10-Day Greece and Turkey Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Greece And Turkey itineraries
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NadineGreece and Turkey travel expert at TourRadar
10 Day Turkey & Greece Itinerary, incl. Istanbul and Athens
Turkish-Greek wonders from Istanbul's mosques to Athens' Acropolis fill this 10-day tour. Alexandroupoli's lighthouse, Thessaloniki's Byzantine sites, and Meteora's monasteries showcase regional diversity. Comfortable accommodations enhance cultural experiences.
- Days 1-2
Istanbul
Begin in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district. Get to the Hagia Sophia before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Visit the Blue Mosque right across the square but remember it closes during prayer times, particularly Friday noon. Plan your Grand Bazaar visit for late afternoon when it's cooler and vendors are more open to negotiation. A recent visitor shared: "The local coffee experience near Topkapi Palace was incredible - try the traditional method where they read your fortune in the coffee grounds!"
- Day 3
Istanbul to Alexandroupoli
The Turkey-Greece border crossing typically takes 1-2 hours. Bring snacks and something to keep you occupied. You'll see beautiful countryside views through Turkey's Marmara region. Plan to reach Alexandroupoli in time to watch sunset at the lighthouse.
- Day 4
Northern Greece
Pack in several stops on your way to Thessaloniki. Start your morning in Xanthi, about 1.5 hours from Alexandroupoli, to see its charming old town. When visiting the Philippi archaeological site, wear sturdy shoes since the ancient stones can be slippery. You'll reach Thessaloniki by evening.
- Days 5-6
Thessaloniki & Vergina
Take a full day to explore Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches and Roman ruins. The next day, drive an hour to Vergina. Bring a light jacket for the Royal Tombs Museum - it's underground and cool. A visitor tip: "The tomb of Philip II is mind-blowing - the preservation of the gold artifacts is incredible. Go early before tour buses arrive."
- Day 7
Meteora
Plan your monastery visits carefully. You'll need long pants and covered shoulders. Some monasteries require women to wear skirts. The climb to Varlaam Monastery requires effort but isn't too difficult. Take water breaks, especially in summer months.
- Day 8
Thermopylae to Athens
The southern drive takes about 4 hours. Stop at Thermopylae to see the 300 Spartans memorial - morning light offers the best photos. You'll reach Athens with time to unpack before dinner in the Plaka area.
- Days 9-10
Athens
Start at the Acropolis when it opens at 8 AM to beat crowds and heat. Watch your step on wet marble. Visit the Acropolis Museum in the afternoon after cruise tourists leave. Finish your trip with dinner in Psyrri, where you'll find authentic tavernas away from tourist spots.
9 Day Balkans Itinerary, incl. Athens and Istanbul
The wonders of Greece and Turkey unfold over 9 days, beginning at Athens' Acropolis and Parthenon. Delphi's Temple of Apollo and Meteora's monasteries lead to Thessaloniki's White Tower, followed by Istanbul's Bosphorus cruise past Dolmabahce Palace.
- Days 1-2
Athens
Start with a private airport transfer to your central Athens hotel. Get to the Acropolis by 8 AM on your first morning to avoid crowds and heat. Wear good walking shoes since the marble steps can be slippery. Take an afternoon guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum and landmarks like the Panathenaic Stadium. Your evening is free to wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood.
- Day 3
Athens to Meteora via Delphi
This is your longest travel day at 433km. Leave Athens early for the 3-hour drive to Delphi. Visit the Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins before the afternoon heat hits. Another 3.5 hours takes you to Kalabaka near Meteora. The mountain roads have beautiful views but can be tough if you get motion sick. Try to sit up front if that's the case.
- Day 4
Meteora to Thessaloniki
Start at the cliff-top monasteries when morning light is best for photos. Follow the dress code: women need long skirts/dresses and covered shoulders, men must wear long pants. Take the monastery steps slowly in hot weather. It's about 3 hours to Thessaloniki where you can spend your free evening on the waterfront promenade.
- Day 5
Thessaloniki to Sofia
Drive into Bulgaria to see the stunning Rila Monastery in the mountains, about 4 hours from Thessaloniki. Visit Sofia's highlights like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the afternoon or possibly next morning depending on arrival time.
- Day 6
Sofia to Bucharest
Travel through Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's old capital, on your way to Bucharest. The full drive with stops is about 400km. Your evening is free to explore Bucharest's Old Town with its mix of art nouveau and communist architecture and busy cafe scene.
- Day 7
Transylvania Day Trip
Take an optional day trip to Transylvania. Book the $120 tour early as spots fill up fast. The 377km journey includes Bran Castle (go early to avoid crowds), historic Brașov and beautiful Peles Castle. Bring extra layers since mountain weather changes quickly.
- Day 8
Bucharest to Istanbul
See Bucharest's highlights in the morning including Revolution Square and the Palace of Parliament. Take your included afternoon flight to Istanbul. Start exploring in the evening around Sultanahmet where the Blue Mosque looks incredible lit up at night.
- Day 9
Istanbul
Visit the Spice Bazaar first thing before tourist crowds arrive. Take a Bosphorus cruise to see both European and Asian shores. Women need headscarves for mosque visits but you can borrow these at entrances.
9 Days in Greece, Turkey & Bulgaria, incl. Athens and Istanbul
Remarkable sites define this 9-day adventure featuring Delphi's ruins, Meteora's monasteries, and Istanbul's Bosphorus cruise. A unique cave hotel stay in Cappadocia complements visits to Devrent Valley and Goreme Open Air Museum.
- Days 1-2
Athens
Your trip starts with a private airport transfer that works around your flight schedule. Spend two days exploring Athens' main sites, especially the Acropolis and Parthenon. One recent visitor noted: "Book your Acropolis tickets online in advance and arrive by 8:30 AM before the cruise ship crowds." Fill your evenings wandering through Plaka, where you'll find plenty of traditional tavernas.
- Day 3
Athens to Meteora via Delphi
Leave early for the 213km drive to Delphi. A licensed guide will show you around the Temple of Apollo and archaeological site. Then continue another 220km to Kalabaka near Meteora. This is your longest travel day, so pack some snacks and entertainment. You'll spend the night in Kalabaka right below Meteora's impressive cliffs.
- Day 4
Meteora to Thessaloniki
Start with the UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries. Remember the dress code: women need long skirts and sleeves, men should wear long pants. It's about 3 hours (228km) to drive to Thessaloniki. You'll have the evening free to check out Greece's cultural hub and its famous White Tower waterfront.
- Day 5
Thessaloniki to Sofia via Rila
Your journey into Bulgaria includes a stop at the beautiful Rila Monastery. You'll drive from Thessaloniki to Rila (232km), then continue to Sofia (117km). If you arrive in Sofia with daylight left, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or save it for early next morning.
- Days 6-7
Sofia to Istanbul
Take a morning flight to Istanbul. After checking in, explore the Spice Bazaar and take a boat trip on the Bosphorus. Your second day includes guided tours of the main sites. A good tip: The Spice Bazaar offers a more genuine shopping experience than the Grand Bazaar.
- Days 8-9
Cappadocia Finale
Fly to Kayseri early to explore Cappadocia. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and the underground cities. You can take a hot air balloon ride on your last morning but book it early as spots fill up fast. The trip ends with an evening flight back to Istanbul.
Greece and Turkey 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
From Istanbul to Athens
Athens to Istanbul thru Bucharest - Discovering Ancient Wonders 1 FLIGHT INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
All About Greece from Athens to Istanbul and Cappadocia via Sofia 3 FLIGHTS INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
Mainland Greece and Islands
10 Day Athens, cruise to the Greek Islands and the Turkish Riviera from Athens, Istanbul and Cappadocia.
10 Days - Western Turkey Explorer&3 Nights Iconic Aegeans
The Beautiful Aegean, Peloponnese and Northern Greece Int
The Beautiful Aegean, Peloponnese and Northern Greece Ext
10 Days Highlights of Turkey with Samos Island
Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel
What people love about 10-day Greece and Turkey tours
- Mainland Greece and Islands
This must be most comprehensive tour of Greece. Hotels and the cruise ship were top and with excellent local guides and very good food provided. Overall it was a very good experience , I recommend it.
- Footsteps of Apostle Paul - Faith-Based Travel
The only thing that will keep me from considering or recomending Tour Radar with Hlobus is the lack or inability to talk to a real person I had to text TourRadar to ask globus for information only to be told many time one or the other is not answering. In the end it all worked out and the staff at the site was good but the early communication may cause me to shop around
- Flavours of Turkey and Greece -I-
The tour is short but intense . Hotels and their locations have been choosen carefully to satisfy even difficult solo travelers like me. Breakfasts at the hotels are excellent. Both guides in Turkey and Greece were good. I recommend it