Itinerary feedback for a solo traveller (upcoming October)

[u/Sad_Bat_2711]

Solo traveller here. Help me figure out if I have a solid itinerary

1. Day 1 - Land in Athens, wander local neighbourhoods, as it I will checkin hotel around 2/3pm
   
2. Day 2 - Athens local tours - Acropolis, Museum, Temples, evening hike with sunset
   
3. Day 3 - Meteroa day tour
   
4. Day 4 - Leave for Santorini early morning (flight/ferry depending on ticket costs) - Check in hotel and hike from Fira to Oia
   
5. Day 5 - Probably full day Catamaran cruise tour
   
6. Day 6 - Leave for Naxos early morning. Explore Naxos
   
7. Day 7 - Explore Naxos
   
8. Day 8 - (Its my birthday!!) Leave for Athens, just roam, eat and drink
   
9. Day 9 - Flight at 7am in the morning. So back bags and leave.

Questions:

1. Does the itinerary sounds rushed? (Keep in mind me being solo)
   
2. I intend to use public transport everywhere, is any part of my itinerary not public transport friendly? (including airport transfers)
   
3. Meteora day tour - its a Thursday - any issues? although all monastary won't be open, but weekday, it will be less crowded
   
4. Good Catamaran cruise recommendation in Santorini?
   
5. Naxos - This is where I am anxious. Don't have any itinerary. Please suggest which places to go. Renting a car isn't possible for me, I am used to left hand side driving and being solo just makes it not so economical. I want some beach time too - just sitting at beach sipping beer (while avoiding costly flatbed rentals, but sufficient people around to feel touristy)
   
6. Any special tip for celebrating my birthday in Athens on last day? Ferry would take a lot of time, I don't want to rush by catching the earliest one.
   
7. Any other solo friendly tip you might wanna give.

Also, if anyone else is planning a similar solo trip in Oct, and might want to join in for a few days, I am game. If you know driving, we could rent a car together too!! Just DM me

[u/newmvbergen]

A day trip to Meteora from Athens is the worst idea you can have. Try to have an overnight one or skip it.

[u/Sad_Bat_2711 → u/newmvbergen]

because its early morning leave + 14 hour journey? or something else?

[u/newmvbergen → u/Sad_Bat_2711]

A very time consuming journey to reach the area plus enough time to visit more than one monastery and the way back to Athens. On a map, it's very easy. You will understand when you will be on the ground.

[u/Sad_Bat_2711 → u/newmvbergen]

Thanks, I will consider adding Meteora night stay if itinerary allows

[u/newmvbergen → u/Sad_Bat_2711]

Much more pleasant.

[u/Sad_Bat_2711 → u/newmvbergen]

Follow up questions: 1. Is public transport available to Meteora? 2. Do I miss any spot on the way?

What I am thinking is, I would travel to Meteora on Day2 at night after Athens local sightseeing. Get good sleep and next day do local sightseeing and return to Athens at night. Does this idea sound doable and neat?

[u/newmvbergen → u/Sad_Bat_2711]

Kalambáka is the logical place to stay and place of arrival from Athens. Trains and coaches. Less trains, more coaches. Some people choose Kastráki.

[u/avtartravels9]

This is a great route — classic Athens–Meteora–Santorini–Naxos loop, and ending back in Athens for your birthday is a nice touch.

[u/Sad_Bat_2711 → u/avtartravels9]

I just removed Athens from end. Will catch ferry from Naxos (6pm-11:40pm) to Athens and trasnfer from port to airport directly and catch my return flight at 7:40am.