Take an 11-day tour through the wonders of Greece and Turkey.
Discover the ancient centers of Athens, the beauty of Santorini, and the vibrant bazaars and history of Istanbul. Wander among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, relax in the healing pools of Pamukkale and explore the majestic ruins of Ephesus.
This carefully crafted Turkey and Greece holiday itinerary perfectly combines the culture and history of both countries.
Duration
11 Days 10 Nights
Available Languages
EN, ES
Welcome to Athens. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will hold a sign with your name. You will then be transported to your hotel in a private van. Subsequently, you will have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure.
**Meeting our representative at the airport: details will be provided during the booking process.
Overnight in Athens.
After breakfast, we complete the hotel checkout process. Then, you will be picked up for a visit to one of the world's oldest cities, where you’ll explore both ancient and modern Athens during this comprehensive tour. Our first stop will be Syntagma Square, where we’ll see the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library. Next, we’ll proceed to the Prime Minister's Residence (Presidential Palace), guarded by the colorful Evzones, and the Zappeion (conference and exhibition hall). We’ll pass by the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, and make a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first Olympic Games in 1896, before finally arriving at the Acropolis to visit the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. Following this, we will enjoy a museum tour with a pleasant walk past Herodion and the Theatre of Dionysus to the new Acropolis Museum. Overnight in Athens.
If a discounted flight from Athens to Santorini is available at the same price, we suggest choosing this method. It provides a comparable departure time to the ferry but is faster and more comfortable. Enjoy breakfast, then check out and transfer to Piraeus Port for the morning ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Santorini. (Flights between Athens and Santorini are also available.)
In Santorini, comfort and relaxation await beneath the stunningly blue sky. Cherish refreshing moments under the sun or romantic evenings under the stars. Overnight in Santorini.
OPTIONAL
Santorini Flying Dress Tour
Let the wind carry your dress as you pose against the breathtaking caldera backdrop. Choose from our selection of monotone adjustable silk dresses to capture unforgettable memories with a professional photoshoot at iconic locations like Imerovigli, Fira, and Oia. Indulge in a touch of glamour with our complimentary hair and makeup service. Book your dream photoshoot today and discover the allure of Santorini in a whole new way.
Includes professional photos and a short reel sent via email—complimentary champagne upon arrival.
Overnight in Santorini.
After breakfast and the check-out process in Santorini, you will be transferred to the airport. Depending on the day of the week and season, you will fly directly or via Athens and shall be duly informed regarding this. Upon arrival in İstanbul, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport, who will have a sign with your name. You will then be taken to your hotel in a private van.
Check in to the hotel and freshen up. Overnight in Istanbul.
Your delightful, licensed guide will arrive at 09:30 a.m. to meet you at the lobby and take you to visit HIPPODROME, the center of sports activities, with its four monuments: the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk.
The BLUE MOSQUE The most famous mosque of Istanbul is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles.
GRAND-COVERED BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4000 shops, with each trade having its area: the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware, and trays, water ewers, onyx ware, and meerschaum pipers.
Optional :Exploring the Rich Heritage of Turkish Carpets and Kilims
Whether you’re taking a trip to Turkey or simply fantasizing about it, don’t overlook Turkish carpets and kilims. They are more than mere floor coverings; they're works of art that encompass history and culture. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Turkish carpets and kilims to discover their significance.
A Glimpse into the Past
Turkish carpets have a rich history that traces back to the Seljuks and Ottomans. Initially woven for practical reasons, such as keeping homes warm, they eventually became representations of wealth and social status. Exploring these carpets is akin to traveling through time, as every region of Turkey boasts its own distinct style and weaving technique.
(Grand Bazaar closed on Sunday, replaced with Arasta Bazaar)
This half-day program can be combined with the options below to create a full-day program.
(Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer)
THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. (Visit is not possible on Friday due to Friday Prayer)
HAGIA IRENE CHURCH was Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbor, the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace and, like many other churches, was converted into a mosque. However, no significant changes were made to the building’s structure. (Hagia Irene Church closed on Tuesday)
TOPKAPI PALACE The grand palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewelry thrones of sultans,costumes worn by the sultans and their families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle; CHABER OF SACRED RELICS.
Overnight in İstanbul
Pick up from your hotel around 4:45 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.
(Flight may be via Istanbul to Izmir)
Following breakfast and the hotel checkout, depart from your accommodation to visit Red Valley, where you will explore the renowned rock-cut churches and partake in a 4-5 km walk through Gulludere Valley. Subsequently, proceed to Cavus Village, notable for its residences and ecclesiastical structures associated with Christian clergymen. After lunch, travel to Pigeon Valley. In the afternoon, visit the Ozkonak underground city, a site where early Christians resided in an atmosphere of fear and faith. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Istanbul. Following a one-hour flight to Izmir, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative who will be holding a sign bearing your name. You will then be conveyed to your hotel in a private van, where you will spend the night in Kusadası. Overnight in Kusadasi. OPTIONAL TOUR: Hot Air Balloon Ride
After breakfast, you will depart early for Pamukkale, which takes approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you'll explore Hierapolis, including the Necropolis—one of Anatolia's largest ancient cemeteries housing 1,200 graves—as well as the Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, Main Street, and Byzantine Gate. Next, you'll stroll to the natural warm water terraces created by the flow of calcium-rich warm water. A dip in the effervescent waters of the Sacred Pool should be a highlight of your travel plans. Besides being naturally radioactive, the water is rich in calcium bicarbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium, and carbon dioxide. After swimming, simply dry off and allow the minerals to work their magic. We will then continue to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
After breakfast and a complete check-out process at the hotel, you are cordially invited to explore the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus. Our team will collect you from your accommodation in Kusadasi at 09:15 AM, followed by a brief journey to Ephesus (you can join a group tour or select a private tour). We will begin our journey by visiting the House of the Virgin Mary atop Bulbul Mountain. This historic site was discovered in the 19th century. Catherina Emmerich (1775-1824), a German nun who could not visit Ephesus, provided a detailed description of the house and its surroundings, as revealed in her visions. It is widely believed that St. John brought Mary, the mother of Jesus, to Ephesus sometime between AD 37 and 48, where she is thought to have spent her final years. Following our visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, we will proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus, renowned for its remarkable archaeological significance. You can observe the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Baths of Scholastica, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theater, and the impressive Library of Ephesus. This library, adorned with majestic columns and statues, remains in excellent condition. Standing in its midst or strolling along the main thoroughfare of Ephesus offers a feeling of stepping back in time among the Romans, with visually stunning sights all around.
Additionally, within Ephesus lies the Grand Theater, where St. Paul is believed to have preached. This theater is considered the most prominent outdoor theatre of the ancient world, with a capacity of 25,000 seats. The final and arguably the most significant site in Selcuk is the great Temple of Artemis (Diana), recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Ephesus Artemis was a goddess of fertility, often depicted draped with eggs or multiple breasts as symbols of fertility. Our tour will conclude after visiting the Mosque of Isa Bey, constructed in the 19th century and utilized as a caravanserai; it is an architectural marvel you should not miss. Following the tour's conclusion, you shall be transferred to İzmir Airport to board your flight to İstanbul Upon your arrival in İstanbul, you will be greeted by our representatives and subsequently transferred to your hotel .You will then spend the night in İstanbul.
Overnight İstanbul.
Following breakfast, we will take you to the Airport based on your flight schedule. Our services conclude now, and we sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again.
Duration
11 Days 10 Nights
Available Languages
EN, ES