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Istanbul to the Acropolis

15 days

PRIVATE TOUR: From the great capital of the Ottoman Empire to the ancient capital of Greece, discover archaeological treasures, natural wonders and the jewels of the Greek Islands; Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Tour Overview

Duration

15 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Yes for included sightseeing

Group Size

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

May - Oct

Hotel Rating

4 or 5 star

Countries

Greece, Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 14, Dinner: 4
Per Person From
NZD$16,005.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$9,604.00
$22,406.00

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Tour Highlights

Istanbul - Marvel at the Old City, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and Topkapi Palace
Gallipoli Peninsula - Explore ANZAC Cove and pay your respects at Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, trenches, and battlefields
Troy - Turn back time and examine the Trojan horse replica, ancient ruins and the Aegean Coast
Pamukkale - Admire the hot springs and take a dip in the famous thermal pools, then visit the Roman spa town of Hierapolis
Pergamum and Ephesus - Examine more historic Roman ruins and let your historical imagination run wild
Rhodes - Visit the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and admire medieval architecture like the Venetian Castle
Santorini - Take in the blue and white villages that make up this beautiful volcanic island in the Cyclades
Mykonos - Spend 2 days exploring the churches, beaches and nightlife on this picturesque Cyclades Island
Athens - Get to know the capital of Greece as you explore independently - we strongly recommend you visit the famous Acropolis!

Included

Breakfast daily and 4 dinners
14 nights 4 star hotels
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Pergamum, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Athens
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide and Greek tour guide for all included sightseeing
Rhodes to Santorini - One way economy flight
Marmaris to Rhodes and Santorini - Athens ferry tickets
Airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 15 (one each day)
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive Istanbul. You will be met at the airport upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - Istanbul Old City sights

Istanbul. Today enjoy a guided city tour of the old city part of Istanbul, taking in the Blue Mosque, the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. This evening there is the option to attend a traditional Turkish show with dinner.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Gallipoli

Istanbul - Canakkale. This morning we drive to the emotive battlefields of Gallipoli, where we’ll visit Anzac Cove, the war museum and explore the trenches and other key sites from the World War 1 ANZAC campaign before crossing the Dardanelles to your hotel in Cannakale.

Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 4-5 - Pergamum & Ephesus

Canakkale - Kusadasi. This morning visit legendary Troy to see a reconstruction of the fabled Wooden Horse, used in the Trojan War and the Roman acropolis of Pergamum. At Pergamum explore the temple ruins and see the Altar of Zeus. Your base for the next two nights is coastal Kusadasi. On day 5 enjoy an excursion to explore ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. See the ruins of the great Temple of Artemis, visit the Mother Mary House and a local handicraft manufacturing house.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner x2

Day 6 - Pamukkale

Kusadasi - Pamukkale. Today enjoy a tour of the ancient town of Hierapolis and the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. Tonight, why not take a dip in your hotel’s hot spring pool!

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 7-8 - Rhodes - Greece

Pamukkale - Rhodes. Transfer to Marmaris for a ferry to the Greek island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese group. Spend day 8 at leisure exploring this beautiful and historic island; perhaps visit Rhodes City and see the walls of a very well preserved Venetian castle; built by the Knights of Saint John, one of the finest examples of medieval architecture.

Overnight: Rhodes
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 9-10 - Santorini - Greece

Rhodes - Santorini. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Santorini. Spend the next two days at leisure. Santorini is located in the Cyclades island group, in the Aegean Sea. This dramatically striking volcanic island is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world, with towns and villages perched on top of the massive cliffs of the caldera and beautiful black and red beaches. Santorini is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and gorgeous villages with traditional white and blue architecture. Fira and Oia are the most famous villages, on the edge of the caldera which have amazing views over the Aegean and the volcano. Why not opt for a visit.

Overnight: Santorini
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 11-12 - Mykonos - Greece

Santorini - Mykonos. On day 11 take a hydrofoil or ferry to Mykonos. Transfer to your hotel and spend the next two days at leisure. Mykonos island is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and exciting nightlife. The picturesque Cycladic capital is full of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches and the island boasts magnificent sandy beaches.

Overnight: Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast x2

Days 13-14 - Athens

Mykonos - Athens. After breakfast on day 13, take the ferry to Athens, upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Athens is the capital of Greece and took its name from the ancient goddess Athena and is thought to have at least a 3000 year old recorded history making it one of the oldest cities in Europe.

On day 14 enjoy a half day guided tour of Athens, giving you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts of this fascinating city. Sights of interest include Constitution Square, the Houses of Parliament, and the National Library. See the Evzones (ceremonial guards) in their distinctive uniforms at the Memorial to the UnknownSoldier and the Presidential Palace. En route to the Acropolis you will also see Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. Saving the best until last, explore the legendary Acropolis; visiting the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Ageof Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and of course the spectacular and iconic Parthenon.

Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 15 - Athens

Athens. After breakfast, onward transfer to Athens Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kent Hotel
Istanbul

The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Tusan Hotel
Canakkale

The family run Tusan Hotel offers modern facilities in a tranquil setting. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped and offer guests beautiful forest or sea views. The hotel benefits from a private beach and an indoor and outdoor restaurant. A refreshing pint of beer in the English Pub whilst challenging the bar staff to a game of pool is a great way to spend the evening. This accommodation sits within a beautiful pine forest looking across the Dardanelles with a private beach exclusively for guests.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Ramada Kusadasi
Kusadasi

Perched on the coast next to the Aegean Sea, the palatial Ramada Kusadasi has no less than six outdoor pools with water slides, a stunning indoor pool and luxury spa centre. Guest rooms are spacious and well equipped all with private balconies. Guests can choose from Turkish or Italian inspired restaurants as well as a number of bars. There is also a large golf club with excellent facilities and beautiful grounds.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel
Pamukkale

Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Mediterranean Hotel
Rhodes

Located in the heart of Rhodes' most popular sandy beach, the Mediterranean Hotel is conveniently located next to the Aquarium and Casino. The hotel is the perfect location for tourists who want to explore city life, visit the attractions of Medieval town, and end their day with a luxury experience on the beach front. Most rooms feature stunning views of either the Aegean Sea or the beach.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
El Greco Resort & Spa
Santorini

Conveniently located just minutes from the centre of Fira, El Greco is a beautiful white washed complex in the classic Santorini style. All guest rooms are air conditioned and reflect the Cycladic style whilst including all mod-cons and exception ensuite facilities. The resort benefits from an outdoor pool, on site restaurant and adult-only Spa Centre for guests.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Manoulas Beach Mykonos Resort
Mykonos

Located in one of Mykonos' most blissful sunset spots, the Manoulas Beach Mykonos Resort is a luxury property with charm and carefree Mykonian spirit. Each room features a sleek design with a satellite TV, fridge and private bathroom. Most guest rooms offer a balcony or terrace that overlooks the wonderous Aegean Sea. For beautiful views, dine in at the seafront restaurant or take a dip in the outdoor pool and enjoy a cocktail from the pool bar.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Herodion Hotel
Athens

Herodion Hotel offers modern rooms with light wood furnishings and parquet floors. Each room has a TV, soundproofed windows and private bathroom. Located at the foot of Acropolis, the hotel features a beautiful rooftop garden with sun loungers, two hot tubs, and spectacular views of Athens. The hotel's rooftop restaurant, PointA, has a decked terrace and serves up Mediterranean cuisine with Greek influences.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Prices & Dates

'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, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value. Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 or more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 May - 15 May
$16,005
$19,315
2 May - 16 May
$16,005
$19,315
3 May - 17 May
$16,005
$19,315
4 May - 18 May
$16,005
$19,315
5 May - 19 May
$16,005
$19,315
6 May - 20 May
$16,005
$19,315
7 May - 21 May
$16,005
$19,315
8 May - 22 May
$16,005
$19,315

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