15 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Embark on a Memorable 15-Day Journey Through Turkey and Greece.
Experience the enchanting charm of two of the world’s most compelling nations through this carefully curated 15-day itinerary, which artfully interlaces the rich cultural heritage of Turkey with the classical splendor of Greece. Specifically designed for inquisitive travelers, this expedition unveils a remarkable fusion of ancient wonders, bustling marketplaces, stunning landscapes, and iconic architectural masterpieces.
From the vibrant heartbeat of Istanbul to the refined elegance of Athens, and the tranquil beauty of the Greek islands, this comprehensive itinerary promises a rewarding combination of history, culture, and leisure.
We cordially invite you to partake in an extraordinary exploration of Turkey and Greece!
Highlights Include:
Welcome to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport, who will be holding a sign with your name.
You will then be transported to your hotel in a private van. After you check into your hotel, a representative from our company will meet you in the hotel lobby to provide your travel gear and share details regarding the remainder of your trip.
Subsequently, you will have a free day to explore Istanbul at your leisure. You will spend the night at your Istanbul hotel.
NOTE: Meeting our representative at the airport: Details will be provided during the booking process.
Overnight in İstanbul
Your licensed guide will meet you at 09:30 a.m. in the lobby to take you to HIPPODROME, the sports center, featuring four monuments: the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Walled Obelisk.
The BLUE MOSQUE, Istanbul's most famous mosque, is named for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles.
GRAND-COVERED BAZAAR features over 4000 shops in a labyrinth of streets, with specific areas for goldsmiths, carpet sellers, and Turkish arts and crafts, including hand-painted ceramics, copperware, brassware, trays, and meerschaum pipes.
Optional: Explore Turkish Carpets and Kilims, which are more than floor coverings; they are artistic representations of history and culture.
A Glimpse into the Past: Turkish carpets have a history dating back to the Seljuks and Ottomans, initially woven for warmth and later symbolizing wealth and social status. Each region in Turkey has its own unique style and weaving technique.
(Grand Bazaar closed on Sunday; visit Arasta Bazaar instead)
This half-day program can be combined with the options below for a full-day experience.
(Visits not possible on Friday due to prayer)
THE HAGIA SOPHIA, built by Constantine in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th, is a remarkable architectural feat.
HAGIA IRENE CHURCH, built in the 4th century alongside Hagia Sophia, was integrated into Topkapı Palace grounds and converted into a mosque without significant structural changes. (Closed on Tuesday)
TOPKAPI PALACE, the grand residence of Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, houses precious gems, jewelry, thrones, and the Holy Mantle of Sacred Relics.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 08:30 or 09:00 AM. You'll then take public transportation to the port for a 10:00 AM. tour boat, sailing the Bosphorus for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, passing the second bridge and connecting Europe and Asia. Experience an unforgettable cruise alongside the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas, and the Rumeli Fortress (no interior visit). Istanbul, besieged many times before 1453, defended its Roman walls successfully.
The tour also includes views of Çırağan Palace, Hotel Kempinski, Ortaköy Mosque, Military High School, Bosphorus Bridge, and Dolmabahçe Palace from the sea.
SPICE MARKET: Initially called "New Bazaar" and "Valide Bazaar" in the 17th century, it became the "Egyptian Bazaar" by the mid-18th century, famous for spices from Egypt. Travel books reference its vibrant atmosphere, described by Edmondo de Amicis in 1874, as a sensory overload with lingering odors that vividly recall the East.
RUSTEM PASHA MOSQUE:Built by Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha, this mosque is renowned for stunning İznik tilework featuring floral and geometric designs, exemplifying 16th-century ceramic art.
BETA HAN (TURKISH COFFEE TASTING): Known by various names in history, this Ottoman-era structure has been carefully renovated as "Beta Yeni Han,” showcasing Istanbul Eminönü's architectural beauty blended with modern influences.
**Drinks are at your own expense.
This half-day tour can be combined with other options for a full-day experience, including:
MIHRIMAH SULTAN MOSQUE: Famous for its distinguished architecture, built for Mihrimah Sultan by Mimar Sinan between 1546 and 1548, the mosque features a high-vaulted basement, slender minarets, and a signature dome. It’s positioned next to the ferry landing, reflecting Sinan's mature style.
EBRU ART EXPERIENCE: Participate in a workshop to learn 'Ebru,' or Turkish paper marbling. In this two-hour session, you will explore ancient techniques with a local artist in a small group of eight.
Overnight in İstanbul.
Today starts with a 5:00 AM pick-up from your hotel for transfer to the airport, where you can fly to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Upon arrival, a pre-arranged transfer service will take you to begin your Cappadocia tour. We first visit Devrent Valley, known as 'Imagination Valley.' Although it lacks cave churches and frescoes, its unique landscape features animal-like formations that spark imagination and joy.
Next, we’ll head to Pasabag, or Monk’s Valley, famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys created by denser rock layers. Monks settled here in the 5th century, living in pillar-like structures and practicing hermit lifestyles.
Afterward, we visit Avanos, by the Kizilirmak (Red River). Explore the old village with its charming maze of stone houses, some restored and others repurposed, showcasing Ottoman architecture and ancient decorations. You'll also participate in a pottery workshop. Lunch is included to recharge.
After lunch, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, known for its stunning rock formations and churches, deepening your experience of Goreme. Finally, we explore Uchisar, perched on a rock formation, offering breathtaking views of Cappadocia. Stroll through this scenic village, enjoying nature's harmony. During the tour, you’ll have an hour to relax and take in the panoramic sights. The tour ends around 5:00 PM, with a return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia
Today’s journey will commence with a departure from your hotel at 09:30 AM, proceeding to explore the captivating landscapes of Red Valley and Rose Valley. Red Valley is renowned as one of the most stunning areas for hiking in Cappadocia. The two valleys are adjacent and allow for a seamless exploration. Upon arrival in Rose Valley, one must not overlook the Hacli Church and the Ayvali Church, both of which feature remarkable interior decorations.
Subsequently, we will visit the historical Christian Village of Cavusin, followed by a tour of Pigeon Valley. The pathway through Pigeon Valley offers breathtaking vistas of the natural cliffs and human-carved caves, including several tunnels excavated from the rock formations.
Finally, we shall visit Kaymakli Underground City and Ortahisar Castle. The Kaymakli or Ozkonak underground city, with its intriguing levels dating from the 6th to 9th centuries, includes five areas accessible to the public.
The tunnels, cellars, storerooms, and stables carved from soft volcanic rock are truly astonishing. Ortahisar Castle, situated 86 meters high, represents the most prominent structure of Nevsehir, dating back to the Hittite period.
During the day, you will have a one-hour break, during which you may wish to enjoy refreshments and take time to relax. Our adventure through Cappadocia will conclude around 5:00 PM, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of your evening.
OPTIONAL TOUR: Hot Air Balloon Ride - Availability for last-minute bookings may be limited. The no-show release date is established as three days prior.
Overnight in Cappadocia
After breakfast, our excursion progresses; today marks our departure from the city of Cappadocia as we prepare to board a flight from Cappadocia to Izmir Airport.
Depending on the day of the week, you will either fly directly or via Istanbul, and you will be informed about this.
Upon arriving at Izmir Airport, a transfer service will be available to escort you to your hotel in Kusadasi.
You will enjoy an overnight stay there, allowing you to recharge in preparation for your visit to Pamukkale tomorrow.
Overnight in Kusadası or Selcuk
After breakfast, you will depart early for Pamukkale, which takes approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you'll explore Hierapolis, including the Necropolis—one of Anatolia's largest ancient cemeteries housing 1,200 graves—as well as the Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, Main Street, and Byzantine Gate.
Next, you'll stroll to the natural warm water terraces created by the flow of calcium-rich warm water. A dip in the effervescent waters of the Sacred Pool should be a highlight of your travel plans. Besides being naturally radioactive, the water is rich in calcium bicarbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium, and carbon dioxide.
After swimming, simply dry off and allow the minerals to work their magic.
We will then continue to Kusadasi or Selcuk for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Kusadası or Selcuk.
You're invited to explore Ephesus.Today,we’ll start with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary on Bulbul Mountain, discovered in the 19th century from the visions of German nun Catherina Emmerich. It’s believed that St. John brought Mary to Ephesus between AD 37 and 48, where she spent her final years.
Then, we’ll visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, known for its archaeological importance. Discover the Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, Baths of Scholastika, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theater, and the Library of Ephesus, which is well-preserved and surrounded by stunning sights.
The Grand Theater is the largest in the ancient world, seating 25,000 people, where St. Paul preached. The tour includes the notable Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, associated with fertility.
We will take you back to the hotel by 5:00 PM, after which you can enjoy some leisure time at the hotel.
Overnight in Kusadası or Selcuk.
After breakfast and the check-out process in Kusadası, you will be transferred to İzmir Airport. Depending on the day of the week and season, you will fly directly or via Istanbul and shall be duly informed regarding this.
Upon arrival in Athens, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport, who will have a sign with your name.
You will subsequently be transported to your hotel in a private van.
Check in to the hotel and freshen up.
Overnight in Athens
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a comprehensive tour of one of the world's oldest cities. During this tour, you will explore both ancient and modern Athens. Our first stop will be Syntagma Square, where we will see the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library.
Next, we’ll proceed to the Prime Minister's Residence (Presidential Palace), guarded by the colorful Evzones, and the Zappeion (conference and exhibition hall).
We’ll pass by the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch and make a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first Olympic Games in 1896, before finally arriving at the Acropolis to visit the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens.
Following this, we will enjoy a museum tour with a pleasant walk past Herodion and the Theatre of Dionysus to the new Acropolis Museum.
Overnight in Athens
After breakfast and check-out, you will have free time until your transfer to the port. From there, you’ll be taken from the hotel to the port for your ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you'll have time to freshen up. In Santorini, you can cherish comfort and tranquility under the beautiful blue sky. Enjoy refreshing moments in the sun or share romantic evenings beneath the stars.
Overnight in Santorini.
OPTIONAL
Santorini Flying Dress Tour
Let the wind carry your dress as you pose against the breathtaking caldera backdrop. Choose from our selection of monotone adjustable silk dresses to capture unforgettable memories with a professional photoshoot at iconic locations like Imerovigli, Fira, and Oia. Indulge in a touch of glamour with our complimentary hair and makeup service. Book your dream photoshoot today and discover the allure of Santorini in a whole new way.
Includes professional photos and a short reel sent via email—complimentary champagne upon arrival.
After a quick pick-up from your hotel, you'll enjoy a smooth transfer to the port, where you can catch your ferry to the beautiful island of Mykonos. Once you arrive in Mykonos, your hotel transfer will be ready to welcome you.
Overnight in Mykonos.
Delight in the stunning scenery, charming boutiques, and cozy eateries of Mykonos.
Overnight in Mykonos.
OPTIONAL
Five Senses Tour-Unleash Your Senses in Greece
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Mykonos, where sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell come alive! Discover the island's rich tapestry through our immersive five-sense experience—a journey through iconic landmarks. Touch the fabrics using the ancient technique of “Argalios” carpet weaving. Indulge in various aromas of fresh Greek breadmaking. Savor the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine while enjoying the captivating melodies of live Greek music. Explore the fragrant botanical wonders of the countryside. Let us awaken your senses and create unforgettable memories.
Enjoy breakfast, followed by check-out and free time until transferring to the port to board either the standard or high-speed ferry back to Athens (flights are available as well).
Upon arrival, please convene at the port for the hotel transfer and subsequent check-in. You will then have the opportunity for leisure activities at the hotel.
Overnight in Athens.
Following breakfast, we will take you to Airport based on your flight schedule. Our services conclude at this point, and we sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again.
Since these are not fixed group tours, we can adapt the itinerary to fit your travel dates. Some destinations, like Santorini or Mykonos, are less suitable for travel in the winter due to infrequent ferry connections and many places being closed. Therefore, certain itineraries are best for traveling between April and late October.
You may find the itineraries available here. According to your preferences, we can arrange the itineraries as either private tours or standard group tours, contingent upon feasibility. Additionally, we can combine both private and regular group programs.
As this is a customized itinerary, please provide us with your travel dates, the number of travelers, and your preferred hotel or room type. We will then prepare a quotation and respond to you promptly.
No,we do not provide visa services. If you need assistance determining whether you require a visa for Turkey or Greece, please reach out to our sales agents. They will share the list of which passports require a visa for each country.
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