Echoes of Empires: Turkey and Greece Tour

Your representative will meet you at Gate Number 8, assist you at Istanbul Airport, and then escort you to your hotel to start your Trip. Enjoy free to explore Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Get ready for a full-day tour of the city. In the morning we will visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most identifiable sites in Istanbul, a beautiful architectural wonder. Next, we will visit the Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays), it is not a single structure, but an organic monumental complex made up of various kiosks, gardens, and areas spread out that are located in the neighborhood or historic center at the entrance to the Golden Horn. We continue to the Blue Mosque, admired for its six minarets, terraces, and domes that rise in the center of the building. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will visit The Roman Hippodrome, where chariot races and circuses took place, which served as entertainment for the inhabitants of Constantinople for more than a thousand years. We end the day at the covered market, The Grand Bazaar, where you can enjoy free time (closed on Sundays and religious holidays). Return to the hotel.

Breakfast. In the morning, we will start with a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, built in the 17th century and located in the historic neighborhood of Eminönü. Next, we will board a public boat for a fascinating cruise along the Bosphorus, the waters that divide two continents. During the journey, we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of palaces and fortresses adorning both shores, including the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant Çırağan Palace, and the impressive Rumeli Fortress, among other historical landmarks.
We will then continue to the historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, perfect for wandering through their romantic cobblestone streets. Here, you’ll find charming themed cafés and have the chance to take photos of the famous colorful houses. This area is well-known as a filming location for many Turkish TV series, offering treasures full of history and glimpses into everyday Turkish life.
We will visit from outside the magnificent Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, made entirely of cast iron. During the tour, we’ll also see the Church of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Balat district.
We will end our day at the famous Pierre Loti Café, a legendary spot once favored by the French writer Pierre Loti, offering stunning views of the Golden Horn. Transfer to your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure to Istanbul airport to take the flight to Cappadocia.
Enjoy a full-day tour in the northern part of Cappadocia. First, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, which is recognized by UNESCO as a medieval monastic complex.
Then we will continue to the Ortahisar Panorama which offers a wonderful view with its natural castle in the center, stone houses, and beautiful mosques. From here, a short drive will take us to the Pasabagi (Valley of the Monks), where we will see the conical columns like fairy chimneys. After lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Avanos, on the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River), we will see some of the most famous Turkish handicrafts. We will have a stop at the Devrent Valley, famous for its strange formations. Valley of Three Beauties has a beautiful view over the town of Urgup. We also enjoy Goreme Panorama, a panoramic stop south of Goreme. Return to the hotel.

Breakfast. Enjoy a complete tour of South Cappadocia. First, we will walk 4 km through the Red and Pink Valley. Then we go to the Valley of Love, originally called White Valley which offers a beautiful view with its gracefully shaped chimneys. The trip will continue to visit an underground city Serhatli (or Özkonak), which is several levels deep and was used by early Christians as a shelter from enemies during the 6th and 7th centuries. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Also, we will visit the ancient Christian village of Cavusin which offers spectacular views. After this visit, we will head to Uchisar village, where a natural stone castle offers a great photo opportunity from all angles. Finally, visit a carpet workshop to see how the world-famous Turkish carpets are woven, and visit an onyx and jewelry workshop. End of the tour, return to the hotel.

After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival meet our driver and you will be transported to your hotel in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day tour of Pamukkale & Hierapolis. In Pamukkale, you will see the Cotton Cliffs, one of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts. Also visit the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis with its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Breakfast. Then a morning drive to the Ancient city of Ephesus where we will visit its magnificent library, theater, and temples. Then, we continue to the Virgin Mary’s House and the Basilica of St. John. In the afternoon, experience and participate in an upbeat fashion show showcasing the unique leather products manufactured in Turkey. 

Then transferred to the airport of Izmir for our domestic flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. You will have free time until transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight to Athens.

Arrive at Athens Airport, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel in Athens.

Breakfast. A morning panoramic tour will take you around to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including: Panathinaikon stadium, Zappeion, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, Parliament, tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, Academy, University, National Library, and old Parliament. You will then visit the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion; and the Acropolis Museum where findings from the area, like the Caryatides, have found their home. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, and the historical center at your own pace.

Breakfast. Today, you will depart for a 2-day tour, heading to Delphi. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos overlooking the vast olive groves and the Corinthian Gulf, Delphi used to be the most sacred spot in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred Way, and see the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle), before continuing your drive to Kalambaka overnight.

Breakfast. This morning, you will visit Meteora, one of the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and part of UNESCO’s list of world heritage monuments. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless and have provided sacred retreats for monks over the centuries. Many monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora and the view over the plain is breathtaking. Return drive to Athens in the afternoon, stopping at Thermopylae, to see the statue of Leonidas, commemorating the battle of the 300, against the Persians. Overnight in Athens.

Morning transfer to the port of Piraeus to catch the local ferry to Mykonos. Arrival in Mykonos, transfer to your hotel, and rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast. Free day in Mykonos to enjoy the marvelous beaches of the island and its famous nightlife.

Breakfast, Then transfer to the port and depart to Santorini. Arrival in Santorini and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free.

Breakfast. Have a day at leisure to enjoy the unique views, the black sandy beaches as well as the most romantic sunset of the world. Do not leave the island without visiting its capital city, Fira town, with the beautiful white-washed houses, the narrow streets and open air cafes that hanging on the steep cliff.

At the agreed time, you will be transferred to the airport of Santorini for your home departure flight.