This 15-day journey begins in Istanbul and concludes in Athens.
We will commence with an 8-day Turkish Delights tour, exploring Istanbul (2 nights), Ankara (1 night), Cappadocia (2 nights), Pamukkale (1 night), and Izmir (1 night) with a visit to Ephesus. This adventure combines ancient ruins with modern cities, highlighting Islamic mysticism, Ottoman influences, and diverse landscapes. Discover the secrets of the ancient city of Ephesus, experience the bustling lanes of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, and explore the surreal terrains of Cappadocia for a unique experience in Turkey.
The second part of the tour takes you on a 7-day Island Hopping adventure through Samos (1 night), Mykonos (2 nights), and Santorini (2 nights) before reaching Athens (2 nights). Immerse yourself in the striking history of Greece as you travel across its stunning islands by land and sea. Marvel at the picturesque Cycladic houses of Santorini, the timeless allure of Samos, the friendly locals of Mykonos, and the legendary ancient relics of Athens.
Experience a 15-day adventure that combines the rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality of two iconic countries.
Important Trip Notes
This itinerary is a draft and may be subject to modifications. Upon booking, you will receive a final itinerary tailored to your preferences, detailing information such as hotels, meeting locations, times, emergency contacts, and flight details. This will be sent to you via email or made available in your dashboard. Please review the trip document carefully and feel free to ask any questions. No other document will be considered valid.
This trip requires a copy of each traveler's passport ID page. You can cover your photo with a piece of paper. This is necessary for issuing flight, cruise, or ferry tickets. Additionally, we recommend making a photocopy of your passport’s information page before traveling for security reasons. This is particularly useful if traveling internationally and can facilitate passport renewal if the document is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and meet with an English-speaking assistant at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Spend the night at the hotel.
Istanbul
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, head to the Spice Market for some shopping. Enjoy some free time before meeting up for a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise excursion. This cruise will take you along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates the continents of Asia and Europe. As you cruise, take in the stunning views of Istanbul, including its forests, palaces, and historic wooden houses on both sides. Afterwards, savor lunch at a local restaurant. Post-lunch, visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the renowned Hagia Sophia. Spend the night in Istanbul. Meals provided include breakfast and lunch.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, depart to visit Topkapi Palace, where the entrance fee for the harem section is not included. This palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Enjoy some free time at the Grand Bazaar, which is closed on the first day of religious holidays. Later, depart from the hotel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, arriving there in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Ankara. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
Overnight: Ankara
Ankara
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Then, head to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum to explore Neolithic and Paleolithic artifacts from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygia civilizations. Afterward, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, drive to Cappadocia, stopping along the way to tour one of the largest underground cities in the region, built by early Christians seeking refuge from attacks. Spend the night in Cappadocia with breakfast and dinner included.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. Begin your exploration at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning cave churches nestled in the valley. Continue your journey to Uchisar Village and marvel at the region's spectacular fairy chimneys. Next, visit Derbent Valley to admire the natural rock formations and have the opportunity to participate in carpet and onyx stone workshops. Overnight stay in Cappadocia. Meals include breakfast and dinner.
Optional Tour: HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE
Depart from your hotel in the early morning to enjoy a unique hot air balloon ride. Take in breathtaking views of Cappadocia from the sky, witnessing the beauty of its rock formations, fairy chimneys, and striking lunar landscapes.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pamukkale. On the way, visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai, constructed during the Seljuk Empire and long used as a resting place for travelers and merchants. Continue to Pamukkale and explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its healing thermal waters. Overnight stay in Pamukkale. Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Pamukkale
Have breakfast before driving to Selçuk to visit Ephesus. Explore the Ephesus Ruins, a city dedicated to Artemis, and see notable sites such as the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora. Afterwards, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. Then, stop at a leather production store. Continue onward to Izmir for the night. Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Izmir
Izmir
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the port of Kusadasi for your departure to Samos. At the scheduled time, board the ferry to the Greek island of Samos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, either relaxing on the beaches or exploring the island. Samos is renowned not only for its popularity but also for being one of the most beautiful Greek islands, known for its lush greenery, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking beaches. Overnight stay in Samos. Meals included: Breakfast.
Breakfast at the hotel will be provided. At the designated time, you'll transfer to the port to board the ferry to the stunning island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore and enjoy the island. In Mykonos, you'll find a mix of celebrities, college students, and families coming together to celebrate the Greek summer. Whether you're seeking entertainment and a lively atmosphere or interested in discovering the island’s history and traditions, Mykonos has something to offer for everyone. Overnight stay in Mykonos. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Mykonos
Mykonos
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Spend a free day on the island to soak up the sun and the sea at its beautiful beaches and marvel at the island's captivating allure and vibrant nightlife. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Sacred Island of Delos, renowned as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Overnight stay in Mykonos. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Mykonos
Mykonos
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing at the scheduled time for a transfer to the port, where you'll catch a ferry to the renowned island of Santorini. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the crescent-shaped Santorini, also known as Thíra, a stunning jewel in the Aegean. This area includes the islands of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea, and Nea Kaméni, located in the southernmost part of the Cyclades. Santorini is often regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in Greece, offering a unique experience of crystal-clear waters while being situated on the edge of a vast active volcano in the sea's midst. Overnight stay: Santorini. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Santorini
Santorini
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Spend your free day exploring this remarkable island, known for its unique landscape and charming villages perched on cliff edges. Discover beaches with sands of black, white, and red. You can also opt to visit the submerged volcano. Overnight stay in Santorini. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Santorini
Athens
Breakfast will be served at the hotel, followed by a departure to explore the city of Athens. Highlights of the visit include Kalimármaro Stadium, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament building, and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, where you can witness the traditional Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square, which is also known as Constitution Square. The tour will also take you to Omonia Square. A visit to the Acropolis is planned, featuring the Propylaea, the Ionic Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Overnight accommodations will be in Athens, with breakfast provided.
Overnight: Athens
Athens
Breakfast at the hotel, if time permits based on the flight and transfer schedule. Then, transportation to the airport marks the conclusion of our services.
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.