greece and turkey travel

Greece & Turkey: Athens, Greek Islands Cruise & Istanbul

15 days   |   18 days with Cappadocia & Istanbul extension

3 out of 5 stars

Get a taste of East and West by way of two cultural powerhouses.

The Athenians and the Ottomans. The Spartans and the Seljuks. Over the centuries, Greece and Turkey have indelibly influenced world history and culture. This 15-day tour introduces you to their biggest hits and hidden highlights—from Athens to Istanbul over the Aegean’s blue waves. Cruise from the Greek capital to the Turkish coast via the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes. Spend some time in beautifully preserved Ephesus before finishing with the bookends of the Ottoman Empire: its first and final capitals of Bursa and Istanbul. Want to add more landscapes to all that art and architecture? Cover Cappadocia on this trip’s extension.

Your tour package includes

• 10 nights in handpicked hotels
• 3 nights aboard a Greek island cruise ship
• 13 breakfasts
• 7 dinners with beer or wine
• 1 wine & food pairing
• 8 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Directors & local guides
• Private deluxe motor coach

Included highlights

• Windmills in Mykonos Town
• Santorini’s Oia village
• Rhodes’ walled Old Town
• Urla Peninsula wine tasting
• Ephesus Archeological Site
• Bursa’s Green Mosque
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cistern
• Topkapı Palace

Overnight Flight 1 night

Day 1: travel day.

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens 3 nights

Day 2: arrival in athens.

Included meal : Welcome dinner

Welcome to Greece! Land in Athens, Europe’s oldest capital city and “the cradle of Western civilization.” Transfer to your hotel and relax for a while before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner, served with your choice of beer or wine.

Start planning today

Our travel experts are here to help.

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Wyndham Grand Athens

This elegant hotel is located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood of Athens. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Acropolis, a fitness center, and a rooftop restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Temple of Hephaestus, the National...

This modern cruise ship sails the Aegean Sea and features spacious cabins, gourmet meals, an outdoor pool, a beauty salon, daily activities, nightly shows, and more.

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kusadasi

This comfortable hotel is located just outside of the Kusadasi City Center. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, a private beach area, and a fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Kusadasi Grand Bazaar, Kusadasi Castle, and a...

Çelik Palas Hotel Convention Center & Thermal Spa

This world-class hotel is located in Bursa. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and sauna. Nearby you’ll find the Ataturk Museum, the Resat Oyal Culture Park, and the Bursa Archaeological Museum.

Grand Hotel Gülsoy

This lavish hotel is located in the center of old Istanbul. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, a Turkish bath, and bicycle rentals. Nearby, you’ll find the Historical Old Bazaar, Sarachane Park, and the Süleymaniye Mosque.

Dinler Hotels - Ürgüp

This contemporary hotel is located in Cappadocia. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a Turkish bath, and laundry services. Nearby, you’ll find the Zelve Open Air Museum and the Karanlik Kilise.

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

• Aboard the M/V Gemini , you’ll enjoy multiple dining and entertainment options, a swimming pool, gym, and library. See a detailed summary of the ship’s deck plan on their website .
• All cabins on this tour are standard cabins with a view of the water and come equipped with air conditioning, a telephone, hair dryer, safe, and television.
• In order to enter Greece and Turkey, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• There is no visa required to enter Turkey for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GTR.
• You will walk for about two hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets, dirt paths, wooden platforms, and some hills and steps.
• You should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide ongoing assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• You will have two separate Tour Directors on this tour: one for Greece and one for Turkey.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Athens and depart from Istanbul. When you first arrive, a representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If you don’t see them, please remain in the arrival lounge: They might be escorting one of your fellow travelers.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who’ve purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchased their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• A three-night Greek Islands cruise is included in the price of your tour.
• A round-trip flight between Istanbul and either Kayseri or Nevşehir is included in the price of the tour extension.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches, ferries, flights, and other modes of transportation.
• Contact your airline(s) for the luggage restrictions for your itinerary. Please note that on-tour flights may have tighter size and weight limits than your round-trip airfare to and from tour.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any bags or exceed their size and weight restrictions. Be advised: You’re responsible for any luggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Churches, mosques, and other religious sites require visitors to cover bare legs and shoulders; you may be denied entry on this basis. Women should bring a light scarf or a head covering.
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov , for the latest updates and entry requirements.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour, as well as any possible delays you may encounter.
• Please note that codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country.
• Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may be banned in Turkey. Importing these drugs can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in Turkey.
• If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging into your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful, as are dishes centered on grilled fish, meat, squid, and octopus. One of our favorite plates? Spanakopita—a savory mix of spinach, cheese, and seasonings, wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to crisp perfection.
• In Turkey, breakfast typically consists of sourdough bread with sheep’s cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey. A midday meal or dinner often starts with a meze: a plate of varied appetizers like cheesy pastry rolls, pickled vegetables, and potato fritters. On the coast, fish is an excellent choice, especially tuna, turbot, and sardines. Carnivores should try the lamb kebab: Prepared in a variety of ways and served with different sauces and dressings, it’s sure to satisfy. And while tea is the national drink, be sure to try Turkish coffee. This strong brew is prepared with ultra-fine coffee grounds and spices like cardamom, resulting in a rich, aromatic drink. (Sip slowly, though: It’s served unfiltered!)
• Greece and Turkey operate on the European standard of 220–240 volts and use Type C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or any device without one built in.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it’s usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Greece and Turkey are two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Please note that Turkey does not observe daylight saving time.
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour.
• You’ll use the euro in Greece and the Turkish lira in Turkey.
• Better exchange rates are usually available overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. You can also use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10–$12USD per person, per day for your Tour Director, and the equivalent of $3USD per person, per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you’re on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for it to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See the last page of your tour itinerary for more information.

Select tour date

Overall rating based on 7 traveler reviews

Showing 1 - 6 of 7 traveler reviews

5 out of 5 stars

8th-time traveler Louise, traveled in Aug 2024

I like meeting people of different cultures different food different way of living and just to relax and do nothing

4th-time traveler David, traveled in May 2024

Absolutely spectacular adventure, in so many ways. The physical venues, ancient ruins, gorgeous mountains and valleys. Beautiful architecture, centuries old. All with stories of rising and falling empires. How can you describe such an epic journey in promotional materials? An... Read more of Wow

1st-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in May 2024

We had a very enjoyable time with our guide, Rob, in Greece. He shared his knowledge which was extensive but I didn’t feel like we had an opportunity to be immersed in the Greek culture. The dinner experiences after our first might were mediocre and I didn’t feel like we... Read more of Tours and Guides: Great; EF Go Ahead: Poor

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback about your recent Greece & Turkey experience. While we are pleased to hear that you enjoyed... Read more of the response to Tours and Guides: Great; EF Go Ahead: Poor

2 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Thomas, traveled in May 2024

I have tried to complete my review but was unable to correct some of what I had written so I submit the following. The ship we were we assigned to, MIRAY MV GEMINI was 32 years old, in poor condition for passengers and gave me the feeling that E F had made cost cutting... Read more of Greece / Turkey Go Ahead Tours 5/15 to 6/2/24

Thomas, thank you for your review. We are happy to hear your Tour Director and experience in Turkey were wonderful! We do apologize about... Read more of the response to Greece / Turkey Go Ahead Tours 5/15 to 6/2/24

2nd-time traveler Varonica, traveled in May 2024

Go to Athen Greece was a lot of walking if you’re not in physical condition as a senior, it will be hard for you to keep up with the Tour Guide. Michalos was OK but Santorino was a waste of time. Istanbul was good but you didn’t have enough free time to shop on your own. Our... Read more of To much walking for seniors citizens

Hi Varonica, Thank you for your feedback. We strive to create itineraries that balance free time and guided activities, allowing travelers... Read more of the response to To much walking for seniors citizens

1 out of 5 stars

4th-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Aug 2024

The pros: -Both tour directors, John and Mehmet, were amazing! -The hotels in Turkey were great. -The time in Turkey was well-balanced between guided and free time, although only because our director allowed the excursions to happen The cons: -The hotel in Athens was nice but... Read more of Not worth time or money

Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We’re happy to hear that both John and Mehmet made a positive impact on your trip and that... Read more of the response to Not worth time or money

• Greece and Turkey

Greece and Turkey Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Located on the eastern edge of Europe, both Turkey and Greece are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Popular with travelers for their beautiful weather, stunning coastlines along the Lycian Way, and amazing architecture and ruins at Delos and Ephesus, Turkey and Greece are a match made in heaven for a dual-nation tour. Taking a combined tour of these two neighboring countries offers visitors the opportunity to dive into two ancient, but distinct cultures, sights and foods.

Showing  32 Trips in Greece and Turkey  with 62 Reviews

Greece and turkey tour reviews, greece and turkey — tour highlights and travel tips.

Tour Highlights

• Head for an Aegean escape starting in Kusadasi . Combine the relaxing natural beach landscapes of Santorini with the small-town island charm of Mykonos, all while weaving in historical sites from across the two nations. Marvel at the Acropolis or enjoy the mecca of Ancient Greece on the island of Delos on a Greece and Turkey tour that marries culture and history.
• Gaze at the wonders of the Mediterranean by hopping across the stunning Greek islands and taking in the incredible architectures and temples that have stood for millennia at Delos and Samos. Travel via ferry between the sun-drenched and historic isles of Santorini and Mykonos, before journeying across to Kusadasi in Turkey.
• Commence your 15-day of cycling tour on the stunning Greek island of Rhodes, before tracing the coastline around Turkey on an active Greek and Turkey tour. Discover Turkish cuisine in Patara, visit the ancient city of Myra, where the tour gets biblical, and keep yourself inspired as you gazer out across the turquoise sea.
• A classic escorted tour of Greece and Turkey can hit all the hotspots from the naturally occurring geological wonders of Pamukkale to the historic ruins of Athens and Ephesus. Explore the natural landscapes, learn more about history, or just kick back and relax on the beach.
• For one of the best cultural tours in Greece and Turkey, follow a historical and biblical Greek and Turkey tour that winds through towns and cities of the past. Learn about the ancient art of carpet weaving, see the Temple of Apollo, and wander the hallowed and famous steps along the Silk Road.

Travel Tips

• One of the best ways to get around Turkey and Greece is by boat. As there are so many islands and huge stretches of coastline, the water is the way forward.
• Although there are a lot of ATMs in main towns and cities, many small businesses and restaurants still do not accept cards, especially for small purchases like coffee.
• Despite the reputation that Greece and Turkey have for scorching weather, the winter months are drastically colder, with Turkey receiving snowfall in its prominent ski resorts.
• Most travelers can visit Greece visa-free, but not Turkey. So make sure you apply for a Turkey visa well in advance.

Recommended Duration for a Greece and Turkey Tour

To enjoy the best combined tour of Greece and Turkey, we recommend setting aside at least 14 days. The duration affords you ample opportunity to live out your Mamma Mia fantasies on Mykonos, explore the ruins of Ephesus , stretch your legs on the Lycian Way, and chill out on the beaches of Santorini.

Best Times to go on a Greece and Turkey Tour

The best times to visit Greece and Turkey are in either April-May, or September-November. This way you can avoid the oppressive heat and crowds of the summer months. Also, a lot of coastal businesses and resorts shut down in the low season (November-March) due to the lack of tourism, so it is best to avoid this period unless you are visiting a ski resort in Turkey.

FAQs for Greece and Turkey Tour

Is it easy traveling between Greece and Turkey? It is relatively easy to travel between Greece and Turkey, with plenty of ferries going between Greek islands and the Turkish mainland. If you are traveling from the Greek mainland, you can either fly, drive, or take one of the many regular buses. Unfortunately, there is no longer a train route between the two countries.

How do I arrange a visa for a combined Greece and Turkey tour? Greece is in the Schengen Zone so many nationals, including the US, Canadian and Australian, can enter the country and stay for up to 90 days. You will, however, need a visa to enter Turkey. As Turkey has an e-visa service, you can apply online before you travel to the country.

How long is the ferry between Greece and Turkey? Depending whereabouts in Greece you are departing from, ferries to Turkey can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Of course, some of the Greek islands are much closer to the Turkish mainland than others, and some have more established routes that may be faster and more regular.

Tours in Greece and Turkey - Questions and Answers

• What is the best time to visit Turkey?
• What should I pack to travel to Greece?
• How many days should I spend on a visit to Turkey?
• Where should I visit in Turkey as a first time visitor?
• Are credit cards accepted in Greece?
• Do people in Greece speak English?

We use cookies to analyze traffic and give you personalized content and ads. It's an essential part of giving you a great site experience. Click on the 'Accept' button if you agree with our use of tracking and analytical cookies. Please refer to our  Cookie Policy  for more information.

Flavours Of Turkey And Greece -i-

Athens and 7 Nights Greek Islands Cruise

Classic Turkey & Greek Islands

Classical Greece And Turkey With 3 Days Cruise

Best Of Greece And Turkey With 3-day Cruise

Best Of Turkey And Greece With Island Hopping

Colours of Mediterranean Tour

Aegean Odyssey Tour

Istanbul to Athens - 14 days

Istanbul to Athens Explorer

Diamonds of Mediterranean Tour

Rome Athens and Istanbul City Package

Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands in Depth

Athens, Peloponnese and Turkish Tour

Shceduled Tour Packages Turkey you can click for more tours

Turkey Package Tours you can click for more tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of Turkey with our curated tour packages. Experience the allure of Turkey's diverse landscapes and cultural wonders with our meticulously crafted tour programs. Discover the magic of Turkey as our expertly designed tour packages take you on a captivating odyssey. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Turkey with our thoughtfully curated tours, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Greece Package Tours you can click for more tours

Explore the timeless charm of Greece through our captivating tour packages, carefully curated for an enchanting experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Greece as our thoughtfully designed tours invite you to discover its rich history and stunning locales. Embark on a journey of a lifetime with our Greece tour packages, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge for an unforgettable adventure.

Greece & Turkey Combined Package Tours you can click for more tours

Immerse in the perfect fusion of history and beauty with our Greece & Turkey Combined Tours. Discover the allure of two nations in one seamless journey with our Combined Greece & Turkey Packages. Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with our concise Greece & Turkey Combined Tours.

Popular Turkey & Greece Daily Tours

Turkish TV Dramas Location Tours you can click for more tours

Turkey is the 22nd country i have visited and explored and i cant express enought about the excellent service i recieved from www.greeceturkeytours.com. I spent a total of 10 days exploring this wonderful country on their Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour a...

• Ms Joanne Porter

We ventured to Turkey for 8 days and by doing so we took part of www.greeceturkeytours.com Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour, the reason we selected this trip was that it was covering all of the destinations we wished to see and have wanted to see for a whi...

• Mrs Harris & family

My name is Helen and i booked online with www.greeceturkeytours.com to attend the Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour. My family and i joined on this package tour in August just gone, it was a wonderful arranged trip for us. I was very satisfed with the servi...

• Miss Helen Brookes

This travel agency www.greeceturkeytours.com and main contact Vedat made our time and experience in Turkey pleasant and stress free, we also really appreciated the fact that vedat was available to contact 24/7 from the moment of requesting to book, throughout the whole Istanbul -...

• Mr Damien Hollins & Mrs Pippa Hollins

Our trip to Turkey was our second trip and this time we opted for a planned package tour, specifically one that would involve seeing some of the sights we hadnt yet seen and thats why the Istanbul Ephesus & Pamukkale Package tour was ideal for us. We saw the Istanbul Ephesus & Pa...

• Miss Sarah Beff

Recently just been on this 6 day Istanbul - Cappadocia package tour that i had booked with www.greeceturkeytours.com and oh wow i loved every single moment spent on each day. Vedat from this agency helped me to put together the perfect intinerary for what i was looking for and mo...

• Mr Paul Rodgers

www.greeceturkeytours.com is were we came across this Istanbul Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour which was 6 days long - perfect for us as we only had 6 days free from work to head away. The city of Istanbul is massive and there is so much to see we felt like we wouldnt be able to...

• Mr Andrew Lewis & Miss Charlotte Bailey

Thankyou to www.greeceturkeytours.com especially Mehmet who put together this 6 day turkey tour by bus for me and my wife back in July. Those 6 days were filled with fun, learning, culture, history and most of all we got to make new friends along the way. Me and wife have always ...

• Mr Kenneth Hilton & Mrs Lucy Hilton

The best vacation for us in a very long time! This 6 day turkey tour package provided by www.greeceturkeytours.com really is something else, it caters for everyone and anyone. Includes amazing sight seeing, history, culture, road tripping through the countryside and all of which ...

• Mrs Leanne Hulme & Mr Antony Hulme

My husband and i had a awesome time on our Istanbul Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour for so many reasons! Everything from transfers - hotels - tours & our tour guide was exceptional, i can easily say that our Istanbul Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour is one of the best package to...

• Mrs June Rigby & Mr Ian Rigby

If your looking for tour planned and organised just the way you want it which includes seing some of Turkey most touristic places then look no further as www.greeceturkeytours.com is the way forward. From the very first contact with Mehmet he was fast in responding to our emails ...

• Mrs & Mr Robinson

My family and I experienced a wonderful private excursion of Rhodes and Lindos with our guide Paris. Paris was knowledgeable, informative, patient and took us to places we hadn’t experienced on our last visit to Rhodes. Highly recommend them.

If you have 12 days free in your calendar and wandering how to spend it then look no further and get yourselves booked on the Discover Turkey package with www.greeceturkeytours.com as thats exactly what we did and it was the best thing we did. Had an absolutely fantastic time, pe...

• joshua barker & kayleigh lowe

The 10 days Turkey tour by bus package we attended on was fully accompained by one of the most best, knowledgable and most wonderful tour guide i have ever come across in my entire time of travelling the world. During the 10 day turkey tour by bus package you travel along the mos...

• Mr Neil Brookes

Yeliz (Tour Guide) and Unal (Driver) took us on a day trip of Ephesus on 5 April 2018. They were early and picked us up from Izmir Airport and were professional and friendly. Yeliz had no trouble answering our questions and knew all the best spots to take photos! Unal was a very ...

I came across www.greeceturkeytours.com whilst scrolling the internet for a package tour to and around Turkey and firstly i was a bit hesitant to contact just because it was all a new concept for me as i normally fix everything for my holiday myself however i took the plunge and ...

• Miss Samantha Mcdonald

Everything went perfect during our time on our trip to Istanbul Cappadocia Pamukkale and Ephesus by Bus 7 day package tour from the transportation from location to location, hotel accomodation and especially the planned tour itinerary all of which was arranged with Vedat from www...

• Mr & Mrs Stanley

Normally when i go travelling i prefer to book in a resort and stay in one place as i love to just kick back and relax, but this time around i wanted to experience something different. I got in touch with an agency called www.greeceturkeytours.com and told them that i was looking...

• Mr Nicholas Bloor

My wife and i decided to book on the Istanbul - Cappadocia - Antalya & Fethiye cruise package tour that we had found at www.greecturkeytours.com after seeing many great reviews from others. What grabbed our attention of the Istanbul - Cappadocia - Antalya & Fethiye cruise package...

• Mrs Dayna & Mr Ryan Cohen

What a perfect trip i have just got back from and really opened my eyes to the beauty within Turkey! We visited Turkey on a Istanbul - Cappadocia - Antalya & Fethiye cruise package tour as the idea of the package was a really interesting concept, we loved the idea of been able to...

• Mr Ashley porter

Back in August i took part on a 9 Day Turkey Tour by bus package i had found with the agency www.greeceturkeytours.com after a good chat with Mehmet, i chose this specific 9 day turkey tour by bus package due to the price but also because of the places it would be visiting such a...

• Mr Richard Dale

Me and my sister have literally just got back from our trip in Turkey, we opted for the option of Istanbul Cappadocia & Antalya 7 day budget package tour as in the itinerary it had everything we wanted to see and also the price for us was great too. My sister and me are great fan...

• Miss Emily Briand & Miss Katie Jackson

Me and my friend were on a budget for our holiday which was quite tricky as we really wanted to go discovering Turkey and as much of the country as possible, we tried our chance by emailing the team at www.greeceturkeytours.com to see if they had anything suitable within our budg...

• Miss Kirsty Goldstraw & Miss Rachel Whyte

Recently visited Turkey and amazing places such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Aphrodisia, followed by Ephesus and then the cute resort of Kusadasi and all of these places we got to explore by taking part on a 10 day turkey tour by bus we had arranged with www.greeceturkeyto...

• susan holdcroft

Me and a group of about 8 friends contacted Vedat from www.greeceturkeytours.com explaining to him that we had a limited budget but at the same time wanted to explore as many sights in Turkey as possible, as we was a group it took time for everyone to agree on what places we want...

• Kirsty Jackson

If you are on a budget and want to explore some great sights in Turkey then this Istanbul Cappadocia & Antalya 7 day budget package tour is an ideal choice of trips. I picked this package as i have always wanted to visit Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya as i heard about these place...

• Mr Simon Gates

I highly recommend anyone who is looking for a holiday with a difference to get in touch with www.greeceturkeytours.com and join on the fantastic 11 days turkey tour by bus package as thats exactly what me and my wife did after reading such great things about the agency and other...

• Mr Pinefold

I can not express enough how much of an amazing time we spent in Istanbul on our Istanbul package 5 day program that was arranged with mehmet from www.greeceturkeytours.com. The whole Istanbul package 5 day program was filled with amazing hotels, very interesting tours that were ...

• Ms Jane Cartlidge

In all honesty i never really take the time to sit and post reviews about anything, however after recieving such excellent service from www.greeceturkeytours.com i had to be sure to share my opinion on such an outstanding agency as a whole. This 9 day turkey tour by bus package i...

• Miss Jennifer Snell

A group of us have just come back from a 7 day turkey tour by bus package holiday that we had recently booked with www.greeceturkeytours.com after been recommended by a friend of ours. We recieved excellent service from everyone at greeceturkeytours.com in and behind the scenes, ...

• Rebecca Booth

Firstly wanted to say that overall our whole Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour was excellent from the very start i would even say even from the very first point of contacting with www.greeceturkeytours.com and speaking to mehmet. On our first day we arrived...

• Mrs Emma Burrows

We just returned from our marvellous 7 day turkey tour by flight package holiday from www.greeceturkeytours.com, that we had booked with Vedat and its very fair to say that they did a fantastic job arranging and sorting all the accommodations, tours and transport for us. Our tour...

• Mrs Elizabeth Carr & Family

After spending time on the 11 days turkey tour by bus i can very easily say how beautiful of a country Turkey is and how i wished i had been before but what i can say is it wont be my last time in such a gorgeous country. All the tours in the 11 days turkey tour by bus package ra...

• Mrs Sharon Dome

I was recommended this Istanbul Cappadocia & Antalya 7 day budget package tour after speaking to mr vedat from www.greeceturkeytours.com, i had been searching on their agency page and really liked the look of the trips they had however with been a student i did have a certain bud...

• Andrea Cole
• Mrs Elizabeth Carr & family

A few years ago i travelled to turkey and while i was there i heard so many people talk about many places that are a must see, and that information stayed with me for a long time until i finally decided i wanted to take the chance and delve into some of Turkey's history. A relati...

• Thomas Barr

I chose www.greeceturkeytours.com following the amount of positive reviews i had heard and seen about their package tours and also daily tours they offer. After talking with mehmet i decided to book a place on their Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus & Pamukkale packge tour. Having had ...

• Mr Gareth Wilson & Family

As i am a solo traveller i wanted specific sights to see and days and i was struggling to find an agency to accomodate my request, so when i came across www.greeceturkeytours.com and informed them of what i was looking for i utterly surprised and pleased that they could accomodat...

• Ms Barbara Wakefield

So on very short notice i contacted with www.greeceturkeytours.com asking them for available packages they had for me that would be around 1 week long but i was wanting something a little different than normal as i love been on the road and seeing various places and thats when Ve...

• Miss Sharon Coleman

We did a the Gallipoli - Troy & Pergamon Daily Package Tour from Istanbul after booking it with mehmet from www.greeceturkeytours.com. We didnt realise the pure scale of the area to cover but with having such a excellent tour guide yeliz it became possible without any rushing or ...

• Mr Marcus Bates & Co

Highly recommend anyone to join on the Gallipoli - Troy & Pergamon daily package tour from Istanbuland when you do ask for Burak as he was our tour guide for the day and he made the day absolutely amazing. Burak made our Gallipoli - Troy & Pergamon daily package tour from istanbu...

• Perkin Family

I booked this Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Bodrum package tour at the last minute with www.greeceturkeytours.com , with it been so last minute i was really surprised by the level of exceptional service i recieved from mehmet and most of all how prompt he was for arranging ev...

• Mr Nathan Banks

Me and my mother are very keen travellers and always love to find a new way to see a country but we always look for options where we can try and blend in with locals so that we can get a real feel for the country we are visiting, so when i came upon this amazing 12 day turkey tou...

• Miss Charlotte Calhourn & Ms Anette Bramble

I had arranged to book this 15 day tour of turkey by bus & blue cruise fethiye to surprise my girlfriend for her birthday as she had always talked about wanting to do something different than the usual beach and hotel stay so when i spoke to vedat from www.greeceturkeytours.com h...

• Mr Aaron Rutter

STOP what your doing and look no further as there is no better agency you can book your holiday with than www.greeceturkeytours.com they have the most loveliest and helpful staff you can find and their tours are absolutely excellent! Me and my boyfriend have not long been back ho...

• Miss Elizabeth Ball & Mr Jason Howards

First timers to Turkey, so when we found this Trend Tours for First Comers to Turkey Package it sounded ideal for us as all the areas covered in the package were luckily all the places we wanted to see so to be able to see them all in one trip to Turkey was excellent for us. We w...

• Mr Alan Hewitt

Fezo was our tour guide for our tours during our Istanbul Package 5 day tour, he was a real pleasure to be around as we found him to be very polite and hospitable with extremel great knowledge of everywhere and everything we saw. We booked our Istanbul Package 5 day program with ...

• Miss Cheryl Lawson

We want to say a big Thankyou to everyone from www.greeceturkeytours.com for providing us a wonderful stay in Istanbul on our Istanbul Package 5 day program just last week, and of course a very special thankyou to our awesome tour guide Fezo for been outstanding, informative but ...

• Mrs & Mr Samson

My partner and i booked our places on Istanbul - Cappadocia - Antalya & Fethiye cruise package tour after alot of searching online, we found this Istanbul - Cappadocia - Antalya & Fethiye cruise package with a tour company called www.greeceturkytours.com. Our trip was booked and ...

• Miss Danielle Law & Mr Phillip Boston

The 12 Days Turkey Tour by Public Bus Package gave excellent coverage of Turkey and its incredible history as well as having the chance to get involved with the locals which was great to try and learn a new language. Burak our tour guide knew everything there was to know about al...

• Mr Terry Ball

Vedat thankyou for all the arrangements you did for me to attend on the Istanbul - Cappadocia Package Tour with my wife, you really did create a memorable experience for us both and of course all in very positive ways. Transfers - Hotels - tours and of course the provided tour gu...

• Mrs Judith Bloom

Where to start with how happy and impressed we was with our Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour that we had planned and booked with www.greeceturkeytours.com not to long ago with mr mehmet. My friend and me heard great comments from close friends and also rel...

• Mr Peter Davies & Mr Michael Tatton

We discovered this little diamond of an agency after having a good look online for turkey packages with a difference, we was wanting to explore different parts of Turkey within the same holiday but also wanted a good cheap fast deal and thats exactly what we got! The 9 day Turkey...

• jane & simon wilson

My husband and i booked a 7 day turkey tour by flight with Vedat from www.greeceturkeytours.com that would take us to visit and discover the wonders of Istanbul - Cappadocia and the Ancient City of Ephesus. Vedat was very helpful and always did his best to accomodate to our needs...

• abigail hudson

My girlfriend and i booked online from www.greeceturkeytours.com with Mr Mehmet for their Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Bodrum package tour that we had seen on their webpage but also because we had heard so many great things about these areas of Turkey and also about this spe...

• Mr Calum Mcguire & Miss Sophie Watts

My family and me did the 7 day Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour during the summer holidays that we had arranged and booked through www.greeceturkeytours.com. We all had a fantastic time and all of that was made possible by Mehmet who sorted out our whole trip ...

• Mr Brian Nelson & Mrs Kath Nelson

We had booked this 14 day turkey tour by bus package through an agency called www.greeceturkeytours.com and commuincated with a lovely man called mehmet, he had excellent commuincation skills as he alway responded to our emails / questions within minutes, he made sure every step ...

• Mr Robert Lloyd

I was in Istanbul and wanted to do a tour away from the city for a change and wandered what would there to be do but also what area would be closest to see to make it a worthwhile trip and thats when i came across Gallipoli - Troy & Pergamon daily package tour on the website www....

• Mrs Louise Potts

What i learnt about my time in Turkey on the Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Bodrum package tour was what an amazing and beautiful country Turkey is! Everywhere you turn thre was something to explore / discover and no matter what it was it certainly gave that wow factor. The to...

• Miss Jackie Carter

My girlfriend and I are looking for a tour to Turkey. She is my best friend and we just want to sightsee and dip into Cleopatra's pool. Tour Aegean Turkey and end it in Istanbul. We are looking at June of 2019. Thank you debbi williams

• Debrah A. Williams

i would like to visit santoni in grecee also.

• subrato banerjee

My friend and i have just got home after taking part on a 15 days tour of turkey by bus & blue cruise package we found at www.greeceturkeytours.com and let me tell you it was an experience to remember and all for great reasons. The 15 days tour of turkey by bus & blue cruise feth...

• Miss Alicia Parks & Miss Isabella Kerr

“Excelente!” Dia excelente, tudo muito bem organizado e com uma guia maravilhosa, Yeliz!! Obrigada! Adoramos!

• Elisa Rodrigues

I have been wanting to visit Turkey for a while but could never decide on which place to go to first as everywhere seemed amazing, that was then i found www.greeceturkeytours.com online which had some amazing ready made packages available and the best part was they covered alot o...

• kate & laura price

Second time booking with Greek and Turkey tours and each time had an amazing welcoming experience.

• Rafat Najam

You will not enjoy and see the beauty of this country unless someone shows it to you piece by piece, and a great way to start i would say is joining on this Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour through www.greeceturketours.com just like me and my friend did ba...

• Mr George Knight

In the build up to our trip we had contacted with vedat from www.greeceturkeytours.com very often whether it was through emails, phonecalls or even by whatsapp messenger service which we found to be excellent customer service from the start. During our 14 day turkey tour by bus p...

• Mrs Margaret Stevenson

Love to travel. love to explore independately, want to see as many sights in one country as you can but also blend with the locals? then you need to do what i did and get yourself on this 14 day turkey tour by bus package as its exactly that. On the 14 day turkey tour by bus pack...

• Ms Veronica Cookson

Me and boyfriend joined on the Best of the Aegean package with www.greeceturkeytours.com as we had read and heard so many positive things about this company and we thought it would be a perfect holiday for us as neither of us had been Turkey before so to us the Best of the Aegean...

• Joanne Venable & Jack Shenton

From beginning to end our whole experience of this Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus & Pamukkale package tour was incredible and really did exceed our expectations. What we did find helpful was that Mehmet from www.greeceturkeytours.com was always just one quick text message away n...

• Mrs Anna Burns & Mr Lucas Burns
• Abbi Hudson

We took a 2 day tour to Aphrodisias (City of Aphrodite) and Parmukkale (Cotton Castle) from Bodrum using GreeceTurkeytours.com. This company suggested one of my friend, They do private and small regular group tour in Bodrum. We were going to use a taxi, It was about 200 Euro, the...

Thankyou to www.greeceturkeytours.com for everything you did to ensure our time spent on your 15 day tour of turkey by bus & blue cruise package fethiye was excellent, each day and each tour were perfectly co-ordinated and presented by a fantastic tour guide which is always a bon...

• Mrs Valerie Hodgkinson

Hi is this available in February and March 2019? Kindly get back to me. thank you

The whole 9 days was top notch from the airport transfer to our first hotel right up til our transfer home. The hotels were all very clean, friendly staff and also centrally located so that if you did fancy a walk around in the evening it was so easy to do so. Each and every tour...

• Deborah Machin

Where to start.....Highlights of Turkey Package was perfect in everyway. Incredible tours that were full of interesting facts / knowledge and sights, our tour guide Fezo was so friendly - polite and so full of knowledge we called him a walking encyclopedia! Favourite tour has to ...

• Mr Ian Grindey

Great service at all times given by www.greeceturkeytours.com from the moment of first contact until the final day for departure - nothing can be faulted. We booked on the Discover Turkey Package which was for 12 days and within them 12 days we got to explore Istanbul / Cappadoci...

• matthew dolan

I had never been Turkey before and to be honest it was never really on my list for countries to visit, but one evening i was browsing the internet for holidays and thats when i came across www.greeceturkeytours.com, i had a scroll through what trips they had. After bit of researc...

• Mrs Kate Beckinsale

Just got back from my Best of the Aegean package 10 day package with www.greeceturkeytours.com and i wanted to share on here how over the moon i was with their service. Throughout my whole holiday i felt like a friend and not a customer as everything was done so personally but mo...

• janet hildrop

Perfect perfect perfect is all there is to say about our time on the Highlights of Turkey Package, 9 days filled with sightseeing the main hot spots of Turkey, staying in beautiful hotels that are filled with very helpful and friendly staff and in fantastic locations. Each arrang...

• Sarah Naden

This 6 day Turkey Tour by bus package was for me a fantastic way to see the country and the lifestyle of the Turkish people as by going by bus you are able to take in all the countryside views and have a look into the way of life of people as you head along the road. Im a bit of ...

• mr simon ash

10 incredible days spent in Turkey and exploring the major hot spots with www.greeceturkeytours.com . Best of the Aegean package was just what we was looking for as everything was arranged for us so we didnt have to worry about booking tours, looking for hotels etc as once we boo...

• lorna Heath

Name and Surname

Leave a comment.

Explore more...

• About our company
• Why choose us !
• Our vision and mission !
• Blue cruise
• Transportation portal
• Agency login
• Guide Login
• Terms of use
• Cancellation policy
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Other services by our team
• Our vehicles
• Direct payment
• Group or Private reservation request
• Contact info

Subscribe to our news

• Work with us
• Privacy Policy
• Meet the Team

TOURING GREECE AND TURKEY

Few places on earth can rival the incredible history of Turkey and Greece, yet their delights are certainly not only found in books about the past. Their proximity also means that it is easy to combine them both into an incredible itinerary to make the most of touring Greece and Turkey together.

Both countries are dynamic and lively, boasting culture and customs that are just as rich today as they were thousands of years ago. Add in immense natural beauty and delicious cuisine, and it’s no wonder they are both such popular destinations.

The following itinerary takes in the best of Turkey and Greece, with a variety of sights and activities that pay homage to the countries’ past, and present.

PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.

If you are feeling really overwhelmed you might like a Trip Consultation perhaps!?

And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travellers!

When to visit Turkey and Greece

Turkey is very much a year-round destination with something for everyone. There is a lot to see and do in Istanbul of course but also in the interior of the country where it can really be a magical winter destination .

On the coast, there are thousands of beautiful beaches and a few islands too so that is when warmer weather is a popular time to visit especially between June and September.

Greece is best known for the islands which are most popular from Greek Easter (April) until October with July and August being absolute peak season. The Greek mainland again is great all year round and in fact, there are 25 ski fields in the north that provide a very inexpensive alternative to many European ski destinations.

Day 1 – 3 : Istanbul

How to get to Istanbul 

 Istanbul is well-connected to cities all over Europe and the rest of the world and Istanbul International airport, is said to be one of the best in the world. The city is connected to the airport by bus,  seven routes via the Metro and three different types of taxi. A private transfer can be a great way to greet this incredible city, especially for first-timers.

Istanbul is a city that is quite literally a mix of the East and West. With one ‘foot’ on the continent of Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is a city like no other. The varied influences shine through Istanbul’s cuisine, architecture and culture, offering a unique and exciting blend.

While Istanbul is a sprawling metropolis, its sights are surprisingly easy to get around. Many are clustered together, and an efficient public transport network makes navigating the city a breeze. There are some excellent private walking tours of the city and a very good   Hop-on Hop-off bus to explore on too.

Istanbul sightseeing

• Sultanahmet , home to many of Istanbul’s most iconic sites. We suggest a walking tour (either self-guided or in the company of a professional guide) taking in the following sights:

• Topkapi Palace, the stunning palace that housed Ottoman sultans for some four centuries, and was the heart of the sprawling empire. A tour with an historian is the best way to see what is one of the best sites in Turkey. • Byzantine Hippodrome, the main sporting arena during Byzantine times when Istanbul was known as Constantinople. • The Basilica Cistern, an eerie underground water cavern that was famously featured in the James Bond franchise. • Hagia Sofia , the jaw-dropping 6th century Church that is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and a symbol of Istanbul. • The Blue Mosque, another magical icon of Istanbul that is beautiful inside and out (note that it is closed during Islamic prayer).

• the incredible Istanbul Archaeological Museum , which provides a comprehensive and logical overview of Turkey’s complex history. Open 9am-7pm daily.
• An unusual way to heal those tired walking feet and muscles is to pay a visit to Turkey’s famous hammam baths. Usually consisting of a sauna, massage and body scrub, a visit to a Turkish hammam is sure to be a memorable experience that’s great for your skin. You will never feel cleaner! Fair warning: an authentic hammam usually means going sans clothing, however more touristic experiences will allow you to preserve some modesty with a bathing suit!
• shopping for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar. This huge, colourful market is filled with incredible goods and charismatic shopkeepers, so there really is no better place to pick up some souvenirs of your stay in Istanbul. Be prepared to haggle the prices down, as it is definitely expected!
• experience a famous Bosphorous Cruise down the river that flows through the city. On the cruise, you’ll get a unique and beautiful perspective of the city, and then there’s the experience that is watching the birds that flock around the boat. A typical cruise is two hours, and you might like to splurge for one that includes refreshments. A sunset cruise is one of the best things to do in Istanbul at night.

There is so much to do and you may not get to all these things in only 3 days. As a minimum, we suggest the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sofia, and the Blue Mosque, but it can be altered depending on your interests. These are all close to together and near to the Grand Bazaar so combining them on a full day tour is a great idea.

Dinner with a view is a must, as Istanbul while the sun sets and during the evening is absolutely enchanting. The restaurant at the Galata Tower is a great option for excellent food with a phenomenal view as are many of the restaurants in the nearby Beyoglu dining precinct.

Where to stay in Istanbul

The most convenient area to stay in Istanbul is right near the main attractions which is why some of the best hotels in Sultanahmet, such as Romance Istanbul and Idyll Hotel are so incredibly popular. Neorion Hotel is fantastic for families whilst the Four Seasons is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and has an unbeatable waterfront position.

When we visited with our family we stayed across the bridge near the Galata Tower and loved the authentic local experience. Check out the waterfront Wings Hotel  or the Bankerhan. 

Buy an Istanbul E-Pass

Buying an Istanbul E-Pass is a great idea. You can select from a 2,3,5 or 7 day pass that includes Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque plus places like the Grand Bazaar and a Bosphorus Cruise. Over 45+ attractions are included!

Day 4-5 : Ephesus

How to get to Ephesus

Ephesus is located about 530 kilometers away from Istanbul. The fastest way to reach it is to fly domestically between Istanbul and nearby Izmir, although it is also possible to travel between them by bus or car, which takes about 6 hours.

Turkey is, in many ways, a living museum and you can’t miss the exhibit that is Ephesus. This was once a powerful Greek city, but it also flourished under Roman rule. Laying eyes on the incredibly preserved ruins, it is almost impossible to believe that the city was first constructed in the 10th century BC.

From that time until it was abandoned in the 15th Century AD, many of the world’s great empires would leave their mark on Ephesus. In particular, the Ancient Greeks and Romans had a great impact on the city, although other empires including the Byzantines and Goths also influenced its construction and appearance.

You will need at least a full day to explore the large site. We also highly recommend doing so in the company of an experienced guide on a small tour who can explain the history of the most important temples and parts of Ephesus, such as the Library of Celsus and the Odeon.

Ironically, perhaps the most famous building at Ephesus is one that no longer exists – the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Although it was destroyed centuries ago, you can still see hints of where it would have stood, including parts of the foundation.

Some of the artifacts from Ephesus have been relocated to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to ensure they are preserved for future generations. It’s certainly well worth paying a visit to this museum and learning more about the area’s history.

Where to stay near Ephesus

There is no accommodation at Ephesus itself. People choose to either stay in Izmir or Kusadasi.

Kusadasi Hotels are best serviced by these Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi and people staying at Izmir hotels such as the incredibly well priced and located Key Hotel  will love this guided tour which includes a skip-the-line ticket.

Day 6 : Pamukkale

How to get to Pamukkale

Pamukkale lies about 190 kilometres east of Ephesus. Numerous buses leave from Izmir for Pamukkale daily, or it is a two-hour car journey.

The name Pamukkale literally translates to ‘cotton castle’, and its name will make sense once you lay eyes on it. This dazzling place is utterly unique, and you may not believe what you’re seeing as you look upon its striking features.

Pamukkale is most famous for its rows of cerulean blue natural pools, which are surrounded by striking white terrain. Warm, mineral-rich water flows into the terraces, pooling and tempting visitors to take a long, relaxing soak and enjoy the atmosphere and almost extra-terrestrial beauty. In fact, Pamukkale has attracted wellness-seeking tourists for thousands of years, and show no signs of slowing down.

While it is the natural pools that are the area’s most famous attraction, there are also well-preserved Roman ruins nearby, should you finish exploring the pools with enough time for another activity.

Pamukkale is most famous for its rows of cerulean blue natural pools, which are surrounded by striking white terrain. Warm, mineral-rich water flows into the terraces, pooling and tempting visitors to take a long, relaxing soak and enjoy the atmosphere and almost extra-terrestrial beauty. In fact, Pamukkale has attracted wellness-seeking tourists for thousands of years, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a mid sized rural town and is very affordable. Hotel Sahin and Hal-Tur are two of the nicest hotels whilst Melrose Viewpoint Suites have very comfortable family rooms.

Day 7 & 8 : Konya and Karapınar

How to get to Konya

Konya is located about 400 kilometres east of Pamukkale, so it is a long drive by bus or car. An alternative is to fly, as there is a daily direct flight with Turkish Airlines.

One of Turkey’s oldest continually-inhabited cities is also home to some of its most unique and famous customs. This is Konya, a city located in the heart of central Turkey, which boasts rich culture and tradition.

In particular, Konya is known for its “Whirling Dervishes” , a religious practice that was founded by Celaleddin Rumi (known later as Mevlâna) in the 12th Century. The Mevlâna Museum (complete with Mevlâna’s tomb) is the city’s greatest attraction while seeing the Whirling Dervishes in action is a spellbinding experience.

The city also offers a number of beautiful and historic mosques, while the Archaeological Museum offers up even more treasures.

About 90 kilometers south of Konya – therefore ideal for a day trip – lies Karapınar. This often overlooked region is well worth a visit, with its many magical crater lakes. This includes Meke Crater Lake, which has an imposing island in the middle.

Where to stay in Konya

Konya is another very affordable town and doesn’t have a huge variety of accommodation choices. The Ramada Plaza is one the newest and biggest choices and has a beautiful inhouse Hammam. For something smaller and more authentically Turkish Hich Hotel  and Araf Hotel are both lovely and very inexpensive.

Days 9 – 10 : Cappadocia

(pronounced Capa-dok-ia) 

How to get to Cappadocia

Cappadocia is about 192 kilometers, or two hours by car, from Karapınar. If catching public transport, it will likely be easier to circle back to Konya and get a bus from there to Cappadocia, as options are limited in Karapınar.

You may well have spent time gazing dreamily at photos of Turkey’s Cappadocia, the unique region famed for its “fairy chimneys” and dozens of hot air balloons that tower over them at dawn and dusk.

Cappadocia is most famous for these unique rock formations, which are found particularly around Goreme. Staring at these dizzyingly tall and perfectly sculpted formations, it’s almost impossible to believe they are the work of nature.

Indeed they are, although some have also been influenced by thousands of years of human settlement. Another famous feature of Cappadocia is the rock-cut homes and churches, while even visitors today can stay overnight in a unique cave hotel. Also below ground are huge complexes designed to hide entire cities away, such as Derinkuyu.

It’s totally bizarre yet enticingly beautiful – especially when seen from above in a hot air balloon at dawn or dusk. Although it could be condensed into one action-packed day, two will allow you to really experience the unique atmosphere of this enchanting place.

Things to do in Cappadocia

•   Hot air ballooning – an absolutely magical experience and highlight of our visit!
• a private day tour will take you through the Goreme Valley exploring the fairy chimneys, the Cardak Underground City and a local winery.
• the Devrent and Pasabag valleys including the Göreme Open-Air Museum are best done as a full day tour.
• Visit the crystal white salt at Lake Tuz as well as Tatlarin Underground City and Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

Cappadocia has some of the most amazing accommodation in Turkey and indeed the world. Most visitors are very excited to stay in a famed Cappadocia cave suite and some the loveliest would have to be Vineyard Cave Hotel , Azure Cave Suites and Aren Hotel and Art Gallery. Visitors enjoying their honeymoon in Cappadocia should check out Kayakapi Premium Caves  or Sacred House  whilst budget travellers will be very happy at Monte Cappa Cave House.

Day 11 – 13 : Çanakkale

 (pronounced Chana-kalay)

How to get to Cannakale

Loop back up to northwest Turkey with the 1,000-kilometer trek between Cappadocia and Çanakkale. If a 14-hour bus or car ride doesn’t sound appealing, your best bet is to fly.

Unfortunately, there is no direct connection – the easiest way is to fly from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul, and then on to Çanakkale. There are numerous daily flights so your stopover is likely to be brief.

The city of Çanakkale is a must for lovers of history – both the ancient and modern variety is represented here. Perhaps most universally recognizable is the legend of Troy, immortalized in books and performances for thousands of years.

Things to do in Canakkale

• Visit Troy : Troy was the ancient city that was felled when enemy Greek troops snuck inside the city walls hiding inside a ‘Trojan Horse’, thus creating a legend and colloquialism still used today. Nowadays, a reconstruction of the alleged horse still stands in the area that is thought to have been part of Troy.
• Kaz Dağı National Park:  While it is history that draws many visitors in, they often stay for the natural beauty. We recommend spending some time exploring the stunning Kaz Dağı National Park south of Çanakkale. It is fitting that it is believed to be near the site of the world’s first beauty pageant, allegedly held between the famous Goddesses Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena.
• Temple of Athena in Behramkale. You can do a day trip here along with the ancient city of Assos, once home to Aristotle.
• Gallipoli: Moving forward many centuries in time, Çanakkale was also highly significant during World War I. The nearby beaches of Gallipoli hold particular significance to Australians, as they were the site of  a casualty record of 100,000 deaths and 400,000 wounded over a span of nine months. Moving remembrance services are held here annually, while people of many nationalities visit to pay their respects all through the year. Book tickets for a guided tour in advance to avoid the crowds. The Turkish domestic tour buses can be significant!

If you would like to be picked up and taken to both Troy and Gallipoli in one day in air-conditioned comfort then this tour is a great way to do it!

Where to stay in Canakkale

We really enjoyed the waterfront location of the small but charming Hotel Des Etrangers. Hotel Limani is right next door and also looks straight out over the Gallipoli peninsula.

If you would prefer to do an organised tour for your time in Turkey there are excellent tours on offer for both 7 days and 9 day small group tours that may be your cup of tea. Sometimes its nice to have someone else organise the lot.

And now, on to Greece.

Day 14 – 16 Touring Turkey and Greece: Lesvos, Greece

How to get to Lesvos from Turkey

Daily ferries run between Lesvos and Ayvalik in Turkey. Ayvalik is 3.5 hours by bus from Çanakkale, and the ferry then takes about 1.5 hours to arrive at Mytilene on Lesvos. Check Ferryhopper for up-to-date timetables and to book tickets.

Although it lies off the coast of Turkey, Lesvos is distinctly Greek. In fact, its biggest draw is the opportunity to experience traditional Greek Island life, as it has largely avoided the mass tourism of some other islands.

It is also somewhat of a microcosm of all that makes the Greek Islands so wonderful. The island is fringed by beautiful beaches, meaning spending a lazy afternoon or two relaxing in the sun is non-negotiable. There are many options, but Skala Eressos is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek Isles.

It is worth drawing yourself away from the beach (as difficult as it may be) to experience more of what the island has to offer. Traditional villages such as Xidera and Antissa offer quaint cafes and true Greek hospitality, making them the perfect place to stop for a lunch with a side of culture and perhaps some lively conversation.

Historians are also sure to be impressed by sites including the two castles of Molyvos and Mytilini, and a Roman Amphitheatre that once seated up to 15,000. Millions of years before this was constructed the Petrified Forest was also created; today it is one of the most unique attractions on the island.

Two days is a good amount of time to explore the island’s attractions and enjoy some relaxation on the beach. However, more time will allow you to explore even more of what it has to offer, and you certainly won’t be short of things to do and see.

Where to stay on Lesvos

Lesvos is the 3rd biggest island in Greece so it pays to chose somewhere central. The Aphrodite Hotel and the delightfully named The Schoolmistress with the Golden Eyes are both in the charming fishing village of Molyvos ( aka Mithimna) and are popular for good reason. So too are the Imerti Resort Hotel and Pasiphae Hotel in the protected harbour town of Skala. If you would prefer to stay in the main port town of Mytileme then its hard to go past Theofilos Paradise Boutique Hotel or Pyrgos of Mytileme.

Day 17 – 20 : Athens

How to get to Athens from Turkey:

There are ferries that travel between Lesvos, other Aegean Islands, and Athens regularly, especially during Summer. Ferryhopper is probably the best online booking platform at present. Timetables change each year and they can be weather affected so give yourself plenty of breathing space if catching them.

There is also an airport on Lesvos and regular flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and other European destinations. Flights to Athens from Lesvos take less than an hour and Aegean Airlines and Turkish Airlines cover the most routes. You can also connect with trains between Turkey and Greece and there are a number of ships that cruise Turkey and Greece destinations on the Aegean Sea.

Highlights of Athens

• Visit the Acropolis, the ancient citadel perched on the hillside and overlooking the city and home to the famous Parthenon – the temple of Athena. Try and arrive either as as early as possible or as late as possible to avoid both the queues and the heat and book ahead for skip-the-line tickets.
•  the Acropolis Museum – arguable one of the best in the world!
•  the Erechtheion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Explore the many museums which include the Children’s Museum, the Music Museum and the Jewish Museum
• Explore the Plaka. Whilst touristy and full of souvenir shops this neighbourhood has retained a village feel and is full of good  cafes, galleries and shops. Its also very central and largely closed to traffic.
• See the Evzones – the Greek presidential guards, during the main changing of the guard ceremony at 11:00 Sunday or every hour on the hour every other day outside Parliament House where they guard the Tomb of the Unkown soldier.
• Explore Ermou street, the main pedestrian shopping street and Syntagma Square and surrounds.
• Take a  free tour of Parliament house.

If time permits you may want to consider a day trip to either the extraordinary archaeological site of Delphi  or a tour the includes Mycanae, Epadaurus and the beautiful town of Nafplion, the first capital of Greece and one of our favourite places in the entire country. For more ideas for day trips and tours CLICK HERE.

Where to stay in Athens

There are some amazing places to stay in Athens including a number of stunning boutique hotels that have opened in the last few years and are some of the best I have stayed at anywhere in the world. Cool, funky, with incredible attention to detail and excellent service, these hotels are all centrally located and within walking distance of all the main sites. Two of the best are The Zillers and Egron House which is an amazing addition to the very successful food business it cohabits with. Something of a modern-day Agora. A little further away in the trendy and lively entertainment district of Psiri is The Foundry , another small design hotel built in, you guessed it, a former Foundry. All of these have rooftop bars or gardens and great views.

If you would prefer a large hotel and one with a swimming pool then the Electra Palace is excellent as is the famous Grande Bretagne Hotel, home to Hollywood movie stars, mobsters, and millionaires over the decades. Budget travelers will be very happy at Centrotel or Athenian Residences which are great for families. For more accommodation recommendations, see our Athens Accommodation page.

Day 21 – 24 : Santorini

How to get to Santorini

There are ferries that travel between Santorini, other Aegean Islands, Crete and Athens regularly, in fact several times a day in Summer. Timetables change regularly as do the carriers. There is also an International airport on the island with flights from Athens and many other destinations.

Santorini truly is one of those destinations that lives up to the hype. It might be crowded in parts and some would say being loved to death but it is very unique and there is nothing like it on the planet.

It can be expensive, particularly for accommodation with a Caldera view so most people don’t stay too long although it is possible to have an affordable stay on Santorini with a bit of clever planning.

Highlights of Santorini:

There are a lot of things to do on Santorini to suit all ages, budgets and interests. Dont miss;

• explore the villages of Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, Pyrgos and Kamari
• see the world famous SUNSET, especially on the water
• visit the unusual beaches including Red Beach and Black Beach
• do some wine tasting at a world famous winery. The Santorini whites are being hailed as some of the best in the world!
• Hike between Fira and Oia
• visit the neighbouring island of Thirassia
• hit the many shops and pick up some excellent produce, art and craft and world renowned precious jewellery
• explore the archaeological site of  Akrotiri , one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. 

Where to stay on Santorini:

Santorini is home to some of the most spectacular hotels and villas in the world. It really does pay to splurge on a room with a Caldera view if you can afford it but if not it is possible to stay on Santorini on a budget and still have an amazing time. Read all our Santorini accommodation recommendations  here.   

Day 24 – 27 : Paros

Start booking your trip now!

BOOK FLIGHTS

BOOK A SAILING TRIP

BOOK TICKETS TO SITES AND MONUMENTS

BOOK A TOUR

BOOK FERRY TICKETS

GET INSURANCE

Welcome to Greece Travel Secrets! I’m Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. We want you to experience the famous Greek ‘Filotimo’ before you even get there.

FERRY TICKETS

RECENT ARTICLES

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > How To Visit These 10 Greek Islands Close To Turkey In One Day

How To Visit These 10 Greek Islands Close To Turkey In One Day

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

Here is a guide on how to visit the Greek islands from Turkey in one day – and which islands in Greece you can reach.

If you want to confuse your friends and family totally, check in on your social media in your Turkish holiday resort , and then check in on a Greek island a few hours later!

It’s possible (and wholly recommended) to visit a Greek island on a day trip from Turkey. However, which islands you can visit depends on where you stay in Turkey. The closest Greek island to Turkey is Samos, which is 70km from Izmir; read on to find out what Greek islands you can get to from Turkey: 

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

How To Visit The Greek Islands From Turkey In One Day

Although there are several options—some easier than others—most people will consider visiting the Greek islands while holidaying on the Turkish south coast. In that case, there are ten destinations to choose from: Chios, Kalymnos, Kos, Leros, Lesbos, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos, Symi and Kastellorizo.

All are beautiful islands in their own right, and you can choose to either stay a few nights or visit for the day, eat a Greek lunch , and take the ferry back to Turkey in the early evening. Yes, that might be a rather long travel day , but it’s completely worth it!

Book your ferries in Greece here.

10 greek islands close to turkey .

Here are the Greek islands you can reach from Turkey

• Chios from Çeşme – Chios Island Guide ↳  
• Kalymnos from Bodrum/Turgutreis – Kalymnos Island Guide ↳  
• Kos from Didim & Bodrum/Turgutreis  – Kos Island Guide ↳
• Leros from Didim & Bodrum/Turgutreis – Leros Island Guide ↳
• Lesbos from Ayvalik & Izmir – Lesbos Island Guide ↳
• Patmos from Kuşadası & Bodrum/Turgutreis- Patmos Island Guide ↳
• Rhodes from Bodrum/Turgutreis, Marmaris & Fethiye- Rhodes Island Guide ↳
• Samos from Kuşadası & Seferihisar – Samos Island Guide ↳
• Symi from Bodrum/Turgutreis- Symi Island Guide ↳
• Kastellorizo from Kaş 

Brands We Use And Trust

Roundtrip ferry services & price list, 1. ferry services to chios island.

• Pedestrian Cost: 45-50€ 
• Automobile Cost: 150€ 
• Operators: Ertürk Lines, Turyol Official, Tilos Travel Turkey

2. Ferry Services To Kalymnos Island

• Pedestrian Cost: 50€ (Daily: 40€)
• Operator: İDO

3. Ferry Services To Kos Island

• Pedestrian Cost: 100€ (Daily: 60€)
• Operator: Yeşil Marmaris
• Pedestrian Cost:  36-40€ (Daily: 25-30€)
• Automobile Cost:  280€
• Operators: Tilos Travel Turkey, Dentur Avrasya, Yeşil Marmaris, Turkish Sea Lines, Bodrum Sea Lines, Bodrum Express Lines 

There is a daily ferry to Kos during the summer months if you’re in Bodrum or any surrounding areas, such as Gumbet or even up to Kusadasi. During the winter months (mid-October to mid-April), the ferry is less frequent, and the crossing is more likely to be choppy. The ferry may also be canceled at short notice during poor weather – those Mediterranean winter storms can be nasty!

However, if you’re visiting in the summer , you’re unlikely to run into poor weather because rain is almost non-existent during the peak months! The crossing takes just under an hour, and there are usually two crossings in the morning and two heading back in the evening. Check the last crossing times, though, because if you miss it, you’re stuck on Kos until the following day.

Best Things To Do In Kos:

• 🚶 Get acquainted with Kos on this private, half-day tour around the island
• 🏞️ When you want to visit the volcanic island of Nisyros on your Kos break, do it the convenient way with a day trip that covers all your transport and a guide
• 🤿 Get this half-day diving trip to the unspoiled island of Pserimos and to a beautiful crystal-clear lagoon
• ⛰️ Experience the scenic beauty of Mt. Dikaios on this heart-pumping off-road excursion

4. Ferry Services To Leros Island

• Pedestrian Cost:  90€
• Pedestrian Cost:  60-120€ (Daily: 40€)
• Operators: İDO, Yeşil Marmaris

5. Ferry Services To Lesbos Island

• Fast Catamaran Cost: 35€ 
• Pedestrian Cost: 30€ (on the car ferry) 
• Automobile Cost: 80€ 
• Operators: Jalem Tur, Turyol Official
• Pedestrian Cost:  60€
• Operator: İZDENİZ

6. Ferry Services To Patmos Island

• Pedestrian Cost:  80€
• Operator: Tilos Travel Turkey
• Pedestrian Cost:  70-80€ (Daily: 60-65€)
• Operators: İDO, Tilos Travel Turkey

7. Ferry Services To Rhodes Island

• Pedestrian Cost:  85€ (Daily: 65€)
• Operator:  Tilos Travel Turkey
• Pedestrian Cost:  80-140€
• Operators:  Tilos Travel Turkey, Yeşil Marmaris
• Pedestrian Cost:  90€ (Daily: 55€)
• Operator:  Yeşil Marmaris

If you’re in the Dalaman area, you can visit Rhodes, known locally as Rodos, from Marmaris port. The crossing takes a little longer here, around 1.5 hours, but it’s incredibly scenic, and you can even sit on the top deck and soak up some sun.

It’s important to note, though, that the crossing between Marmaris and Rhodes involves an open-sea crossing at one point, which means the ride can occasionally be a little choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, make sure you have your medication with you, or grab some ginger biscuits from the market before you go!

There are two crossings daily during the peak summer months and two coming back in the late afternoon/early evening. Again, be sure not to miss the last ferry back; otherwise, you’ll be looking for a hotel on Rhodes for the night.

In general, the last ferry will get you back to Marmaris around 6 pm, but make sure to check the times as they’re subject to change.

Again, the winter months see a drastically reduced timetable, which means checking crossing times online beforehand.

Best Things To Do In Rhodes:

• 🚢 Cruise around the beautiful island of Rhodes , creating an exceptional and unforgettable summer experience
• 🏞️ If you wish to visit the main highlights of Rhodes Island, depending on nobody else’s travel wishes and interests but yours, this tour is your best choice
• 🍲 Sample the flavors of Rhodes on this half-day tour that combines a vineyard and distillery tour with a cooking class and 10-course lunch
• ⛵ Set sail on a scenic late afternoon cruise from Mandraki port and experience Rhodes from the water at dusk

8. Ferry Services To Samos Island

• Pedestrian Cost:  45€ (Daily: 35€)
• Pedestrian Cost:  52€ (Daily: 41€)
• Operators:  İDO, Tilos Travel Turkey, Meander Travel

9. Ferry Services To Symi Island

• Pedestrian Cost:  85-120€ (Daily: 65-75€)
• Operators:  Tilos Travel Turkey, Yeşil Marmaris

10. Ferry Services To Kastellorizo Island

• Pedestrian Cost:  40€ (Daily: 35€)
• Operators: Meis Ferry Lines, Meis Express

How To Book Ferry Tickets From Turkey To The Greek Islands

If you’re staying in either of these areas for more than a week, a day trip to a Greek island from Turkey is a fantastic idea. It’s a great way to visit two entirely different destinations during one holiday while also allowing you to improve your passport stamp collection.

Booking Tickets

You can book tickets in three ways.

Option 1. First, you can book via an excursion or tour operator, who will do all the paperwork for you and will also arrange a pick-up from and drop-off at your hotel.

Option 2. You can book tickets at the port office yourself. Booking tickets yourself is cheaper, but you must make your own way to the port.

Option 3. You can book ahead of time online.

In Bodrum , getting to the port is pretty easy because of its central location. In Bodrum , you must visit the port if you want to book tickets directly. On the other hand, in Marmaris , you’ll have to jump in a taxi, which will cost you around 20 Lira, and take you straight to the port entrance. The Marmaris port office is located at the marina.

Don’t Forget Your Passport

You will have to show your passport when booking your tickets. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around 45 Euros for an adult return ticket. If you choose to book via an excursion vendor or tour operator, you will pay about 10 Euros more.

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Passport And Visa Issues When Traveling Between Turkey And Greece

Of course, you’re leaving Turkey , albeit for the day, and entering another country, which means you need to have your passport with you. Ensure that you have more than six months of validity left on your passport for entry into Greece . It would be best to take your Turkish e-visa or residency permit with you, which will be checked and stamped as you exit the port passport control desk and re-stamped as you enter Turkey later that day.

As visa requirements for Greece depend upon your country of origin, you will need to check whether you need a specific visa to visit Greece on the Greek government website . For the most part, this shouldn’t be an issue as Greece is part of the Schengen Zone, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

You’ll have around six hours on either island  and while that might not sound a lot, you’ll be surprised how much you can cram into those few hours.

There is plenty to see and do on both Greek islands on a day trip from Turkey . Rhodes, in particular, has a beautiful blend of old and new to check out.

• 5 Lesser-Known Greek Islands
• How To Rent A Car In Greece + Driving Tips
• How To Tip In Greece
• Where To Stay In Crete
• Guide To Traveling The Balkan Countries
• What To Expect & Do In September In Greece
• Guide To Aegina, Greece
• How To Get From Greece To Turkey
• Discover Aydin City & Province
• Tips For Visiting Gobekli Tepe Archaeological Site

Comments (4)

Do we need another passport for this?

Another? You will need your passport to travel between any two countries globally, including between Greece (EU) and Turkiye (non-EU). Hope that helps.

We are looking to travel from Cape Town in June. There are direct flights from Cape Town to Istanbul and I was thinking perhaps this is a good way to spend some time in Turkey and some time in Greece.

Ideally we want a summer holiday focused mostly on super cool island and beach locations with amazing food. We dont need to go to the most overcrowded spots – but beautiful and interesting and off the beaten track places would be cool too. Perhaps a mix of both.

We are a family of 5 (kids ages 16, 14 and 10). We are relatively budget conscious. We are on EU passports.

Any suggestions of an itinery?

Best Clinton

Wow sounds great, you can find itinerary ideas here https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/?s=turkey+itinerary and https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/?s=greece+itinerary to get you started.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

Turkey and Greece Tours

Our Turkey and Greece travel packages are fully flexible, allowing you to customize the total duration, choose your own travel dates and where you would most like to visit in each country. These travel packages include historical sightseeing during the guided day tours, along with time to relax on some of the most beautiful Greek Islands. Combine these two amazingly countries, rich in cultural & natural beauty, in one delightful trip. You have the opportunity to visit highlights such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Athens as well as various Greek Islands like Mykonos and Santorini or head further up into the Greek Mainland to discover Delphi & Meteora ... to name just a few.

Turkey Greece packages

Turkey greece with other countries.

Istanbul, Santorini & Athens

Istanbul + Highlights of Greece

Turkey & Greece Highlights

Turkey & Greece Highlights 2

Turkey & Greece Highlights - with Delphi & Meteora

3 Ancient Cities - Istanbul, Athens & Cairo

Jordan, Turkey & Greece

Turkey, Greece & Egypt

Turkey, Greece, Egypt & Jordan

Destinations

Holidays to Africa (56 available)

Botswana(4)

Ethiopia(1)

Mauritius(4)

Mozambique(1)

South Africa(11)

Tanzania(7)

Zimbabwe(8)

Holidays to Americas (64 available)

Argentina(11)

Colombia(5)

Costa Rica(8)

Dominican Republic(2)

Guatemala(5)

Honduras(2)

United States(2)

Holidays to Asia (89 available)

Cambodia(4)

Hong Kong(7)

Indonesia(5)

Malaysia(1)

Maldives(6)

Philippines(5)

Saudi Arabia(1)

Singapore(2)

South Korea(4)

Sri Lanka(4)

Thailand(13)

United Arab Emirates(11)

Uzbekistan(1)

Holidays to Europe (106 available)

Austria(11)

Baltic States(2)

Czech Republic(9)

England(13)

Montenegro(1)

Netherlands(1)

Portugal(15)

Scotland(5)

Slovakia(2)

Switzerland(3)

Holidays to Oceania (6 available)

Australia(4)

New Zealand(3)

By Interest

Family Collection

Trip By Season

Trip By Interest

Cruise & Tour

Multi-Country

Trip By Group

Friends & Private Tours

Solo Travelers

Exoticca GO rewards program

Win a family trip

Refer a friend and earn $100

Group travel deals

Last-minute deals

Spain · EUR €

United Kingdom · GBP £

France · EUR €

Germany · EUR €

United States · USD $

Canada · CAD $

México · MXN $

1-888-488-0592

Call us toll-free now

Book with an expert:

Prefer us to call you? Drop your number in the box:

I have read and accept the Privacy Policy, and agree to join Exoticca GO

Call us anytime. 24/7

Frequently asked questions

Travel protection included

View 10 photos

Ancient Greece, Meteora & Turkish Delights

Greece & turkey in 13 days, 11 nights in destination.

Best Price Guarantee

Sophia Travel crafter

Delve into the rich culture of both Greece and Turkey and lose yourself in all the emblematic sights these magical countries have to offer including gastronomic melting-pot Istanbul and historically significant Athens.

Trip Highlights

• map-pin-check-icon Acropolis of Athens
• map-pin-check-icon Delphi
• map-pin-check-icon Meteora
• map-pin-check-icon Ankara
• map-pin-check-icon Cappadocia
• map-pin-check-icon Istanbul

All flights

Accommodation

• All transfers

Availability

Departures available until October 2025

Available Group tours

Solo travelers from + $720

Add up to 4 nights to your stay

• WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

superior included

sup. istanbul center from + $100

luxury istanbul from + $200

Exoticca is a member of ASTA

Our Travel Protection takes care of you

Walk in the footsteps of all the great ancient Hellenistic philosophers in this excursion through  Greece  and marvel at the immense beauty of one of the most important civilizations in the world. Next, set off to the fascinating sights of  Turkey ! Discover Suleymaniye’s magnificent Mosque in Istanbul, roam the myriad of magical bazaars and take a cruise on the Bosphorus.

1st Day: US - Night on board

Ready to dive into the wonders of one of the greatest civilizations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? Head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to  Athens *,   the Greek capital. Night on board. *If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Athens

Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your first taste of Athens and rest after your flight. Discover Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, located under the Acropolis, the only district where you may see the Greek capital as it was 100 years ago or enjoy a spot of shopping at Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. Overnight stay in Athens.

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS

Polis grand or similar.

1590 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd day: athens.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy an  Athens Sightseeing Tour  including the  Acropolis  and the  New Acropolis Museum . Begin in the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National library. On-route to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the  Temple of Olympian Zeus  and a quick stop at Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. During the Acropolis visit witness the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon. Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the  Acropolis Museum , a modern architectural building where you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. Return to your hotel with the remainder of your day at leisure. Overnight stay in Athens. Please note:   At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour

4th Day: Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head for  Delphi . On-route discover the cities via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site of the 4th-century-B.C. This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the beautiful remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theater. Next, depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece.  Dinner  and overnight stay in Kalambaka. Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. During the excursion, travelers are advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour. Estimated transfer distance from Athens to Kalambaka 375km.

Amalia Kalambaka or similar

761 Reviews

Visit to Delphi Archeological Site

5th Day: Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit the striking rock formation,  Meteora , an incredibly unique scenery with ageless Monasteries protruding from the rocks. These priceless historical and religious treasures stand between sky and earth on the top of the cliffs. An incredible sight to behold. In the afternoon return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Athens. Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men.  Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour. Estimated transfer distance from Kalambaka to Athens 375km.

Visit to the Meteora Monasteries

6th Day: Athens - Istanbul

Breakfast* at the hotel. After an unforgettable journey through Greece's ancient sites, ready to discover the cultural treasures and incredible landscapes of Turkey? At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Istanbul. Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of  Istanbul , once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul. *Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. Important note: Take advantage of our optional excursions package and save by adding several of the optional activities we offer on this itinerary. Click on each package to see what's included!

La Quinta by Wyndham Ista... or similar

629 Reviews

Pack of 3 Excursions - Cappadocia Package

Challenging

Pack of 3 Excursions - Istanbul Package

7th Day: Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the grandiose  Suleymaniye   Mosque.  Located on the third hill of Istanbul, it boasts one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city. After the visit, choose to take the transfer back to your hotel, or, spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Istanbul at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant city life and eclectic architecture. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend an optional full-day city tour of Istanbul* and/or an optional dinner show on the Bosphorus**! Overnight stay in Istanbul. *Optional full-day Istanbul city tour : see Istanbul's most emblematic sights, from the incredible Topkapi Palace to Hagia Sophia. Enjoy included lunch, see the exterior of the iconic Blue Mosque and historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops. **Optional dinner show on the Bosphorus : the best way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner on an evening cruise down the Bosphorus! See the suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner and two drinks per person.

Visit to the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Dinner Show on the Bosphorus

Full-Day Istanbul City Tour

8th Day: Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day at the aromatic Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans. Next, take a  boat ride along the Bosphorus,  enjoy views of old palaces and traditional houses as you sail through the heart of the city; the border between Europe and Asia. After disembarking, enjoy time exploring the city at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). We recommend an optional excursion to the key attractions of the Anatolian side of the city to discover more of Istanbul*. Overnight stay in Istanbul. *Optional half-day Anatolian Istanbul excursion with lunch : explore the Anatolian side, home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture, from the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets. Drive to Camlica Hill, in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. Enjoy lunch included.

Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Visit

Half-day anatolian istanbul excursion with lunch, 9th day: istanbul - ankara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the way. Arrive and enjoy a  panoramic tour of Ankara , the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture. Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the  Mausoleum of Ataturk . Inaugurated in 1953, it’s dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel.  Dinner  and overnight stay in Ankara. Estimated distance and travel time: 280 miles, 6 hrs approx. The timing indication shows the effective time of driving, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankar... or similar

1458 Reviews

Ankara & Ataturk Mausoleum

10th day: ankara - cappadocia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your journey to incredible  Cappadocia , famed for its unique geological formations. Pass by the spectacular  Salt Lake  along the way. Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. Head to a wonderful  ceramic workshop  where you’ll witness the traditional way of creating ceramic objects, from everyday artifacts to true works of art. Enjoy a visit to a precious stone shop and gain insight into the process of turning the raw material into stunning jewelry. Based on operative reasons this activities might be done the next day. The remainder of the day is yours to begin discovering the landscapes of this magical region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To contemplate an unforgettable scene, we recommend our optional safari and sunset tour* for an adrenaline rush through the valleys of the city.  Dinner  and overnight stay in Cappadocia. Estimated distance and travel time: 190 miles, 5 hrs approx. The timing indication shows the effective time of driving, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each. *Optional Jeep safari and sunset in Cappadocia : Immerse yourself in the magical Cappadocia valley landscape, enjoying the sunset as you do impressive, adrenaline-pumping dips, donuts, and tricks, in a 4X4 jeep.

Ramada By Wyndham Cappado... or similar

895 Reviews

Salt Lake Visit

Jeep safari and sunset in cappadocia, 11th day: cappadocia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Next, you have the chance to enjoy an optional visit to Kaimakli**, the incredible underground city*. Mid-morning,  discover the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia , formed by the erosion of layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes. Explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the captivating " Fairy Chimneys " are located, followed by a visit to a local carpet workshop. Afterwards you can enjoy an optional Turkish night in Cappadocia***. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia. *Optional Hot Air Balloon flight : float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views, celebrate with a non-alcoholic beverage and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old. Please note: The hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return. **Optional visit to Kaimakli, the underground city : discover the maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 12 miles from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, it's the widest of the underground cities in the region. ***Optional Turkish night in Cappadocia : A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

Full-Day Highlights of Cappadocia Excursion

Visit to kaymakli, the underground city, turkish night in cappadocia, ballooning in cappadocia, 12th day: cappadocia - istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in  Istanbul , transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul. *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

13th Day: Istanbul - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Greece and Turkey to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip**. *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. **Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US the following day.

Select a day to go to next step

Categories Available :

From $2,199

• 11 nights in Superior category hotels.

sup. istanbul center

From $2,299

luxury istanbul

From $2,399

• 11 nights in Superior and Luxury category hotels.

Accommodation: 11 Nights

Polis Grand

Rating TripAdvisor travelers

Based on 1590 reviews

The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Amalia Hotel Athens, Athenaeum Grand Hotel, Athenaeum Smart Hotel , Athens Avenue, Athens Zafolia Hotel, Brown Acropol, Cypria, Hotel Electra Athens, Ibis Styles Athens Route, Ilissos Hotel, Moxy Athens City, Novus City Hotel, President Hotel Athens, Titania

Included activities

Walking shoes are recommended as moderate walking is involved. A hat & sunscreen is recommended for UV protection. Not available on the 16th and 17th April, 1st May and 31st October.

Included activity for day 3 in Acropolis of Athens

Discover the real Athens on this emblematic tour! Visit the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, the city center, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, among other unmissable attractions.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Walking shoes are recommended as moderate walking is involved as well as we advise to bring a hat and sunscreen. Reminder: These activities can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Included activity for day 4 in Delphi

Head to Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival, visit the archaeological site, home to the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Appropriate clothing will be required to enter the monasteries. For men, sleeveless tops and shorts over the knees are prohibited. For women, sleeveless tops, shorts or pants are prohibited—only skirts at the knees are allowed.

Included activity for day 5 in Meteora

Visit up to two of these ancient sites, established between the 12th and 16th centuries, and enjoy the amazing views across the Plain of Thessaly.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Included activity for day 7 in Istanbul

Visit the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque located on the third hill of Istanbul built by the famous imperial architect Mimar Sinan, one of his greatest masterpieces.

Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Available Activities

You can find a description of each activity in the itinerary. If you prefer, you also have the option to book each one separately.

Suggested activity for day 6 in Istanbul

Add 3 activities at once and save! This package includes: a full-day tour of Istanbul, a half-day tour of Anatolia, plus dinner and show on a Bosphorus cruise.

Pick up time: info at destination

Suggested activity for day 6 in Cappadocia

Add 3 activities at once and save! This package includes a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, a Turkish Night plus a sunset 4x4 tour.

Suggested activity for day 7 in Istanbul

Begin by visiting Topkapi Palace, once residence to the Ottoman Sultans. Make a photo-stop at the Hagia Sophia, which you can enter on your own later. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque.

Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Suggested activity for day 7

Boat trip on the Bosphorus (1.5 h approx.), with dinner on board. See the illuminated suspension bridges of Istanbul at night. Includes dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music show and two drinks per person.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 19:00 Approx

The price includes

• premium-care-icon Included in all our trips.   more information
• Departures from main US airports.
• International flights: US - Athens, Istanbul - US*. more information
• Internal Flights: Athens - Istanbul, Cappadocia - Istanbul**. more information
• 11 nights hotel accommodation in Superior category hotels***. more information See hotels included
• 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
• Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide****. more information See itinerary
• All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
• Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.
• Athens & Acropolis tour. Visit to Delphi Archeological Site & Meteora Monasteries.
• Guide/s during the excursions.

*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Drinks, entrance fees, city taxes*, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. *The Greek government has implemented the Climate Crisis Resilience Tax, calculated per room and per night. This varies according to the accommodation category and the time of year. It will be paid by guests upon arrival and directly at hotel check-in:

• From March to October: €10 in 5-star hotels, €7 in 4-star hotels, and €3 in 3-star hotels.
• From November to February: €4 in 5-star hotels, €3 in 4-star hotels, and €1.50 in 3-star hotels.

Turkey: Please note:  Mandatory tips of 30 USD per person (for Guides, drivers, porters and waiters) are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay for during this tour. Tipping for the rest of the trip is optional, but keep in mind that tipping is an important part of Turkish culture and that it is commonplace for service providers to ask for tips. In these cases, it is up to your personal discretion whether to tip or not. Please note that passengers arriving to Turkey from January 15th 2023 onwards must make a tourism tax payment of $5 per person. This payment is imposed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and is mandatory for all passengers entering their country. This tourist tax is not included in the total booking amount and it will be collected by the tour guide in order to be paid to the authorities.

See important notes

About Greece: Please note: this itinerary in Greece is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group. Important information regarding hotels:  Hotel classification in Greece is not governed by the same standards as in other countries. Please take this into account when selecting your desired accommodation.  • The group may be allocated in different hotels depending on group size and hotel availability. • Triple rooms: Usually triple rooms in Greece will have a double bed/ two single beds and a rollaway or sofa bed. We can't guarantee triple rooms with 3 beds of the same size. • Please be aware that the WIFI connection in Greece tends to be very slow. Important information regarding Activities:  • Some included activities can accommodate a maximum of 40 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour. Important Trip information:  The order of the itinerary may differ depending on which day you arrive at the destination:  Arrival at destination Monday / Tuesday / Thursday/ Saturday:  Begin your trip with 2 nights in Athens, 1 night in Kalambaka and 1 night in Athens. Arrival at destination Wednesday / Friday / Sunday:  Begin your trip with 1 night in Athens, 1 night in Kalambaka and 2 nights in Athens. Also, during national holiday, religious or official events your itinerary may vary and change its order. All the included visits will be carried out in any case.  • We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Greece. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels. • Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills. • For wheelchair users this trip is upon request and it is recommended to travel on a private basis, please contact us for further information. About Turkey: Please note that arrival transfers are shared, the maximum waiting time for other travellers at the airport is from 20 to 30 minutes approximately. Please note: maximum group size is 52 people. *If you are travelling with Vueling, Ryanair or Wizz Air, we recommend that you check-in online to avoid additional charges. Your reservation includes only one small piece of hand luggage per person (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm) which must be placed under the seat in front of you on the plane. Additional luggage (both hand and hold luggage) can be purchased in advanced via the airline's website. Any extra luggage that does not meet the specified dimensions and is not booked in advance will be subject to additional fees at the airport. **Documentation of the internal flights will be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" during your stay at the destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process. The maximum baggage weight for the Cappadocia – Istanbul flight is 15KG. ***The hotels in Istanbul of the Superior Category are not close to the city center (Taksim). For the upper categories, Sup. Istanbul Centre and Luxury Istanbul, the hotels in Istanbul are close to the city center. ****The order of the excursions and visits may vary, depending on the schedule of the internal flights, traffic and other logistical reasons. The planned visits will be carried out in any case. ****The order of the itinerary changes according to the arrival date and is determined based on the days you travel to Cappadocia, which are Tuesday and Friday. Therefore, the 4 nights in Istanbul are distributed accordingly: Monday and Friday arrivals:  3 nights in Istanbul at the beginning, 1N Ankara, 2N Cappadocia and 1N at the end in Istanbul. Tuesday and Saturday arrivals:  2 nights in Istanbul at the beginning, 1N Ankara, 2N Cappadocia and 2N at the end in Istanbul. Any hotel mentioned in the offer, whether the main one or an alternative, is as likely as each other to be confirmed. You will find your final hotel confirmation on your updated trip summary approximately 7 days before departure.  If you choose the Sup. Istanbul Center or Luxury Istanbul category, only the location and category of the hotel in Istanbul will change. The rest of the hotels in your itinerary will be of the category you selected. In the event of any changes, the hotels you stay at will always be in the same category as you selected, or a superior one. Mandatory tips of 30 USD per person (for Guides, drivers, porters and waiters) are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay in Turkey.  Please note that passengers arriving to Turkey from January 15th 2023 onwards must make a tourism tax payment of $5 per person. This payment is imposed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and is mandatory for all passengers entering their country. This tourist tax is not included in the total booking amount and it will be collected by the tour guide in order to be paid to the authorities. Payments at destination with credit or debit cards may be subject to commission and fluctuations in currency exchange. We recommend making all payments in cash.

Useful information

Entry requirements

Valid passport.

No visa is required to enter the country.

Electricity

230 V. 50 Hz. Adapter not required.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.

UTC + 02:00.

Tourist Office website

www.visitgreece.gr

Offer conditions

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport. Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards. The extra bed in hotels are fold-out style and smaller in size than a standard single bed. Triple rooms are not bigger or more spacious only because they are occupied by 3 people. This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes a comprehensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Greece and Turkey! You can expect several early morning departures and a full daily schedule of activities. In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice. Payments at destination with credit or debit cards may be subject to commission and fluctuations in currency exchange. We recommend making all payments in cash. If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met. While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection. Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult. Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

Exoticca Travel Stories

Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time

Istanbul · Turkey

We really enjoyed our Turkey trip: my first.

We were swimming in the Sea at Lara Beach, Antalya on 1st December and it was great with views all around.

Susbscribe to our newsletter and join Exoticca GO

The best travel deals

Exclusive promotions

Expert travel tips

Exoticca reviews

Join our team

Travel Advisors Portal

Refer a friend program

Save with your group

Affiliate program

Customer support

• General conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies policy

Payment methods

Exoticca international

Copyright 2013-2024 Exoticca. All Rights Reserved.

80 Southwest 8th Street Brickell Bayview, Miami, FL 33130, United States

No products in the cart.

13-Day Tour of Turkey and Greece

From: $ 2,960.00

Start your journey in Istanbul and end it in Athens! The 13-Day Tour of Turkey and Greece is the perfect way to experience the old-world charm and traditions of both countries. Enjoy a range of carefully selected cultural highlights, from Istanbul’s ancient markets to Athens’ Acropolis, as well as meals, accommodation in a hotel, and domestic flights.

Obtain your tour price in USD by selecting tour dates and specifics below:

Number of Travelers:

• Detailed Itinerary
• Inquire About This Trip
• Reviews (1)

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport(IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport(SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international line of the Airport, holding a sign with your name written on it. After which, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you can join the Night Cruise on the  Bosphorus with Dinner & Show .

• Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast at approximately 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour. Today on the tour you will visit Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome , Grand Bazaar, and  Topkapi Palace . Lunch will be at a local restaurant. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour

After breakfast at approximately 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to join a full-day tour of the Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents. Today on the tour you will visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian) , Bosphorus Tour on Boat , Dolmabahce Palace , Bosphorus Bridge, and Camlica Hill . After the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.

Day 4: Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri/Nevsehir – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:30 am and will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Cappadocia . In Cappadocia, you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour will start with a visit to the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy chimneys . Next, you will visit the Pasabag Monk’s Valley to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After this visit, you will drive to the city of Avanos. After lunch, you will visit the beautiful open-air museum of Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Finally towards the end of the day tour before returning to your hotel, you will be able to visit the natural castles of Uchisar. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in.

• Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly to Izmir

For an additional option, you can book an early morning   hot air balloon ride   and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please be aware that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast at the hotel around 9:30 am you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Red Valley where you will be able to explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Güllüdere (Rose) Valley. Next, you will visit Çavusin village which is famous for its houses and churches of the Christian Clergymen. We will take a break for lunch around noon. After lunch, you will drive to the Pigeon Valley . In the afternoon you will visit the Kaymakli underground city where early Christians lived. This will be the end of your full-day tour. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your flight to Izmir through Istanbul. Upon your arrival at the Izmir airport, a representative will be present holding your name sign to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

• Overnight in Kusadasi

Day 6: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast around 8:00 am, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk where the full group will first meet. You will then begin the Pamukkale tour with a drive from Selcuk starting at 8:30 am to Pamukkale which will be around 3 hours. En route to Pamukkale after 1.5 hours, there will be a 10-minute stop for a restroom break. Upon arrival around 11:45 am, the group will be first taken to have lunch and after lunch, at around 1:00 pm you will begin your guided tour of the Pamukkale and Hierapolis area with a professional licensed tour guide. In Pamukkale, you will see the Cotton Cliffs , one of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts. Also, you will visit the ancient ruins of the  City of Hierapolis with its basilica, theatre, and  Roman Baths . At the end of the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore the area on your own. As an option, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale antique pools (at your own expense) during this free time. The tour guide will inform you about the exact meeting point and time. At the end of the tour around approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel at around 7:00 pm.

Day 7: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus . Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities. You will first visit the Temple of Artemis which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Next, you will visit the world-famous ancient  Greco-Roman City of Ephesus , the most well-preserved example in the world. After visiting this impressive site, you will have a break for lunch. After lunch, you will visit the  House of the Virgin Mary , where it is believed she spent her last days. This is a holy place for both Christians and Muslims. Afterwards, you will visit the  Isabey Mosque . Next, you will be taken to the  Sirince Village;  which is an old Greek village and is well-know for its quaint beauty and wine tasting and production. Here you will have one hour free to explore on your own without a guide the different foods and wines of the area and visit various small traditional village shops. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel at around 4:30 pm.

Day 8: Fly from Izmir to Athens (Flight Not Included)

After breakfast, you will proceed to Izmir International Airport to board your international flight to Athens. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and will be transferred to your Athens hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free.

Note: You will have to purchase your own international flight ticket(s); international flight ticket(s) are not included in the cost of this package tour and will not be provided by us.

• Overnight in Athens
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9: Athens City Tour

After breakfast, proceed for a morning city tour which includes Acropolis . Rest of the day is free for leisure on your own. Stay overnight at the hotel in Athens.

Day 10: Athens – Epidaurus – Mycenae – Olympia

Leave by the coastal road for the Corinth Canal (shortstop). Drive on and visit the theater of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then proceed to the town of Nafplion (shortstop), drive on to Mycenae, and visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then depart for Olympia through the central Peloponnesus and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Dinner and overnight in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games.

• Overnight in Olympia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11: Olympia – Delphi

In the morning visit the archaeological site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the archaeological museum. Then drive on through the plains of Ilia and Achaia and over the magnificent cable stayed bridge which crosses the Corinthian bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and Itea, and arrive in Delphi. Dinner and overnight stay.

• Overnight in Delphi

Day 12: Delphi – Athens

In the morning visit the archaeological site and the museum. A couple of hours free time in Delphi before departing and drive through the village of Arachova, renowned for its colorful rugs and carpets. Return to Athens via Levadia and Thebes. Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

Day 13: Departure from Athens – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Athens (hotel check-out is before 11:00 am) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services. • Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Arrival, departure airport transfers and ground transportation
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Cappadocia and from Cappadocia to Izmir only
• 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast
• 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast
• 3 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast
• 3 nights in Athens at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast
• 1 night in Olympia at a First Class hotel including breakfast
• 1 night in Delphi at a First Class hotel including breakfast
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Flight ticket from Istanbul to Athens.
• Visa to enter Turkey and Greece.
• Stayover hotel tax in Greece (to be paid directly to the hotel) it depends on the hotel (3€ to 5€ per night).
• Tips & Personal Items.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride .
• Any optional tours.
• Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast).
• Travel insurance.

IMPORTANT INFO:

• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Please be advised that the order /sequence in which the daily tours occur within the above day-by-day package tour itinerary can be subject to change depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets per the itinerary, opening/closing of various historical sites, etc.
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the  Basilica Cistern  (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.

Inquire About this Trip

Please fill out the information below and we will be in touch shortly with your personalized quote.

1 review for 13-Day Tour of Turkey and Greece

Pavit K – November 11, 2018

We used One Nation Travel to book our recent trip to Turkey and Greece. Our guides, activities and accommodation were wonderful. We would definitely recommend one nation travel and would be more than happy to tour with them again!

Book now, you’ll love it!!!

You must be logged in to post a review.

Other itineraries you may be interested in

3 Days Tour of Gallipoli, Troy & Ephesus (Tour starts from Istanbul and ends in Kusadasi or Izmir)

6 Days Ephesus, Pergamon, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour

4 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Plane

The Greek Odyssey Tour: Vacation to Greece & Turkey

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  4.9  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1585  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Request a Quote

Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration.

Follow the path of Odysseus on this custom tailored tour of Greece and Turkey meant to give you the most amazing adventure through antiquity. From the ancient steps of the Parthenon to the sensational crumbled walls of Troy, you will stand with legends and gods, sailing through the incredible waters of the Mediterranean, and wandering along the path of history. Every adventure starts with that first step; come take it.

Customizable Itinerary

Athens - greetings to athena.

Arrive in the grand city of Athens, where the marbled world of the ages shines in the mid-morning sun. The scent of marble and olive oil mixes for a rich and creamy allure along the old streets of the city. From the airport you will have a private transfer to your hotel where, after check-in, the entire city of Athens can be explored at your leisure. You can see Acropolis hill rising above the center of the metropolis with prestige. Stroll along the Plaka , one of the oldest streets in the city, where ancient mansions continue to line the cobblestone lanes and the scent of traditional dishes drift through the air.

What's Included:

Athens - Where Odysseys Begin

The rich aroma of Greek coffee calls you from your bed. The sun drifts over the pillars of the Acropolis giving them a pink sheen in the morning light. Venture out into the city on a tour to see the famed history of Athens, from ancient to contemporary. The Temple of the Olympian Zeus continues to sit proud against the backdrop of the Acropolis. Hadrian’s Arch frames the temple behind it, built by the Roman emperor Hadrian and connoting the city as an unofficial second capital of Rome during his reign. The pillars of the temple continue to form a solid frame around part of the foundation, giving you a sense of wonderment at its size and the intricate detail carved into the tops of the Corinthian columns like ornate leaves.

Your journey through history brings you to the steps of the Acropolis where the polished marble runs from beneath your feet and into the sky. Step in front of the Propylaea, the elaborate entrance gate that glimmers and intimidates. Once through the gate you will step into the grace of Athena, within the reach of the Parthenon. Each pillar helps project an image of perfection along the structure where once a large statue of the goddess of wisdom could be seen. The metopes continue to display myths of wars, from Giants to the Amazonians, and more. There is a wash of awe that comes from being that close to such an elegant temple that has watched over the city for thousands of years.

Athens - The City is Yours

The city of Athens is yours, given to your whim, and at your leisure. Whether you wish to explore the modern streets of Kolonaki, where the honeyed baklava beckons to passersby, or you wish to explore more of Athens’ sensational past with a visit to the Agora; like Odysseus, you could let fate guide you. You have the option of journeying to Delphi for the day to meet with the great Oracle that once advised Greece for millennia, from kings to politicians and more. Ancient Delphi was dedicated to the sun god Apollo, inhabited since Mycenaean times. You can imagine the lavish temples that once stretched across the upper echelons of the site, where now pillars and statues remain. A cool breeze brushes along the mountaintops. The scent of pine rushes through the meandering stones of the city. The ruins of the Apollo temple look out over the valley and the rolling mountains beyond. Five pillars stand in salute to the grandeur that once housed the power and beauty of Apollo, where every part of the world that was touched by light was said to be graced by the sun god.

Mykonos - The Odyssey Begins

Today you will wave goodbye to the city of Athens, where the Parthenon continues to be a beacon of knowledge for the empowerment of history and the future. Your transfer will bring you to the port district of Piraeus where you will board your luxurious cruise ship and venture along the ornate Mediterranean waters to Mykonos. The island is famed for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and pristine beaches. Five windmills run along the beachside by the port with white walls and thatched roofs. They look as though they guard the city, the wheels spinning in the light breeze repelling worries away. Whether you wish to explore the hundreds of Cycladic chapels that decorate the island or would prefer to dip your toes along the warm, glassy water of Super Paradise Beach, the day is yours to see the famed splendor of Mykonos.

Rhodes - The Only Rhodes

The morning rises over the ship and brings with it a new city to explore. Rhodes sits along the splendid waters of the Mediterranean like a storybook, where the history of Greece overlooks the architecture of Venetian, Ottoman, and Italian occupiers. Disembark from the ship and step into a city that looks almost like a dream. Let the island be your guide, giving you the opportunity to stand over the sea and look out over the apex of the horizon while on the Acropolis of Lindos. Or you could wander through the medieval streets of Rhodes City. A large castle continues to wrap around the coastline near the harbor. The old city sits inside the belly of the castle, one of the oldest inhabited medieval towns in Europe, where turrets rise around the open square, and a charming fountain rests as the centerpiece. The rich aroma of meliasti , feta cheese wrapped in filo and topped with honey and sesame, is too luscious to pass up. Venetian buildings that give way to pointed arches and ornate tile decorations are a reminder of the eclectic culture of the island and the ottoman’s rule. The Colossus of Rhodes may no longer stand along the shores of the port but the city itself is as much of a spectacle to be seen and enjoyed.

Kusadasi - Revelation and One of Wonder

In the morning you arrive on the shores of the island of Patmos. In the hills over the city you can see whitewashed buildings climbing the slopes beneath an imposing stone monastery. History claims that this is the island where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelations. Whether you prefer to stroll through the city, lounge on the beach, or tour the ancient, religious sites of the island, Patmos is there for you to experience. The town’s stone streets wind along the stretch of cozy white buildings that shine in the morning sun. The lovely fragrance of bougainvillea and sweet honey drift along the paths. Within the monastery walls it feels like you have stepped into a medieval castle. The arches within the central garden support the outer walls but also add a sense of serene fragility to the interior of a fortification that from the outside looked impenetrable. Look over the hard walls and the entirety of Patmos Town that reaches to the lower hills, the harbor, and the sea.

Step onto the island of Kusadasi where the famous city of Ephesus waits for your arrival. Where one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World once stood, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis remain. The Odeon is shaped like a small theater, rising over the hill, used as both a concert hall and for the senate. The stone benches offer a stunning look into the acoustics of the ancient theater. The Fountain of Trajan continues to inspire awe in visitors with stacked pillars and porticos. The pool was over 60 feet long by 30 feet wide and surrounded by columns and statues. The marble continues to uphold some of its original integrity, with a backdrop of the hillside and strong protruding ledges. It is easy to imagine the magnitude and grandeur of Ephesus, how impressive it may have been because it still impresses people today.

Kusadasi - Along the Walls of Troy

Rising along the seaside of Izmir continues the wondrous history of the Mediterranean and beyond. Outside of the city of Izmir, where the turquoise water rushes against the shores, brings you to the ancient city of Pergamum and the steps of the Asclepion. The colonnaded pathway guides you from the entrance to the sanctuary. The base column is carved with snakes, the symbol of Asclepius, the god of medicine. The essence of the ruin gives you a sense of how the ancient people of the city lived and functioned. The Corinthian pillars continue to decorate the sky, stretched along what remains of their luxuriant past, where once doctors thrived and citizens were healed.

In the midst of the day you will arrive at the fabled walls of Troy, where Odysseus once fought, and a wooden horse gained tremendous fame; the city is known by the world within the celebrated poem of Homer, the Iliad . The uncovered layers of the city bring you to the rich depths of thousands upon thousands of years of resettlement and ruins. The base of the legendary wall continues to wrap around the city. The stone and arid landscape brings an earthen perfume to the air. Although the real Trojan horse does not stand outside of the city walls, a replica has been placed at the gates to give visitors a sense of the enormity of not only the walls but the horse and the impending united army.

Istanbul - In the Shadows of Worlds at War

From the Trojan War to WWI, the mountains and valleys of Turkey are filled with historic battles that bring legends and commemoration throughout time. A brief ferryboat ride brings you across the Dardanelles and onto the front-line of the WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, notorious especially in Australia and commemorated on their national holiday of Anzac Day. A walk around the battlefield takes you to a variety of locations, beginning at North Beach; a plateau rises on the right hand side and Walker’s Ridge on the left. The water is a pristine blue; the grass is manicured and lush. The history of Gallipoli is a troubled one but the site is as inspiring for a sense of contemporary history, as the Acropolis is for a taste of the ancient past. Later in the day you will arrive in Istanbul, considered the gateway to the East.

Istanbul - Formerly Constantinople

Istanbul was once the capital of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, an eclectic mix of the west and the east, where the cultures of continents collide. Today you will embark on a tour through the sensational city that will bring you within steps of Hagia Sophia Church. The church almost towers over the city, its dome vibrant and complex. What was once the largest church in the world is now a museum where the moment you step inside you can feel the immensity of history wrapped up within the breathtaking dome, vibrant frescos, and the understanding of this pinnacle of Byzantine architecture. Stand beneath the dome of the church and look up into the swirling colors and frescos of the ceiling. You are almost overcome with a sense of vertigo, from the height and the illusion of movement. The light is soft and the sound is a gentle echo of the whispers and footsteps of history.

The continuation of the tour brings you to another famous site of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque. Built to rival the Hagia Sophia, the flurry of domes and minarets immediately captivates you. It’s as if they carved a palace out of a mountain and turned it into a mosque. The variety of blues shimmers in the sunlight, giving a warm radiance against the open sky. Inside of the mosque you can hear the gentle prayers rising to the upper echelons of the dome. The colorful mosaics that decorate the interior swing into life with the shifting sunlight. The majesty of Istanbul is compelling and nothing less than magnificent.

Istanbul - Beneath the Brilliant Light

The gentle morning light flickers off of the Blue Mosque giving a wonderful cobalt hue to the day. Spend your time along the streets of Istanbul experiencing the city in whichever way you prefer. The city is alive with local flavors and customs unlike any other place in the world. Stroll along Galata Bridge where you can watch men of various ages fishing. Their fishing poles rest along the light blue rails waiting for a catch. The scent of pretzels covered in sesame seeds reaches down the way. Meander through the Grand Bazaar, one of the most famous market places in the world due to its incredible size. The boisterousness of bargaining cascades through the streets. The colorful textures of textiles are prominently displayed. Light shines through the varieties of Ottoman stained glass lamps. It feels as though the illustriousness of the bazaar will never end, filled with the most vibrant spices you have ever seen in addition to stunning woven rugs and ceramic dishes. It is almost enough to be overwhelmed by the colors and the delightful aromas of fresh flavors.

Istanbul - Odysseys and Endings

Even Odysseus’s odyssey ended, as will yours on your final day in Turkey. You will have a private transfer to the airport where you will meet your flight and venture back home. Like Odysseus, you traveled through the Mediterranean on a quest that brought you to the pillars of Athens, the walls of Troy, and the rippling domes of the Blue Mosque. Your time along the lands of Greece and Turkey may have ended but, like the Odyssey, the stories will never be forgotten.

Trip Highlights

• Journey along the footsteps of Athenian history and see the Parthenon
• Visit the Oracle of Delphi and listen to the legends that she created
• Dip your toes into the perfect beaches of Mykonos
• Venture through the medieval and ancient history of Rhodes that make you feel like you have stepped into a storybook
• Witness the grand monastery that hovers over the cave where St. John the Baptist wrote the Book of Revelations
• Explore the ancient ruins of the city of Ephesus
• See the remains of the legendary walls of Troy
• Discover the breathtaking sensation of the Hagia Sophia Church and the Blue Mosque

Detailed Description

Experience a true odyssey on this 12-day adventure through Mediterranean antiquity. Best visited within the months of April – October, cruise through the lush waters and rich history of Greece and Turkey, where the marvels aren’t just in the past but all around you. Step within the beauty of ancient pillars and the breathtaking art of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Listen to the whispers of legends told by the earth and the ruins. Let yourself be part of the adventure and follow in the path of Odysseus.

Your odyssey begins with your arrival in Athens. The ancient steps of the city lead to the Acropolis where the Parthenon watches over the city with pride as it has for thousands of years. Tour through the contemporary and ancient history of Athens, from the modern Olympic stadium to the marbled sensation of the Acropolis. Spend a day at leisure within Athens exploring its majesty at your own pace and, if you prefer, venturing out to Delphi to visit the famed remains of the oracle. The following day you will board your cruise ship and arrive on the unparalleled shores of Mykonos, with immaculate beaches and pristine architecture showing you the classic white of the Cyclades. Along the island of Rhodes you will be able to step back in time, whether within the old city wrapped within an extraordinary castle or along the ancient hilltop where the Acropolis of Lindos stands.

Before you reach the Turkish waters you will disembark in Patmos where a fortress-like monastery towers over the island atop the cave where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation. Continue on to a Turkish shore at the island of Kusadasi. Where the remarkable Temple of Artemis once stood now only stand the remains of the powerful port city of Ephesus. Wander through the ancient city of Pergamum where the steps of the Asclepion lay, a city known for its dedication to medicine. Stand alongside the walls of Troy and see where the Trojan horse once brought down an entire city. Along the coastline of Turkey brings you to Gallipoli, one of the most well known battlefields of the First World War. Your final days in Turkey find you in Istanbul, touring through the majesty of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. From Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, to the modern beauty and the enormity of the bazaar, you will not only travel along the footsteps of Odysseus, you will see what he saw and understand the majesty of the Mediterranean.

Zicasso offers a variety of Greece vacation packages .   Be sure to also browse the reviews for Greece travel agencies . You can read about what other travelers experienced while in Greece, and also see why travelers continue to rely on Zicasso for their customized Greek vacations.

Starting Price

$4,600  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.9 stars based on 62 reviews.

Reviewed By  Randolph W.

Reviewed By  Jeff K.

Reviewed By  Shinjini M.

Reviewed By  Kathryn M.

Reviewed By  Dexter Q.

Reviewed By  Ray M.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

Describe your dream trip

Get matched with top travel specialists

Book the trip

Help Me Plan My Trip

Free service - no credit card required

Emergency Banner Component

SCHEDULED WEBSITE MAINTENANCE – 11:00 AM ET SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 THROUGH 3:00 PM ET

Please note that during this time Log In and Registration / Sign Up will be unavailable.

Aegean Voyage: Athens to Istanbul

Select Year

Select the cruise direction you would like to travel

• 2025 Northbound
• 2025 Southbound
• 2026 Northbound
• 2026 Southbound

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner under the stars in ancient Ephesus with live music and life-long memories

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, ship staff and local guides

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $6,079

2 nights at Athens Hotel Grand Bretagne with views of the Acropolis

8-night Cruise aboard Windstar's all suite m/v Star Legend, newly refurbished with more amenities

3 nights at Intercontinental Hotel Istanbul where views of landmark sights enrich your stay

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Cultural journeys and expeditions

Indulge in views of the mighty Acropolis from your luxurious grand hotel in Athens, before setting sail on an 8-night odyssey to storied Greek Isles immortalized in legend and lore and a three-night stay in the cultural hub of Turkey, Istanbul.

Three nights in istanbul, spend 3 nights at a premier hotel in the heart of istanbul.

The ancient capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is home for a three-night stay at a premier city hotel with views of its famous landmarks and the Bosphorus Strait. Visits to Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and more with expert local guides offer a glimpse of its treasures, past and present, and a special dinner with traditional entertainment reflects the warm hospitality you will enjoy here.

Exclusive evening in Ancient Ephesus

Dinner and music under the stars.

Turkey's most significant cultural heritage site, Ephesus was once of the largest and most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean world with a history that has intrigued visitors for thousands of year, including St. Paul the Apostle, the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, Roman Emperor Marcus Antonius, the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist. Many of the great ruins you'll see in Ephesus today were completed during the reigns of Caesar Augustus and his successor Tiberius. Dinner here under the stars with music by the Aegean Chamber Orchestra transports you back in time to its heyday.

Off-the-beaten path on Lemnos

Spend a day on lemnos.

Home to archaeological sites, fortresses, traditional villages and culinary specialties that are among the best in the Aegean Sea, a visit to Lemnos is a feast for the senses. Here you'll discover a national archaeological site and a British Commonwealth cemetery honoring the soldiers who fought in the nearby Gallipoli campaign in World War I; a local winery, tempting with tastings and locally produced cheese; and the capital city of Myrina, where a walking tour samples culinary specialties that have been enjoyed on the island since antiquity.

Sail aboard Windstar's Star Legend

8-night aegean cruise.

Spend 8 nights aboard Windstar's recently refurbished all-suite small ship, Star Legend, exploring ancient islands by day and enjoying first class amenities and spacious sea-facing accommodations with all new bathrooms at night. Featuring two new dining venues, a new spa, an elevated pool, and a fully equipped fitness area, the ship carries just 312 guests aboard and is designed to sail where the bigger ships can't, tucking into small island ports and harbors and narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal.

Download, Print Or Share

Take The Details With You

Download day-by-day details.

All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Welcome Aboard

• Star Legend

Ship Specifications

View Cabin Categories

Balcony Suite

Star Balcony Suite

Deluxe Suite

Owner's Suite

Ocean View Suite

Star Ocean View Suite

Star Porthole Suite

Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Hotel grande bretagne.

Athens, Greece

Nights 3-10 On Board

Tauck Small Ship

Nights 11-13

InterContinental Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

Pricing & Dates are not available yet. Please check back soon.

Northbound: Athens → Istanbul

No departures found.

Try using less filters or select a different year.

Southbound: Istanbul → Athens

Want more detailed information.

Call 800-788-7885

About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Greece and Turkey. Although Turkey usually requires foreign visitors to obtain a visa in order to enter the country, Tauck guests traveling aboard a ship are part of a validated escorted shore excursion and are thus not required to obtain an individual Turkish visa (regardless of their citizenship). You do not need a visa for Greece.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Greece to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the cruise ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $1,500 per person

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $1500 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

Due to space constraints aboard the Windstar vessel and on motor coaches in Greece and Turkey, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to one small carry-on, no larger than an average size knapsack, which will easily fit under your seat, as overhead racks are not wide enough to accommodate large bags.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies .

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

A doctor and limited medical facilities are available onboard. However, if you take special medications, please bring an adequate supply with you; they may not be available onboard. Medical services and all medicines (except acetaminophen, aspirin and anti-nausea pills) dispensed to you by the ship's doctor will be charged to your shipboard account. If you become ill during the voyage and the physician is unable to care for your needs onboard, you will be transferred to medical facilities onshore.

The Windstar cruise ships are registered in the Bahamas. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here  and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here . You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

To enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot.  Many of the sites visited were built in antiquity and have many steps and uneven surfaces. It is important that you wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in. The amount of walking that you choose to do, however, is at your discretion. Additionally, you should be steady on your feet to circumnavigate the decks of the ship while cruising on the Aegean Sea. Some ship-to-shore transportation is by local tender.  Occasionally you may get wet with spray.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

Your Windstar vessel does not have elevators. 

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Smoking is not permitted on the motor coaches or inside the ship, including inside staterooms. Smoking is only permitted on the outer decks in the designated smoking areas. These regulations pertain to e-cigarettes as well.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering.  Most days are spent outside or in transit. Therefore, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Breezy days at sea and cool evenings will require warmer, layered clothing. A jacket and tie are not required for gentlemen aboard ship, but may be preferred or required at some local restaurants.

The "casual elegance" of a small cruise ship is also reflected in the way their guests' dress. We recommend that you wear relaxed and comfortable clothing, as you would at an elegant land resort. For women's daytime wear, we suggest walking shorts, skirts, sarongs, lightweight tops and cover-ups; for evening wear - sun dresses, pants, or informal cocktail attire. For men's daytime wear, we suggest Bermuda shorts, polo shirts, and khaki pants; in the evening - lightweight trousers and short-sleeved dress or polo shirts. No suits or ties are required. Shorts, jeans, and t-shirts are not permitted in the restaurant during the evening.

Valet laundry service is available at the hotel listed on this itinerary. On board the ship, next-day laundry and pressing service is available; dry cleaning services, irons and ironing boards are not available.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for cruising on the Aegean Sea:

Rainwear, such as a raincoat and rain hat, plus a collapsible umbrella

Short and long-sleeved shirts/tee shirts (for the warmer, summer months extra tee shirts are always a good idea)

Shorts (for summer) and pants for casual daytime wear

Sport coat for men (suggested but not required) and slacks/dress for women for evening wear

Sweater; lightweight for summer, and medium weight for spring/fall

Camera, lenses, chargers, batteries and extra memory cards

Sunscreen and hat

Small flashlight

Insect repellent

Washcloth - not all European hotels provide washcloths, so you may want to bring one along.   A package of pre-moistened towlettes is an excellent alternative.

Travel alarm clock (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)

Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags

Prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last your entire journey), and written copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  While it may be possible to refill prescriptions during your journey, the availability of refills cannot be guaranteed.  What's more, refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and time-consuming.    

The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Greece and Turkey enjoy long hot dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures in Greece and Turkey are tempered by the Etesian northerly wind which blows across the Aegean Sea, and breezes called "meltemia", however, mainland temperatures are often very high. Winters are mild and wet, although rainfall is generally low in most areas.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

The Tauck Experience

Leave Your Worries At Home

One upfront price – no hidden costs, tauck directors – simply the best, never settle for ordinary.

• {{ forumDate }} {{ forumTopic }} ({{ totalForumComments }})

From the Forum

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Related Journeys

Other Journeys You May Enjoy

From $11,990

Small Ship Cruising

Treasures of the Aegean

From $9,990

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Group Bookings
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Protection
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

3 Week Greece and Turkey Tours & Trips

• Choose from 30 Greece and Turkey tours
• 700+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Greece And Turkey 3 week tour packages

Compiled by

Nadine Greece and Turkey travel expert at TourRadar

Turkey & Greece

Great southeast europe, complete greece and turkish tour, the great odyssey (small group), diamonds of mediterranean tour, türkiye and greece full 18 days, discover the charm of the greek isles & the amalfi coast, pearls from turkey and the greek islands - 16 days, premium turkey & the cyclades islands, glories of turkey & greece.

• Soak in the amazing views of Athens from the Acropolis and see the Parthenon
• Visit the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the underground city of Göreme
• Stroll the streets of Santorini and Paros and sunbathe at the sandy beaches

• Sightseeing
• Enjoy a boat trip on the Bosphorus
• Tour the ancient city of Ephesus
• Discover the Palace of Knossos in Crete

• Visit the ancient theatre of Epidaurus
• Cruise the Bosphorus in Istanbul
• Explore the Meteora monasteries in Greece

• In-depth Cultural
• Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait
• Relax on the beaches of Mykonos
• Explore the Spice Market in Istanbul

“Cappadocia with its intriguing rock formations and the hot air balloon ride was the icing on the cake for me.”

• Visit the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk in Anitkabir
• Enjoy the sunset in Santorini
• Party in Mykonos

• Christmas & New Year
• Cruise the Bosphorus and visit Spice Bazaar
• Discover Cappadocia's fairy chimneys
• Explore Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque

• Discover Rhodes' medieval Old Town and beaches
• Watch the sunset from Oia in Santorini
• Start your voyage on a luxury yacht in Athens

• Tour Ankara's citadel and journey to Cappadocia
• Explore Istanbul's historic sites and Grand Bazaar
• Discover Ephesus and relax in Pamukkale's pools

• Watch sunset over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys
• Stroll through Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
• Explore Hagia Sophia's rich history

• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Mykonos
• Discover Athens' Acropolis and museum
• Visit the ancient ruins of Troy

“Accommodations were excellent, especially the 'all inclusive' resort in Marmaris.”

Discover TourRadar

• Contact Us:
• +30 2810 346185

Igoumenitsa Online Ferry Booking Ferry Schedules, Timetables & Online Tickets

• Ferry Booking
• igoumenitsa

Including Children & Infants

Including Caravan & Trailers

Routes From / To Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa - Corfu - Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa - Paxi (Paxos) - Igoumenitsa

Corfu - Igoumenitsa - Corfu

Igoumenitsa - Lefkimmi - Igoumenitsa

Bari - Corfu - Igoumenitsa - Sami

Ancona - Corfu - Igoumenitsa

Brindisi - Corfu - Igoumenitsa

Ancona - Corfu - Igoumenitsa - Patras

Bari - Corfu - Igoumenitsa - Patras

Venice - Corfu - Igoumenitsa - Patras

Ferry companies from / to igoumenitsa, minoan lines.

• Minoan Lines Main Page
• Minoan Lines Routes & Prices
• Minoan Lines Discounts & Offers
• Minoan Lines Fleet

Anek-Superfast

• Anek-Superfast Main Page
• Anek-Superfast Routes & Prices
• Anek-Superfast Discounts & Offers
• Anek-Superfast Fleet

Grimaldi Lines

• Grimaldi Lines Main Page
• Grimaldi Lines Routes & Prices
• Grimaldi Lines Discounts & Offers
• Grimaldi Lines Fleet

Ventouris Ferries

• Ventouris Ferries Main Page
• Ventouris Ferries Routes & Prices
• Ventouris Ferries Discounts & Offers
• Ventouris Ferries Fleet

Kerkyra Seaways

• Kerkyra Seaways Main Page
• Kerkyra Seaways Routes & Prices
• Kerkyra Seaways Discounts & Offers
• Kerkyra Seaways Fleet

Kerkyra Lines

• Kerkyra Lines Main Page
• Kerkyra Lines Routes & Prices
• Kerkyra Lines Discounts & Offers
• Kerkyra Lines Fleet

Lefkimmi Lines

• Lefkimmi Lines Main Page
• Lefkimmi Lines Routes & Prices
• Lefkimmi Lines Discounts & Offers
• Lefkimmi Lines Fleet

Ferries on the route From / To Igoumenitsa

Agios spyridon, agia eirini, ano hora ii, kerkyra express, agia theodora, ioannis kapodistrias, agia triada, kydon palace, igoumenitsa, hellenic spirit, olympic champion, superfast xi, superfast i, superfast ii, asterion ii, quick facts, ferry companies, discounts & offers, igoumenitsa online ferry booking.

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or even a long-awaited vacation, you have definitely come to the right place. Through our online Ferry Booking System you will be able to find all departures with the itineraries and information you will need to properly organize your vacation this year. Countless destinations to explore and even more combinations you could make for your ideal holidays. By using our Ferry Booking System, you will be able to check all information regarding the domestic crossings and the most ideal ways to escape from your daily life.

Without facing any difficulty, you will be able to find all available ferry routes to and from the enchanting islands of Greece. Depending on the selected crossings, you could find departures that are operated with high-speed ferries along with conventional one’s.

Through our Online Ferry Booking System you can also find all the routes between Greece - Italy and Turkey. In addition you can also search for connections between Italy and Albania, Spain - Morocco and Tunisia as well as routes between Sardinia, Sicily and mainland Italy. Once your booking is completed, you will receive a confirmation email verifying everything regarding your ticket collection point or web check in instructions (where available).

Even if you are having a hard time locating exactly what you need, our highly qualified personnel is always at your disposal to find the best possible offer in addition with the perfect solution and make your wish come true.

Online Bookings

Group ferry tickets.

Hotel & Villas Booking

Car Rental in Greece

Tours & Excursions

Book Now with our Company's Assistance

Idyllic Greek island with turquoise waters, golden sands - and no tourists

Kastellorizo - also known as Meis in Turkish - is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean Sea, boasting stunning landscapes, rich historical sites, and warm hospitality

• 14:00, 6 Sep 2024
• Updated 18:04, 6 Sep 2024

An idyllic Greek island has been praised for its turquoise waters - and distinct lack of tourists .

Tucked away in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea , the enchanting island of Kastellorizo is located just a mile off the southern coast of Turkey . Known as Meis in Turkish, it boasts awe-inspiring landscapes and beautiful beaches , making it a must-see for many seasoned travellers. It's nice and quiet too - according to the 2021 census, the island is home to just 584 residents.

Despite being a mere 30-minute journey from the Turkish mainland, Kastellorizo is actually part of Greece . With its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and vibrant traditional houses dotted across the hillsides, the island is said to have an irresistible allure that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

One of the island's highlights is the historic harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob gently in the water against a backdrop of pastel-coloured buildings. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk along the seafront promenade, soaking up the relaxed feel and stunning views of the sea and surrounding coastline.

Fans of history will be excited to explore Kastellorizo's rich cultural heritage, visible in its well-preserved architecture and historical sites. The island is home to several significant landmarks, including ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff faces and the imposing Castle of the Knights of St. John, offering panoramic views of the island and beyond.

Kastellorizo meanwhile offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and relaxation. Holidaymakers can spend their days snorkelling or diving in the crystal-clear waters, hiking along scenic trails that crisscross the island, or simply lounging on pristine beaches under the Mediterranean sun.

The island is renowned for its delicious cuisine, influenced by its rich history and close ties with Greece and Turkey. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen, sample traditional Greek and Turkish dishes, and savour tasty desserts made with locally sourced ingredients. Drinks in Kastellorizo are also very reasonably priced, with a pint of beer costing only £4.26.

With its unspoiled natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Kastellorizo has proved a hit with visitors - but it is yet to see the over-tourism which his plagued many islands in the region. To reach the island, you need to head to first head to Rhodes, where there is a single flight to Kastellorizo's airport, reports the Express .

Ferry services also run from Rhodes to the island, as well as from Piraeus. From Antalya, visitors should make their way to the port town of Kas, where a daily ferry service operates to Kastellorizo, with tickets available for purchase online. However, it's worth noting that Kas Ferryport is a four-hour drive away.

MORE ON Greece Turkey (Türkiye)

Can we send you the mirror travel newsletter with weekly travel news and inspiration.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Greece to Restrict Cruise Visits and Vacation Homes on Busy Islands

In a country where vacationers are a keystone of the economy, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is embracing a European trend toward tighter tourism regulation.

By Niki Kitsantonis

Reporting from Athens

With the treasures of its history, the beauty of its islands and the golden sands of its beaches, Greece offers tourists many reasons to visit. But a seemingly endless influx in recent years has caused headaches at some of its most popular destinations.

So this weekend, its prime minister proposed an array of measures aimed at curbing some effects of the growing crowds.

The changes include hefty increases to docking fees for cruise ships at some of Greece’s most popular islands, and limits to daily cruise ship arrivals. The rules aim to reduce the strain that the vacation industry places on communities and echo a pushback against overtourism in several other major European destinations.

“Tourism supports the economy with significant resources and jobs, but it has its own particular social impact,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during his annual state of the economy speech in Thessaloniki on Saturday night. He added that he was “very concerned about the image on some of our islands some months of the year due to cruise ships.”

More details will be announced next week, he said.

Discontent over tourism has flared across Europe since pandemic-related travel restrictions receded. In April, Venice introduced an entry fee of 5 euros , about $5.50, on certain days. In July, protesters in Barcelona marched in exasperation with tourist numbers .

And after those cities diverted cruises from busy ports, officials in Amsterdam decided to cut cruise traffic in half by 2026, before eventually closing its terminal , citing worries about overcrowding and pollution.

The issue carries particularly high stakes in Greece, where tourism accounts for about a fifth of economic output. A record 33 million people visited last year, according to the Bank of Greece , which said numbers were up a further 15.5 percent in the first half of 2024.

Vacation rentals and foreign buyers have also driven home prices to a level that many locals say they struggle to afford on many islands , while a wave of villa construction has contributed to water shortages.

“We’ve had yet another extremely successful tourism year,” Mr. Mitsotakis said, noting that the sector was going “from record to record.”

To address overcrowding, disembarkation fees for cruises would be increased, he said, with larger rises for particularly popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, where the authorities and residents have been pushing for constraints.

Fees will rise to 20 euros for those islands during the high season, he told a news conference on Sunday, a steep hike from the current charge of 35 cents for Santorini. Some of the additional revenue will go toward local infrastructure, he said.

The government will also increase a lodging tax paid by hotels and rental accommodations on the islands, with those proceeds going toward local communities to help them during the peak season, Mr. Mitsotakis said.

And property owners who offer long-term leases, rather than the short-term rentals generally given to international visitors, will be exempt from paying rental tax for three years, he said.

Mr. Mitsotakis also heralded restrictions, to be announced in coming weeks, on runaway construction on the most overdeveloped islands, apparently targeting vacation homes. “Let’s take action and put the brakes, wherever needed, on islands where we believe that the situation has reached a point that the infrastructure is essentially being tested,” he told reporters.

The cruise industry is booming in Greece, with a projected increase of 20 percent in ship arrivals this year, totaling more than eight million passengers, according to Giorgos Koubenas, the president of Greece’s union of cruise-ship owners, who said revenues this year were projected at €2 billion.

Santorini, with its volcanic beaches and dramatic caldera, is Greece’s most popular cruise destination, with 1.3 million cruise visitors last year, according to the Hellenic Ports Association. An official there provoked an angry backlash on a particularly busy July day when he urged residents — population 15,500 — to stay home to make way for an expected 17,000 visitors.

The mayor, Nikos Zorzos, said that the authorities did what they could to keep daily visitors under 8,000, but that itineraries were set two years in advance, causing some “very difficult days.”

“It’s important that each island has the ability to regulate the situation locally,” he said, “that local authorities have control in such significant issues that directly influence the daily lives of residents.”

Some residents of smaller islands, however, say they fear that restrictions will push the problems of cruise traffic onto them.

“I’m very worried,” said Thodoris Halaris, a 64-year-old resident of Amorgos, an island of about 2,000 that received its first large cruise ship last month. Cruises risk crowding out the regular visitors he rents to, he said, and don’t suit the island’s relatively small beaches.

“It’s like the theater of the absurd,” he said. “Fifty people swimming on a beach and a 250-meter cruise ship docked in front of them.”

Konstantinos Revinthis, the mayor of Serifos, said he was persuaded to oppose cruise visits after a medium-size liner brought some 2,000 passengers to his island of roughly 1,000.

“We don’t have the infrastructure to host so many people,” he said.

Niki Kitsantonis is a freelance correspondent for The Times based in Athens. She has been writing about Greece for 20 years, including more than a decade of coverage for The Times. More about Niki Kitsantonis

Around the World With The Times

Our reporters across the globe take you into the field..

A Venezuelan Exodus:  About a quarter of the residents of Maracaibo, Venezuela’s second-largest city, have moved away due to economic misery and political repression. More are expected to soon follow .

Why Brazil Banned X:  To combat disinformation, Brazil gave one judge broad power to police the internet. Now, after he blocked the social network, some are wondering whether that was a good idea .

How the Tories Lost Britain: Brexit and immigration upended their 14-year reign, setting the stage for a pitched battle to remake British conservatism .

Mexico’s Judiciary Rift:  A showdown over a plan by Mexico’s outgoing president to reshape the country’s judiciary  is raising fears over the effect on the rule of law and trade with the United States.

An Ancient Irish Game Adapts:  For centuries, hurling’s wooden sticks have been made from Ireland’s ash trees. But with a disease destroying forests, the sport is turning to different materials .