7 Days 2 Ancient Cities – Istanbul, Athens

DAY 1 : Arrival
Meet in the arrivals hall of Istanbul Ataturk (or Sahiba Gökcen Airport and transfer to your hotel. You then have the rest of the day and evening, depending on your flight arrival time, free for you to relax or explore this magical city at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2 : Ottoman Relics of Sultanahmet
Enjoy a full day tour discovering Ottoman heritage sights of the historical Sultanahmet area. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (optional extra entrance to Harem not included). Evening free at leisure to dine out and stroll through atmospheric streets around the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3 : Cruise along the Bosphorous
Cruise along the Bosphorous with views from the boat of all the different mansions, palaces and mosques that line its shores. Then on to the sights  and aromas of the famous Spice Bazaar, see the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, cross over the Bosphorus Bridge and views from Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 4 : Istanbul to Athens

Breakfast, check-out and as per chosen flight time transfer to the airport for departure on direct flight to Athens. Arrival and transfer to hotel with remainder of the day/evening at leisure. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 5 : Delphi (or Argolis) Sightseeing Tour

Today you have the choice to join either the full day Delphi Tour or the full day Argolis Tour.
Delphi: Drive through the lush plain of Boeotia, drving through the towns of Thebes, Levadia and Arachova. At Delphi visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such famous masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer.
Argolis: Drive along the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive to Mycenae and visit the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, and the Royal Tombs. Depart for Nafplio, the charming town nestled at the foot of a cliff crowned by the imposing ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. In the afternoon, leave for Epidauros to visit the theatre (4th century BC) famous for its remarkable acoustics. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 6 : Cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros & Aegina
Transfer to Piraeus for embarkation. Then we set sail for the island of Hydra where you have time (around 1 hour) for a stroll, shopping or swimming. Then sail on to Poros, the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most astonishing view of Poros Town.  Lunch will be served during the voyage. On board again and after a two hour trip arrive to the last port of call, the island of Aegina. Here you once again have some free time at leisure to stroll around or swim, depending on the weather. Optional excursion, by bus, to the well-preserved Temple of Afea Athena. Embarkation for the return voyage. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 07 : Discover Athens then end of the tour
Breakfast at your 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 center
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, like wine tasting etc, advise your preference in the enquiry form
After the morning tour a little free time before transfer to the airport for your direct international flight.