DAY – 1 ARRIVAL IN ATHENS
The first day involves arriving at Athens International Airport, where you will be greeted, picked up, and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 2 – HALF A DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR (B)
At 08:00 am, depart for a half-day morning tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis, its museum, and the Parthenon. You'll also see the House of Parliament, Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, National Library, Evzones in their picturesque uniforms, Presidential Palace, the Panatheanic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian's Arch. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to explore Athens's hidden secrets further. (Optional afternoon tour to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon.) Overnight in Athens.
DAY 3 – DELPHI TOUR (B)
Depart from Athens at 08:00 am, driving through the fertile plain of Boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes connected with the tragedy of King Oedipus, Levadia & Arachova – Arachova is famous for its colorful rugs and beautifully made carpets. Arrive at Delphi, known as the center of the Ancient world – the 'Omphalos' (Navel) of the Earth – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mt Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. You will also visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the Museum containing masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Return to Athens at 18:30. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 4 – FERRY TO SANTORINI (B)
After breakfast, check-out, and transfer to Piraeus Port for departure by morning ferry to Santorini. On arrival, meet for a transfer to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Santorini. (Flights between Athens and Santorini are also available.)
DAY 5 – SANTORINI (B)
Enjoy a free day at leisure to relax on one of the many beaches of Santorini (gold, red, or black sand) or explore the capital, Fira. Overnight in Santorini.
DAY 6 – FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL (B)
Take a flight to Istanbul via Athens. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 7- BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN RELICS TOUR (B-L)
At 08:15 am, pick up from the reception and depart for the tour. Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays and Feast days), and Topkapi Palace. The tour ends around 4:00 pm. Return to the hotel and overnight in Istanbul.
DAY – 8 Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise (breakfast)
Whether you are a short-term or long-term visitor to Istanbul, a Bosphorus cruise is a good way to experience the city's diversity. Start by visiting Rustem Pasa Mosque, then walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market). You'll find here mystical smells of different aromas from various spices and many shops selling vegetables, fruits, fish, and flowers. The Bosphorus cruise takes about 1.5 hours. The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, separating Europe and Asia. During this excursion, you will see the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maidens Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses, and Ottoman Residences. End the tour, return to your hotel, and overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 9 – Istanbul – Denizli / Hierapolis and Pamukkale (breakfast-lunch)
Early in the morning, take a flight to Denizli. Reception at the airport and transfer to the meeting point to wait for our group. Visit Pamukkale 'Cotton Castle,' once known as Hierapolis, famous for healing thermal/mineral baths and beautiful snow-white 'petrified waterfalls.' After lunch, visit Hierapolis, including the magnificently preserved Necropolis, the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Devil's Hole, and the Masterpiece Theatre. Then head back to Kusadasi, where you will have your overnight stay.
DAY – 10 Ephesus and Virgin Mary tour (breakfast-lunch)
Around 09:00 am, pick up from the reception and depart for the tour. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Following this, make your way to Ephesus, which was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Explore Ephesus ruins, Odeon, Celcus Library, and the Theatre, which is still in use today for concerts. As you walk through this ancient site, you will notice the streets paved with marble, hinting at this city's great wealth many years ago. The last stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed that she arrived with Saint John 4-6 years after the death of Christ and spent her final days. Return to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 11 – FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA (Breakfast)
Take a flight from Izmir to Cappadocia. Depending on the day of the week, you will either fly directly or via Istanbul. Arrive at Cappadocia airport, pick up, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY 12 - CAPPADOCIA TOUR #1 (B-L)
After breakfast, around 9:30 am, visit Devrent Valley, Monk's Valley (Pasabagi), where you will find the world-renowned fairy chimneys. After a lunch break, continue to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where you will visit numerous rock-carved churches and monasteries. The tour will end with a visit to Uchisar, a natural rock castle. Transfer back to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY 13 - CAPPADOCIA TOUR #2 & FLIGHT BACK TO ISTANBUL (B-L)
Check out of the room at 09:30 am and depart from your hotel to visit Red Valley, explore the famous rock-cut churches, and walk 4-5 km through the Gulludere valley. Then visit Cavusin Village. This village is famous for the houses and churches of Christian clergymen. After lunch, drive to the Pigeon Valley. In the afternoon, visit Kaymakli underground city where early Christians lived in fear and faith. Transfer back to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Take a flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
OPTIONAL TOUR: Hot Air Balloon Ride-Ask for the price.
DAY 14 – GOODBYE (B)
Pick up 5 hours before your international flight and transfer to the airport. Have a safe trip back home!
No extra hidden cost..!
What’s Included
All mentioned transfers in the program (some regular, some private).
All mentioned tours in the program include transportation with air-conditioned buses, guidance (in English), and entrance fees (except for some private sections in the museums) (Regular local tours).
(Ask for other language options for groups or private tours in the regions).
All meals as described in the itinerary as B Breakfast, L Lunch.
All local taxes.
13 nights accommodation in 3,4 or 5-star hotels according to your choice.
What’s Not Included
Tips (optional).
International flight tickets.
Domestic flight tickets. Will be calculated during the booking process.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served at breakfast).
Travel insurance.
Visa (if needed).
Personal expenses.
No extra hidden cost!
