Istanbul to Athens Explorer

Day 1: Tour starts in Istanbul
Your 15-day adventure starts off with your arrival in Istanbul. One of the most fascinating and grand cities in the world, Istanbul is rich with culture and history.
Uniquely located at the junction of Europe and Asia, it is filled with winding streets, friendly people, and many architectural marvels. You are transferred to your hotel, and have the rest of the day to yourself.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul 4-star hotel
| MEALS: None
| EXTRAS: Single room supplement (TUSGTG), Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour

Day 2: Tour of Istanbul Old City
We start the day exploring the historical part of Istanbul known as the Old City. You visit some of the most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Blue Mosque, the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the intriguing Topkapi Palace and the historic Hippodrome.
You also get to enjoy the quintessential Istanbul experience of cruising down the Bosphorus, the mighty river that links the two continents. This is available in the form of a half-day Bosphorus cruise. You'll spend the night in Istanbul.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise. Fly to Cappadocia
This morning we'll take a 1 hour cruise along the Bosphorous River to take a view of the city from this narrow straight of water which separates Europe from Asia, along the way your guide will give you an overview of the historical sights as you pass by.

This afternoon we'll take a short flight to Kayseri and onwards by a short road transfer to Cappadocia. This magical place has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. Its unique landscape is made up of hundreds of volcanic rock formations in strange and peculiar shapes.
| OVERNIGHT: Cappadocia boutique hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Carpet Weaving Village visit
A day filled with fascinating cultural experiences awaits us. We visit the Goreme Open Air Musuem, one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. It is comprised of a series of monasteries and churches hewn into the rock formations, many still retaining beautiful colour paintings and frescoes.
We also see the fairy chimneys at Pasabag and the grand Uchisar Castle. Later, we visit a traditional carpet village. Carpet weaving has an important place in Turkish tradition, and we are able to see how they are made and valued.
In the evening, there is an optional folklore evening featuring belly dancers, a memorable way to end off the day.
| OVERNIGHT: Cappadocia boutique hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Kaymakli Underground City, Silk Road, stop at Sultan Hani Caravansary, Mevlana Museum in Konya
Today we visit the mazes and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City. We then travel along the famous ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We stop at the Sultan Hani Caravansary.
In ancient times, a caravansary was a roadside inn where travellers were able to stop to rest and recover from their journeys. The Sultani Hani Caranvansary is one of the biggest in the world and stopping here will give you a sense of what travellers back then might have experienced.
When we reach Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of the world-renowned poet and philosopher Jalaluddin Rumi. We also make a trip to the 12th-century Aladdin Mosque.
| OVERNIGHT: Konya 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Today we head towards the famous travertines and hot springs of Pamukkale. This magical natural site is a bucket-list destination and is visited by around 2 million people each year. The white limestone cascades and bright blue pools contrast beautifully, and are aptly known as a cotton castle.
We also visit more famous and fascinating ancient historical sites. We see the ruins of Hierapolis, known as the “Sacred City” due to its temples and religious sites. The theatre here is well-preserved and is wonderful to see.
The enormous Necropolis, or cemetery, is also accessible. We also visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an ancient site dedicated to the famous Greek God of healing, medicine, music, and poetry.
| OVERNIGHT: Pamukkale 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 7: Laodicea, Kusadasi
Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
| OVERNIGHT: Kusadasi boutique hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: City of Ephesus
Today we visit another ancient city. Ephesus is extremely well-preserved, and much of the ruins have been excavated and restored. You are therefore able to walk and stroll through the city much as the original inhabitants would have done, giving you a wonderful insight into the past.
We visit another carpet weaving village, before departing for Athens from Izmir Airport.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 9: Athens (free day)
Today you have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure. This legendary city is the capital of modern Greece, and was the historical capital of Europe. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, overflowing with landmarks dedicated to mythology and philosophy.
Explore at your leisure, taking the opportunity to visit sites and places that will not be covered on the next day’s guided tour.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 10: Guided Athens tour
Today we go on a city tour of Athens. We visit the essential sites of this extraordinary city: from the Panathenaic Stadium to the iconic Acropolis, from the Temple of Zeus to Hadrian’s Arch to the Parnethon. The temples and ruins will transport you back in time and fill you with a sense of wonder.
We will also pass by some of the more modern sites, including the University, the Academy, the Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and the National Library.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 11: Corinth Canal Crossing, City of Mycenae
We start off the day by crossing the Corinth Canal, one of the smallest canals in the world. It separates the Greek mainland from the Pelopponese Peninsula.
We also visit Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece. This enormous fortified citadel was the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation, a key ancient civilisation in history. Highlights at the site include the tomb of
Agamemnon, who was King of Mycenae; Cyclopean walls and masonry; the famous Lion Gate; and many royal tombs.
We then head towards Nafplio, a beautiful seaside town, where we spend the night
| OVERNIGHT: Nafplion 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 12: City of Olympia, Rio-Antirio Bridge Crossing
Today we head to Olympia, which is the place where the Olympic Games were founded. We visit the Ancient Stadium, where the ancient games were once held.
We stop at the Archaeological Museum, where we can see one of the most famous statutes in the world, Hermes of Praxiteles. Later in the day, we cross the Rio-Antirio Bridge, a much more modern structure than many we have encountered thus far! It is one of the world’s longest cable-stayed bridges. We arrive in Delphi.
| OVERNIGHT: Delphi 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Delphi
Today we explore Delphi, another important site of ancient Greece. This was once known as the centre of the ancient world, and the shrine of the god Apollo. Here we see the remains of Apollo’s Temple, as well as the Sanctuary of Athena, who was the oracle of Delphi.
The magnificent mountain setting adds an extra dimension to the Delphi experience. We also stop at the Castalian Spring, which was used in ancient times to clean the temple and purify those who came there.
We then travel through the scenic traditional villages of central Greece on our way to the city of Kalambaka.
| OVERNIGHT: Kalambaka 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Meteora Tour, Journey back to Athens
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. This unique and awe-inspiring place is made up of striking rock formations that stand out dramatically against the landscape.
Ancient Christian monasteries are found perched atop and among the formations, some still in use by nuns and monks today. The views and the interiors of the monasteries are captivating to see.
We begin the journey back to Athens. En-route, we pass by Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae. We stop to see the Leonidas Monument, a statue that exists in honour of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for his last stand against the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 15: Tour ends
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. We enjoy breakfast in Athens before you are transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Athens - post-tour

Day 1: Tour starts in Istanbul
Your 15-day adventure starts off with your arrival in Istanbul. One of the most fascinating and grand cities in the world, Istanbul is rich with culture and history.
Uniquely located at the junction of Europe and Asia, it is filled with winding streets, friendly people, and many architectural marvels. You are transferred to your hotel, and have the rest of the day to yourself.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul 4-star hotel
| MEALS: None
| EXTRAS: Single room supplement (TUSGTG), Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour

Day 2: Tour of Istanbul Old City
We start the day exploring the historical part of Istanbul known as the Old City. You visit some of the most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Blue Mosque, the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the intriguing Topkapi Palace and the historic Hippodrome.
You also get to enjoy the quintessential Istanbul experience of cruising down the Bosphorus, the mighty river that links the two continents. This is available in the form of a half-day Bosphorus cruise. You'll spend the night in Istanbul.
| OVERNIGHT: Istanbul 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise. Fly to Cappadocia
This morning we'll take a 1 hour cruise along the Bosphorous River to take a view of the city from this narrow straight of water which separates Europe from Asia, along the way your guide will give you an overview of the historical sights as you pass by.

This afternoon we'll take a short flight to Kayseri and onwards by a short road transfer to Cappadocia. This magical place has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. Its unique landscape is made up of hundreds of volcanic rock formations in strange and peculiar shapes.
| OVERNIGHT: Cappadocia boutique hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Carpet Weaving Village visit
A day filled with fascinating cultural experiences awaits us. We visit the Goreme Open Air Musuem, one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. It is comprised of a series of monasteries and churches hewn into the rock formations, many still retaining beautiful colour paintings and frescoes.
We also see the fairy chimneys at Pasabag and the grand Uchisar Castle. Later, we visit a traditional carpet village. Carpet weaving has an important place in Turkish tradition, and we are able to see how they are made and valued.
In the evening, there is an optional folklore evening featuring belly dancers, a memorable way to end off the day.
| OVERNIGHT: Cappadocia boutique hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Kaymakli Underground City, Silk Road, stop at Sultan Hani Caravansary, Mevlana Museum in Konya
Today we visit the mazes and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City. We then travel along the famous ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We stop at the Sultan Hani Caravansary.
In ancient times, a caravansary was a roadside inn where travellers were able to stop to rest and recover from their journeys. The Sultani Hani Caranvansary is one of the biggest in the world and stopping here will give you a sense of what travellers back then might have experienced.
When we reach Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of the world-renowned poet and philosopher Jalaluddin Rumi. We also make a trip to the 12th-century Aladdin Mosque.
| OVERNIGHT: Konya 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Today we head towards the famous travertines and hot springs of Pamukkale. This magical natural site is a bucket-list destination and is visited by around 2 million people each year. The white limestone cascades and bright blue pools contrast beautifully, and are aptly known as a cotton castle.
We also visit more famous and fascinating ancient historical sites. We see the ruins of Hierapolis, known as the “Sacred City” due to its temples and religious sites. The theatre here is well-preserved and is wonderful to see.
The enormous Necropolis, or cemetery, is also accessible. We also visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an ancient site dedicated to the famous Greek God of healing, medicine, music, and poetry.
| OVERNIGHT: Pamukkale 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 7: Laodicea, Kusadasi
Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
| OVERNIGHT: Kusadasi boutique hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: City of Ephesus
Today we visit another ancient city. Ephesus is extremely well-preserved, and much of the ruins have been excavated and restored. You are therefore able to walk and stroll through the city much as the original inhabitants would have done, giving you a wonderful insight into the past.
We visit another carpet weaving village, before departing for Athens from Izmir Airport.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 9: Athens (free day)
Today you have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure. This legendary city is the capital of modern Greece, and was the historical capital of Europe. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, overflowing with landmarks dedicated to mythology and philosophy.
Explore at your leisure, taking the opportunity to visit sites and places that will not be covered on the next day’s guided tour.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 10: Guided Athens tour
Today we go on a city tour of Athens. We visit the essential sites of this extraordinary city: from the Panathenaic Stadium to the iconic Acropolis, from the Temple of Zeus to Hadrian’s Arch to the Parnethon. The temples and ruins will transport you back in time and fill you with a sense of wonder.
We will also pass by some of the more modern sites, including the University, the Academy, the Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and the National Library.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 11: Corinth Canal Crossing, City of Mycenae
We start off the day by crossing the Corinth Canal, one of the smallest canals in the world. It separates the Greek mainland from the Pelopponese Peninsula.
We also visit Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece. This enormous fortified citadel was the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation, a key ancient civilisation in history. Highlights at the site include the tomb of
Agamemnon, who was King of Mycenae; Cyclopean walls and masonry; the famous Lion Gate; and many royal tombs.
We then head towards Nafplio, a beautiful seaside town, where we spend the night
| OVERNIGHT: Nafplion 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 12: City of Olympia, Rio-Antirio Bridge Crossing
Today we head to Olympia, which is the place where the Olympic Games were founded. We visit the Ancient Stadium, where the ancient games were once held.
We stop at the Archaeological Museum, where we can see one of the most famous statutes in the world, Hermes of Praxiteles. Later in the day, we cross the Rio-Antirio Bridge, a much more modern structure than many we have encountered thus far! It is one of the world’s longest cable-stayed bridges. We arrive in Delphi.
| OVERNIGHT: Delphi 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Delphi
Today we explore Delphi, another important site of ancient Greece. This was once known as the centre of the ancient world, and the shrine of the god Apollo. Here we see the remains of Apollo’s Temple, as well as the Sanctuary of Athena, who was the oracle of Delphi.
The magnificent mountain setting adds an extra dimension to the Delphi experience. We also stop at the Castalian Spring, which was used in ancient times to clean the temple and purify those who came there.
We then travel through the scenic traditional villages of central Greece on our way to the city of Kalambaka.
| OVERNIGHT: Kalambaka 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Meteora Tour, Journey back to Athens
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. This unique and awe-inspiring place is made up of striking rock formations that stand out dramatically against the landscape.
Ancient Christian monasteries are found perched atop and among the formations, some still in use by nuns and monks today. The views and the interiors of the monasteries are captivating to see.
We begin the journey back to Athens. En-route, we pass by Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae. We stop to see the Leonidas Monument, a statue that exists in honour of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for his last stand against the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae.
| OVERNIGHT: Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS: Breakfast

Day 15: Tour ends
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. We enjoy breakfast in Athens before you are transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
| OVERNIGHT: N/A
| MEALS: Breakfast
| EXTRAS: Extra day in Athens - post-tour