Turkey and Greek Islands with 4-night cruise
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the historical and cultural wonders of Turkey and Greece. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the sun-kissed islands of Greece, this tour is a feast for the senses. You'll explore iconic landmarks, visit world-renowned museums, and experience local traditions and cuisines. Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
11 breakfasts + 6 lunches + 9 dinners
Beverage package during cruise meals
vegetarian, halal
All transfers and transportation per itinerary (one complementary airport pick and drop off transfer per room)
7-Night 4-star hotel accommodation and 4 night IA category(internal private cabin) Celestyal Cruise accommodation
Istanbul (2 nights) Eresin Hotel Topkapi or similar
Ankara (1 night) Grand Mercure or similar
Cappadocia (2 nights) Perissia or similar
Pamukkale (1 night) Hierapark or similar
İzmir (1 night) DoubleTree Hilton or similar
Celestyal Cruise (IA Cabin - please consult us for external cabins during your booking) 4 nights
Bilingual English and Spanish-speaking local tour guides at each site
All entrance fees mentioned in the program
All entrance fees mentioned in the program
Tips for Guides / drivers / porterage & stay over taxes
Map
Attractions
Zelve Open Air Museum
Acropolis Museum
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
House of Virgin Mary
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
Santo Wines
Hagia Sophia
Knossos Palace
Pamukkale South Gate
Fairy Chimneys
Rhodes Windmills
Heraklion Lighthouse
Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm
Uchisar Castle
ParthenonDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Istanbul! Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted with a sign bearing your name and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, resting from your journey or starting to explore this vibrant city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Day 2: Free Day in Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
After breakfast at your hotel, you have a full day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. You might want to visit some of the city's famous markets, try local delicacies, or simply stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3 – Day 3: Istanbul to Ankara
- Istanbul
- Ankara
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
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After breakfast, we'll embark on a tour of Istanbul's historic sites, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the iconic Blue Mosque. We'll also visit the ancient Hippodrome, a testament to the city's Byzantine past. Later, we'll journey to Asia and head to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Overnight stay in Ankara.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ankara to Cappadocia
- Ankara
- Urgup
- More
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
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Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara. In the afternoon, we'll transfer to the enchanting region of Cappadocia, known as the 'land of beautiful horses'. En route, we'll stop at Salt Lake, the largest lake in Central Anatolia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, we'll explore an underground city and attend the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes ritual. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Cappadocia
- Urgup
- Avanos
- Nevşehir
- More
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Fairy Chimneys
- Uchisar Castle
- More
After breakfast, we'll embark on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. We'll visit the stunning Goreme Valley and the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO National Park. After lunch, we'll continue to Uchisar, a village perched on a promontory, and explore the captivating Pasabag and Avcilar Valleys. We'll also visit local craft centers and carpet workshops. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cappadocia to Pamukkale
- Pamukkale
- Urgup
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After an early breakfast, we'll depart from Cappadocia. Along the way, we'll visit a Seljuk caravanserai, a historic stopping place on the legendary Silk Road. We'll then continue our journey to Pamukkale. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 7 – Day 7: Pamukkale to Izmir or Kusadasi
- Izmir
- Selçuk
- Pamukkale
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- House of Virgin Mary
- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- Pamukkale South Gate
- More
Today, we'll explore the mesmerizing Pamukkale, known as the 'Cotton Castle', with its petrified waterfalls. We'll also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis. Our journey continues to Selcuk, where we'll visit the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her last days. We'll then explore the ancient city of Ephesus, visiting the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, and other ruins. We'll end the day with a visit to a fur factory before heading to Izmir or Kusadasi for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 – Day 8: Sail to Patmos
- Patmos
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After breakfast, we'll transfer to Kusadasi port for embarkation. We'll sail to the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote Revelation. You can visit the 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection. Overnight stay onboard.
Day 9 – Day 9: Rhodes Exploration
- Rhodes
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- Rhodes Windmills
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Today, we'll dock in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and site of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes. Explore the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights. If sightseeing isn't your preference, Rhodes' sun-drenched beaches and vibrant shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. We'll depart from Rhodes around dinner time. Overnight stay onboard.
Day 10 – Day 10: Heraklion and Santorini
- Heraklion
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- Santo Wines
- Knossos Palace
- Heraklion Lighthouse
- More
Spend the morning in Heraklion on the island of Crete. A few miles away is Knossos, the hub of the 3000-BC Minoan civilization; an optional excursion can be booked. Next, we'll sail to Santorini, the 'Black Pearl of the Aegean'. An optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Oia for one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas. Overnight stay onboard.
Day 11 – Day 11: Athens and Mykonos
- Mykonos
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
- Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm
- Parthenon
- More
After breakfast, join an optional half-day Athens City and Acropolis excursion. In the afternoon, we'll sail for Mykonos. Arrive in the evening in Mykonos, a granite island and the most typical of the Cyclades. Its white and blue houses, windmills, and chapels seem to make the island's light even more translucent. Spend some time visiting a taverna or just wandering around the town, enjoying its timeless beauty. Overnight stay onboard.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure
- Izmir - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, you will disembark at Kusadasi port and be transferred to Izmir International for your onward flight. This marks the end of our unforgettable journey through Turkey and Greece. Safe travels!
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