The Ultimate 16-Day Turkey and Greece Tour

DAY 1 – Arrive in Turkey for Your Turkey and Greece Tour

When you arrive at the airport in Istanbul, your English speaking driver will be standing by to meet and greet you at gate number 9. Once you have completed immigration procedures you will then immediately be transported to the hotel where you will be staying while you are in Istanbul.

After you have checked in at the hotel you will then be free to enjoy the rest of your first day in the country as you wish. Relax at the hotel or head out on your own and begin exploring your surroundings.

DAY 2 – Full Day Istanbul City Tour

Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel and then at the confirmed time, you will be picked up and your Istanbul city tour will begin, with your first stop being at the world famous Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia was originally a cathedral built by Emperor Constantine, but in the 15th century it was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Although it is today a functioning mosque, it is open to visitors of all religions.

Your next stop will be at Topkapi Palace. From the 15th to 19th century this magnificent palace served as the residence to numerous Ottoman Sultans. Besides its breathtaking architecture and exquisite harem and pavilions, the palace is also home to an extensive collection of antiques. Once you and the other members in your group have enjoyed a guided tour of the palace you will then make your way to the Blue Mosque which is considered to be one of Islam’s most important religious buildings.

After your visit to the mosque, you will then be taken to a good quality local restaurant for some lunch, after which you will visit the Hippodrome which once served as a venue for chariot races. Your final stop for the day will be at the city’s famous Grand Bazaar where you can literally buy anything and everything. Enjoy some time exploring the bizarre and doing some shopping if you want to, and then when everyone in your group have finished you will be transferred back to your hotel where you will be spending the second night of your Turkey and Greece tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3 – Bosphorus Day Tour and Cruise

Begin the third day of your Turkey and Greece tour with another good breakfast at your hotel. At the confirmed time you will be picked up and then you will make your way to the colorful and vibrant Spice Market. Enjoy some time exploring the market and then you will be taken to board a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, a relatively narrow body of water that runs through Istanbul, separating Asia from Europe.

During your cruise you will be able to enjoy some stunning views of various monuments, including Dolmabahce, Çiragan, and the Castle of Rumeli Hisarı. After your cruise, you will then visit Beylerbeyi Palace, a striking building made from white marble by Sultan Abdulaziz during the 19th century. The palace was the residence of various Sultans and also served as a guest house for foreign dignitaries.

Next, you will be taken to a good quality local restaurant for lunch and then you and your group will climb up Çamlica Hill which is also known as the Hill of Lovers. Once you reach the top you will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul. Finally, after a sightseeing tour, you will then be transferred back to your hotel for the third night of your Turkey and Greece tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 4 – Flight to Cappadocia and Full Day Cappadocia Tour [North]

At the time which will have been confirmed with you, our travel representative will meet you at your hotel and then once you have checked out, you’ll be transferred to the airport where you were board a short flight to Kayseri Airport in Cappadocia where your guide will be waiting to meet and greet you. Your Cappadocia “north tour” will then get underway. Cappadocia is home to some of Turkey’s most breathtaking and most awe-inspiring attractions, and during your tour you will be visiting a number of them, including: Devrent Valley and Pasabagi which is also known as Monks Valley.

You will also visit the breathtaking Göreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Rock Castle. Next, you will visit the Underground City of Kaymakli which is one of the region’s best preserved subterranean towns. From here you will move on to Valle de Tres Bellas for a short photo stop during which you will be able to enjoy stunning views of Urgup, a city which is famous for its apricot gardens, vineyards and wine. Finally, you will enjoy another short photo stop at Goreme Panorama which is slightly to the south of Goreme.

With your full day sightseeing tour now over, you will be transferred to the hotel where you’ll be spending the fourth night of your fabulous Turkey and Greece tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5 – Full Day Cappadocia Tour [South]

Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel and then you will be picked up for another wonderful day of sightseeing. Today’s tour will begin with a leisurely and very scenic 4 km walk through Valle de Rojoy Rosado which is renowned for its many beautiful vineyards. After your walk, you will then be taken to see one of the region’s best preserved underground cities, and one which also has eight levels above the ground. This breathtaking underground city was carved out of soft volcanic rock during the second millennium BC.

After you visit to the underground city, you will then visit the Valley of Love which was originally called Valle Blanco. Enjoy a spectacular view of the areas gracefully shaped natural rock chimneys, and then you will be taken for lunch at a good local restaurant.

After lunch you will make your way to Cavusin, an ancient Christian village. Most of the village has eroded with time, and many of the original structures have partially collapsed. However, this makes for some striking views and plenty of opportunities to take some amazing photographs.

After your visit to Cavusin, you will then visit a carpet workshop where you’ll be able to see how Turkish rugs and carpets are woven. Turkish rugs and carpets are of course well known all around the world. After your visit to the carpet workshop, you will then also visit an Onyx and jewelry workshop before being transferred back to your hotel for the 5th night of your Turkey and Greece tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6 – Flight to Izmir and Overnight in Kusadasi

At the time which will have been confirmed with you, our representative will meet you at your hotel and then you will check out, and you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport where you will board a flight to Izmir. When you arrive at your destination one of our drivers will be waiting for you and the other members in your group, and then you will be driven to the hotel where you’ll be staying while you are in Kusadasi. There are no tours scheduled for this day, so once you have checked in at the hotel you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 7 – Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full Day Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then at the confirmed time you will be picked up and you will visit Pamukkale for a wonderful sightseeing tour, during which you’ll be able to see the Cotton Cliffs, which are one of the natural wonders of the world which formed by deposits of calcareous salts. After your Pamukkale tour, you will then make your way to the ruins of the City of Hierapolis which is renowned for its Roman baths and its striking Basilica Theater.

Finally, with your sightseeing tour now over, you will be driven back to your hotel for the 7th night of your Turkey and Greece tour. Expect to arrive back at your hotel at around 19h00.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8 – Ephesus Tour and Flight to Istanbul

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then it will be time for you to check out, after which you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing. This tour begins with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. The main highlights at this ancient city are its magnificent library, its theater and a number of temples. Next, you will visit Virgin Mary’s House and the Basilica of St John.

After your visit to The Basilica of St John you will then be taken to a fashion show which showcases an extensive range of leather goods that are made in Turkey. Finally, you will be driven to the airport to board a short flight back to Istanbul for the 8th night of your Turkey and Greece tour.

On arrival at the airport in Istanbul, you and your group will be met and then you will immediately be transferred to the hotel where you will be staying for the night for your last night in Turkey.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 9 – Flight from Istanbul to Athens

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then at the appropriate time our travel representative will meet you at your hotel and then you will be transferred to the airport in time for you to board your flight to Athens in Greece. When you arrive at the airport in Athens, one of our drivers will be there to meet you and then you will be transferred to the hotel where you will be staying for the night.

There are no sightseeing tours scheduled for this day so once you have checked in at your hotel you will be free to enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10 – Highlight of Athens Tour

Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel, and then at the confirmed time you will be picked up for your Highlights of Athens tour. Your first stop of the day will be at the Parliament, followed by a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the University and Library, the National Academy, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate. You will then visit the Panathenaic Stadium, and a number of other monuments which are considered to be of great cultural significance.

Towards the end of your tour you will visit the “Sacred Rock” which is a very unique and magnificent Acropolis. While you are at this site you will also visit the Acropolis Museum. After your visit to the museum, you will then have the option of being transferred back to your hotel, or alternatively, you can choose to set out on your own to explore the absolutely charming and extremely picturesque streets of Plaka. With its neoclassical buildings, its cobbled streets, and brightly colored bougainvillea, Plaka is widely considered to be the prettiest area in Athens.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11 – Transfer to Mykonos by Ferry and Free Time

Shortly after you have had your breakfast you will check out from your hotel, and you will be driven to Piraeus P ort where you will board a ferry to Mykonos. When you arrive at Mykonos you will be met and you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or you can head out on your own and immerse yourself in the slow pace of life which is so typical of the Islanders. Spend this night of your Turkey and Greece tour on the laid-back island of Mykonos.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12 – Free Day of Leisure on Mykonos

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, and a free day to spend as you wish. We would definitely recommend exploring the island’s fantastic beaches and its famous nightlife scene.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 13 – Ferry Transfer from Mykonos to Santorini and Free Day

After you have enjoyed another fine breakfast at your hotel, you will then be transferred to Mykonos Port where you will board a ferry to the island of Santorini. On arrival at Santorini you will immediately be driven to the hotel where you will be staying for the next two nights. After you have checked in, you will then have the remainder of the day to enjoy as you wish.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 14 – Free Day on Santorini

Wake up and enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel and then you will have the entire day for yourself. Spend the day enjoying plenty of spectacular views and the islands famous black sand beaches. You’ll also get to enjoy one of the most romantic sunsets on the planet.

Whatever you do, don’t leave the island before visiting Fira town which is renowned for its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and numerous open air cafes that hang on a steep cliff. Fira town really is a must-visit place on the island of Santorini.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 15 – Ferry Transfer from Santorini Island to Athens

Enjoy another good breakfast at your hotel and then at the confirmed time you will be picked up and you will be transferred to the port of Santorini where you were board a ferry to Athens. On arrival in Athens, you will once again be met and then you will be driven to the hotel where you’ll be spending the last night of your Turkey and Greece tour. There are no sightseeing tours scheduled for this day so once you have checked in at your hotel you’ll be free to enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 16 – Your Turkey and Greece Tour Ends and Final Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then at the appropriate time you will need to check out so that you can be transferred to Athens Airport in time for you to board your flight out of Greece. All good things come to an end, and your spectacular Turkey and Greece tour is no exception, but you can be sure that you really will have had an incredible time, with memories you will be able to cherish forever.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inclusions – What is included in your Turkey and Greece tour:

• Meet and greet service by English speaking driver at airports
• All transfers by an air-conditioned coach
• Accommodation for 4 nights in Istanbul (Bed & Breakfast)
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Cappadocia (Full Board)
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Kusadasi (Full Board)
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Athens (Bed and Breakfast)
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Mykonos (Bed and Breakfast)
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Santorini (Bed and Breakfast)
• Domestic flights: Istanbul to Cappadocia / Cappadocia to Izmir / Izmir to Istanbul. (Permitted 15 KG + 7 KG Handbag)
• Regular Ferry ticket seat Piraeus to Mykonos
• Fast Ferry ticket Mykonos to Santorini
• Regular Ferry ticket Santorini to Piraeus
• All sightseeing tours as per our Turkey and Greece itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sites as indicated on the itinerary
• English-speaking tour guides during all tours
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• All service charges and taxes

Exclusions – What is not included in your Turkey and Greece Tour:

• International Airfare
• Turkey and Greece entry visas
• Hotel tax in Greece
• Any optional tours, personal spending money, tipping or any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Accommodation Plan

• Celul Sultan Hotel (4* or similar)
• Faustina Hotel (4* or similar)
• Mustafa Hotel, Cappadocia (5* or similar)
• Pelican Bay Art Hotel (4* or similar)
• Polis Grand Hotel, Athens (4* or similar)
• Rose Bay Hotel (4* or similar)

PRICES

Per Person Starting from US$ 2,890