Turkey & Greece in 17 Days • 15 Nights in Destination

Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, colourful city life and eclectic architecture. To make sure you see all the top sights, we recommend an optional full-day city tour!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.

* Optional Full-Day Istanbul City Tour: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops!

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate captivating views of the old palaces of the Sultans and traditional riverside houses as you view the city from a different perspective. Disembark and head to the famous Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans and filled with exotic aromas. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the Anatolian side of the city to see its more important sights and discover more of Istanbul!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.

* Optional Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion with Lunch: Explore the Anatolian part of the city! This stunning region is home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture and waterfront attractions. From the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets, you'll be awestruck by the variety and beauty of the sights. Wander the city streets up Camlica Hill, located in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the Anatolian part of Istanbul is an unforgettable destination. Enjoy lunch included.

Breakfast at the hotel. You're flying to Cappadocia today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight to the city. Arrive in Cappadocia, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the fascinating region of Cappadocia today. This unique landscape was formed by the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions produced by Mount Erciyes and Hasan over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, an incredible Byzantine monastic complex containing the finest rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes. Next, explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the so-called "Fairy Chimneys" are located, an underground city built by the ancient local communities to defend themselves from attacks. End the day with a visit to local carpet, onyx and turquoise stone workshops, to learn about the production of these traditional products. This is a unique opportunity to purchase authentic quality souvenirs at good prices. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia. 

Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dive into Turkish cuisine, go shopping in the bazaars or enjoy some last-minute sightseeing! Overnight stay in Istanbul. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Ready to discover the wonders of one of the greatest civilisations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens. Touch down in Athens and transfer to the hotel, in the heart of the city where you can soak up the hustle and bustle of the mega-metropolis. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant Athenian neighbourhoods and sampling delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Athens today with a guided sightseeing tour. Begin with a panoramic tour of the city to see the Parliament Building, the University, National Library and Academy of Arts. Be awe-struck by the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, carved from marble and famous as the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Next, pay a visit to the spectacular Athens Acropolis to explore one of the most famous archaeological sites on earth! Walk in the footsteps of the greats and finish the tour with an eye-opening visit to the New Acropolis Museum, home to the most impressive treasures unearthed from the Acropolis and ancient Athens.* The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to soak up the lively atmosphere of the city come nightfall and dine on delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.

* From January 1st 2023, the entrance fee to the Acropolis will be included.

Please note: At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you travel to Delphi, thought to be the center of the ancient Greek world. In Ancient Greece, Delphi was the home of the Pythia, a priestess who had the ability to consult the Oracle in order to tell the future. Visit the archaeological site, home to the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Stoa and the Treasury of the Athenians, and take in the captivating mountain views. Next, depart to Kalambaka (approx. 3.5 hr journey), home to amazing rock formations and ancient hilltop monasteries. Check-in and get settled at the hotel before enjoy an evening at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day discovering the fascinating heritage of Meteora on an excursion to the floating Monasteries of Meteora.* Perched atop gravity-defying rocky peaks, the monasteries of Meteora are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 6 remaining monasteries are still active today. Established between the 12th and 16th centuries, the monks chose this isolated and hard to reach location to build their monasteries in order to escape the political and religious upheaval of the Middle Ages. Visit up to two of these ancient sites and enjoy the amazing views across the Plain of Thessaly. Afterwards, depart to Athens and transfer to the hotel (approx. 4.5 hr journey). The evening is free at your leisure to explore the atmosphere of Syntagma Square or enjoy the city's lively nightlife. Overnight stay in Athens. 

* Entrance fee must be paid at the destination (approx. 3 euros per person at each monastery).

Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men. 

Breakfast at the hotel.* It's time to leave the mainland behind as you transfer to Piraeus Port to catch a ferry to Paros, a Greek island nestled in the heart of the Cyclades island group known for its picture-perfect beaches and traditional villages. Journey across the spectacular Aegean Sea before finally arriving in Paros. Transfer to your hotel and get settled in before enjoying the remainder of the day exploring the island at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paros.

* Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Paros.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure on the idyllic island of Paros. The island is well-known for its beautiful beaches, the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon, or why not pay a visit to the capital, Parikiá or the charming coastal village of Naoussa? We recommend an optional full-day cruise around the islands of Antiparos and Despotiko!* Overnight stay in Paros.

*Optional Antiparos & Despotiko Kaiki Cruise: Set sail aboard a traditional Kaiki, a wooden motor yacht, to explore the natural beauty of Antiparos and Despotiko. Transfer to Pounta port and begin an unforgettable day at sea, surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Aegean. Visit pristine beaches, sea caves and small islands as you discover the untamed beauty of the Cyclades. Explore the turquoise waters of Panteronissi, the cave of Mastihari and stop at several excellent swimming spots. BBQ lunch included.

Why not make the most of your time in the Greek Islands with our great value Island Experiences Pack of 2 Optional Excursions, available in the next step of the booking process. 

Enjoy breakfast, before setting off to Paros Port to catch a ferry to Santorini. One of Greece's best-loved islands, Santorini is known for its blue-roofed houses and soul-stirring sunsets. Arrive in Santorini and transfer to the hotel. The evening is at your leisure to explore the town and dine in style as you watch the sun slowly set over the Aegean Sea. Overnight stay in Santorini.

Breakfast at the hotel. Another day at leisure to enjoy the splendid island of Santorini. Crescent-shaped Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. Known for its pretty white and blue houses, paradises beaches and lively nightlife, Santorini is the perfect place for a laid-back escape! Discover the highlights of the island with our full-day Santorini bus tour.* Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Optional Full-Day Santorini Bus Tour: Discover the highlights of Santorini on a full-day bus tour. Pay a visit to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site for a guided tour, talk a stroll through the traditional village of Emporio and enjoy some free time at Perissa Beach, the most famous black sand beach on the island. Take in the views from Profitis Ilias Mountain and enjoy wine tasting at Santorini Wine Museum, a family-run business nestled within a cave before ending the day in Oia, where you can watch the legendary Santorini sunset!

Breakfast at the hotel. Take the day at your leisure on Greece's most glamorous and cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colourful doors and window frames, bougainvillaea trees in purple bloom and hidden churches. Alternatively, we recommend a fabulous half-day cruise to discover the natural wonders of the Santorini caldera! Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Optional Half-Day Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirassia Cruise: Set sail across Santorini's beautiful caldera to visit the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia on this 6-hour cruise. Board the sightseeing boat at the port and admire Santorini’s cliffs as you cruise to Nea Kameni. Here, enjoy some free time to walk around the volcanic crater and swim in the therapeutic hot springs. Afterwards, sail on to Thirassia to enjoy the traditional charms of this lesser-known island and explore its quiet villages. Free time for lunch before cruising back to Santorini.