Great Turkey, Greek Islands and Northern Greece
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 19-day journey across the enchanting landscapes of Turkey and Greece. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of two continents. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the sun-kissed islands of Rhodes and Santorini, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy panoramic city tours, visit historic mosques and palaces, take a boat trip on the Bosporus, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Taksim and Uskudar. Discover the cosmopolitan capital of Ankara, the beautiful town of Egridir, and the picturesque coastal towns of Kusadasi and Bodrum. Experience the unique culture of the Dervishes in Konya and the Minoan civilization in Crete. This tour is a feast for the senses, filled with awe-inspiring sights, delicious local cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.
Included
Includes arrival transfer
Evening transfer: Taksim Square in Istanbul, Plaka neighborhood in Athens
Basic travel insurance
City tour in: ISTANBUL, ANKARA, Rhodes, ATHENS
Ticket admission: Suleiman the Great Mosque in Istanbul, Mausoleum of Ataturk, castel and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara , Goreme Valley; Valley of Uchisar; Underground city of Kaimacli; Pasabag Valley , Valley of Ihlara , Caravanserai; Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya , Pamukkale - Hierapolis , house of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Ruins of Ephesus , Palace of Knossos at Heraklion with visit , Panagia Kera Church; Island-Citadel Spinalong , Monastery at Meteoras , Archaeological Ensemble of Delphi; Monastery of Osios Loukas
English speaking tour in: ISTANBUL, ANKARA, 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.
ESTAMBUL
: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ISTAMBUL TOPKAPI or ELITE WORLD BUSINESS or ELITE WORLD GRAND BASIN EKSPRES
ANKARA
: RADISSON BLU ANKARA or BEST WESTERN ANKARA or AVRASYA
CAPADOCIA
: RAMADA CAPPADOCIA or CROWNE PLAZA CAPPADOCIA NEVSEHIR or BAYIR DIAMOND CONVENTION CENTER
PAMUKKALE
: RICHMOND PAMUKKALE THERMAL or SPA HOTEL COLOSSAE THERMAL or RAMADA SUITES BY WINDHAM KUSADASI
Kusadasi
: LE BLEU or RAMADA ENCORE BY WYNDHAM IZMIR or PASABEY
MARMARIS
: TUNA or ARTE or SEMIRAMIS CITY
Heraclion
: IBIS STYLES HERAKLION or PRESIDENT or NOVOTEL ATHENES
ATENAS
: SKYLARK or AMALIA KALAMBACA or KOSTA FAMISSI
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.
HISTORIC VISIT (4HRS)(80 EUR)
Explore the mysterious and ancient underground cistern that used to supply water to Istanbul in Byzantine times and the pearl of Istanbul, and discover the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque, a prodigy of harmony, proportion and elegance; explore the ancient site of the Hippodrome which was the centre of public life in Constantinople and preserves the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column. Enjoy a typical lunch at a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area. In the afternoon visit the famous Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, a typical place for shopping and visiting the "souks".
THE PURCHASE OF THIS EXCURSION IS AVAILABLE AT DESTINATION.
-Entrance to the Blue Mosque
-Entrance to Cistern Basilica
-Lunch
-Visit of the Grand Bazaar
-Transfers by bus.
-Local guide service. 10 number of people required.
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE (3 4 hrs desde salida del hotel)(310 EUR)
Pickup time at the hotel: 5.00 a.m. Upon arrival at the balloon, while it is prepared, we will have coffee and light pastries. The adventure begins when we hop into the balloon. You will go as high as 500 metres in no time but you will feel very safe. The balloon travels very slowly and it doesn’t have an engine as it flies on hot air. The ride will last one hour approximately, an hour flying and enjoying the landscapes and the unique volcanic formations of Cappadocia. During the trip, you will enjoy the best views of the Cappadocia region. You will also have the opportunity to take the best photos of the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia. After the trip, there will be a champaign toast and a certificate will be handed to each traveler. The realization of this excursion is conditioned to climatic factors. THE PURCHASE OF THIS EXCURSION IT DOES IN DESTINATION.
** PRICES VARY ACCORDING TO THE TIME OF THE YEAR**
June,July, August and November:
290 €
May, September and October:
310 €
December, January, February:
220 €
- Private transport service.
- Assistance at the base of the balloon companies.
- Light breakfast.. 0 number of people required.
THE TURKISH NIGHT (2 hrs)(60 EUR)
Departure from the hotel at around 8:00 p.m. We will go directly to the venue for the performance which is a cave-like restaurant. This tour offers us a quite entertaining night where all the different traditional dances from the different regions of Turkey shine. During the show, there will be a performance of a typical Turkish wedding to learn about a very important aspect of Turkish culture. We will also enjoy different folk dances along with the famous belly dance. During the show, we will be served complimentary fruit and drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic). All the performances are quite entertaining and are conducted by professionals who wear traditional attire and even invite members of the audience to join the festivity.
THE PURCHASE OF THIS EXCURSION IT DOES IN DESTINATION. -Bus service.
-Assistance from our guide.
-Free drinks.
-Folk performance of traditional dances and music.. 0 number of people required.
DINNER AND FOLK SHOW IN ATHENS (2 HRS)(60 EUR)
We will depart on the bus with our guide to the lively Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis. We will have a taste of the typical local cuisine in one of its famous taverns and watch a dance performance from different regions of this country. -Bus tour with our guide.
-Dinner-tasting with performance.. 15 number of people required.
International flights are not included
Flights included: Flight Rhodes-Crete with transfers
Meals as stated
8 dinner included in: ANKARA, CAPADOCIA, CAPADOCIA, KONYA, PAMUKKALE, Kusadasi, MARMARIS, Kalabaka
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. Check the information boards in the hotel reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- Hagia Sophia
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Galata Tower
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Kickstart your day with a panoramic tour of Istanbul. Visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, the largest in Istanbul, and admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Explore the city walls, the golden horn, and the fishing district. In the afternoon, we'll transfer you to the neighborhood of Taksim, the most commercial and local area of the city. Enjoy dining in one of its many restaurants, take the old tram that crosses the area, or visit the nearby Galata Tower.
Day 3 – Day 3: Istanbul to Ankara
- Istanbul
- Ankara
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- Topkapı Palace
- Büyükada
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Start your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Next, embark on a two-hour boat trip on the Bosporus, a strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, separating Istanbul into two parts: European and Asian. Disembark on the Asian side and explore the neighborhood of Uskudar. After lunch, we continue our journey to the Anatolian peninsula, arriving in Ankara for dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ankara to Nevsehir
- Ankara
- Nevşehir
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- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Haji Bektash Veli complex
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After breakfast, explore the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, Ankara. Visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the powerful castle of Ankara, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. After lunch, continue to the region of Cappadocia, stopping next to the Salt Lake and visiting Hacibektas. Arrive in Nevsehir for dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Cappadocia
- Nevşehir
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- Kocabag Wines
- Çat Kasabası
- Uchisar Castle
- Love Valley
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Spend a full day in the fantastic region of Cappadocia, known for its lunar landscapes, churches, and troglodyte villages. Discover the Goreme Valley with its open-air museum and churches carved into the rocks. Visit Uchisar, a natural fortress, and Kaimacli, home to an underground city that could house 30,000 people. Stop at Pasabag, the valley of the fairies, and enjoy a walk in this spectacular natural area. Dinner is included.
Day 6 – Day 6: Nevsehir to Konya
- Ihlara
- Konya
- Nevşehir
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- Ihlara Valley
- Stone Works Museum of Fine Minaret
- Aksaray Museum
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Visit the Ihlara Valley at the far end of Cappadocia, known for the freshness of its waters, its churches, and villages excavated in the rock. Continue your route, stopping at an old Caravanserai from the 13th Century before arriving in Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana (Rumi) and learn about the sect of the Dervishes. Dinner is included. At night, you may choose to attend the dance performance of the whirling dervishes in the cultural centre.
Day 7 – Day 7: Konya to Pamukkale
- Konya
- Pamukkale
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- Pamukkale Theatre
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Take a scenic road between the lakes to the beautiful town of Egridir, located next to a large lake. Enjoy some time for lunch before continuing to Pamukkale-Hierapolis, whose calcareous waters have created the Cotton Castle. Dinner is included.
Day 8 – Day 8: Pamukkale to Kusadasi
- Pamukkale
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- Basilica Of Saint John
- House of Virgin Mary
- Kuakmer
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Leave for Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Discover the house of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Saint John, and the impressive ruins at Ephesus. Continue to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town with a lot of atmosphere, commercial life, and a small castle. Dinner is included.
Day 9 – Day 9: Kusadasi to Marmaris
- Bodrum
- Marmaris
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- Marmaris Amphitheatre
- Ladies Beach
- Bodrum Castle
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Leave for one of the natural wonders of Turkey, Lake Bafa. Continue to Bodrum, a beautiful fortified city of Greek origin. After lunch, proceed to Marmaris, another beautiful coastal tourist enclave with its castle, marina, and fountains. Dinner and accommodation are included.
Day 10 – Day 10: Marmaris to Rhodes
- Marmaris
- Rhodes
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Early in the morning, take a ferry to Greece. Arrive in Rhodes and enjoy some free time to explore the island. Please note that the ferries that connect Marmaris with Rhodes undergo frequent schedule changes and do not operate every day (except summer months). In such a case, the itinerary may be changed.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Rhodes and Travel to Heraklion
- Rhodes
- Heraklion
- Athens
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- Filerimos Cross
- Lindos Acropolis
- Heraklion Lighthouse
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Explore the island of Rhodes, starting with a visit to Filerimos. Travel to Lindos, where you can walk through the white streets of the center, rest on its beaches, or climb to the Acropolis. After lunch, return to Rhodes and enjoy some free time. In the evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to the island of Crete, arriving in Heraklion.
Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Crete
- Heraklion
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- Old Chania Market
- Reptisland
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In the morning, travel along the coast towards the west of the island. Visit Rethymno, a beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin, and Chania, a captivating city with an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Return to Heraklion at the end of the day.
Day 13 – Day 13: Exploring Crete
- Heraklion
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- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
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Today, visit the Palace of Knossos and learn about the Minoan culture that gave rise to the Greek culture four thousand years ago. After the visit, cross the high mountains in the center of the island and travel to the southern area. Visit Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine streets, a fishing port, and popular taverns. Return to the capital of Crete.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Crete
- Heraklion
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- Monastery Panagia Kera Kardiotissa
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Leave along the coast towards the east of the island. Visit the small town of Kritsa and Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church with some of the best frescoes in Crete. Continue to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. The next stop is Elounda, a beautiful tourist enclave. From here, take a boat ride to the island-citadel of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress. Return by boat to Heraklion.
Day 15 – Day 15: Heraklion to Athens via Santorini
- Heraklion
- Athens
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- Akrotiri
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Take a fast ferry to the island of Santorini. Visit Oia, the most spectacular town on the island, and Fira, the capital of the island. You can go down by cable car or donkey to the port, where the cruise ships arrive. Later, continue to the ferry port to take a fast ferry to Athens, arriving at midnight.
Day 16 – Day 16: Athens to Kalambaka
- Athens
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- Παρνασσός
- Central Bridge
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Depart early in the morning towards the North of Greece. Stop in Kamena Vourla, a beautiful touristic hub next to the sea. Proceed to the north, making a short stop in the gorge where the Battle of Thermopylae took place. Visit Kastraki, a picturesque village with beautiful views of the whole valley. Visit the Meteora valley, a breathtaking place declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dinner is included in Kalambaka.
Day 17 – Day 17: Kalambaka to Athens
- Athens
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- Delphi Archaeological Museum
- Hosios Loukas Holy Monastery
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Travel south through the Thessaly region, arriving in Delphi after enjoying the view of wonderful landscapes. Visit the beautiful archaeological complex that overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. After lunch, visit the Osios Loukas Monastery, one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue towards Athens, arriving in the evening.
Day 18 – Day 18: Exploring Athens
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Palataki
- Hadrian's Library
- Peristeri Park
- Panathenaic Stadium
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Enjoy a city tour with a local guide which includes the Presidential Palace, the Panathinaikos stadium, the national library, and the bustling squares of the center. The tour will finish at the Acropolis site. In the evening, we include a transfer to the Plaka area, full of small Greek bars where you can enjoy the rich folklore of this country.
Day 19 – Day 19: Departure
- Athens - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, the journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful, lasting memories of your multi-day tour across Turkey and Greece.
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