Ottoman Turn

Welcome to the start of your exciting journey! Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, check the information boards in the hotel reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.

Today, we'll embark on a guided city tour of Athens, visiting the Presidential Palace, the Panathinaikos Stadium, and the bustling squares of the city center. We'll conclude our tour at the Acropolis, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization. In the evening, we'll transfer you to the Plaka area, known for its charming Greek bars and rich folklore.

We'll depart early in the morning for Northern Greece, stopping at the beautiful seaside town of Kamena Vourla. We'll also visit the site of the Battle of Thermopylae and the picturesque village of Kastraki. Our day concludes with a visit to the breathtaking Meteora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we'll tour one of its famous monasteries. We'll then enjoy dinner in Kalambaka.

Today, we'll journey through Northern Greece's beautiful mountain scenery to the Aegean Sea, arriving in Thessaloniki for a stroll and lunch. We'll then cross the border into Bulgaria, stopping in the picturesque museum-town of Melnik, located in a wine-producing area. Our day ends in Sandanski, a charming spa town and the birthplace of Spartacus.

Our day begins with a visit to the beautiful Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll then continue to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, where we'll enjoy a city tour that includes the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and the city's squares and avenues of Stalinist architecture. You'll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have free time to relax or start exploring this vibrant city. Information about the next part of your trip will be provided in the afternoon.

Today, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. We'll visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, admire the exterior of Hagia Sofia, and offer tickets to the Top Kapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. In the evening, we'll transfer you to the Taksim neighborhood, the city's most commercial and lively area.

Today, we'll embark on a two-hour boat trip on the Bosphorus, a strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and separates Istanbul into two parts: Europe and Asia. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the strait, pass under the two bridges that connect Europe and Asia, and admire the palaces of the sultans, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman villas. We'll return to the center of Istanbul for some free time.

We'll leave Istanbul early in the morning and head to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Here, we'll visit Saint John's Basilica, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site. In the afternoon, we'll continue to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town with a bustling commercial life and a small castle. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Today, we'll visit one of Turkey's natural wonders, Lake Bafa, before continuing to Bodrum, a beautiful fortified city of Greek origin. You can visit its castle, stroll through its lively streets, or explore its sports marina. After lunch, we'll head to Marmaris, another beautiful coastal town known for its castle, marina, and fountains. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Marmaris.

We'll embark on an express ferry to Greece early in the morning. After immigration checks, we'll arrive in Rhodes, where we'll tour this incredible walled city and its old quarter, which bears the imprints of various cultures. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Today, we'll explore the island of Rhodes, visiting Filerimos and its small monastery. We'll then travel to Lindos, where you can walk through the white streets, relax on its beaches, or climb to the Acropolis. After lunch, we'll return to Rhodes for some free time before heading to the airport for our flight to Heraklion, Crete.

In the morning, we'll travel along the coast to the west of the island, visiting Rethymno, a beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin, and Chania, a captivating city with an impressive fortress and stately mansions. We'll return to Heraklion at the end of the day.

Today, we'll visit the Palace of Knossos, where you'll learn about the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek culture four thousand years ago. We'll then cross the high mountains in the center of the island and travel to the southern area, where we'll visit Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine streets, a fishing port, and popular taverns. You'll have time to have lunch and, if you wish, swim in the sea. We'll return to Heraklion in the evening.

We'll leave for the eastern part of the island, visiting the small town of Kritsa and Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church with some of the best frescoes in Crete. We'll then continue to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port, and Elounda, a beautiful tourist enclave. From here, we'll take a boat ride to the island-citadel of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress. We'll return to Heraklion for the night.

We'll take a fast ferry to the island of Santorini, where we'll visit Oia, the most spectacular town on the island, and Fira, the island's capital. You'll have the option to go down by cable car or donkey to the port, where the cruise ships arrive. In the afternoon, we'll take a fast ferry back to Athens, arriving at midnight.

After breakfast, our memorable 17-day tour comes to an end. We hope you've enjoyed your journey through Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey and look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon!