Istanbul & Athens Uncovered

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, either exploring this vibrant city or relaxing at your hotel.

Today begins with a visit to the iconic Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman Sultans. Here, we'll explore its stunning gardens, kitchens, treasury, and terraces with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

After a photo stop at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, we continue to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Blue Mosque, adorned with 20,000 Iznik tiles. Discover the Roman Hippodrome and conclude your tour at the bustling Grand Bazaar, a maze of thousands of vibrant shops.

Spend the evening exploring at your own pace or relaxing at the hotel.

After breakfast, we start our day with a walk along the picturesque Golden Horn, leading to the famous Egyptian Bazaar, renowned for its vibrant spices.

Next, embark on a scenic boat tour along the Bosphorus, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Marvel at the stunning European and Asian shores adorned with palaces, fortresses, and charming wooden residences.

After disembarkation, enjoy free time to further explore Istanbul at your leisure.

Istanbul - Athens. Today, bid farewell to bustling Istanbul as you journey to Greece. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Athens hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind or begin exploring the historic city of Athens at your own pace.

PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Istanbul to Athens is not included in the cost of this tour. Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost (total flight cost approximately USD $75–$150 per person); however, we can assist in booking these flights should you require. More information is detailed in the tour Trip Notes.

Today we embark on a coach tour of Greece's vibrant capital city, named after the goddess Athena and thought to be over 3000 years old. Sights include the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which lies at the heart of modern Athens. The highlight of our day is the Acropolis, considered by some to be the most important ancient site in the western world. Here we find masterpieces of classical Greek architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Plaka, a historical and picturesque part of the city. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets or relax with a drink at one of the many tavernas in the area. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street.

Today is at leisure to continue exploring the vibrant city of Athens at your own pace. You can indulge in shopping along the famous Ermou Street, one of Athens' busiest shopping areas, lined with high-street brands and boutiques.

For a more traditional experience, head back to Plaka and explore its quaint shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts. Monastiraki offers a bustling market atmosphere with its vibrant flea market, where antiques, clothes, and local artisan products are on display. Meanwhile, Thision offers stunning views of the Acropolis and is home to a variety of trendy cafés and restaurants.

Our tour ends today after breakfast, with an included transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!