**Best of Greece and Turkey with 2-Day Cruise** This 14-day journey highlights our favorite destinations in Greece and Turkey, featuring a 2-day ocean cruise stopping at Mykonos and Santorini (switching to Syros between March and April 2025). The adventure begins in Athens, exploring the Greek capital's iconic Acropolis and museums. Following this, set sail on a 2-day cruise to Mykonos and Santorini, with all-inclusive meals and soft drinks on board. After delighting in the Aegean islands, we fly to Istanbul and then on to Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey. The tour continues with a drive to Cappadocia via Salt Lake to experience the enchanting landscapes of the Göreme Valleys. Next, travel to Pamukkale, known for its white travertine terraces and nearby Hierapolis. Heading west, visit Kuşadası to explore Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, before traveling north to see Pergamon and Troy. The journey also includes a visit to Gallipoli, significant for its historical impact in the early 20th century. The tour concludes in Istanbul, where you’ll discover the Bosphorus Strait, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. We believe you'll be captivated by the diverse sights, flavors, and cultures of this region, enjoying a well-paced itinerary showcasing the best of Turkey and Greece. *Discover with Eskapas, The Mediterranean Specialist.* **Important Trip Notes** This itinerary is a draft and may undergo changes. Upon booking, you will receive a finalized itinerary personalized for you, detailing accommodations, meeting points, schedules, emergency contacts, and flight information. This document will be emailed to you or uploaded to your dashboard. Please review it carefully and feel free to ask any questions. No other documents are valid. **A copy of the Passport ID page for each traveler is required** to facilitate the issuance of flight, cruise, and ferry tickets. You may cover your photo with a piece of paper.
Trip Highlights












Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Athens
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our English-speaking assistant who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay: Athens. Meals: Not included.
Athens
After enjoying breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel or a nearby location to begin the Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour. This tour offers a chance to experience the remarkable contrasts that make Athens an intriguing city. Our knowledgeable guides will take you to the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, where we will make a brief stop. As we continue, you will see the Prime Minister’s residence (formerly the Royal Palace) with the distinctive Evzones guards, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma). A visit to Athens wouldn't be complete without exploring the Acropolis, one of the world's most significant landmarks and a symbol of democracy in the Western world. Here, you'll discover architectural marvels from the Golden Age of Pericles, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, celebrated for its harmony between material and spirit, as the ancient Greeks would say. Your final stop will be the modern Acropolis Museum, which features nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenism. The tour departs around 08:45 and returns at approximately 13:30. You will have the afternoon free to explore Athens at your leisure. Overnight accommodations in Athens, with breakfast included.
Overnight: Athens
Athens
After having breakfast, we'll head to the Port. We will depart from Greece's historic and classical capital and begin our journey towards our first stop, the stunning island of Mykonos, famously named the Island of the Winds. Enjoy an evening walk around the charming Old Town, characterized by its pristine whitewashed houses, meandering alleys, quaint little churches, and appealing restaurants by the water. You will likely recognize the iconic white windmills, lined up and overlooking the sea. Overnight accommodation will be on the cruise ship, with meals provided on board, including soft drinks during meals.
Overnight: Mykonos
Santorini
Our journey moves forward with an evening in Santorini, known globally for its breathtaking beauty. You're bound to be captivated by its dramatic landscapes, the whitewashed houses of Fira, and the renowned blue-domed church in Oia. Be sure to dine at one of the many restaurants perched on the caldera's edge. Overnight stay will be on the cruise ship, with all meals included and soft drinks provided during meals.
Overnight: Santorini
Kusadasi
We arrive in the vibrant Turkish beach town of Kusadasi in the morning. Our driver will greet you at the port with a sign displaying your name and transfer you to Izmir Airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul (included). Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our assistant will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay will be in Istanbul. Meals provided: Breakfast.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing to visit Topkapi Palace, including a tour of the harem section, which was the residence of the Ottoman sultans. After the visit, depart from the hotel to travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Arrive in Ankara in the early evening and stay overnight. Meals provided include breakfast and dinner.
Overnight: Ankara
Ankara
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Anatolian Civilizations Museum. Here, you'll explore Neolithic and Paleolithic artifacts from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygia civilizations. Next, head to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, drive to Cappadocia, stopping along the way at an underground city. This remarkable site was built by early Christians seeking refuge from attacks and is one of the largest in the region. You have the option to upgrade your accommodation to a Cave Hotel. Stay overnight at Hotel Dinler 4**** or a similar establishment. Overnight in Cappadocia. Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkable cave churches nestled within the valley. Continue your journey to Uchisar Village, followed by a visit to the region's iconic fairy chimneys. Explore Derbent Valley, famous for its natural rock formations, and take the opportunity to attend workshops focusing on carpets and onyx stones.
Optional: Experience a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Departing early in the morning from your hotel, this unique adventure offers a breathtaking aerial view of the region's stunning landscapes, rock formations, and fairy chimneys, showcasing the area's extraordinary beauty.
Overnight in Cappadocia. Meals include breakfast and dinner.
Overnight: Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, head towards Pamukkale, stopping along the way to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai. This historical site, constructed during the Seljuk Empire, served as a significant rest stop for travelers and merchants for many years. Continue your journey to Pamukkale and explore the renowned Cotton Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its thermal waters believed to have healing properties. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Thermal Hotel Ademipira or a similar 5-star accommodation.
Pamukkale
After breakfast, drive to Selçuk to explore Ephesus. Visit the Ephesus Ruins, a city dedicated to Artemis, including the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora. Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, considered by many to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. Then, stop at a leather production store. Continue on to Izmir and spend the night at Hotel Blanca or a similar 4-star hotel. Overnight stay in İzmir, with breakfast and dinner included.
Overnight: Izmir
Canakkale
Have breakfast before driving to the Pergamon (Bergama) region to visit the ruins of the Asclepion, recognized as the first hospital in Asia Minor's history. Afterward, proceed to Troy to explore the renowned city celebrated in Homer's epic, the Iliad. The journey continues to Canakkale, where you will stay at Hotel Akol 4**** or a similar establishment.
Overnight: Canakkale
After breakfast, we will take a car ferry to cross the Dardanelles Strait and proceed to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Here, we will explore one of Turkey's most poignant landmarks, the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. Our visit includes Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, the Respect to Mehmetçik Statue, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels, the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Overnight accommodations will be at the Istanbul Yigitalp or a similar 4-star hotel. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to the Spice Market for a shopping experience. After some free time, meet up for a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise along the strait that divides Asia and Europe. During the cruise, take in the stunning views of Istanbul's forests, palaces, and historic wooden houses on both continents. Don't miss sights like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Overnight in Istanbul with meals provided for breakfast and lunch.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul
After breakfast, you'll have free time to relax until it's time to depart. You will then be transferred to the airport, which marks the end of our services. Overnight accommodations are not available. Meals: Breakfast.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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