The Heart of Thrace (13 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day journey through the heart of Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey, where ancient history and vibrant cultures converge. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, from the iconic landmarks of Athens to the breathtaking landscapes of Meteora, and from the historic streets of Istanbul to the sun-kissed shores of Rhodes. With carefully curated itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and expert guides, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Whether you're exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, savoring local delicacies, or wandering through bustling markets, this tour invites you to discover the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines this enchanting region. Join us for an unforgettable odyssey that spans three countries, offering a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Included
Breakfast buffet
4 dinner included in: Kalabaka, SANDANSKY, Kusadasi, MARMARIS
Basic travel insurance included
Includes arrival transfer
Evening transfer: Plaka neighborhood in Athens, Taksim Square in Istanbul
ATENAS
: PRESIDENT or NOVOTEL ATHENES or SKYLARK
ATENAS
: NOVOTEL ATHENES or AMALIA KALAMBACA or KOSTA FAMISSI
KALAMBACA
: DIVANI METEORA or DOMOTEL LES LAZARISTES or PIRIN PARK HOTEL
SANDANSKY
: INTERHOTEL SANDANSKI or PIRIN PARK HOTEL or ASTORIA GRAND
SOFIA
: RAMADA SOFIA or GRAND CEVAHIR or DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ISTAMBUL TOPKAPI
ESTAMBUL
: ELITE WORLD BUSINESS or URANUS ESTAMBUL TOPKAPI or RAMADA SUITES BY WINDHAM KUSADASI
Kusadasi
: LE BLEU or RAMADA ENCORE BY WYNDHAM IZMIR or RAMADA ENCORE BY WYNDHAM IZMIR
KUSADASI
: MAVI or PASABEY or TUNA
MARMARIS
: LABERNA or ARTE or SEMIRAMIS CITY
RODAS
: RODOS PALACE or FERRY RODAS ATENAS
We know how important hotels are on your trip. The hotels have been selected taking into consideration quality, price and location. They are located in the cities we visit, most of them not in the city center but all of them with easy access to public transportation nearby. Our accommodation is not based on luxury hotels. Please keep in mind that standards, bed sizes and room dimensions can vary between hotels of the same class in different locations. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and TV. Some of them also offer a mini-bar, safe box, and hair dryer. Many hotels, mainly in North Europe, do not have air conditioning or local legislation establishes limited dates of use.
English speaking tour in: ATHENS, SOFIA, ISTANBUL, Rhodes, ATHENS
Please note also that your tour guide might be changed once or several times during the tour. On some tours, according to the number of passengers, the service may be provided in bilingual (usually in English and Spanish), either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader for smaller groups explaining in both languages.
Flights included: Sofia/ Istanbul
City tour in: ATHENS, SOFIA, ISTANBUL, Rhodes
Ticket admission: Monastery at Meteoras, Monastery , Sofia Cathedral , Suleiman the Great Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul , house of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Ruins of Ephesus
Map
Attractions
Acropolis Museum
Gorgopotamos bridge
Basilica Of Saint John
House of Virgin Mary
Rila Monastery
Marmaris National Park
Kazoulis mansion
Hagia Irene
Topkapı Palace
Süleymaniye Mosque
İstanbul Boğazı
Meteora
Ladies Beach
Hadrian's Library
Lindos Acropolis
Ιερά Μονή Φιλερήμου
Panathenaic Stadium
Bodrum CastleDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the cradle of Western civilization! Upon arrival in Athens, you'll be transferred to your hotel (Hilton or similar) where you can unwind and explore the vibrant city at your leisure. In the afternoon, gather information about your upcoming adventure at the hotel reception.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Athens
- Athens
- More
- Acropolis Museum
- Kazoulis mansion
- Hadrian's Library
- Panathenaic Stadium
- More
Embark on a guided exploration of Athens, where history and modernity intertwine. Visit iconic landmarks like the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium. Marvel at the grandeur of the National Library and conclude your tour at the majestic Acropolis. In the evening, immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of Plaka, a historic neighborhood brimming with traditional Greek tavernas.
Day 3 – Day 3: Northern Greece Adventure
- Athens
- More
- Gorgopotamos bridge
- Meteora
- More
Journey north from Athens, pausing at Kamena Vourla, a charming seaside town. Continue to the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, then savor lunch in the picturesque village of Kastraki. Explore the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before enjoying dinner in Kalabaka.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Greece to Bulgaria
- Thessaloniki
- Melnik
- More
Travel through northern Greece's scenic landscapes to Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. After lunch, cross into Bulgaria, visiting Melnik, a town famed for its wine. Conclude the day in Sandanski, a spa town known for its historical significance and rejuvenating atmosphere.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Bulgaria
- Rila
- Sofia
- More
- Rila Monastery
- St Mina Monastery
- More
Visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, nestled in a lush forest. Arrive in Sofia by late morning for a guided tour of Bulgaria's capital, featuring the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other architectural gems. Enjoy free time to explore Sofia's vibrant streets.
Day 6 – Day 6: Transition to Turkey
- Sofia
- Istanbul
- More
Catch a domestic flight to Istanbul, where you'll be transferred to your hotel (Sofitel or similar). Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the vibrant city that bridges two continents.
Day 7 – Day 7: Istanbul's Rich Heritage
- Istanbul
- Sofia - Departure day
- More
- Hagia Irene
- Topkapı Palace
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- More
Delve into Istanbul's rich history with a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque and a glimpse of Hagia Sophia. Explore the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, then enjoy free time to wander the city's bustling streets. In the evening, visit Taksim for a taste of Istanbul's vibrant nightlife.
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