Overview
Greece and Turkey are both fascinating countries and should be a definite on any travellers bucket list. This itinerary takes you from vibrant Istanbul through to Athens covering historical areas along the way such as Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale & the Greek islands of Mykonos & Santorini. This itinerary can also be done starting from Athens ending in Istanbul.
• This is a flexible travel package for individuals and you get to choose your own travel dates. It is NOT an escorted coach tour with a group of the same persons travelling together from start to end. There is also the option to customize the itinerary to suit your particular interests and where you would most like to visit in each country.
• Package Rate starts from 2250 EURO per person: based on 02 persons sharing in a double/twin room using standard 3* hotels during low/mid season. The final package rate varies depending on the number of persons travelling, exact dates of travel, category of hotel accommodation requested, along with any changes you might wish to make to the itinerary itself. Excludes international flight to starting point (Istanbul) & from ending point (Athens).
Tour itinerary
DAY 01 - Arrival Istanbul:
As per your international flight arrival time, transfer from Istanbul Airport to the hotel. Remainder of the day / evening is then free at leisure for you to relax or stroll around on your own. Overnight Istanbul
meals: none
DAY 02 - Sultanahmet Sightseeing Tour:
Join on a full-day walking tour exploring some of the amazing sights that this historical area has to offer. Guided tour includes the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). Evening free at leisure to stroll around. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
*For the above day tour, please note the following when choosing your travel dates:
Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays: replaced with visit to Yerebetan (Basilica) Cistern
Grand Bazaar closed Sundays: not visited when day tour falls on a Sunday
On Fridays, the Blue Mosque is visited from the outside only due to special prayer day
DAY 03 - Bosphorous Cruise, flight to Cappadocia:
Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorous during which you have views from the vessel of various historical sights that line its shores. The guided tour also includes a visit to the famous Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar. Then transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia, arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia
meals: breakfast included
DAY 04 - Cappadocia Tour with Goreme:
*Optional extra: very early morning at sunrise, standard 1-hour hot air balloon ride with amazing views.
Today emmerse yourself in the beautiful natural setting of Cappadocia. During this full-day tour explore Devrent Valley and Monk's Valley (Pasabagi) where you find the world famous fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos, then visit Goreme Open-Air Museum exploring numerous churches and monasteries with their frescoes. These churches and monasteries where carved from the soft volcanic stone and decorated by Medieval Orthodox Christian Monks around 1000-1200AD. Also view Uchisar Natural rock castle. Overnight in Cappadocia.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
DAY 05 - Cappadocia Valleys & Underground City:
Join on another full-day tour starting with a 4km hike (easy to medium grade, approx 2 hours) in Red Valley exploring rock-cut churches and colorful fairy chimneys along the way up to Cavusin (old Greek village). Then break for lunch after which visit Kaymakli Underground City. The day also includes panoramic views at Pigeon Valley with its famous dovecotes. End of the day tour with some free time, then transfer from hotel to the bus station for overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale. ***There is the alternative to use flight instead of the overnight bus, please advise your preference
meals: breakfast & lunch included
DAY 06 - Pamukkale & Hierapolis ruins:
Arrive early morning to Pamukkale (if by overnight bus) and transfer to a small hotel where a day room is provided for you to have a shower and breakfast. Then join on the tour visiting the natural formation of the travertens (cotton cliffs/cotton castle) in Pamukkale along with the ruins of Hierapolis. The day ends with arrival at the hotel in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 07 - Ephesus Sightseeing Tour:
Last but definately not least, 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 & remains of Artemis Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 08 - Kusadasi to Mykonos:
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kusadasi Port or Izmir Airport. For the connection from Kusadasi to Mykonos we have 02 options, either by ferry (via Samos) or by flight (via Athens). The applicable option very much depends on your chosen travel dates and valid ferry/flight schedules for those particular dates. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Mykonos.
meals: breakfast included
DAY 09 - Mykonos at leisure:
You have a full day at leisure to explore Mykonos Town and other areas of the island on your own. Don't forget about the famous nightlife and the amazing beaches this island has to offer. Overnight in Mykonos.
meals: breakfast included
DAY 10 - Mykonos to Santorini:
Transfer to the port for a morning or afternoon ferry (as per your preference) to Santorini. Arrive and transfer to hotel with remainder of the day & evening free at leisure. Overnight in Santorini.
*The ferry connecting Mykonos & Santorini does NOT operate during winter season (November to March). So during winter season we give you the option to either exclude Mykonos or travel between these two islands using flight via Athens.
meals: breakfast included
DAY 11 - Santorini at leisure:
Today is free at leisure for you to explore this magical island. Relax on one of its many beaches, visit its picturesque villages, stroll the scenic route from Fira to Oia, watch the romantic sunset over the caldera and more. Overnight in Santorini.
meals: breakfast included
DAY 12 - Santorini to Athens:
Transfer to the port for a morning or afternoon ferry to Athens (1hr domestic flights are also available, at extra charge). Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Athens.
meals: breakfast included
DAY 13 - Athens City Tour with Acropolis:
Breakfast at hotel then join on one of the following regular group excursions (you get to choose):
a) 5hr standard group coach tour: visit Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & panoramic drive in city centre
b) 5hr small-group walking tour: visit Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & stroll in the city centre
c) 5hr small-group walking tour: visit Acropolis, Ancient Agora & stroll in the city centre
*Please note your preference when making your request, otherwise, we will automatically include the 5hr standard group coach tour. Other alternatives are also available, such as wine tasting and/or a foodie tour, etc.
The afternoon and evening are free at leisure for you to further explore on your own. Overnight in Athens.
meals: breakfast included
DAY 14 - Departure from Athens:
As per your international flight departure time, transfer from the hotel to Athens Airport.