7 days: classical Greece

Days 1-3: Athens (Acropolis, the museums, Plaka) with a half-day to Cape Sounion. Day 4: Delphi (overnight in Arachova or Delphi village). Days 5-6: Nafplio with Mycenae and Epidaurus. Day 7: Corinth Canal and back to Athens. All by KTEL bus or rental car.

10 days: island-hopping the Cyclades

Days 1-2: Athens. Ferry to Santorini (days 3-4: Oia, Akrotiri, the caldera). Ferry to Naxos (days 5-6: the Portara, the beaches). Ferry to Mykonos (days 7-8) with the Delos day trip. Days 9-10: back to Athens via Rafina. Book ferries ahead in summer; keep a buffer day for meltemi delays.

14 days: the grand tour

Days 1-3: Athens and Sounion. Days 4-5: Delphi and Meteora. Day 6: fly or drive to Thessaloniki (days 6-7, with Vergina). Days 8-11: fly to Crete (Knossos, Chania, a gorge or beach day). Days 12-14: fly to Rhodes or Santorini for the island finish.