Explore Turkey and Greece in just 9 days on this group tour. Begin in Istanbul with guided sightseeing and a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia. Pay your respects at the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli, visit the fabled town of Troy and the acropolis of Pergamum. Explore legendary Ephesus before flying to Athens for a guided tour and of course, a visit to the mighty Acropolis. End with a day cruise to the stunning Saronic Islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be collected at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Please note: This tour is conducted in English. However, dependent on the mix of the group, touring may also be bilingual, in one additional language as well as English.
Overnight: Istanbul
Exploring Istanbul
Enjoy a full day of included sightseeing in Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents. Take a stroll along Sogukcesme Street, lined with iconic wooden houses that are now landmark examples of Ottoman architecture. Arrive at Topkapi Palace (closed Mondays), including the Harem section, recognized as the largest and oldest existing palace where the Ottoman Sultans resided. Admire the gardens, kitchens, and treasury, as well as the terraces offering views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Take a photo stop at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III and admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture from the 6th century.
Enjoy an included lunch before visiting the Blue Mosque, adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles. Continue to the Roman Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races, then shop for Anatolian handicrafts in the labyrinthine passages of the Grand Bazaar. After the tour, you are free to keep exploring independently, or make your own way back to the hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast, Lunch
Bosphorus Cruise
Begin today with a stroll along the Golden Horn, the estuary that separates the European section of Istanbul. Enjoy free time at the Egyptian Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with enticing aromas and lively activity, where the streets offer an authentic taste of the East.
Next, we embark on a boat tour along the Bosphorus, the waterway linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and dividing the European continent from Asia. As we cruise, we can take in the stunning views of Istanbul's European and Asian coastlines, featuring palaces, fortresses, and charming wooden residences. The excursion finishes at either Taksim Square or Sultanahmet Square and you are then free to continue exploring or head back to the hotel independently. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Battlefields of Gallipoli
Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. You'll be picked up early from the hotel and enjoy breakfast on the road. We're embarking on a day trip to the historic and poignant World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. The tour includes stops at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, as well as original trenches and tunnels.
We will also cross the Dardanelles by ferry and stop for photos at the wooden Trojan Horse from the movie "Troy." We are spending the night in the coastal city of Canakkale.
Overnight: Canakkale | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Troy, Pergamum & Kusadasi
Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi. This morning, we journey back in time as we explore the ancient city of Troy, known for the legendary Trojan Horse (you'll be able to see the modern replica).
Next, we will tour the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum, famous for its impressive temples and library that established it as a renowned cultural and political center of its era. We will then continue to Kusadasi for the night.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ephesus to Athens
Kusadasi - Ephesus - Izmir - Athens (Greece). Visiting Ephesus should be on every traveler's itinerary, as it offers an incredible journey through time and a glimpse into life centuries ago. After over 150 years of excavation, Ephesus stands as Europe's most complete ancient city, with its reclaimed and restored structures. During our visit, we'll explore ancient Agoras, temples, streets, and houses in near-perfect condition. Highlights include one of the most magnificent surviving Roman theaters and the famous Celsus Library. Don't miss the Temple of Artemis in Selcuk, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
After our visit to Ephesus, you will be transferred to Izmir International Airport for the included flight to Athens. On arrival at Athens Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to the hotel, either by minibus or taxi. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight: Athens | Breakfast, Lunch
Exploring Athens & the Acropolis
After breakfast, we'll meet you at your hotel or a nearby location (to be advised locally) at around 8:45 to begin the included Athens sightseeing tour. Led by a local guide, we discover the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games. We'll continue by viewing significant landmarks such as the Prime Minister's residence (formerly the Royal Palace) guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniforms, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament with the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma).
A tour of Athens wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Acropolis, a prominent global landmark and a symbol of Western democracy. Here, we'll discover architectural masterpieces from the Golden Age of Pericles, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon - a place ancient Greeks believed brought harmony and restored order to the mind.
The final stop is the modern Acropolis Museum, featuring nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenism. The tour ends at around 13:30, and the rest of the day is at leisure. Consider a wander through the pretty Plaka district!
Overnight: Athens | Breakfast
Saronic Islands Cruise
Athens - Hydra - Poros - Aegina - Athens. Pickup for today's cruise is at 7:30, and you'll be transferred by motor coach from Athens city center to Piraeus Port. Here, you will board a cruise ship to begin a full-day cruise to the three beautiful islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Aboard the ship, lunch is included.
Our first stop is Hydra, known for its jet-set appeal, stone mansions, narrow car-free streets, and charming craft shops. Next, we visit Poros, the smallest island, offering serene views and a lagoon-like coastline. The final stop is Aegina, rich in ancient heritage, where you will have free time to explore the island or you may choose from three optional tours: a visit to the Temple of Aphaia and Church of Saint Nektarios, a relaxing beach escape on Moni Island, or a scenic drive exploring pistachio groves, Paleohora, and a local taverna.
The cruise concludes with a return to Piraeus Port at 19:15, from where you'll be transferred back to the hotel in Athens.
Please note: On today's cruise, it will not just be our tour group, up to 100+ passengers will join the cruise for today's excursion. Please also note that the order the islands are visited in is also subject to change.
Overnight: Athens | Breakfast, Lunch
Athens
Your tour comes to an end today, after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Yigitalp, Istanbul
Hotel Yigitalp Istanbul is a 4-star hotel located in the Fatih district, within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, and other historic landmarks. The hotel features a spa with a traditional Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, and massage services. Dining options include an on-site restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and a TV lounge. The hotel is conveniently situated near public transportation, with tram and metro stations just a few minutes' walk away.
Hotel Akol, Canakkale
Built in 1990 and recently renovated the Hotel Akol is a comfortable hotel with fantastic views across the Dardanelles. Guestrooms are bright and spacious and have excellent facilities including Wi-Fi being available throughout. There are a number of great restaurants and bars at the hotel, including Radika Fish Restaurant, arguably one of the finest sea food eateries in Canakkale. Sipping a cold beer in the evening at the trendy rooftop bar overlooking the city is the perfect way to end an evening. Well located on the seafront in the centre of town.
Marina Hotel, Kusadasi
Situated opposite the marina and within walking distance of shops, bars, and restaurants in Kusadasi, this hotel offers rooms with 24-hour room service, premium bedding, laptop-friendly workspaces, air conditioning, a minibar, and an LCD TV with satellite channels. Guests can enjoy the on-site Marina Restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine, along with facilities including an outdoor pool, a terrace with panoramic sea views, a fitness centre, an internet corner, a children’s play area, a local shop, a sauna, and free in-room Wi-Fi.
Central Hotel, Athens
This straightforward hotel is conveniently located just a 6-minute walk from the nearest metro station, 9 minutes from Syntagma Square, and 1 km from the Acropolis of Athens. The low-key rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, and room service. Guests can enjoy dining at the relaxed restaurant or unwind on the rooftop terrace, which boasts a polished bar and stunning views of the Acropolis and the city.
At a Glance
