Turkey, Athens and Greek Islands

ITINERARY

DAY 01 ISTANBUL

Arrival at Istanbul airport and transfer to the hotel. Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey and has an international airport which is considered the largest in the world. Free time to explore the city and its main beautiful neighborhoods: Istiklal Street, Ortakoy, Kumkapi, Eminonu etc. Overnight stay. 

DAY 02 ISTANBUL

Breakfast at hotel. Free day at leisure. Free time to explore the city with the possibility of an optional full day excursion to the Jewels of Constantinople with lunch: visit the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome which was the center of the country’s civil activity and where not only horse races and gladiatorial combats were held but also celebrations in honor of the Emperor. Today it still preserves the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Fountain of Emperor Wilhelm. The Blue Mosque was built in 1609 during the Sultanate of Ahmet, who wanted to surpass the Hagia Sophia Basilica with his mosque and built it with 6 minarets. Then we will go to the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans until the 19th century, where most of the valuables of the Ottoman sultans are kept. Visit of Hagia Sophia, the finest example of Byzantine art and one of the greatest achievements of mankind. Then transfer to visit the Grand Bazaar. The covered bazaar built in 1660 can be considered as a small city covered by hundreds of domes, four thousand shops inside with narrow streets, squares and 18 gates. End of visit to the Grand Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel. 

DAY 03 ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to visit Şehzade Mosque (Şehzade Camii in Turkish) is one of the most outstanding monuments of Istanbul, as it can be considered as the earliest representation of classical Ottoman architecture. Next, we will take one of Istanbul’s most famous activities, a boat trip on the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. During this trip you will see the palaces of the Sultans, old and typical wooden houses and enjoy the history in a different way. We will end our day with one of the highlights, the spice bazaar, built by the Ottomans 5 centuries ago and used ever since. We will enjoy some free time. End of the visit at the Egyptian Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 04 ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast and morning departure to Ankara via the Bolu Mountains. In Ankara visit of the Mausoleum of Ataturk In 1953 this Mausoleum dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey, Ataturk, was inaugurated. It is a block of marble with columns weighing 40 tons, reached by a long street with lions on either side, ending in a huge square. Lunch in a local restaurant and then on to Cappadocia. On the way we will also visit the salt lake. Arrival, dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Istanbul to Cappadocia can be done by plane).

(Optional, domestic flight can be arranged). Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

DAY 05 CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast. Departure to visit this fantastic region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by lava thrown by the Erciyes and Hasan Volcanoes 3 million years ago. Visit of the Pasabag Valley and Güvercinlik; both of which have spectacular scenery of Fairy Chimneys. Visit of the Goreme Chapels, an open-air museum. Visit of a carpet and jewelry workshop. Overnight stay.şabağı o Çavuşin. During the excursion we will have the opportunity to visit some typical visits of carpet, onyx and turquoise workshops where you can find the good quality with the best price. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Cappadocia (During your stay in Cappadocia you will have the possibility to participate in a folk dance show in a typical cave with unlimited regional drinks and an optional hot air balloon tour at sunrise). Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

DAY 06 CAPPADOCIA – KONYA – PAMUKKALE

Breakfast and departure to Pamukkale. On the way we pass through the Konya plain, on the way we visit a cervansarai, an ancient type of building which was built along the main roads where caravans used to make long journeys of many days for trade, pilgrimage or military purposes. Lunch at a local restaurant and then on to Pamukkale, where the high concentration of limestone in its waters has created one of the most spectacular formations in the world. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. If time permits, you will have free time at the hotel to enjoy the hotel’s thermal baths. 

DAY 07 PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS - IZMIR AREA

Breakfast in hotel. Departure to Herapolis, an ancient Hellenistic city now in ruins. Visit the famous cotton castle, a natural wonder of gigantic white waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools formed over the centuries by the passage of water laden with calcareous salts from thermal springs. Transfer by bus to Selcuk, the center of Ephesus Excursion, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor during the ІІ and ІІІ centuries with a population of 250.000 inhabitants, monopolized the wealth of the Middle East. We will visit the Temple of Hadrian, the Roman Baths, the Library, the Odeon, the Theatre, etc. In the afternoon visit a leather workshop where we can see the famous leather weavings of the Aegean region. Lunch in a local restaurant on route. Transfer by bus to the Izmir area. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Izmir area.

DAY 08 KUSADASI – SAMOS

Breakfast and departure from Kusadasi in the morning. Arrival to Samos harbor, free day to stroll around on your own or take the panoramic tour of Samos island (4 hours) with English speaking guide (not always possible or could be done the next day). Free afternoon to enjoy this beautiful and enigmatic island. Overnight stay. 

DÍA 09 SAMOS – MYKONOS

Breakfast. At the agreed time, transfer to the corresponding port to embark and depart for Mykonos. Arrival at the port of Mykonos and transfer to the hotel. Mykonos is known for its summer party atmosphere. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars and dance clubs that attract famous DJs from all over the world and often stay open until after sunrise. Iconic landmarks include a row of 16th century windmills, which sit on a hill above the town. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight. Breakfast 

DAY 10 MYKONOS

Breakfast. Free day to enjoy the island. You can take the optional tour: Semi-Private Sailing Cruise: 7 hours cruise, with transfers and lunch included (not including entrance fee to Delos and towels). 

DÍA 11 MYKONOS – SANTORINI

Breakfast. Free time until time for transfer to the port to embark for departure to Santorini. Arrival in Santorini, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure, here we suggest you visit the famous Oia quarter, this quarter is an interesting maze of cafes, restaurants, small shops and whitewashed accommodation facilities. Oia is popular with visitors from all over the world for its picturesque views and postcard sunsets. Dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea. Accommodation. Breakfast 

DAY 12 SANTORINI

Breakfast. Free day to enjoy the island. Santorini: Semi Private 5 hour cruise – Two options: Morning or Sunset Tour with transfers, food and drinks on board (Morning Tour or Sunset Tour) Accommodation. 

DAY 13 SANTORINI – ATHENS

Breakfast. Free time until transfer to the port of Santorini for embarkation and departure to Piraeus. Arrival at the port of Piraeus, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Athens is the capital of Greece, a once mighty empire and civilization. In the city, the geographical sites of the 5th century BC still dominate, including the Acropolis and the temple of the Parthenon with its columns. In the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, sculptures, vases, jewelry and other items from Ancient Greece are preserved. Overnight stay. 

DAY 14 ATHENS

Breakfast. Departure for the City Tour: Acropolis and Panorama of Athens. The Parthenon, a classic symbol of architecture, built entirely of white marble. The Parthenon is the largest temple erected in honor of the goddess Athena. The panoramic tour takes us to the most important parts of the city such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament and the Panathinaikon Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held. Free afternoon. Overnight stay. 

DAY 15 ATHENS

Breakfast. At scheduled time transfer to Athens airport to board our departure flight. End of our services.