16 Days 15 Nights Greece Turkey Tour Option-1

After breakfast, we complete the hotel checkout process. Then, you will be picked up for a visit to one of the world's oldest cities, where you’ll explore both ancient and modern Athens during this comprehensive tour. Our first stop will be Syntagma Square, where we’ll 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, 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.

Depart from Athens at 08:00 AM, traversing through the fertile plains of Boeotia. This journey encompasses the towns of Thebes, associated with the tragic narrative of King Oedipus, as well as Levadia and Arachova, the latter renowned for its vibrant rugs and exquisitely crafted carpets.

Upon arrival at Delphi, recognized as the center of the Ancient world—the 'Omphalos' (Navel) of the Earth—it is noteworthy that its prestige extended far beyond the confines of the Hellenic world. Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, amidst a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.

Additionally, you will visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the Museum, which houses masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, including the bronze Charioteer and the eminent athlete Aghias.

The return journey to Athens is scheduled for 18:30.

Overnight in Athens.

Following breakfast and the completion of check-out procedures, you will be collected from the hotel and transported to the port for your ferry service to Santorini.

Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be transferred to your hotel accommodation.

Overnight in Santorini.

(Flights between Athens and Santorini are also available.)

In Santorini, comfort and relaxation await beneath the stunningly blue sky. Cherish refreshing moments under the sun or romantic evenings under the stars.

Overnight in Santorini.

OPTIONAL

Santorini Flying Dress Tour

Let the wind carry your dress as you pose against the breathtaking caldera backdrop. Please 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. 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.

After breakfast and the check-out process in Mykonos, you will be transferred to İzmir Airport.

Depending on the day of the week and season, you will fly directly or via Athens and shall be duly informed regarding this.  Upon arrival in İzmir, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport, who will have a sign with your name. You will then be taken to your hotel in a private van.

Check in to the hotel and freshen up.

Overnight in Kusadası

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 for an overnight stay.

After breakfast and check-out, you are invited to explore ancient Ephesus. Our team will pick you up in Kusadasi at 09:15 AM for a brief journey. We will visit the House of the Virgin Mary atop Bulbul Mountain, a historic site discovered in the 19th century. German nun Catherina Emmerich described the house in her visions. It's believed St. John brought Mary to Ephesus between AD 37 and 48, where she spent her final years. Next, we will explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, famous for its archaeological significance, including the Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, Baths of Scholastica, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theater, and the Library of Ephesus, which is in excellent condition.

Strolling through Ephesus offers a glimpse into Roman life, with stunning sights all around. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is the largest outdoor theater of the ancient world, seating 25,000. We will then visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, dedicated to the fertility goddess.

After the tour, you will be transferred to İzmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri, with our representatives greeting you upon arrival for the transfer to Cappadocia, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Cappadocia

Today’s journey will commence with a departure from your hotel at 09:30 AM, exploring the captivating landscapes of Red Valley and Rose Valley. Red Valley is renowned as one of Cappadocia's most stunning hiking areas. 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, 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 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.

 Overnight- Cappadocia

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.

The day’s itinerary begins with a visit to Devrent Valley, often called 'Imagination Valley.' While this valley lacks the cave churches, Byzantine frescoes, and Roman citadel ruins characteristic of the broader Cappadocia region, it compensates with its unique and extraordinary landscape, featuring formations that resemble various animals, inviting you to let your imagination flourish in identifying them, sure to evoke laughter and wonder.

Our subsequent destination will be Pasabag, Monk’s Valley, where you will view the intriguing mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and formations created by the more complex rock material deposited above them. The valley is aptly named after the ascetic monks who settled here as early as the 5th century and adopted hermit lifestyles. This form of living, termed ‘stylite’ from the Greek word ‘stylos’ meaning pillar, involved Christian monks constructing dwellings within these pillars, where they lived, fasted, and prayed.

After exploring Pasabag, we shall proceed to the town of Avanos, situated along the banks of the Kizilirmak, translated to ‘The Red River.’ We will begin with a visit to the old village of Avanos, which meanders up the hills away from the town, presenting a picturesque maze of old stone houses—some restored and others repurposed. In several abandoned houses, one can still observe features of traditional Ottoman architecture along with ancient decorations, motifs, and murals. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on pottery workshop. A lunch break, which is included, will follow for a chance to replenish your energy.

Following lunch, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, noted for its remarkable rock formations and fascinating rock-cut churches, where you will enjoy the depth of the Goreme experience. Our final stop for the day will be Uchisar, a village on a steep rock formation that provides some of the most dramatic panoramas of the breathtaking Cappadocia. In this place, you will undoubtedly wish to linger. Stroll through the town as it offers a pleasant environment to observe the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity. Throughout today’s tour, you will be allocated one hour to relax, enjoy some cold refreshments, and immerse yourself in the stunning panoramic views. The tour will conclude around 5:00 PM, after which we will transfer you back to your hotel for the evening.*

Overnight- Cappadocia

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will fly to Istanbul according to your preference. Your transfer will be scheduled based on your flight's departure time. Following a one-hour flight from Kayseri or Urgup to Istanbul, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul.

Overnight in Istanbul.

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:

**MIHRİMAH 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.

Following breakfast, we will take you to the Airport based on your flight schedule. Our services conclude at this point, and we sincerely hope to welcome you back as our guest.