Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul (no meal)
Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Classic City Tour (breakfast-lunch)
Pick-up from your hotel. You will visit the main attractions of Istanbul (the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1923) on this full-day tour. The Grand Mosque of St Sophia was a magnificent Byzantine ancient church and a unique sample of Byzantine architecture, The Blue Mosque; one of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from the 17th century and famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets, The Ancient Hippodrome; the square in front of the Blue Mosque covers the site of the Ancient Hippodrome where once chariot races were held. The main monument left today is the impressive granite obelisk, carved in Egypt around 1,500 BC and brought to Constantinople in 390 AD. Our tour will continue with a visit to Topkapi Palace; it was once the residence of Ottoman sultans and their harem. We will finish the tour with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays and Feast days). The oldest and largest marketplace in the world with a unique collection of handmade carpets, jewelry, leaders, and souvenirs. End of the tour return to your hotel and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: FULL DAY PALACE TOUR (B-L)
You will be picked up from your hotel. We first visited the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) built in 1664 and filled with the fragrance of the exotic East such as spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights. The Bosphorus cruise by TurYol boat takes about 1.5 hours and you will see the most impressive sights along the shores of the Bosphorus including Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences. After the cruise, you will return to the Sultanahmet area for a lunch break at a restaurant with your guide using public transport.
We will have a lunch break in a traditional Turkish Restaurant.
We first visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Or Dolmabahce Palace), and we will visit Camlica Hill, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel around 18:00.
Day 4: ISTANBUL (Breakfast)
Free day. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 5: Istanbul/Cappadocia – Cappadocia Tour 1 (breakfast-lunch)
Pick up from your hotel around 3:45 am, and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Arrive at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport and transfer to Cappadocia for your tour. Visit Devrent Valley was under the water 20 million years ago, it rose above the water after volcanic eruptions. After years and years, the rocks formed in a variety of different shapes. Then we will go to Pasabagi, also named Monks Valley (Rahipler Vadisi), you can see some special housing and living areas here which can also only be found in this area. After lunch in Avanos, we will visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum. Then we will continue to Esentepe where you can see the panoramic view of Goreme Valley and Goreme village with fairy chimneys, different rock formations, and cave houses. Finally, we will visit the natural rock castle in Uchisar, which has many rooms connected to others with stairs, tunnels, or passages. End of the tour transfer to your hotel at Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6: Cappadocia Tour 2 (breakfast-lunch)
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 Cavus 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 or OZKONAK the underground city where early Christians lived in fear and faith. Transfer back to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride
Day 7: Cappadocia (Breakfast)
Free day. Overnight Cappadocia.
Optional: 2 hours- Horse Safari; ATV Safari
Day 8: Cappadocia to Antalya (Breakfast)
Pick up around 8:00 in the morning and transfer to Kayseri airport for flight to Antalya. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Antalya.
Day 9: Aspendos-Perge-Kursunlu Waterfalls tour (breakfast-lunch)
Pick-up will be from the hotel to make your departure to visit Perge. An important city of ancient Pamphylian, Perge was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC. St. Paul preached some of his first sermons here. The theater stage has finely carved marble reliefs, and other carvings from around the city can be found displayed in the stadium. Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora, the public baths, and a gymnasium. After lunch, proceed to Aspendos one of the best-preserved theatres in the world with seating for 15,000. Still used today, the theater galleries, stage decorations, and acoustics all testify to the architect's success. Nearby stand the remains of a basilica, agora, and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia. It is commonly believed that Aspendos was founded by colonists from Argos. We will then proceed to Kursunlu Waterfalls for a refreshing break as the waters do tend to be a bit cool. After the tour, we will then transfer you back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 10: ANTALYA (B)
Free day. Overnight Antalya.
Optional: Antalya city tour.
Day 11: ANTALYA (B)
Free day. Overnight Antalya.
Day 12: FLIGHT TO IZMIR for KUSADASI (Breakfast)
Transfer to airport for flight to Izmir. Meet at Izmir airport and transfer to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 13: EPHESUS TOUR (B-L)
At 9:00 am, depart for a tour visiting the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus ruins, including the Odeon, Celcus Library, and the Theatre. The last stop is the House of the Virgin Mary. Return to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 14: PAMUKKALE TOUR (B-L)
At 8:00 am, depart for the tour (3-hour drive) visiting Pamukkale and Hierapolis. After lunch, explore the Necropolis, Main Street, Gates, Thermal Baths, Devil's Hole, and the Masterpiece Theatre. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 15: KUSADASI (B)
Free day in Kusadasi.
Optional: Half day Sirince village tour.
Day 16: FLIGHT TO ATHENS (B)
Transfer to Izmir airport for flight to Athens. Reception at Athens airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Day 17: ATHENS (B)
After your breakfast you will be picked up from hotel and will be led to a guided Athens sightseeing tour to the House of Parliament, the Unknown Soldier`s Tomb, The Hadrian`s Arch, the Olympian Zeus Temple, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Academy, the University and the National Library, the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erectheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Acropolis Museum. Balance your day at leisure.
DAY 18: ATHENS / EPIDAURUS / NAUPLION / MYCENAE / OLYMPIA (B/D)
After breakfast we will pick you up for a special 4 days tour. First stop at the Canal of Corinth. Next stop to the Ancient theatre of Epidaurus, world known for its acoustics. Short visit in the town of Nafplion and last stop in the ancient city of Mycenae to visit the Archeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Departure for Olympia. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 19: OLYMPIA / DELPHI (B/D)
Morning visit to the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum. We will continue our drive, traveling through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until we reach the magnificent bridge crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Passing by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, we arrive in Delphi, where we have dinner and spend the night.
DAY 20: DELPHI / KALAMBAKA (B/D)
Visit the Castalia Spring and the main archaeological site the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Theatre, the Stadium and the Museum with the famous statue of Antinoos and the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer. Departure to Kalambaka. Dinner & Overnight.
DAY 21: METEORA / ATHENS (B)
Savor breakfast in your hotel, and then travel to Meteora. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to more than 20 rock monasteries, either perched precariously on top of Meteora’s towering sandstone cliffs or built into the cliffs themselves inside naturally formed caves. Originally lived in by 11th-century hermits, the monasteries later became safe havens for monks fleeing bloodshed when the Roman Empire began to fall. Impressive scenery, priceless historical and religious treasures suspended between earth and sky. Return to Athens early in the evening.
DAY 22: ATHENS / SANTORINI (B)
Morning transfer to the port of Piraeus to take the ferry to the island of Santorini Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and then you will have the rest of the time to enjoy the gorgeous island.
DAY 23: SANTORINI (B)
Day at leisure to enjoy the unique view of the island, the most romantic sunset of the world and the beautiful white-washed houses.
DAY 24: SANTORINI (B)
Free day in Santorini. Overnight in Santorini.
Day 25: SANTORINI (2HRS 5MIN) / MYKONOS (B)
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the port and departure to the island of Mykonos, the most famous island in Greece and, with no doubt the most cosmopolitan in Cyclades islands. Upon arrival in Mykonos you will be transferred at your selected hotel. You may enjoy your afternoon at leisure with a walk through Chora, the old port and Little Venice.
DAY 26: MYKONOS (B)
Mykonos constitutes a thrilling destination, marrying jet set venues with nature’s rich heritage and eternal Cycladic beauty. Take the chance to explore every path of the island with the all white-washed cubic houses with blue windows, charming narrow streets with pebble-stoned pavements and little white chapels with sky-blue cupolas. Enjoy your free day in Mykonos by visiting the Mykonos Windmills, with their distinctive form and white figure that have been a landmark of the island since the 16th century. Do not miss the chance to tale some idyllic photos at Paraportiani Church which is one of the most interesting architectural structures in Greece, located near Mykonos harbor entrance.
Day 27: MYKONOS (B)
Free day in Mykonos. Overnight in Mykonos.
DAY 28: MYKONOS (5HRS 30MIN) – ATHENS (B)
Transfer to the port and departure to Piraeus. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in and relax.
DAY 29: ATHENS (B)
Free day in Athens. Overnight in Athens.
DAY 30: ATHENS / AIRPORT (B)
According to your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Athens airport to get the flight back.
What’s Included
All mentioned transfers in the program (regular group or private transfers).
All ferry tickets are mentioned in the program.
All mentioned tours in the program include transportation with air-conditioned buses, guidance, and entrance fees (group tours in English - We offer private tours in various languages).
All meals as described in the itinerary.
All local taxes.
29 nights of accommodation in Greece and Turkey according to your selection as 3, 4, or 5 stars.
What’s Not Included
Tips (optional).
International flight tickets.
Flights are in the itinerary. This will be calculated during the booking process because of the volatile price range.
International flight tickets.
Visa (if needed).
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Overnight City tax not included to be paid directly to hotels per room per night: 3* hotels €1.5 / 4* Hotels €3 / 5* Hotels €4
No extra hidden cost!
