Athens to Istanbul
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Begin in Athens and end in Istanbul on a 13 day journey that blends history with coastal and countryside charm. Tour the Panathenaic Stadium and Acropolis area, then sail overnight to Rhodes before hopping to Turkey. Expect Dalyan’s river cruise and Lycian tombs, Antalya’s old quarter and sea cliff waterfall, and the superb theatre at Aspendos. Cross the Taurus Mountains to otherworldly Cappadocia – underground cities, cave churches and viewpoints – then continue via Konya and the lakes to Pamukkale’s terraces. You’ll explore Ephesus, browse Izmir and historic Bursa, and cap it all in Istanbul with Topkapi, mosques and a Bosphorus cruise.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
AthensEnds
IstanbulMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Maximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Greece that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guideCountries
Greece, TurkeyTour Style
Group Size
Up to 55 travelers
Min 2 / Max 55
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by a trusted local partner rather than directly by On The Go Tours. We've selected it for its itinerary, quality and experience.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
Medium
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
Easy
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 55Range
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by a trusted local partner rather than directly by On The Go Tours. We've selected it for its itinerary, quality and experience.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
Medium
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Easy
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
$2,600.00
$400.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Athens
Athens - Rhodes Ferry
Rhodes
Marmaris
Dalyan
Antalya
Aspendos
Side
Karaman
Nigde
Cappadocia
Ihlara
Konya
Egridir
Pamukkale
Ephesus
Kusadasi
Izmir
Bursa
Istanbul
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Athens
Welcome to Athens. We arrange your transfer to the hotel and you’ll have free time to settle in. Information about the programme will be provided in the afternoon, either in person or via the notice board at hotel reception.
Day 2 - Athens - Athens - Rhodes Ferry
We include a panoramic tour of Athens, taking in the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium – site of the first modern Olympic Games – the National Library, lively city centre squares and the new infrastructure created for the 2004 Olympics. The tour ends near the Acropolis – entry not included. In the afternoon we transfer to the Port of Piraeus to board an overnight ferry with amenities similar to those on a cruise ship. Accommodation is in a double cabin and we spend the night on board.
Day 3 - Athens - Rhodes Ferry - Rhodes - Marmaris
Arriving in Rhodes early, we begin with a city tour featuring the impressive walled citadel and Old Town, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of St John, Ottoman and Italian legacies meet. In the afternoon, around 16:00, we take the express ferry to Turkey – about one hour. On arrival in Marmaris, a beautiful coastal resort known for its castle, marina and fountains, we settle into our accommodation in the area. Dinner is included. Important: the Rhodes–Marmaris ferry timetable is frequently subject to change and may not operate daily outside summer, so this section may need to be adjusted.
Day 4 - Marmaris - Dalyan - Antalya
We set off for Dalyan, a picturesque stop on a tranquil navigable river. A one hour boat ride is included, during which we visit the Lycian rock tombs, and there is time to enjoy a meal at one of the riverside restaurants. We then continue to Antalya to discover this vibrant coastal city of over one million residents – highlights include Hadrian’s Gate, the Ottoman quarter and a dramatic waterfall that plunges into the sea. Dinner is included.
Day 5 - Antalya - Aspendos - Side - Karaman - Nigde
We leave Antalya for Aspendos to visit its Roman theatre, widely regarded as one of the best preserved anywhere. We continue to Side to admire the seaside Temple of Apollo and there is time to wander the harbour and lively streets. Crossing the Taurus Mountains amid striking scenery, we pass peaks over 3,500 metres, often capped with snow. We pause in Karaman to view its fortress from the outside before continuing to the Cappadocia region. Dinner is included in Nigde.
Day 6 - Nigde - Cappadocia
We devote the day to the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia, with its otherworldly forms, ancient churches and troglodyte villages. We begin at Gumusler, a seventh century underground monastery noted for superb Byzantine frescoes. In Kaymacli we explore the underground city that once sheltered up to 30,000 people, then visit Uchisar, a natural fortress with sweeping views. After lunch we discover the Göreme Valley and its open air museum with remarkable rock cut churches – tickets included. We stay in Avanos and dinner is included.
Day 7 - Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya
At the far edge of Cappadocia we visit the Ihlara Valley, famed for its cool waters and rock cut churches and villages. We then call at a 13th century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya to learn about the Dervish order. Dinner is included. In the evening, you may wish to attend a dervish dance performance at the cultural centre.
Day 8 - Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale
We travel a scenic route through the lakes region to Egridir, a charming town on a large lake known for its old walls and mosques – you will have time for lunch. We then continue to Hierapolis–Pamukkale, where mineral rich waters have created the dazzling Cotton Palace – tickets included. Dinner is included.
Day 9 - Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi
We make our way to Ephesus, the best preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, once home to a quarter of a million people. We visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St John and the impressive archaeological area of Ephesus – entry included. We then continue to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town with thriving shops and a small castle. Dinner is included. Note: during the high season from May–October accommodation may be in Aydin instead of Kusadasi; in this case, after exploring Ephesus we stop in Kusadasi from 16:30 to 19:00 for a panoramic tour before continuing to Aydin.
Day 10 - Kusadasi - Izmir - Bursa - Istanbul
We set off for Izmir, Turkey’s third most populous city, where our guide leads a brief tour of this vibrant, westernised metropolis. We then head inland, pausing for lunch, before arriving in Bursa, the country’s fourth largest city with a UNESCO World Heritage site at its centre. Highlights include traditional commercial quarters, mosques, religious schools, public baths and the celebrated Green Mosque. We reach Istanbul by day’s end.
Day 11 - Istanbul
A sightseeing tour awaits us. We enter the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, explore the ancient walls and the Golden Horn, and take in the lively fishing district before admiring the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Our tour includes tickets for the Topkapi Palace, former administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore this city spanning two continents. As evening approaches, we provide a transfer to Taksim, the city’s most vibrant commercial district, where you will have time for dinner and to see the charming old tram – or you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.
Day 12 - Istanbul
Today we take a boat trip on the Bosphorus – tickets included – lasting about two hours on a private boat for our group. The cruise follows the strait linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian shores. We watch the busy traffic on the water, pass beneath the two bridges that connect Europe and Asia, and admire sultans’ palaces, traditional wooden houses and fine Ottoman architecture. Afterwards we return to central Istanbul and you have free time.
Day 13 - Istanbul
After breakfast, our journey comes to an end – we hope you leave with wonderful memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Athens
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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