Hello, I am a newbie to this forum and a newbie to Europe.

I will be traveling to Europe at this month for the first time. I will be arriving in Paris, some how making my way to Athens, and then departing Athens for back home.

Here's what I would like to know: What is the best way to get from Paris to Athens? I have about 5 days from the time i land in Paris to the time i need to be in Athens. I would like to keep costs low. And I wouldn't mind seeing another country (like Italy or Germany) on the way. I would like to fly Star Alliance flights if possible.

The options that I have come up with so far are:
1.) take the train from Paris to Italy. Ferry from Italy to Athens.
2.) Fly CDG > Frankfurt/Munich > Athens on Lufthansa

Any other ideas?