18 Days Turkey and Greece including flights

Istanbul

Arrive in bustling Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey, a city brimming with history, culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled, and if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Important note: Take advantage of our optional excursions package and save by adding several of the optional activities to your itinerary in one go. Ask us about options!

Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the grandiose Suleymaniye Mosque. Located on the third hill of Istanbul, it boasts one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city. After the visit, choose to take the transfer back to your hotel, or, spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Istanbul at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant city life and eclectic architecture.

To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend an optional full-day city tour of Istanbul*. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Optional full-day Istanbul city tour: see Istanbul's most emblematic sights, from the incredible Topkapi Palace to Hagia Sophia. Enjoy included lunch, see the exterior of the iconic Blue Mosque and historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops.

Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day at the aromatic Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans. Next, take a boat ride along the Bosphorus, enjoy views of old palaces and traditional houses as you sail through the heart of the city; the border between Europe and Asia.

After disembarking, enjoy time exploring the city at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). We recommend an optional excursion to the key attractions of the Anatolian side of the city to discover more of Istanbul* and/or an optional dinner show on the Bosphorus!** Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Optional half-day Anatolian Istanbul excursion with lunch: explore the Anatolian side, home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture, from the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets. Drive to Camlica Hill, in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. Enjoy lunch included.

**Optional dinner show on the Bosphorus: the best way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner on an evening cruise down the Bosphorus! See the suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner and two drinks per person.

Istanbul - Ankara

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the way. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture.

Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Inaugurated in 1953, it’s dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.

Estimated distance and travel time: 280 miles, 6 hrs approx.

Ankara - Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your journey to incredible Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations. Pass by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way.Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. Head to a wonderful ceramic workshop where you’ll witness the traditional way of creating ceramic objects, from everyday artifacts to true works of art. Enjoy a visit to a precious stone shop and gain insight into the process of turning the raw material into stunning jewelry. Based on operative reasons this activities might be done the next day.

The remainder of the day is yours to begin discovering the landscapes of this magical region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To contemplate an unforgettable scene, we recommend our optional safari and sunset tour* for an adrenaline rush through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Estimated distance and travel time: 190 miles, 5 hrs approx.

The timing indication shows the effective time of driving, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each.

*Optional Jeep safari and sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the magical Cappadocia valley landscape, enjoying the sunset as you do impressive, adrenaline-pumping dips, donuts, and tricks, in a 4X4 jeep.

Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Next, you have the chance to enjoy an optional visit to Kaimakli**, the incredible underground city*.Mid-morning, discover the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia, formed by the erosion of layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes. Explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the captivating "Fairy Chimneys" are located, followed by a visit to a local carpet workshop. Afterwards you can enjoy an optional Turkish night in Cappadocia***. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon flight: float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views, celebrate with a non-alcoholic beverage and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.

Please note: The hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.

**Optional visit to Kaimakli, the underground city: discover the maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 12 miles from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, it's the widest of the underground cities in the region.

***Optional Turkish night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

Cappadocia - Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Istanbul - Athens

Breakfast* at the hotel. Ready to discover the wonders of one of the greatest civilisations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens. 

Touch down in Athens and transfer to the hotel, in the heart of the city where you can soak up the hustle and bustle of the mega-metropolis. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant Athenian neighbourhoods and sampling delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy an Athens Sightseeing Tour including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Begin in the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National library. On-route to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zus and a quick stop at Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Duriang the Acropolis visit witness the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon.

Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. Return to your hotel with the remainder of your day at leisure. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head for Delphi. On-route discover the cities via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site of the 4th-century-B.C. This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the beautiful remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theater. Next, depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. During the excursion, travelers are advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Estimated transfer distance from Athens to Kalambaka 375km.

Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit the striking rock formation, Meteora, an incredibly unique scenery with ageless Monasteries protruding from the rocks. These priceless historical and religious treasures stand between sky and earth on the top of the cliffs. An incredible sight to behold.In the afternoon return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men. 

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Estimated transfer distance from Kalambaka to Athens 375km.

Athens - Paros

Enjoy your early morning breakfast* and at indicated time transfer to the port for your high-speed ferry** to Paros. This beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea is best known for its beaches and traditional villages. Upon arrival on transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure and discover this beautiful island. We recommend a stroll around Naoussa’s picture-perfect streets. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Paros. However, you can request a "breakfast box" during check-in to take with you.

.All transfers by ferry mentioned in the itinerary will be by high-speed ferry.

Paros 

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at your own pace as today is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend heading to Kolymbithres Beach, famous for its unique granite formations and crystal clear waters, and a walk around picturesque Parikia Village brimming with cafés and restaurants. We have an exciting array of recommended optional* activities and excursions listed below. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Optional Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ): Discover the island of Antiparos with its untamed wild beauty. Take an unforgettable cruise around the island, discover Panteronissi where the turquoise waters resemble a natural swimming pool. Next, sail around the cliffs and view the wild morphology of the southeast coast surrounded by cliffs plunging into the sea forming a succession of caves, including the Mastihari cave. The itinerary is indicative as the captain will choose the best spots for each cruise according to weather conditions. In the evening enjoy a BBQ prepared by your captain!

Paros - Santorini

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning transfer to the port for your high-speed ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival on the Island of Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure! Feel free to join our optional visit to Oia* to view the sunset. We alternatively recommend a visit to admire the spectacular caldera with white washed houses perched on the edge, created by the eruption of the islands’ volcano. Overnight stay in Santorini.

Please note: The high-speed ferry is included in this category. All transfers by ferry mentioned in the itinerary will be by high-speed ferry.

*Optional visit to Oia: Spend three hours exploring one of Santorini's most famous and picturesque towns, known for its dramatic cliffs, blue domes, and spectacular sunsets.

Santorini

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini at your own pace. Why not relax in one of the cafe's while you watch the world go by or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island known worldwide as the 'island of romance'. To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, why not enjoy one of our recommended optional activities and excursions listed below*. Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.

Optional Full Day Santorini Traditional Bus Tour: Walk through the maze-like settlement of Emporio, enjoy free time for lunch at the best-known black sand Perissa Beach. Head up Profitis Ilias Mountain, Santorini’s highest peak, to the hilltop village of Oia. Enter a Greek orthodox chapel and end the day with the magnificent sunset.

Optional Caldera – Oia Excursion (Volcano–Hot Springs–Thirassia–Oia–Sunset): An exciting and adventurous excursion that begins sailing with a traditional wooden boat, a kaiki, to the volcano. Climb for approximately 30 minutes to explore dramatic rocky scenery. Next, the boat will anchor at around 220 feet from the hot springs, so you can swim to and from the boat. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) and a swim  in Thirassia, Fisherman’s Island. After you’ve rested up at lunch, climb 200 steps to reach the top of Oia village, where you will enjoy the legendary sunset. Transfer back to the hotel.

Optional Volcanic Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise: Sail towards the volcano and its sulfur waters on a traditional Greek boat. First, enjoy a guided walking tour to the crater of Santorini’s volcano. Take in the spectacular sights of the islands from above. Next, dive into the Aegean Sea, swim near the shores to find the volcanic sulfur waters to experience bathing in its warm therapeutic mud. As the sun sets over Oia, enjoy dinner and wine aboard the ship with the breathtaking views in the backdrop.

Optional Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-TastingTour: Treat yourself to a fun & informative Santorini cooking class and wine tasting tour including a culinary feast filled with Santorini flavors and classic Greek island dishes. During your food tour visit 2 traditional Santorini wineries to taste their vintages and then help a knowledgeable local chef prepare three of Santorini’s signature dishes at a traditional restaurant. Enjoy all your freshly-cooked creations at the end of your cooking lesson and taste wine the estate locally produces.

Note: Most of the optional activities are available from May to September. For departures in April and October, we recommend purchasing them at the destination, as they are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Santorini - Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port for your high-speed ferry* to Athens. It’s your last day in the Greek Capital so make the most of it and enjoy this vibrant city. Why not do some souvenir shopping and head to some of the many foodie neighborhoods to enjoy your final taste of the delicious greek gastronomy. Overnight stay in Athens.

All transfers by ferry mentioned in the itinerary will be by high-speed ferry.

Athens - Australia

Breakfast at the hotel*. After an unforgettable journey through Greece's ancient sites and idyllic islands, it's time to bring your trip to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back Australia**.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Depending on your choice of flight, you may arrive in Australia the next day or two days later.