Istanbul
Golden Horn
A combined Turkey and Greece tour offers a unique journey through two of the most historically rich and culturally vibrant regions in the world. You can explore the stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and charming coastal towns of both countries. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus in Turkey, and from the iconic Parthenon in Athens to the breathtaking beauty of the Greek islands, this tour provides an unforgettable experience.
With a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, a Turkey and Greece tour promises an enriching adventure for all.
Please scroll down to see the detailed itinerary.
✔ 6-11 Years Old Children: 30% Discount
✔ 1-5 Years Old Children: 60% Discount
✔ Especial discount for (6+ people) private groups
(we do NOT have mixed group tours)
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Istanbul / Arrival - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Dinner)
Welcome to Turkey!! After landing at one of the Istanbul airports, you'll be welcomed at the exit gate by your tour guide (holding a sign with your name on it) and will be transferred by a VIP van/bus to your hotel. There are two international airports in Istanbul. (IST and SAW). At either one, after collecting your luggage, follow the exit signs and go to the exit gate. ▶ At IST airport, you need to exit from gate No.14 and meet your tour guide. ▶ At SAW airport, there's only one exit gate where you'll be welcomed by your tour guide. Today, we have no planned activity, so you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Walking Tour in Old Istanbul - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After having an open buffet breakfast at the hotel, you'll be picked up by your tour guide to begin the Istanbul city tour. Istanbul is a vibrant blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and modern urban life. The main historical part of Istanbul is called Old Istanbul where you will be amazed by witnessing the fascinating Byzantine(East Roman) and Ottoman empires' historical and cultural structures. In today's tour, we will visit the following highlights of Old Istanbul: Topkapi Palace: Explore the former palace of Ottoman sultans, showcasing imperial collections, courtyards, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. This palace was the first administrative palace of the Ottoman Empire after conquering the city. Hagia Sophia: This iconic building has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome and innovative architectural design. It was considered the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its stunning blue tiles, this mosque is a significant religious and architectural landmark with 6 minarets. This mosque has a capacity of more than 10000 prayers. Hippodrome: A chariot-racing track originally constructed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in AD 203 and later expanded by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Grand Bazaar: Finally, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4000 shops. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 3: Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia - Overnight in Cappadocia (4* Cave Hotel)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast, you'll check out from your hotel in Istanbul and will be transferred to the airport to fly to Cappadocia. this flight will take 1hr15m. As soon as you land in Cappadocia, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The distance between the airport and your hotel is about 45 min. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Cappadocia (a Cave Hotel) Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 4: Cappadocia Tour - Hot Air Balloon (Opt) - Overnight in Cappadocia (4* Cave Hotel )
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
TOUR SUMMARY
TURKEY & GREECE TOUR
13 DAYS - 12 NIGHTS
7 Nights TURKEY
5 Nights GREECE
Tour Type: Private Basis (Escorted)
Start City: Istanbul (Turkey)
End City: Athens (Greece)
Overnights: (by itinerary order)
-
Istanbul: 2 nights (Arrival from Home)
-
Cappadocia: 2 nights
-
Konya: visit on the road (No overnight)
-
Pamukkale: 2 nights + Ephesus
-
Istanbul: 1 night (Flight to Greece - included)
-
Athens: 2 nights
-
Santorini: 2 nights
-
Athens: 1 night (Departure to Home)
Domestic Flights (Turkey): 2 (each max 1hr20m)
Transportations: Luxury vans
Accommodation: 12 nights
Greece (4* Hotels) - Turkey (5*&4* Hotels)
What's included, what's not!
INCLUSIONS:
✔ All Accommodations
✔ All Breakfasts
✔ Lunch/Dinner as per Itinerary
✔ Flight from Istanbul to Athens
✔ All Domestic Flights in Turkey
✔ Ferry Boats in Greece (Blue Star Economy)
✔ All Transportations by Luxury Vans
✔ Professional Tour Guide in Both Countries
✔ Tips at Hotels & Restaurants
✔ All local taxes and service fees
EXCLUSIONS:
- International Flights (from/to your home country)
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Tips to Tour Guides and Drivers
- Optional Activities
- Drinks on Meals
- Entrance Fees for Sites
You will have the option to take a memorable Hot Air Balloon tour over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia early in the morning to see the sunrise from up there! After breakfast at the hotel, you'll start your tour in Cappadocia's unique and captivating region, known for its extraordinary landscapes, cave dwellings, ancient history, fairy chimneys, and underground cities. The oldest settlement in these soft rocks goes back to 5000 years ago! Today, we'll visit the following magnificent sightseeing of Cappadocia: Göreme Open Air Museum: a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries adorned with remarkable frescoes. Devrent/Imagination Valley: The rock formations will surprise you with shapes in which each of them resembles various shapes and figures. These shapes include animals, people, and other imaginative forms. You won't miss the rock-shaped camel! Pasabag/Monks' Valley: known for its well-formed fairy chimneys in the region. You'll have a chance to walk between the mushroom-shaped pillars and take unique photos. Avanos Town and its Pottery Workshops: The longest river in Turkey which is called Kizilirmak(Red River) goes through this beautiful town. The red clay in this town has become a job opportunity for its local people since 5000 years ago. You'll have a chance to try your pottery-making talent on one of those kick-wheels! Underground City: There are more than 150 underground cities in Cappadocia which 5 of them are open to visit. These bunkers were carved into the soft volcanic rock by ancient civilizations for defensive purposes with a capacity of thousands of people. Uchisar Castle: The highest peak rock in the region containing a mass of rooms and shelters. Pigeons Vally: Famous for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Feed the pigeons and take photos with the evil-eye tree! After visiting the above highlights, you'll be transferred to the airport to fly to Istanbul. this flight will take 1hr15m. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Cappadocia Cave Hotel Meals: Breakfast-Lunch Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon-Turkish Bath/Hamam-ATV/Quad Bike- Horse Riding - Turkish Night-Classic Car Photo Shooting.. (Contact for more info) Important Note: Please book the Hot Air Balloon tickets through our agency to avoid any inconvenience circumstances since refunding the canceled flight (because of weather conditions) has been an issue in this activity!
Day 5: Cappadocia to Pamukkale via Konya (Maulana Rumi) - Overnight in Pamukkale (5*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Following breakfast, you will complete the hotel checkout and begin a journey to Pamukkale. En route, a pause is scheduled in Konya city to explore the tomb and museum dedicated to Moulana Rumi, a globally known Sufi and poet from the 13th century. His devotees, known as Dervishes, engage in the spiritual Sema dance as part of their ceremonies. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sultan Selim Mosque, constructed in the 16th century. Post-lunch, the bus journey to Pamukkale will resume. The whole road trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale takes around 9 hours. Overnight: Pamukkale Thermal Hotel Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner(at hotel restaurant)
Day 6: Pamukkale/Hierapolis Tour - Overnight in Pamukkale (5*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
For thousands of years, the therapeutic properties of Pamukkale's thermal spring water have been recognized. The hotel where we are lodging features a pool filled with the same healing water, and that's precisely why we've arranged a two-night stay for you to experience its rejuvenating benefits. After breakfast, we'll start our tour as follows: Today, we'll visit the following highlights: Pamukkale/Cotton Castle: A natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique geological formation terraces of white travertine terraces filled with thermal water. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Ancient city of Hierapolis: It is situated above the terraces, and was built near the hot springs for therapeutic purposes. The ruins of Hierapolis, including Roman baths, temples, and a necropolis, are part of the archaeological site. You'll also visit the Cleopatra Natural Pool. Following the completion of your tour and any optional activities outlined below, we will return to our thermal hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Post-dinner entertainment, featuring belly dances and shows, awaits you at the hotel. Overnight: Pamukkale Thermal Hotel Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner(at hotel restaurant) Optional Activities: Paragliding-Gyrocopter-Textile/Outlet shopping center-Turkish delight factory.
Day 7: Ephesus Tour - Flight to Istanbul - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast, You'll check out from the hotel in Pamukkale and start Journey to Ephesus. Today, we'll visit the following highlights: Ancient Greek/Roman city of EPHESUS: Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for the temple of Artemis-one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World which was originally located in Ephesus. You'll also visit many architectural and historical highlights during your walking through the streets of Ephesus such as the Library of Celsus, Hercules Gate, Grand Theatre, Roman Public Toilets, and Temple of Hadrian. It will paint a vivid picture of what everyday life in the ancient city might have been like. House of Virgin Mary(optional): It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last years in this house near Ephesus. After finishing your tour, you'll be transferred to Izmir airport to fly to Istanbul. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 8: Flight from Istanbul to Athens/Greece(Included) - Overnight in Athens (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast)
Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed to checkout, and you will be transported to the airport for your departing flight to Athens to begin your Greece tour. After arriving at the Athens airport, you'll be welcomed and transfer to your hotel in Athens. The rest of the day at leisure. Athens is an amazing city to discover on your own with its numerous museums, parks, and shopping areas of Kolonaki, Hermou, Voukourestiou Street, Monastiraki and Plaka. Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast Istanbul - Athens Flight is Included.
Day 9: Half-Day Athens City Tour - Overnight in Athens (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast)
After breakfast, you'll be picked up from the hotel for your half-day morning tour. Today, you'll visit Syntagma Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Athens Academy, the University, the National Library, and the Hadrian’s Arch. Pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus and visit the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era, the Museum of Acropolis. At the end of the tour, drop off at the hotel or at the city centre. The rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Athens to Santorini by Speed Boat(Included) - Overnight in Santorini (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast)
After breakfast, you'll be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Athens Port. You'll take a speed boat (economy) to the island of Santorini. As soon as you arrive to the Island, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Santorini. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Santorini Free Day - Overnight in Santorini (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast)
Today, you are at your leisure on this amazing island of Santorini (formed by the volcano's eruption of 1600 BC). The sight is the most breathtaking of all Greek islands and perhaps of the world. Explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer. History and nature combine to make Santorini unforgettable. Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Santorini to Athens by Ferry Boat(Included) - Overnight in Athens (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast)
Following breakfast, you'll Check out from your hotel and be transferred to Santorini Port to take a boat to Athens' port of Piraeus. You'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Athens. The rest of the day is at your leisure in Athens to explore the rest of the city and marketplaces. Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast Included Activities: Boat Transfer to Athens
Day 13: Departure from Athens to Your Home Country (-)
(Meals: Breakfast)
Following breakfast, you'll Check out from your hotel and be transferred to the Athens airport to take your international flight to back home. Overnight: N/A Meals: Breakfast