This itinerary can also be done in reverse order – beginning in Athens and finishing in Istanbul.
Greece and Turkey both offer a wealth of cultural and historical sites, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and welcoming locals. This itinerary takes you from magical Istanbul through to Athens visiting Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale along the way and then some free time for relaxing on the vibramt islands of Mykonos & Santorini. This tour package also includes the archaelogical site of Delphi along with the amazing scenery of Meteora.
This combination package can be easily customized based on your travel dates and requirements.
What is Included:
- Hotel accomodation in category of your choice
- Breakfasts at hotels throughout (dinners optional)
- Guided day tours, regular group (private on request)
- Guiding in English, main entrances, tour transport
- Lunches during full day tours in Turkey, drinks extra
- Flight/ferry tickets from Istanbul through to Athens
- Arrival & departure transfers throughout
- Taxes and handling services
Not included :
Drinks, tips to guide and driver, personal expenses and optional tours
DAY 01 – Arrival in Turkey
Our transfer driver will be waiting to welcome you in the Arrivals hall at Istanbul Airport and take you to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals: none
DAY 02 – Historical Tour of Istanbul ( B / L )
A guided tour taking you to explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (optional extra entrance to Harem room not included). Evening free at leisure to explore and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.
Meals: breakfast & lunch included.
DAY 03 – Half Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Cappadocia ( B )
Enjoy a morning cruise on the Bosphorus and enjoy the sights which line the shores of the Bosphorus Straits. Also includes a visit to the famous Spice Bazaar then some free time at leisure until transfer to airport for departure on domestic flight to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 04 – Cappadocia- North Tour ( B / L )
*Optional: very early morning 1 hour sunrise hot air balloon ride, breathtaking views over the valleys
Today we discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Cappadocia. During this full day tour we explore Devrent Valley and Monk’s Valley (Pasabagi) where you find the world famous fairy chimneys and mushroom shaped pinnacles; break for lunch in Avanos, then visit Goreme Open-Air Museum with churches and monasteries carved from the soft volcanic stone and decorated by Medieval Orthodox Christian Monks. Also view Uchisar natural rock fortress. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Meals: breakfast & lunch included
DAY 05 – Cappadocia – South Tour ( B / L )
Join another full day tour starting with a 4km (medium grade) hike in Red Valley exploring rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys along the way. Visit Cavusin (old Greek village) then go down into Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians hid in fear and faith. The day also includes panoramic views at Pigeon Valley with its famous dovecotesand the picturesque village of Ortahisar. A little free time before transfer to bus station for departure on overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale.
Meals: breakfast & lunch included
***If you do not wish to travel by overnight bus we can instead arrange by flight, please advise preference
***If you would prefer to visit Derinkuyu Underground City & hike in Ihlara Valley please advise preference
DAY 06 – Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour ( B / L )
Arrive early morning (if by overnight bus) to Pamukkale and transfer to a small hotel where a day room is provided for you to have a shower and breakfast. Then join the guided tour visiting the natural formation of the travertine (also known as cotton cliffs/cotton castle) in Pamukkale along with the ruins of Hierapolis. End of day with arrival to hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Meals: breakfast, lunch included
DAY 07 – Ephesus Tour ( B / L )
Leave for a full day tour visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus. Here you have the chance to walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and the Grand Theatre, just a few of the many buildings and fountains that can be found in this open air museum. Also visit the House of Virgin Mary and the remains of Artemis Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Meals: breakfast, lunch included
DAY 08 – Kusadasi/Izmir to Mykonos ( B )
Breakfast, check-out and as per schedules transfer to Izmir Airport for flight from Izmir, via Athens, to Mykonos. Arrive and meet for transfer to hotel with remainder of day and evening free at leisure to begin exploring this famous island. Overnight in Mykonos.
**Depending on your dates of travel there might also be the option of using a ferry combination Kusadasi-Samos & Samos-Mykonos. However the ferry between Samos & Mykonos does not operate daily and sometimes is only available mid-June to mid-September. Therefore 90% of the time we will need to use the flight route as noted above. Let us know your preference when completing the inquiry form and we will organise accordingly where possible.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 09 – Mykonos ( B )
Breakfast at hotel and a full day free at leisure for you to explore the town of Mykonos and other areas of the island. Don’t miss out on the vibrant nightlife for which the island is famous. Overnight in Mykonos.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 10 – Mykonos to Santorini ( B )
Breakfast, check-out and as per selected time transfer to port for departure on seajet ferry to Santorini (ferry takes around 3hours). Arrive and meet for transfer to hotel with remainder of the day & evening free at leisure. Overnight in Santorini.
*The ferry between Mykonos & Santorini does not operate during the winter season (from November through March). During the winter season you have the option either to exclude Mykonos from your itinerary or to travel between these two islands using flight via Athens.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 11 – Santorini ( B )
Today is free at leisure for you to explore this magical island – during the day you can relax on one of its many beautiful beaches, visit a few of its quaint villages, wander along the scenic route from Fira to Oia. There are optional excursions available on request. Finish your day watching the romantic sunset over the caldera either from your hotel or over dinner at a local taverna/restaurant. Overnight in Santorini.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 12 – Santorini to Athens ( B )
Breakfast, check-out and as per selected time transfer to port for departure on ferry to Athens (ferry takes between 5hrs to 9hrs depending on vessel – if you prefer 1hr domestic flights are also available). Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 13 – Athens City Tour with Acropolis ( B )
Breakfast at hotel then join on one of the following regular group excursions (your choice):
a) 5hr Coach tour: visit Acropolis, New Acropolis Museum & panoramic drive through city centre
b) 3hr Walking tour: visit Acropolis & stroll through the city centre
c) 5hr Walking tour: visit Acropolis, New Acropolis Museum & stroll through city centre
d) 3hr Athens Food walking tour: visiting specialty food shops with tastings & Varvakeios market
*Other alternatives available, such as wine tasting etc, advise your preference in the enquiry form
Afternoon and evening free at leisure for you to further explore on your own. Overnight in Athens.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 14 – Delphi Tour ( B )
*This 02-day tour operates every Mon/Wed/Thurs and selected Sat from April to October / every Wed during winter
*Depending on your selected travel dates we may need to re-organise the order of itinerary to suit tour operation dates
Meet at hotel to join on a 2-day escorted group coach tour. Leave for Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova. Arrive Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site (museum entry fee not included). After the visit depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Overnight in Kalambaka.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 15 – Monasteries of Meteora ( B )
Visit Meteora and enjoy a unique and most impressive scenery with ancient Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing on huge rocks. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to see from across the road the Leonida’s Monument), arrive in Athens early in the evening. Overnight in Athens.
Meals: breakfast included
DAY 16 – Departure from Athens ( B )
Breakfast, check-out and as per your international flight departure time transfer to Athens Airport.
Tour Reviews
Good job
Good luck
Leave a Review