Best of Turkey & Aegean Greece - 11 Days

Once you have arrived in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to begin exploring the city, enjoy some shopping, or relax at a traditional Turkish café.

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

After breakfast, we will drive to the Spice Market for a shopping session, followed by some free time for you to further explore at your own pace.

Later, we will gather for a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise, where we'll sail along the waterway that separates Asia and Europe. During the cruise, take in the stunning views of Istanbul, including its forests, palaces, and traditional wooden houses situated on both continents.

After our cruise, we will venture to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, we will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque known as the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the renowned Hagia Sophia. You will then have some free time at the Grand Bazaar before reutringing to the hotel.

Istanbul - Ankara. This morning, after breakfast, we depart to visit Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, showcasing imperial collections, courtyards, and historic chambers. The entrance fee to the harem section is not included.

We then continue to Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey, known for its government buildings, cultural institutions, and Atatürk's Mausoleum, arriving in the early evening.

Ankara - Cappadocia. Today, we will explore the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, where we'll encounter Neolithic and Paleolithic artifacts from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygian civilizations.

Afterwards, we will visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic—a monumental complex that includes a museum and ceremonial plaza, reflecting the nation’s respect for its leader.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a journey to Cappadocia. On the way, we will have a stop to explore one of the region's largest underground cities, built by the early Christians for protection against attacks.

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. After breakfast, we will be heading to Pamukkale, stopping along the way to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai. This structure was built during the Seljuk Empire and served as a longstanding stopover for travelers and merchants.

After, we will proceed to Pamukkale and we will stop to explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its healing thermal waters, along with the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Pamukkale - Ephesus - Izmir. We start our day with a drive to Selçuk to visit Ephesus. At Ephesus, we will explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the ancient city dedicated to Artemis, including the Odeon, a small theatre used for concerts and meetings; the Temple of Hadrian, with its intricate reliefs; the House of Love, believed to be a Roman brothel; the grand Library of Celsus, once holding thousands of scrolls; and the Agora, the bustling commercial centre of the city.

Afterwards, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. Our journey also includes a brief stop for leather shopping at a leather production store. Later, we will continue to Izmir for check in and dinner as a group.

Izmir - Istanbul - Athens. Today, we will transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for our included flight to Athens via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Athens, enjoy its nightlife or relax.

After breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel or nearby to begin the morning Half Day Athens Sightseeing Tour. The tour departs at approximately 08:45 and will return at around 13:30.

This will allow us to observe the fascinating contrasts that define Athens. Our expert guides will lead us to the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games, where we will pause for a short visit. As we proceed, we'll see the Prime Minister's residence, formerly the Royal Palace, with its ceremonial guards, the Evzones, wearing their distinctive uniforms.

We'll pass landmarks including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, University, National Library, and Syntagma Square. At the Acropolis, explore iconic monuments of the Golden Age of Pericles—the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the Parthenon. The tour ends at the modern Acropolis Museum, home to nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenic art and history.

Athens - Hydra - Poros - Aegina -Athens. This morning at 7:30 a.m., we’ll depart by motor coach from Athens city centre to Piraeus Port to board a cruise ship for a full-day excursion to the Saronic Gulf islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Once on board, we set sail at 8:00 a.m., with an introductory briefing in the lounge covering the cruise and destinations.

Our first stop is Hydra, known for its jet-set appeal, stone mansions, narrow car-free streets, and charming craft shops. Next, we visit Poros, the smallest island, offering serene views and a lagoon-like coastline. The final stop is Aegina, rich in ancient heritage, where you will have free time to explore the island or you may choose from three optional tours: a visit to the Temple of Aphaia and Church of Saint Nektarios, a relaxing beach escape on Moni Island, or a scenic drive exploring pistachio groves, Paleohora, and a local taverna.

On the return to Athens, enjoy a lively Greek folk show aboard before arriving at Marina Flisvos. The cruise docks in Piraeus at 7:15 p.m., followed by transfer back to the hotel.

Please note: On today's cruise, it will not just be our tour group, up to 100+ passengers will join the cruise for today's excursion.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxation before your onward transfer to the airport. Safe travels!