When traveling to a new place, seek out a guide for a professional tour to enhance your experience and learning, as demonstrated by the host finding an expert guide for Athens.
To get an introduction to Greek history, start by visiting Athens, as it offers a continuous historical narrative from the Neolithic to the Roman period and beyond, with significant museums and sites.
Before visiting Greece, read a general overview of ancient Greek history and its cultural aspects, then proceed to modern Greek history, to understand the country’s past and current situation.
For detailed information on ancient Greek politics, religion, daily life, warfare, and technology, refer to resources like the Oxford or Cambridge Dictionary of Classical Greece.
When planning a 10-day trip to Greece, dedicate two to three days to Athens, not only for an introduction to the country but also to allow time for jet lag recovery.
Utilize Athens as a base for full-day tours to mainland sites like Nafplion and Mycenae, which offer impressive Bronze Age citadels and beautiful cities.
If interested in Alexander the Great and his period, spend a couple of days in Thessaloniki or cities close to it, as this region is rich in related archaeology.
For a Cycladic island experience beyond the popular Santorini and Mykonos, consider visiting Naxos or Paros.
Visit the Karamaikos, the ancient city’s formal cemetery, as it is a beautiful, interesting, and often overlooked historic site in Athens.
Take an hour to walk through Metz, a non-touristy residential area in Athens, to appreciate its particular architectural character and organization.
Explore Gazi, an area near Karamaikos that has transformed from an industrial neighborhood into a main entertainment hub, featuring repurposed old buildings, modern architecture, and street art.
From Athens, you can take the tram to reach very nice beaches in just about an hour or half an hour, offering a convenient escape from the city.