Athens, Greek Islands & Turkey - 14 Days

Upon arrival at Athens Airport, you will be greeted by our English-speaking assistant, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is free for leisure.

Please note:This tour is conducted in English. However, depending on the mix of the group, touring may also be bilingual, in one additional language as well as English.

After breakfast, we will meet at the designated location to begin the morning Athens Sightseeing Tour. This tour offers a chance to witness the striking contrasts that make Athens so captivating. Expert guides will lead you to the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, where we will make a short stop.

As we continue, we'll pass by notable landmarks such as the Prime Minister's residence (formerly the Royal Palace) with its Evzone guards in colorful uniforms, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma).

A visit to Athens is incomplete without exploring the Acropolis, a symbol of democracy in the Western world. There, we'll marvel at the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and of course, the Parthenon, described by the ancient Greeks as a place where "there is harmony between material and spirit" and "restores order in the mind." After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure..

Please note: The tour departs around 08:45 and returns at approximately 13:30.

Athens – Mykonos. Today, we'll head to the port, where we will depart from Greece’s historic and classical capital and begin our journey by cruise ship towards our first stop, the stunning island of Mykonos, famously named the Island of the Winds.

Here, you can enjoy an evening walk around the charming Old Town, characterised by its pristine whitewashed houses, meandering alleys, quaint little churches, and appealing restaurants by the water. You will likely recognise the iconic white windmills, lined up and overlooking the sea.

Mykonos - Kusadasi (Turkey) - Patmos (Greece). We arrive in the vibrant Turkish town of Kusadasi this morning, the gateway to the remarkable ancient city of Ephesus. Once a major centre of the Hellenistic world, Ephesus is home to the remains of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In the afternoon, we sail to the tranquil island of Patmos, one of the smallest and northernmost of the Dodecanese islands, yet full of character and charm. Patmos is traditionally believed to be where St John received his Revelation, later recorded in the final book of the New Testament – a legend that adds to the island’s enduring mystique.

Patmos - Heraklion - Santorini. Our next island stop is Crete - Greece’s largest island and a land steeped in myth, mystery and legend. Here, you’ll find the lively city of Heraklion alongside some of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable archaeological treasures. You can explore more about the creativity and artistry of the ancient Minoan civilisation, whose influence still echoes through the island’s culture today.

We’ve included a complimentary visit to the Palace of Knossos, the heart of Europe’s earliest civilisation and the legendary home of King Minos – where the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur is said to have unfolded.

Later, we sail to the enchanting island of Santorini, whose dramatic cliffs and whitewashed villages are among the most recognisable sights in the world. With its breathtaking views from Fira and the famous blue-domed church in Oia, Santorini is simply unforgettable. Be sure to sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants perched along the caldera’s edge.

Santorini - Athens - Istanbul (Turkey) - Ankara. Enjoy a final breakfast onboard as we complete our cruise back to Athens. From here, disembark and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Ankara, Turkey via Istanbul. On arrival in Ankara, you'll be transferred to the hotel.

Ankara – Cappadocia. Today, we visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum. Here, we’ll explore Neolithic and Palaeolithic artefacts from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygia civilisations. Next, we head to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

In the afternoon, we drive to Cappadocia, stopping along the way at an underground city. This remarkable site was built by early Christians seeking refuge from attacks and is one of the largest in the region.

Please note:You have the option to upgrade your accommodation to a Cave Hotel.

This morning, you will have the opportunity to opt to join a hot air balloon tour. Departing early in the morning, this experience offers an unparalleled view of Cappadocia's stunning landscapes, including its rock formations, fairy chimneys, and lunar-like terrain.

After breakfast, we will be embarking on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cave churches nestled in the valley.

We will then continue to Uchisar Village and the remarkable fairy chimneys. In Derbent Valley, we'll have the opportunity to explore unique rock formations and visit workshops where traditional carpets and onyx stones are crafted.

Cappadocia – Pamukkale. This morning, we head towards Pamukkale, stopping en route to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai. This historical site, built during the Seljuk Empire, served as a significant rest stop for travellers and merchants.

We then continue to Pamukkale and explore the renowned Cotton Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its thermal waters believed to have healing properties.

Pamukkale – Ephesus – Izmir. After breakfast, we drive to Selçuk to explore Ephesus. Once there, we visit the Ephesus Ruins, a city dedicated to Artemis, including the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora.

Izmir – Bergama – Canakkale. After breakfast, we drive to Pergamon, in the Bergama region, to visit the ruins of the Asclepion, recognised as the first hospital in Asia Minor. We then proceed to Troy to explore the ancient city celebrated in Homer’s Iliad. Our journey continues to Canakkale, where you will have the evening at your leisure.

Canakkale – Eceabat – Gallipoli – Istanbul. After breakfast, we take a car to the ferry to cross the Dardanelles Strait and proceed to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Here, we explore one of Turkey’s most poignant landmarks – the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli. Sites include Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, the Respect to Mehmetçik Statue, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels, the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace – once home to the Ottoman sultans (please note that entrance to the Harem section is not included). We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the city’s most celebrated landmarks: the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the majestic Hagia Sophia.

In the afternoon, we explore the vibrant Spice Market, where you’ll have free time to browse and shop for local delicacies and aromatic spices. We then embark on a 1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise, sailing between two continents – Europe and Asia – and admiring Istanbul’s scenic skyline, grand palaces and elegant wooden waterfront mansions along the way.

After your final breakfast, enjoy some free time until your transfer to the airport. This marks the end of your journey. Safe travels!