The Great Odyssey (Small Group)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich histories of Turkey and Greece. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and from the enchanting islands of Mykonos and Santorini to the vibrant city of Athens, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the expertise of knowledgeable guides as you immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and stunning scenery of these two remarkable countries. Whether you're exploring ancient sites, cruising along the Bosphorus, or relaxing on pristine beaches, this tour offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Join us for a journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Turkey and Greece.
Included
Athens - Istanbul international flight is included(20kg allowance pp)
Crete - Athens domestic flight is included(20kg allowance pp)
17 Breakfasts - 1 Lunch - 6 Dinners
vegetarian, meat
17-night 4-star/first class accommodation.
Istanbul :
Hotel Yiğitalp or Hotel Grand Gülsoy or Hotel Ramada Grand Bazaar or similar 4**** hotel in Old City
Ankara:
Point Hotel or Latanya Hotel or Anadolu Downtown or Holiday Inn Çukurambar or similar 5***** hotel.
Cappadocia :
Dinler Hotel Ürgüp, Perissia Hotel Ürgüp or similar 4**** Hotel
Pamukkale:
Colossae Thermal Hotel or Richmond Thermal Hotel Pamukkale or Ademipira Thermal Hotel or similar 5***** Hotel
Izmir
: Hotel Blanca or Hotel Kaya Prestige or similar 4**** Hotel
Gallipoli:
Hotel İris or Hotel Akol or similar 4**** hotel
Athens :
Hotel Brown Kubic 4* or similar in Athens
Mykonos:
Vienoula's Garden 4* or similar
Santorini :
Hotel Hermes 4* or similar
Crete, Heraklion:
Artree Suites or Pavo Art Hotel or similar 4*
All entrance fees mentioned in the programs
All transport and transfers per itinerary as described in the program. (one complementary airport pick and drop off transfer per room)
Normal Ferry
ticket with numbered seats Piraeus - Mykonos.
Fast Ferry
ticket with numbered seats Mykonos - Santorini.
Normal Ferry
ticket with numbered seats Santorini - Heraklion.
Official English speaking guide during visits
Destinations
Selçuk
Izmir
Heraklion
Istanbul
Athens
Sultanhanı
Nevşehir
Ankara
MykonosMap
Attractions
Zelve Open Air Museum
Sultanahmet Square
Acropolis Museum
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
SALT Galata
Imagination Valley cappadocia souvenir
Library of Celsus
Athens National Garden
Cihanoglu Tower
Palataki
Grand Bazaar
Hagia Sophia
Topkapı Palace
Selime Cathedral
Priene Ruins
Ancient City of Troy
Minoan Palace of Phaistos
Özkonak
Asclepieion of Pergamon
Uchisar CastleDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the enchanting city of Istanbul, where East meets West. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted by our English-speaking assistant at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Istanbul (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul's Rich Heritage
- Istanbul
- More
- Sultanahmet Square
- SALT Galata
- Hagia Irene
- Grand Bazaar
- İstanbul Boğazı
- More
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading to the bustling Spice Market for a shopping spree. Enjoy some free time before embarking on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, where you'll marvel at the stunning views of Istanbul's palaces and historic homes. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, visit the iconic Sultanahmet Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. Conclude your day with some leisure time at the Grand Bazaar. Overnight stay in Istanbul with breakfast and lunch included.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Istanbul to Ankara
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- More
- Topkapı Palace
- More
After breakfast, delve into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, once home to sultans. In the afternoon, journey to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, arriving in the early evening. Settle into your hotel for a restful night. Overnight stay in Ankara with breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Ankara and Journey to Cappadocia
- Ankara
- Urgup
- More
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Column of Julian
- Özkonak
- More
Begin your day with a visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, showcasing artifacts from ancient civilizations. Continue to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, a tribute to the founder of modern Turkey. In the afternoon, travel to the captivating region of Cappadocia, stopping en route to explore one of the largest underground cities, a refuge for early Christians. Overnight stay in Cappadocia with breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Enchanting Cappadocia
- Nevşehir
- Urgup
- Avanos
- Uçhisar
- More
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Devrent Vadisi
- Twin Fairy Chimneys
- Uchisar Castle
- More
Spend a full day exploring the wonders of Cappadocia. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its ancient cave churches. Continue to Uchisar Village and the mesmerizing fairy chimneys. Discover the natural rock formations in Derbent Valley and participate in workshops for carpets and onyx stones. Overnight stay in Cappadocia with breakfast and dinner included. Optional hot air balloon tour available for an unforgettable aerial view of the region.
Day 6 – Day 6: Journey to Pamukkale
- Sultanhanı
- Pamukkale
- More
- Sultanhanı Caravanserai
- More
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Pamukkale. En route, visit the historic Sultanhan Caravansarai, a significant stopover for travelers during the Seljuk Empire. Upon arrival in Pamukkale, explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its healing thermal waters. Overnight stay in Pamukkale with breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Historical Wonders of Ephesus
- Pamukkale
- Selçuk
- Izmir
- More
- Library of Celsus
- Cihanoglu Tower
- Priene Ruins
- More
Begin your day with a drive to Selcuk to explore the ancient Ephesus Ruins, dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Visit the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. Continue to the Virgin Mary House, believed to be her final resting place. Stop at a Leather Production Store before proceeding to Izmir for an overnight stay. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Pergamon to Troy
- Izmir
- More
- Asclepieion of Pergamon
- More
Travel to the Pergamon region to visit the ancient Asclepion, the first hospital in Asia Minor. Continue to the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer's Iliad. Conclude your day in Canakkale for an overnight stay. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9 – Day 9: Gallipoli's Historic Battlefields
- Istanbul
- More
- Çanakkale Savaşları Gelibolu Tarihi Alan Başkanlığı
- Ancient City of Troy
- More
Cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to reach the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of profound historical significance. Visit the WWI Battlefields, including ANZAC Cove and various memorials. Return to Istanbul for an overnight stay. Breakfast included.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Istanbul to Athens
- Istanbul
- Athens
- More
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens, Greece. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant city of Athens at your own pace. Overnight stay in Athens with breakfast included.
Day 11 – Day 11: Athens' Historical Marvels
- Athens
- More
- Acropolis Museum
- Athens National Garden
- Palataki
- More
Embark on a panoramic tour of Athens' Neoclassical Center, including the Parliament and the Temple of Zeus. Visit the Acropolis and its museum, with entrance fees included. In the evening, enjoy a guided walking tour through the charming districts of Plaka and Monastiraki. Overnight stay in Athens with breakfast included.
Day 12 – Day 12: Ferry to Mykonos
- Athens
- Mykonos
- More
In the morning, transfer to Piraeus port for a ferry ride to Mykonos. Enjoy the sun and sea views during the crossing. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the island's laid-back lifestyle. Overnight stay in Mykonos with breakfast included.
Day 13 – Day 13: Leisure in Mykonos
- Mykonos
- More
Enjoy a free day on the glamorous island of Mykonos, known for its stunning beaches, upscale shops, and vibrant nightlife. Consider a short ferry trip to the nearby historic island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Overnight stay in Mykonos with breakfast included.
Day 14 – Day 14: Ferry to Santorini
- Mykonos
- More
After breakfast, transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini. As you approach, admire the breathtaking views of Fira's whitewashed buildings perched on cliffs. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the island's picturesque streets. Overnight stay in Santorini with breakfast included.
Day 15 – Day 15: Explore Santorini
Day 15: Explore Santorini
Enjoy a free day to discover the enchanting island of Santorini, believed to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Wander through its charming villages and take in the stunning views of the caldera. Overnight stay in Santorini with breakfast included.
Day 16 – Day 16: Ferry to Crete
- Heraklion
- More
Transfer to Santorini's port for your ferry to Crete, arriving in Heraklion. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring this vibrant city. Overnight stay in Heraklion with breakfast included.
Day 17 – Day 17: Discover Heraklion
- Heraklion
- More
- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
- More
Enjoy a free day to explore Heraklion's historical center. Don't miss the chance to visit the Palace of Knossos, home to the legendary King Minos and the Minotaur. Overnight stay in Heraklion with breakfast included.
Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from Greece
- Heraklion
- Athens - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, transfer to Heraklion airport for your flight back to Athens, where you'll connect to your international flight. We hope you had an unforgettable journey through Turkey and Greece. Safe travels!
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