The Great Odyssey (Small Group)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an 18-day journey that will take you through the rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Turkey and Greece. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the ancient wonders and modern marvels of these two vibrant countries. From the bustling streets of Istanbul and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the sun-kissed beaches of Mykonos and the ancient ruins of Athens, every day brings a new adventure. With guided tours, leisure time for exploration, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone.
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 (the program may follow Canakkale-Bursa-Istanbul instead of Canakkale-Gallipoli-Istanbul for some departures)
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.
Fast Ferry
ticket with numbered seats Santorini - Heraklion.
Official English speaking guide during visits (Sometimes bilingual)
Destinations
Selçuk
Izmir
Heraklion
Istanbul
Athens
Sultanhanı
Nevşehir
Çanakkale
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 Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Upon your arrival, our English-speaking assistant will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
- Sultanahmet Square
- SALT Galata
- Grand Bazaar
- Hagia Sophia
- More
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore Istanbul. Visit the vibrant Spice Market for some shopping, then embark on a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise to admire the city's beauty from the water. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the iconic Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), the ancient Hippodrome, and the magnificent Hagia Sophia. End your day with some free time at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Day 3 – Day 3: Istanbul to Ankara
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- More
- Topkapı Palace
- More
After breakfast, visit the Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of the Ottoman sultans. Then, depart from Istanbul and head to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Arrive in Ankara in the early evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ankara to Cappadocia
- Ankara
- Urgup
- More
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Özkonak
- More
Start your day with a visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, home to artifacts from various ancient civilizations. Then, pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, drive to Cappadocia, stopping en route to explore one of the region's largest underground cities, built by early Christians as a refuge from attacks.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering Cappadocia
- Nevşehir
- Urgup
- Avanos
- Uçhisar
- More
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Imagination Valley cappadocia souvenir
- Uchisar Castle
- More
Spend a full day exploring the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its cave churches. Continue to Uchisar Village and the spectacular fairy chimneys. Explore the Derbent Valley and its natural rock formations, and get a chance to attend workshops on carpet and onyx-stone crafting. Optional hot air balloon tour available for an unforgettable aerial view of Cappadocia.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cappadocia to Pamukkale
- Sultanhanı
- Pamukkale
- More
- Selime Cathedral
- More
After breakfast, depart from Cappadocia and head to Pamukkale. On the way, visit the Sultanhan Caravansarai, a historical inn from the Seljuk Empire era. Upon arrival in Pamukkale, visit the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its thermal waters believed to have healing properties.
Day 7 – Day 7: Pamukkale to İzmir via Selcuk
- Pamukkale
- Selçuk
- Izmir
- More
- Library of Celsus
- Cihanoglu Tower
- Priene Ruins
- More
After breakfast, drive to Selcuk to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. Explore the ruins, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, House of Love, Library of Celsus, and the Agora. Then, visit the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. After a stop at a local leather production store, proceed to İzmir for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: İzmir to Çanakkale via Pergamon and Troy
- Izmir
- Çanakkale
- More
- Asclepieion of Pergamon
- More
After breakfast, drive to the Pergamon region and visit the ruins of Asclepion, the first hospital of Asia Minor. Then, continue to the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer's Iliad. After exploring the ancient city, proceed to Çanakkale for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Çanakkale to Istanbul via Gallipoli
- Istanbul
- Çanakkale
- More
- Ancient City of Troy
- More
After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles Strait by car ferry and continue to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli, a place of great historical and emotional significance. After the tour, return to Istanbul for the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Istanbul to Athens
- Istanbul
- Athens
- More
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. A member of our English-speaking team will meet you at the hotel to provide all the details of your trip and answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore Athens at your own pace.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Athens
- Athens
- More
- Acropolis Museum
- Athens National Garden
- Palataki
- More
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the Athenian Neoclassical Center, including the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the University, the Library, and the National Academy. Visit the 'sacred rock', the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum. At the end of the visit, you can choose to return to your hotel or explore the charming streets of Plaka. In the evening, enjoy a guided walking tour through the prettiest districts of Athens.
Day 12 – Day 12: Athens to Mykonos
- Athens
- Mykonos
- More
Early in the morning, you will be escorted to Piraeus port to take the ferry to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. Upon your arrival, our English-speaking representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the island's laid-back lifestyle.
Day 13 – Day 13: Enjoying Mykonos
- Mykonos
- More
Enjoy a free day on the magnificent island of Mykonos, a meeting point for the international 'jet set'. Famous for its wonderful beaches, dazzling shops, and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos offers a variety of experiences for every traveler.
Day 14 – Day 14: Mykonos to Santorini
- Mykonos
- More
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port for your next destination, the picturesque island of Santorini. As the ferry approaches the port, admire the capital city of Fira, with its white houses perched on the cliffside facing the volcano. Upon arrival, our English-speaking representative will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the island.
Day 15 – Day 15: Exploring Santorini
Day 15: Exploring Santorini
Enjoy a free day to explore Santorini at your own pace. This magical island, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis, offers breathtaking views, stunning sunsets, and unique beaches. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the local shops, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
Day 16 – Day 16: Santorini to Heraklion, Crete
- Heraklion
- More
At the agreed time, you will be transferred to the port of Santorini to board the ferry to Crete. Upon arrival in Heraklion, the largest city on the island, our staff will meet you at the port and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 17 – Day 17: Exploring Heraklion
- Heraklion
- More
- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
- More
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Heraklion. We suggest a leisurely stroll through the charming historical center and a visit to the extraordinary Palace of Knossos, home to the fabled King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur.
Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from Heraklion
- Heraklion
- Athens - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, our staff will transfer you to Heraklion airport for your flight back to Athens. From Athens, connect to your international flight. We hope you enjoyed your journey and look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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