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Turkey, Greece Departure 16 Days

From USD $3,792

16 days, Istanbul to Athens
Departures
Start - Finish Availability

Introduction

Itinerary

Depart From USA

Upon arrival at Istanbul International airport, meet your tour manager / local guide and transfer to your hotel and relax.

In the evening, A short drive to an exclusive night club through the illuminated city.

Overnight at a hotel in Istanbul.

(D)

Your day will commence with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome where you will tour the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II, the elegant Blue Mosque famous with its heavenly six minarets and the Hagia Sophia Museum, built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius and burned down in the fire of Nika Revolt in 532 A.D. Just before lunch break, you will visit the Caferaga Medresesi. After lunch break at a local restaurant, you will visit the Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans. A short drive to the boat to cruise up the Bosphorus. The waterway lies between Europe and Asia and passes under the suspension bridges whilst viewing Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions and modern villas lining the European and Asian shores. The panoramic view of Istanbul from the Bosphorus at night with dinner, traditional folk dancing and belly dancing will be memorable. Visit to Grand Bazar.

Overnight at a hotel in Istanbul.

(B, D)

Enjoy a morning cruise on the Bosphorus and enjoy the sights which line the shores of the Bosphorus Straits. Also includes a visit to the famous Spice Bazaar then some free time at leisure until transfer to airport for departure on domestic flight to Cappadocia.

Overnight at a hotel in Cappadocia

(B, D)

Optional: very early morning 1 hour sunrise hot air balloon ride, breathtaking views over the valleys

Today we discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Cappadocia. During this full day tour, we explore Devrent Valley and Monk’s Valley (Pasabagi) where you find the world-famous fairy chimneys and mushroom shaped pinnacles; break for lunch in Avanos, then visit Goreme Open-Air Museum with churches and monasteries carved from the soft volcanic stone and decorated by Medieval Orthodox Christian Monks. Also view Uchisar natural rock fortress.

Overnight at a hotel in Cappadocia

(B, D)

After an early morning breakfast, complete the check-out process and take a flight from Cappadocia (Nevşehir Airport) to Denizli. Subsequently, travel by road to Pamukkale, covering 67 km. Upon arrival, complete the check-in procedure and unwind.

Overnight at a hotel in Pamukkale.

(B. D)

After Breakfast start guided tour visiting the natural formation of the travertine (also known as cotton cliffs/cotton castle) in Pamukkale along with the ruins of Hierapolis. End of day with arrival to hotel in Kusadasi.

Overnight at a hotel in Kusadasi.

(B, D)

Leave for a full day tour visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus. Here you have the chance to walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and the Grand Theatre, just a few of the many buildings and fountains that can be found in this open-air museum. Also visit the House of Virgin Mary and the remains of Artemis Temple.

Overnight at a hotel in Kusadasi.

(B, D)

Breakfast, check-out and as per schedules transfer to Izmir Airport for flight from Izmir, via Athens, to Santorini. Arrive and meet for transfer to hotel with remainder of day and evening free at leisure to begin exploring this famous island.

Overnight at a hotel in Santorini

(B, D)

SIC Volcano Island Cruise Tour [Volcano - Hot Springs - Thirassia] You will be picked up from your hotel as you sail on a traditional wooden boat kaiki to the volcano (entrance to the volcano is EUR 5 per person to be paid directly). Climb up for approx. 30 min. as you explore dramatic rocky scenery (1,5h). Later return to your boat as you have time off to swim in the hot springs (30 min) – the boat stops approx. 70 meters from the hot springs area. You need to be able to swim this distance and return to the boat.   Later visit Thirassia, Fisherman Island, where you have free time for lunch (not included).

Overnight at a hotel in Santorini

(B, D)

Breakfast, check-out and as per selected time transfer to port for departure on ferry to Mykonos Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at a hotel in Mykonos.

(B, D)

Buffet Breakfast. Delos Tour [Private transfer to Mykonos Pier, shared boat tour with guide] The tour starts with a hotel pick-up. As you start, our guided tour departing at 10 am from the old pier in Mykonos Town and return at 2.30 pm. Within a 45-minute boat ride away from Mykonos you arrive at Delos Island, once the center of the Cyclades of the ancient world, the island of light, the birthplace of Apollon and Artemis, and home to the first multicultural civilization and trade. There is a lot to see: having been inhabited between 2500 and 69 B.C. Delos boasts of many treasures remaining from these times like the ancient marketplace Agora, the famous terrace of the Naxos lions, the holy lake, the ancient living quarters and theatre that give you a lively vision of the daily life then; especially the houses of Dionysos, Kleopatra, the Trident, the Masks, the Dolphins with their mosaics are a fantastic experience of art not to be missed. Furthermore, there is the Temple of Isis, the Egyptian goddess, the Roman water system and cisterns and the wonderful museum with plenty of breath-taking mosaics, statues and many more objects found during the excavations. Post on your return journey by boat, you will be dropped back to your hotel. Dinner at restaurant.

Overnight stay in Mykonos

(B, D)

Breakfast, check-out and as per selected time transfer to port for departure on sea jet ferry to Athens. Arrive and meet for transfer to hotel with remainder of the day & evening free at leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Athens.

(B, D)

Late afternoon Athens (half-day) City tour with Acropolis and The New Acropolis Museum [5hrs tour with services of English-speaking guide]

This tour gives you the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). At the Acropolis you will visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts the order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Continue and visit a must-see in Athens, the place where finally the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The New Acropolis Museum, voted by the Sunday Times as the 3rd best museum in the world.

Overnight at a hotel in Athens

(B, D)

Buffet Breakfast. Embark on an early morning journey from Athens to Delphi, approximately a 3-hour drive. Upon arrival, delve into the ancient wonders of the Delphi archaeological site, exploring the Temple of Apollo, theater, stadium, and Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. Enjoy lunch in the modern town of Delphi before immersing yourself in the Delphi Archaeological Museum's rich collection. Later, visit the ancient theater and savor the serene ambiance. If time allows, witness the captivating sunset over the archaeological site. Return to Athens in the evening, concluding a day filled with historical marvels, stunning landscapes, and the mystical allure of Delphi. Local dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Athens.

 (B, D)

Breakfast, check-out and as per your international flight departure time transfer to Athens Airport.

(B)

·       Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.

·       Accommodation stays on Twin / Double sharing room.

·       2 Water bottles per day – per guest

·       English speaking tour guide.

·       Private Car / Mini-Van / Bus with A/C with driver as mentioned in the itinerary.

·       Pick up & drop off airport / hotel.

·       Private Transfers

·       Entry Tickets

·       International or internal airfare

·       Mandatory Gratuity to Driver €2.00, Guide €3.00 & Tour Manager €5.00 Per Person Per Day

·       Tip to the restaurant waiters

·       Meals not mentioned.

·       Soft Drinks or any type of alcoholic drinks

·       Self-drive rental cars

·       Optional Tours

·       Anything NOT mentioned in Inclusion