The Best Of Istanbul And Athens Option-1

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.

(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) (optional)

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. (optional)

Overnight in Istanbul.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Istanbul at your own pace. With its rich history spanning over 2,500 years, Istanbul is a fascinating city where East meets West, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life.

You may choose to join one of our optional daily tours, such as a Bosphorus Boat Cruise, a Two Continents Tour exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, an Istanbul Food Tour to discover authentic Turkish flavors, or a Fener & Balat Walking Tour through the city's colorful and historic neighborhoods.

For more information about these experiences and additional tour options, please feel free to contact our sales office.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Once you finish breakfast and check out, you'll be taken to Istanbul Airport (or Sabiha Gokcen Airport) for your flight to Athens. After a brief flight, you'll reach Athens. Upon your arrival in Athens, 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 Athens at your leisure. You will spend the night at your Athens hotel.

**Meeting our representative at the airport: details will be provided during the booking process.

After breakfast, 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, 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 the Herodeion 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.

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.