
Istanbul to Athens Explorer
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Kick off in Istanbul and wrap up in Athens on this 15–day journey linking Turkey and Greece. You’ll explore Istanbul’s greats – Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi and a Bosphorus cruise – before flying to Cappadocia for fairy chimneys, rock–cut churches and the Kaymakli underground city. Travel the old Silk Road via Sultanhani to Konya’s Mevlana Museum, then continue to Pamukkale’s shimmering terraces and Hierapolis. On the Aegean, expect to see Ephesus in all its glory. In Greece, you’ll visit the Acropolis, Mycenae and Nafplion, Ancient Olympia and Delphi, then gaze at Meteora’s sky–high monasteries – finishing back in Athens with an easy island connection.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
Starts
IstanbulEnds
AthensMinimum Age
18 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Greece that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Countries
Greece, TurkeyMeals Included
Breakfast: 14, Dinner: 6Passengers
$11,285.00
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 50
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 4 / Max 50Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, where we greet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel, passing lively neighbourhoods en route. You have the remainder of the day free to explore at your own pace – wander atmospheric streets, browse bustling markets and start discovering the city’s landmarks.
Day 2 - Istanbul
In Istanbul, we visit the Blue Mosque to admire its soaring domes, slender minarets and exquisite Ottoman tilework. We continue to Hagia Sophia – a monumental testament to Byzantine and Ottoman heritage – then tour Topkapi Palace, exploring its courtyards and ornate royal quarters. We also pause at the ancient Hippodrome, once the ceremonial and sporting heart of Constantinople.
Day 3 - Istanbul - Kayseri
We cruise the Bosphorus, taking in historic landmarks along the strait between Europe and Asia. After the cruise, we transfer to the airport for our flight Istanbul – Kayseri, gateway to Cappadocia, then continue by road to arrive amid the region’s distinctive volcanic landscapes.
Day 4 - Göreme - Uchisar
We explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, stepping into rock hewn churches adorned with early Christian frescoes. We continue to Pasabag to wander among fairy chimneys – remarkable formations shaped by nature – then ascend to Uchisar Castle for sweeping views from Cappadocia’s highest point. We end the day in a carpet weaving village, meeting artisans and seeing how traditional Turkish carpets are made.
Day 5 - Konya
We descend into Kaymakli Underground City in Cappadocia, exploring a maze of tunnels, chambers and living quarters carved from the rock. We then travel towards Konya along the historic Silk Road, pausing at the grand Sultanhani Caravanserai. On arrival in Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum – spiritual centre of the Whirling Dervishes – and the Alaeddin Mosque on the city’s central hill.
Day 6 - Konya - Pamukkale
We depart Konya for Pamukkale, watching the Anatolian scenery unfold en route. On arrival, we wander among Pamukkale’s gleaming white travertine terraces – formed over millennia by mineral rich thermal waters – then explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and visit the Temple of Apollo. We conclude with a visit to see a display of locally crafted leather goods from the region.
Day 7 - Pamukkale - Kusadasi
We leave Pamukkale for the ancient city of Laodicea in the Lycus Valley, exploring evocative remains of this once prosperous Roman centre – long celebrated as the City of Zeus. We then continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean coast, arriving with time at leisure. In Kusadasi you can unwind by the sea or explore the town independently.
Day 8 - Kusadasi - Izmir
We travel from Kusadasi to Ephesus, strolling along marble streets past grand Roman monuments and elegant facades. We continue to a nearby carpet weaving village to see time honoured techniques in practice, then transfer to Izmir Airport for our flight to Athens, Greece.
Day 9 - Athens
You have free time in Athens – a chance to relax after the journey and explore at your own pace.
Day 10 - Athens
We begin at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, then pause at Hadrian’s Arch – the symbolic gateway between Greek and Roman Athens. We visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and continue to lively Syntagma Square. We finish on the Acropolis, exploring the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, and stand before the Parthenon.
Day 11 - Athens - Corinth Canal - Corinth Canal Viewpoint - Mycenae - Mycenae Archaeological Site - Nafplion
We depart Athens for the Corinth Canal, pausing to admire the narrow engineered waterway that cuts through the isthmus. We continue through Argolis to Mycenae and explore the ancient citadel – passing the Lion Gate, tracing Cyclopean walls and viewing the royal tombs – before travelling on to the seaside town of Nafplion.
Day 12 - Nafplion - Olympia - Ancient Olympia - Delphi
We drive from Nafplion to Olympia in the Peloponnese. At Ancient Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games – we explore the temples, the stadium and sacred ruins, then visit the Archaeological Museum to see masterpieces including the Hermes of Praxiteles. We continue north to Delphi via the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, travelling through scenic countryside.
Day 13 - Delphi Archaeological Site - Delphi - Kalambaka
We explore Delphi’s archaeological site, visiting the Temple of Apollo – centre of the famed Oracle – and the Castalian Spring. We also see the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia before travelling inland to Kalambaka through traditional Central Greek villages.
Day 14 - Meteora Monasteries - Kalambaka - Thermopylae - Athens
We visit the Meteora monasteries – dramatic sanctuaries poised atop soaring rock pillars – then travel south towards Athens, pausing near the historic pass of Thermopylae at the Leonidas Monument. We continue by road to Athens for our final night in the capital.
Day 15 - Athens
We collect you from your Athens hotel and transfer you to the port to begin your island journey – a smooth connection from the mainland section of your tour to the Cyclades.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.


Prices & Dates
"Double/Twin" prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. "Shared" prices are for those solo travellers happy to share a room with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that for anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, a single supplement will apply. Please contact us for more information or a quote.
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