Explore the rich heritage and future of Turkey and Greece with this exciting 10-night itinerary: seven nights in Turkey and three nights in Greece. These neighboring countries offer unique experiences despite their proximity. Begin your adventure in Istanbul, where you will visit iconic landmarks such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and the Blue Mosque—all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From there, travel through Ankara to reach Cappadocia, stopping to explore the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, a symbol of Turkish independence. In Cappadocia, discover the Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar, Avcılar, Dervent, and the largest underground city, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ensure you secure a reservation for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the magical landscape (check available options). Next, drive to Pamukkale to marvel at the white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the thermal pools at your hotel. Continue to Ephesus, one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then takes you to Athens via an included international flight. In the Greek capital, visit the Acropolis and its new museum, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and embark on a full-day cruise to the Saronic Islands. This itinerary offers an incredible journey through Turkey and Greece—an experience not to be missed! **Important Trip Notes:** *Please note that this is a draft itinerary and is subject to change. Upon booking, you will receive a final, personalized itinerary detailing accommodations, meeting locations, times, emergency contact information, flight details, and more, sent via email or available on your dashboard. Please review the trip document thoroughly and feel free to reach out with any questions. Only this document is considered valid.* **Passport ID page copies are required for each traveler.** You may cover your photo on the page with a piece of paper. This is necessary for issuing flight, cruise, and ferry tickets.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and meet an English-speaking assistant at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Istanbul. Meals: Not applicable.
Istanbul
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. From there, drive to the Spice Market for a shopping session, followed by some free time. Later, gather for a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise excursion, where you'll sail along the waterway that separates Asia and Europe. During the cruise, take in the stunning views of Istanbul, including its forests, palaces, and traditional wooden houses situated on both continents. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), the Hippodrome, and the renowned Hagia Sophia. Conclude your day with free time at the Grand Bazaar. Overnight stay in Istanbul, with breakfast and lunch included.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, depart to visit Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans, noting that the entrance fee for the harem section is not included. Then, proceed to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, arriving there in the early evening. Overnight stay in Istanbul. Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Ankara
Ankara
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, explore the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, where you'll encounter Neolithic and Paleolithic artifacts from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygian civilizations. Afterwards, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, embark on a journey to Cappadocia. On the way, stop to explore one of the region's largest underground cities, built by the early Christians for protection against attacks. Overnight accommodations will be in Cappadocia. Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Begin your day with breakfast, and then embark on a full-day visit to Cappadocia. Start by exploring the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its cave churches nestled in the valley. Next, visit Uchisar Village, followed by the stunning fairy chimneys. In Derbent Valley, admire the natural rock formations and seize the opportunity to attend workshops focusing on carpets and onyx stones. Spend the night in Cappadocia. Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Optional Tour: Hot Air Balloon Tour
Depart from your hotel early in the morning for a chance to enjoy this unique experience. Soar over Cappadocia and marvel at its beauty, taking in views of the rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural landscapes, and lunar vistas. Be sure to book this experience in advance.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, head to Pamukkale, stopping along the way to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai. This structure was built during the Seljuk Empire and served as a longstanding stopover for travelers and merchants. Proceed to Pamukkale and explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its healing thermal waters, along with the ancient city of Hierapolis. Overnight stay in Pamukkale. Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Pamukkale
Have breakfast and then drive to Selçuk to visit Ephesus. At Ephesus, explore the ruins of the city dedicated to Artemis, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora. Afterwards, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. The itinerary also includes a brief stop for leather shopping. Continue to Izmir for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight: Izmir. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Izmir
Izmir
Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) for your flight to Athens via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy some free leisure time. Overnight stay in Athens. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Athens
Athens
After breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel or nearby to begin the morning Half Day Athens Sightseeing Tour.
**Overnight:** Athens
**Meals:** Breakfast
**Detailed Itinerary:**
This tour offers a chance to observe the fascinating contrasts that define Athens. Our expert guides will lead you to the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games, where we will pause for a short visit. As we proceed, you'll see the Prime Minister's residence (formerly the Royal Palace), with its ceremonial guards, the Evzones, wearing their distinctive uniforms. We'll pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma). A visit to Athens isn't complete without experiencing the Acropolis, a world-renowned symbol of democracy. Here, you'll explore the architectural marvels of the Golden Age of Pericles, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and, of course, the Parthenon, celebrated for its perfect harmony and order. Finally, you will visit the modern Acropolis Museum, which houses nearly 4,000 displays of Hellenic art and history.
This is a regular group tour with a maximum of 45 participants on the tour bus and cannot be customized for smaller groups. The tour departs at approximately 08:45 and returns at around 13:30.
Overnight: Athens
Athens
Pick-up is at 7:30 a.m. with a motor coach transfer from Athens city center to Piraeus Port, where you will board the cruise ship for a full-day excursion to three beautiful islands near Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Lunch is included on board. The cruise returns to Piraeus at 7:15 p.m., followed by a transfer back to your hotel in Athens.
**Overnight:** Athens
**Meals:** Breakfast, Lunch on board
**Detailed Itinerary:**
Departure is approximately at 8:00 a.m. to explore the three scenic islands of the Saronic Gulf. Upon departure, join our guide and hostesses in one of the ship's main lounges for a briefing on the ship, the cruise itinerary, and the island destinations. The sequence of island visits may change without prior notice. This regular cruise tour accommodates over 100 people and is not available for private booking.
**Hydra (approx. 2 hours):**
Explore the charming island favored by the jet set, known for its traditional stone houses and mansions hosting renowned artists. With narrow stone-paved streets, Hydra invites exploration by foot or saddled donkey, as motorized vehicles are prohibited. Experience a captivating blend of serene seaside promenades, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant craft shops.
**Poros (approx. 1 hour):**
The smallest island on the tour, Poros is separated from the Peloponnese by a 200m (650ft) strait, offering stunning views of its town. Its unique coastline, with parts resembling a lagoon, is beautiful and enchanting.
**Aegina (approx. 2 hours):**
Historically a rival of Athens, Aegina is rich in archaeological sites and historical landmarks. Optional organized tours in air-conditioned buses are available to the Temple of Aphaia and the Church of Saint Nektarios. These tours can be purchased aboard the ship. Enjoy a traditional Greek folk show on the return journey to Marina Flisvos, with entertainment until arrival.
**Optional excursions (extra charge):**
- **Classical tour (Aegina):**
Experience a guided bus tour beginning with the Temple of Aphaia, the best-preserved temple in Greece, offering panoramic views. The tour includes a photo stop at the Church of Saint Nektarios, showcasing beautiful Byzantine architecture, before returning to Aegina Port to unwind in the tranquil surroundings.
- **Panoramic tour (Aegina):**
Drive across the island, taking in its natural beauty, famous pistachio groves, medieval capital Paleohora, and the Saint Nektarios Monastery. The tour concludes at a local taverna for meze and tsipouro at the port.
- **Swimming excursion (Aegina):**
Enjoy a soft drink during a speedboat transfer to Moni's coast, just 7 minutes from the port, for relaxation at a private beach with umbrellas. Swim in crystal-clear waters, unwind on the sandy shore amid pine trees, and encounter local wildlife like peacocks and possibly deer.
Overnight: Phi Phi Islands
Athens
Our assistant will meet you at your hotel and arrange your transfer to the airport via our minibus or taxi driver for your departure flight. This marks the end of our services. Overnight: Athens Meals: 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.