Greek Islands & Turkey Express - 11 Days

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel in the city centre. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

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.

Following breakfast, we embark at around 8:45 on our morning Athens sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, we begin at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, where we will pause briefly.

As we proceed, we will pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (formerly the Royal Palace), guarded by the Evzones in their vibrant uniforms, as well as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament building and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma).

No tour of Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis, one of the world’s most renowned sites and a symbol of democracy in the Western world. Here, we will explore the architectural masterpieces from the Golden Age of Pericles, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and of course, the Parthenon, described by ancient Greeks as a place where 'there is harmony between material and spirit' and a monument that 'restores order in the mind.' Our final stop will be the contemporary Acropolis Museum, which houses nearly 4,000 exhibits showcasing Hellenism. The tour ends at around 13:30 and the afternoon is at your leisure in Athens.

Athens - Mykonos. After breakfast, you'll be transported to the port for embarkation aboard the cruiser that will take you to the Greek Islands and Turkey. We will depart from Greece's historic and classical capital, setting sail for our first stop - the stunning island of Mykonos, famously referred to as the Island of the Winds.

In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the charming Old Town, known for its pristine whitewashed houses, winding alleys, quaint churches, and delightful waterfront restaurants. You'll likely recognize the picturesque white windmills standing in a row, overlooking the sea. You'll spend the night in your cabin aboard the cruise ship, with all meals included while you're onboard.

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. Welcome to 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.

Our journey continues this evening as 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. After breakfast at the hotel, disembark in Athens and transfer to Athens International Airport for your included flight to Ankara via Istanbul. On arrival in Ankara, transfer to the hotel for check-in and time to relax.

Ankara - Cappadocia. We start our day with a visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum to explore Neolithic and Paleolithic artifacts from Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygia civilizations.

Next, we head to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. In the afternoon, we drive to Cappadocia. Along the way, we stop to visit one of the largest underground cities in the region, built by early Christians for protection against attacks.

Begin the day with an optional hot air balloon tour before we spend the entire day exploring Cappadocia, starting with a visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cave churches in the valleys. We continue to Uchisar Village, then marvel at the spectacular fairy chimneys. Visit Derbent Valley to explore its natural rock formations and have the opportunity to participate in workshops focused on carpets and onyx stones. An optional hot air balloon tour is also available. We're spending a second night in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Istanbul. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your included domestic flight to Istanbul. Once you arrive, you'll be transferred to your hotel with the remainder of the day available for leisure activities.

The final full day of the tour is spent exploring the city formerly known as Constantinople. We start with a shopping trip to the Spice Market. Then we embark on a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise, where we'll journey along the waterway that separates Asia and Europe. During the cruise, you'll take in the stunning views of Istanbul's lush forests, palaces, and historic wooden houses on both continents. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Post-lunch, explore the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), the Hippodrome, and the renowned Hagia Sophia. You'll have some free time to explore the Grand Bazaar before our tour comes to an end.

After breakfast and check out, according to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.