bookings.
How much does this 7-day Greece family trip cost for one adult and one child?+
The stated comfort budget is about $1,350-1,940 (roughly €1,170-1,690) for a family of two, one adult and one child, excluding international flights. It covers hotels, the Athens-Crete flight, a rental car and everyday meals. Add tickets, the water park and any extra child meals.
Should we fly or take the ferry from Athens to Heraklion with kids?+
The flight takes about 45 minutes and is far easier with young children, though you will need to book child seats for the rental car separately. Ferries are slower and can be rough in wind. For a short family trip, flying preserves energy for the beach and the ruins.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,350–1,940 (≈ €1,170–1,690), excl. int'l flights; per family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child)
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Family
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Greece Shopping Trip: Monastiraki & Mykonos in 5 DaysGreece · 5 days · Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights & shopping
- Greek Classic Grand Tour: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos & Crete in 10 DaysGreece · 10 days · Comfort · approx. $1,790–2,690 (≈ €1,560–2,340), excl. int'l flights
- Greek Food & Taverna Trail: Athens, Santorini & Crete in 6 DaysGreece · 6 days · Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights