The Best of Greece & Turkey - 15 Days

Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Enjoy a free morning to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. In the evening start with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home and explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis along the way. Afterwards attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations.

Travel north from Athens by bus and train to Kalampaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora. Perched on high cliffs there are monasteries built on immense natural pillars and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide.

After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time. Travel through mountain scenery around Mt Parnassos to Delphi.

Enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Delphi, then spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley.

Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views. Described as one of Greece's prettiest towns, the narrow pedestrian streets of old town are begging to be strolled upon.

Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night. There is a wealth of ancient sites to explore within easy reach of Nafplio on a free day such as Epidavros, which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. Or choose to visit the famous Mycenae, also close by, with its spectacular treasury and ruins, or for another lesser-known Mycenean site visit Tiryns, just in the suburbs of Nafplio itself.

Transfer to the airport for the flight from Athens to Istanbul, Turkey. Enjoy a bit of free time after checking into the hotel before meeting up with newly-joining group members in the evening and heading out for an optional dinner.

Set off from Istanbul and take a guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale for the night. Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.

It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving at Ayvalik. Visit a women's handicraft shop, a the tour operator supported project. Opt to enjoy a half-day boat trip. Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour.

In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.

Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to Selçuk. Enjoy a free morning in Bergama before travelling to Selçuk, the base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.

Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.

Opt to visit St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey or the nearby picturesque village of Şirince. With free time, choose to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Another option is to catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8km/5 mi) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.

Hop on a morning flight to İstanbul. Take a guided orientation walk before free time to explore some highlights, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya). Take a short flight to İstanbul. After settling in, depart for a walking tour of the city.

Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.

Depart at any time. Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.

And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.