7 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
The Best of Athens & Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culture
Experience the wonders of two iconic cities in one unforgettable journey:
From breathtaking architecture to timeless traditions, this 8-day itinerary seamlessly blends the ancient and modern charms of Athens and Istanbul.
Welcome to Athens. Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our airport representative, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transported to your hotel in a private van. Subsequently, you will have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure.
Note: Meeting our representative at the airport: details will be provided during the booking process.
Overnight in Athens.
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.
Leisure on your own. With a recorded history spanning 3,000 years, Athens is naturally a treasure trove of historically and culturally significant ruins. You can embark on one of our daily tours on this free day, such as the Athens Food Tour or the Daily Delphi Tour. For additional options, please feel free to contact our sales office.
Overnight in Athens.
Once you finish breakfast and check out, you'll be taken to Athens Airport for your flight to Istanbul. After a brief flight, you'll reach Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will hold 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.
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.
A complimentary day in Istanbul presents an excellent opportunity to further explore the city by navigating the vibrant Taksim district. Overnight in Istanbul.
Following breakfast, we will take you to the Airport based on your flight schedule. Our services conclude now, 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.
Member Since 2024
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