Explore the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of Istanbul and delve into the scenery and rich historic legacy of the country. Marvel at Turkey’s beautiful coastline, and treasured icons, and experience legendary Turkish hospitality. See the ancient city of Ephesus, where you can see some of Turkey’s finest ancient ruins. On this epic Greece tour package, explore the landmarks of archaeological sites of ancient Athens, including the temples of the Acropolis. Relax and gaze upon the pristine white-sand beaches of the beautiful islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
Contact us to inquire about this trip
You can request to book this tour privately, travelling only with people you know.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ISTANBUL
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. A welcome briefing will be held.
Accommodation at the Conrad, Istanbul, or similar
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Enjoy a full-day tour including a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding the harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th-century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.
Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Conrad, Istanbul, or similar
DAY 3: GALLIPOLI > DARDANELLES > CANAKKALE
In the morning, drive to Tekirdağ city and visit Barbare Vineyard. We’ll be informed about winemaking, tour the vineyard and taste some wines. Then depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, then overnight near Gallipoli. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Kolin, Canakkale, or similar
DAY 4: TROY > PERGAMUM > IZMIR
Cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale and visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving in Asclepion, enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village. Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to İzmir overnight. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at the Swissotel Grand Efes, İzmir, or similar
DAY 5: EPHESUS & ST. MARY’S HOUSE > IZMIR
Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2,000-year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Swissotel Grand Efes, İzmir, or similar
DAY 6: IZMIR > BODRUM
After breakfast drive to Bodrum to visit the castle of St.Peter and the renowned Underwater Museum that was awarded the best Underwater Museum in the World in the 2000s. Overnight in Bodrum. Meals: B
Accommodation at Ramada Resort, Bodrum, or similar
DAY 7: BODRUM > MARMARIS
After breakfast, depart for Marmaris. Overnight in Marmaris. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Elite World Hotel, Marmaris, or similar
DAY 8: MARMARIS > RHODES
Morning transfer to the port for hydrofoil trip to Rhodes, Greece. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Mediterranean Hotel, Rhodes, or similar
DAY 9: RHODES
A day of leisure; you may visit Old Rhodes or take an optional tour to Lindos. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Mediterranean Hotel, Rhodes, or similar
DAY 10: RHODES > SANTORINI
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Santorini (not included). Arrival and transfer to your hotel overnight. Meals: B
Accommodation at the El Greco Hotel & Resort, Santorini, or similar
DAY 11: SANTORINI
A free day to visit one of the many villages of Santorini, perched on top of the volcano, or enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon on the beach. Meals: B
Accommodation at the El Greco Hotel & Resort, Santorini, or similar
DAY 12: SANTORINI > MYKONOS
Transfer to the pier for a hydrofoil or ferry ride to Mykonos. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the nightlife of Mykonos. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Petasos Beach Hotel, Mykonos, or similar
DAY 13: MYKONOS
Explore the many beaches of Mykonos and absorb the ambiance of this Cycladic Island during this day at leisure. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Petasos Beach Hotel, Mykonos, or similar
DAY 14: MYKONOS > ATHENS
Morning is free. Board a ferry to Athens. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an Optional: dinner with folklore dancing or visit the quaint Plaka area. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Electra Palace, Athens, or similar
DAY 15: ATHENS
Tour Athens’ famed Acropolis with its breathtaking view and renowned Parthenon, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum. On your own, explore the Plaka with its open-air taverns and traditional shops. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Electra Palace, Athens, or similar
DAY 16: ATHENS DEPARTURE
Today a representative escorts you to the airport for the flight home. Meals: B