Highlights of Turkey & Greece - 16 Days

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, either exploring this vibrant city or relaxing at your hotel.

Today begins with a visit to the iconic Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman Sultans. Here, we'll explore its stunning gardens, kitchens, treasury, and terraces with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

After a photo stop at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, we continue to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Blue Mosque, adorned with 20,000 Iznik tiles. Discover the Roman Hippodrome and conclude your tour at the bustling Grand Bazaar, a maze of thousands of vibrant shops.

Spend the evening exploring at your own pace or relaxing at the hotel.

Istanbul - Ankara. After breakfast, we start our day with a walk along the picturesque Golden Horn, leading to the famous Egyptian Bazaar, renowned for its vibrant spices.

Next, embark on a scenic boat tour along the Bosphorus, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Marvel at the stunning European and Asian shores adorned with palaces, fortresses, and charming wooden residences.

In the afternoon, we will travel to Ankara for dinner and overnight.

Ankara - Cappadocia. After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, followed by a stop at the Atatürk Mausoleum, dedicated to Turkey's founder.

We then continue our journey towards Cappadocia, with a scenic stop at Salt Lake, the largest lake in central Anatolia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, explore an ancient underground city, before settling into your hotel for dinner.

Begin the day with the option to take a hot-air balloon ride (booked and paid locally) over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, orchards, and vineyards.

Afterward, explore the Göreme Valley and visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Uchisar and visit the Pasabag and Avcilar Valleys, ending the day at local craft and carpet shops. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia before we continue our journey tomorrow.

Cappadocia - Pamukkale. Today, we travel westward along the ancient Silk Road, stopping to visit a Seljuk caravanserai, which once served as a resting place for traders, pilgrims, and military caravans.

In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Pamukkale - our overnight stop. Tonight, dinner is included.

Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi. Our day begins with an exploration of Pamukkale and its unique petrified waterfalls, followed by a tour of Hierapolis.

Next, we'll travel to Selcuk to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, before heading to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities near the Mediterranean shores. Highlights of the visit include the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, and the ancient theater.

Afterwards, we'll head to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

Kusadasi - Patmos. After breakfast, transfer to Kusadasi port to board the "Celestyal Cruises" vessel for your captivating three-night Aegean cruise.

A short sail will bring us to the picturesque island of Patmos where we will dock for the night. While here, consider joining the optional excursion to the renowned Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.

Patmos - Rhodes. Arriving early in the morning at the picturesque island of Rhodes, the ship docks for the entire day, giving you the opportunity to explore the enchanting old town. If you wish, you can opt for an additional excursion to Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights.

With the freedom to choose today's adventure, immerse yourself in the island's beauty and cultural heritage. As the day concludes, return to the ship in the evening for dinner onboard.

Rhodes - Heraklion - Santorini. Arriving in Heraklion early in the morning, you have the option to explore the city at your own pace or join an optional excursion to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, steeped in legendary tales of the Minotaur.

In the afternoon, the cruise sails on to the enchanting island of Santorini. Here, you can either opt to take the cable car up to Fira town or embark on an optional excursion to the "Spectacular Oia village" which is perched on the caldera rim.

Santorini - Athens. As your cruise journey concludes, the ship arrives at Lavrion port early in the morning. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking. Following disembarkation, a transfer will be provided to your hotel in Athens.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore the historical center.

Athens - Mycenae - Nafplio - Athens. Today, we embark on a full-day tour to the Peloponnese, where we will admire the impressive Corinth Canal. Visit Mycenae, famously described by Homer as "rich in gold," and explore the Cyclopean walls and the Tomb of Agamemnon, with the iconic Lion’s Gate.

Continue to Nafplio, where we will take a walking tour through narrow cobbled streets, passing neo-classical buildings and the sea-front promenade with views of the fortified islet of Bourtzi, before returning to Athens.

Today we embark on a coach tour of Greece's vibrant capital city, named after the goddess Athena and thought to be over 3000 years old. Sights include the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which lies at the heart of modern Athens. The highlight of our day is the Acropolis, considered by some to be the most important ancient site in the western world. Here we find masterpieces of classical Greek architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, recently voted one of the best museums in the world.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Plaka, a historical and picturesque part of the city. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets or relax with a drink at one of the many tavernas in the area. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs on Ermou Street.

Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka. Today, we journey to Delphi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, offering breathtaking views over the vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf. Once revered as the most sacred place in the ancient world, Delphi was the site of the Oracle of Apollo, a pilgrimage center for those seeking guidance from the Pythia. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred Way, and marvel at the Temple of Apollo, where Pythia once delivered her prophecies.

Afterwards, we'll continue our drive to our next stop - Kalambaka.

Kalambaka - Athens. This morning, we visit Meteora, a stunning World Heritage site where a series of towering rock formations shelter several sacred Eastern Orthodox monasteries. We return to Athens for the night, briefly stopping at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans made a famous last stand against the Persians in 480 BC.

Our tour ends today after breakfast, with an included transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!