18 Days 17 Nights Greece Turkey Tour

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. 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, join us to explore Ephesus. Our team will pick you up in Kusadasi at 09:15 AM for a short trip to Ephesus, where you can choose a group or private tour. First, visit the House of the Virgin Mary atop Bulbul Mountain, discovered in the 19th century. Catherina Emmerich, a German nun, described the house from her visions. It’s believed St. John brought Mary to Ephesus between AD 37 and 48, where she spent her last years. Next, visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, known for its archaeological sites like the Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, Baths of Scholastica, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theater, and the Library of Ephesus, which is well-preserved with remarkable columns and statues. Walking through Ephesus feels like stepping back in Roman times. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, was the largest outdoor theater of the era, seating 25,000. Our last stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, celebrating the goddess of fertility. We’ll finish with a visit to the 19th-century Mosque of Isa Bey, an architectural gem.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

Today, you have a free day to engage in leisure activities within the neighborhood.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

You will be picked up from the hotel and taken to Izmir airport for your flight to Cappadocia, either via Istanbul or directly, depending on the flight schedule. Upon arrival at Kayseri airport, you will be received and transferred to the hotel upon arrival at Kayseri airport.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Today’s journey starts with a 09:30 AM departure from your hotel, exploring the beautiful landscapes of Red and Rose Valleys.

Red Valley is known for its stunning hiking trails. The two adjacent valleys allow seamless exploration. In Rose Valley, don’t miss Hacli Church and Ayvali Church, both with remarkable interiors. Next, we’ll visit the historic Christian Village of Cavusin and Pigeon Valley, where breathtaking views of cliffs and human-carved caves await.

Finally, we’ll explore Kaymakli Underground City and Ortahisar Castle. Kaymakli features intriguing levels from the 6th to 9th centuries with public areas, including tunnels and storerooms carved from volcanic rock. Ortahisar Castle is the tallest structure in Nevsehir, dating back to the Hittite period.

You will have a one-hour break for refreshments and relaxation. Our adventure concludes around 5:00 PM, after which you'll be transferred back to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Cappadocia.

The day’s itinerary begins with Devrent Valley, or 'Imagination Valley.' Although it lacks cave churches and ruins typical of Cappadocia, its unique landscape features animal-shaped formations that spark imagination and evoke laughter.

Next, we will visit Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys formed from complex rock material. Named after ascetic monks from the 5th century who lived in pillar-like structures, this valley showcases the 'stylite' lifestyle of fasting and prayer.

After Pasabag, we'll head to Avanos along the Kizilirmak, 'The Red River.’ We'll explore the old village with its maze of stone houses, showcasing traditional Ottoman architecture and ancient motifs. Participate in a pottery workshop, followed by an included lunch.

Post-lunch, we'll visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, known for its stunning rock formations and rock-cut churches. Our final destination will be Uchisar, a village on a steep formation offering dramatic views of Cappadocia. Enjoy the pleasant environment and panoramic views.

You will have an hour to relax with refreshments. The tour concludes around 5:00 PM, after which we will transfer you back to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in 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 Airport based on your flight schedule. Our services conclude at this point, and we sincerely hope to welcome you as our guest again.