Istanbul to Cappadocia, Santorini & Athens - 15 Days

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. You may wish to enjoy some shopping, relax in a local café, dine at one of the city’s many restaurants, or simply take a walk and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul.

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 head to the Spice Market for some shopping. Here, you will have some free time before meeting back with the group for a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise excursion.

This cruise will take us along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates the continents of Asia and Europe. As we cruise, take in the stunning views of Istanbul, including its forests, palaces, and historic wooden houses on both sides.

Afterwards, we will savor lunch at a local restaurant. Later, we will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the renowned Hagia Sophia. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Istanbul - Ankara. Today, we depart to visit Topkapi Palace, where the entrance fee for the harem section is not included. This palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans. After, you can enjoy some free time at the Grand Bazaar, which is closed on the first day of religious holidays.

Later, we depart from the hotel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, arriving there in the late afternoon. We will make our way to the hotel, where we will enjoy dinner. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Ankara - Cappadocia. We start our day by heading to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum to explore Neolithic and Paleolithic artifacts from the Urartu, Hatti, Hittite, and Phrygia civilizations. Afterward, we will visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

In the afternoon, we drive to Cappadocia, stopping along the way to tour one of the largest underground cities in the region, built by early Christians seeking refuge from attacks. After we will make our way to the hotel, where we will enjoy dinner.

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 depart for Pamukkale. On the way, we will stop to visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai, constructed during the Seljuk Empire, which served as a rest stop for travelers and merchants over many years.

We will then proceed to Pamukkale and explore the Cotton Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its healing thermal waters. Once we have checked in the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Pamukkale - Selcuk - Ephesus - Izmir. Today, we start our day by driving to Selcuk to visit the Ephesus Ruins, a city dedicated to Artemis. Here we will explore the historical sites, including the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, and the Agora.

We will then continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final resting place of Jesus' mother. Afterward, stop at a leather production store before proceeding to Izmir.

Izmir - Samos. After breakfast, we will be transferred to the port of Kusadasi for our departure to Samos. At the scheduled time, we will board the ferry to the Greek island of Samos. Upon arrival, we will first transfer to our hotel, where you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, either relaxing on the beaches or exploring the island. Samos is renowned not only for its popularity but also for being one of the most beautiful Greek islands, known for its lush greenery, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking beaches.

Samos - Mykonos. At the designated time, we'll transfer to the port to board the ferry to the stunning island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to our hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free for you to explore and enjoy the island.

In Mykonos, you'll find a mix of celebrities, college students, and families coming together to celebrate the Greek summer. Whether you're seeking entertainment and a lively atmosphere or are interested in discovering the island’s history and traditions, Mykonos has something to offer for everyone.

After breakfast, you will have another day at leisure on the island to soak up the sun and the sea at its beautiful beaches and marvel at the island's captivating allure and vibrant nightlife. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Sacred Island of Delos, renowned as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Mykonos - Santorini. This morning, we will be departing at the scheduled time for a transfer to the port, where we'll catch a ferry to the renowned island of Santorini. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel.

Here, you can spend the afternoon exploring the crescent-shaped Santorini, also known as Thíra, a stunning jewel in the Aegean. This area includes the islands of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea, and Nea Kaméni, located in the southernmost part of the Cyclades. Santorini is often regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in Greece, offering a unique experience of crystal-clear waters while being situated on the edge of a vast active volcano in the sea's midst.

Today, you will have another day at leisure exploring this remarkable island, known for its unique landscape and charming villages perched on cliff edges. You can discover the beaches with black, white, and red sands, browse boutique shops offering local crafts and jewellery, unwind in quaint cafés with sea views, and sample traditional cuisine in family-run tavernas and stylish restaurants. Alternatively, you can also opt to visit the submerged volcano.

Santorini - Athens. After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the port at the scheduled time to board the ferry to Athens. During the journey, you can enjoy views of the sparkling Aegean Sea, passing islands, and coastal villages along the way. Upon arrival at the port of Piraeus, we will disembark and proceed to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be at your leisure,

This morning, we depart to explore Athens. Highlights include the all-marble Kalimármaro Stadium, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament building, and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square. We continue to Omonia Square and the Acropolis to see the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the Parthenon.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to further explore the city, enjoy some shopping, visit a café or restaurant, or simply take in the lively atmosphere of Athens at your own pace. Stroll through the historic Plaka district, browse local markets, or relax in a shaded square with a drink.

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!