Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul and get transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest up. Head down to the hotel reception desk in the afternoon to check the boards for tour information and any meeting details you'll need to know.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Istambul Topkapi), Hotel (Elite World Grand Basin Ekspres), Hotel (Grand Makel Topkapi)
- Day 2
Istanbul
This morning you'll take a panoramic city tour that shows off Istanbul's two-continent character. The itinerary includes the Süleymaniye Mosque, ancient city walls, views of the Golden Horn, a fishing district, and the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Later in the afternoon you'll transfer to Taksim for dinner at local restaurants. After eating, you can take a ride on the old tram or visit nearby Galata Tower if you're interested.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Istambul Topkapi), Hotel (Elite World Grand Basin Ekspres), Hotel (Grand Makel Topkapi)
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of Istanbul
- Visit to Süleymaniye Mosque (the largest in Istanbul)
- View ancient city walls
- View the Golden Horn
- Visit fishing district
- View exterior of Hagia Sophia
Optional Activities
- Ride on the charming old tram in Taksim
- Visit Galata Tower
Landmarks Süleymaniye Mosque Golden Horn Hagia Sophia Galata Tower 
- Day 3
Istanbul to Ankara
Start your day at Topkapi Palace, the former center of Ottoman rule, where you'll walk through its courtyards and pavilions. Next comes a roughly two-hour private boat trip on the Bosphorus. You'll pass under two bridges connecting Europe and Asia while seeing Sultan's palaces and traditional Ottoman architecture. The boat brings you to Uskudar on the Asian side, and then you'll travel to Ankara, arriving in time for dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu Ankara), Hotel (Best Western Ankara)
Included Activities
- Visit to Topkapi Palace (admission included)
- Boat trip on the Bosphorus - approximately two hours on private boat (tickets included)
Landmarks Topkapi Palace Bosphorus Uskudar 
- Day 4
Ankara to Cappadocia
After breakfast you'll tour Ankara starting with the Mausoleum of Ataturk and the ancient Ankara Castle from the 8th century B.C. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is also on the agenda. From there you'll head toward Cappadocia with a lunch stop at Salt Lake. You'll also see Hacibektas, an important pilgrimage site. You'll reach Nevsehir in time for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (At Salt Lake), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Cappadocia), Hotel (Mustafa Cappadocia Resort), Hotel (Avrasya)
Included Activities
- Tour of Ankara (cosmopolitan capital)
- Visit to Mausoleum of Ataturk
- Visit to Ankara Castle (8th century B.C.)
- Admission to Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Stop at Salt Lake
- Visit to Hacibektas pilgrimage site
Landmarks Mausoleum of Ataturk Ankara Castle Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Salt Lake Hacibektas 
- Day 5
Cappadocia
You'll spend the whole day exploring Cappadocia's unusual landscapes and historical sites. Start at Göreme Valley's open-air museum with its rock-cut churches, then move on to Uchisar's natural fortress. The underground city of Kaymakli comes next, where you can learn it once held up to 30,000 people. Finish at Pasabag to see the famous Fairy Chimneys and take a walk through them. You'll return to Avanos with some free time before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Cappadocia), Hotel (Mustafa Cappadocia Resort), Hotel (Avrasya)
Included Activities
- Visit to Göreme Valley open-air museum (tickets included)
- Visit to rock-cut churches in Göreme Valley
- Visit to Uchisar
- Visit to Kaymacli underground city
- Walk in Pasabag (Fairy Chimneys)
Landmarks Göreme Valley Uchisar Kaymacli Pasabag - Day 6
Cappadocia to Konya
You'll visit Ihlara Valley, known for its cool waters and rock-cut churches and villages. From there you'll head to Konya to see the 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum, learning about the Dervish order and its founder Rumi. Dinner is included in Konya. If you're interested, there's an optional dervish dance performance at the cultural center in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Konya), Hotel (Bera Konya)
Included Activities
- Visit to Ihlara Valley
- Visit to 13th-century caravanserai
- Visit to Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya
Optional Activities
- Dervish dance performance at cultural center in Konya
Landmarks Ihlara Valley Mevlana Mausoleum 
- Day 7
Konya to Pamukkale
You'll travel along a scenic route between the lakes to Egridir, a charming lakeside town with historic walls and mosques. Stop here for lunch before continuing to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where mineral-rich waters have created the striking Cotton Palace. Your admission is covered. Dinner is included in Pamukkale.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Egridir), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal), Hotel (Richmond Pamukkale Thermal), Hotel (Hierapark Therma)
Included Activities
- Visit to Egridir
- Visit to Hierapolis-Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) (admission included)
Landmarks Egridir Pamukkale 
- Day 8
Pamukkale to Kusadasi
Head to Ephesus, one of Asia Minor's best-preserved ancient cities from two thousand years ago. You'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and explore the ancient city ruins with admission included. After that you'll go to Kusadasi, a busy coastal town with shops and a small castle. Dinner is included. Note that May through October, you might stay in nearby Aydin instead, with time in Kusadasi from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Le Bleu), Hotel (Ramada Plaza Izmir), Hotel (Ramada Izmir Kemalpasa), Hotel (Anemon Aydin)
Included Activities
- Visit to House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus (admission included)
- Visit to Basilica of St. John in Ephesus (admission included)
- Explore Ephesus ancient city ruins (admission included)
Landmarks Ephesus House of the Virgin Mary Basilica of St. John Kusadasi 
- Day 9
Kusadasi to Marmaris
You'll leave early to see Lake Bafa, one of Turkey's natural wonders. From there you'll continue to Bodrum, a fortified city with Greek origins where you can check out the castle, explore the streets, or walk along the marina. After lunch you'll head to Marmaris, a coastal town known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner is included. Summer accommodations might be in nearby Mugla instead of Marmaris.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Bodrum), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pasabey), Hotel (Tuna), Hotel (Yucelen)
Included Activities
- Visit to Lake Bafa
Optional Activities
- Explore Bodrum castle
- Explore Bodrum marina
Landmarks Lake Bafa Bodrum Marmaris 
- Day 10
Marmaris to Rhodes
Set off early toward Greece and board an express ferry to Rhodes, a trip lasting about one hour. You'll go through standard border procedures. Once there you'll tour Rhodes's walled city and historic quarter, which shows influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian periods. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Semiramis City), Hotel (Arte)
Included Activities
- Tour of Rhodes walled city
- Tour of Rhodes historic quarter
Landmarks Rhodes 
- Day 11
Rhodes to Heraklion
Leaving Rhodes city, you'll take an included excursion around the rest of the island. Visit Filerimos with its hilltop monastery and views, then continue to Lindos to see its fortress and Acropolis with sea views. You can walk through whitewashed streets, relax on beaches, or try a traditional donkey ride to the Acropolis if that interests you. After lunch and free time back in Rhodes city, you'll transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Crete and then to your hotel in Heraklion.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Lindos area)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Excursion to explore rest of Rhodes island (included)
- Visit to Filerimos monastery
- Visit to Lindos fortress
- Visit to Lindos Acropolis
Optional Activities
- Traditional donkey ride up to Lindos Acropolis
- Beach time in Lindos
Landmarks Filerimos Lindos Lindos Acropolis 
- Day 12
Heraklion
You'll travel west along the coast to Rethymno, a picturesque city with Venetian origins and a medieval castle. Next is Chania, another historic city with a fortress and mansions. Its history involves Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks all taking turns. You'll return to Heraklion by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Visit to Rethymno
- Visit to Chania
Landmarks Rethymno Chania 
- Day 13
Heraklion
You'll visit the Palace of Knossos to explore Minoan culture that shaped Greek civilization four thousand years ago. Your admission and guided tour are included. Then you'll travel through the island's mountains heading south to the Libyan Sea coast and Agia Galini, a picturesque town with winding streets, a fishing port, and tavernas. You'll have time for lunch and a swim if you want. Return to Heraklion at the end of the day. Note that November through April you'll visit Matala instead, known for its beach and cave-filled cliff landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Agia Galini or Matala)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Visit to Palace of Knossos (admission and guided tour included)
Optional Activities
- Swimming in the sea at Agia Galini (or Matala)
Landmarks Palace of Knossos Agia Galini Matala - Day 14
Heraklion
You'll head east along the coast and first stop in the small town of Kritsa to visit Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church with beautiful frescoes. Admission is included. Then you'll arrive at Agios Nikolaos with its natural port for time to walk around and have lunch. Continue to Elounda, a beautiful former city-state now a tourist destination. Board a boat to Spinalonga Island to see the ancient Venetian fortress that later became a leper colony. After returning to Elounda by boat, you'll head back to Heraklion.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Agios Nikolaos)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Visit to Panagia Kera church in Kritsa (admission included)
- Visit to Spinalonga Fortress (boat included)
Landmarks Panagia Kera Agios Nikolaos Elounda Spinalonga Fortress - Day 15
Heraklion - Santorini - Athens
Early in the morning you'll transfer to port and board a high-speed ferry to Santorini, arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. By bus you'll travel through stunning landscapes to Oia, the island's most spectacular town with white streets, cliff views, castle remnants, and windmills. You'll have time for lunch and a stroll. Later you'll visit Fira, the island's capital, where those interested can take a cable car or donkey ride down to the port to see cruise ships. Then you'll board a high-speed ferry departing around 3:15 p.m., arriving in Athens around midnight. Note that November through mid-April the ferry is suspended and you'll fly from Heraklion to Athens instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Oia)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (President), Hotel (Athens Comfort)
Included Activities
- Visit to Oia, Santorini
- Visit to Fira, Santorini
Optional Activities
- Cable car descent to port in Fira
- Donkey ride descent to port in Fira
Landmarks Oia Fira 
- Day 16
Athens to Kalambaka
You'll head early toward northern Greece with a stop at Kamena Vourla, a charming seaside town surrounded by nice landscapes. Continue north to Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the historic site of the famous ancient battle. You'll see Kastraki, a picturesque village with beautiful valley views, and have free time here for lunch. Then you'll explore Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to one of its monasteries is included. Dinner is in Kalambaka.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Kastraki), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Amalia Kalambaca), Hotel (Kosta Famissi)
Included Activities
- Visit to Kamena Vourla
- Visit to Thermopylae Mountain Pass
- Visit to Kastraki
- Visit to Meteora (admission to one monastery included)
Landmarks Kamena Vourla Thermopylae Kastraki Meteora 
- Day 17
Kalambaka to Athens
You'll travel south through the Thessaly region with beautiful landscapes before reaching Delphi. Explore the archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth with great views, and have time for lunch. Afterward visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery, one of Greece's most beautiful Byzantine monasteries and a World Heritage Site, known for its 11th-century mosaics. You'll continue to Athens, arriving in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet), Lunch (In Delphi area)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (President), Hotel (Athens Comfort)
Included Activities
- Visit to Delphi archaeological site
- Visit to Hosios Loukas Monastery
Landmarks Delphi Hosios Loukas Monastery 
- Day 18
Athens
You'll take a city tour of Athens with a local guide visiting the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place, the National Library, and busy city center squares. See neighborhoods developed after the 2004 Olympics. The tour ends at the Acropolis (admission not included). Later you'll transfer to the historic Plaka neighborhood, known for Greek tavernas and a chance to experience local culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (President), Hotel (Athens Comfort)
Included Activities
- City tour of Athens with local guide
- Visit to Presidential Mansion
- Visit to Panathenaic Stadium
- Visit to National Library
- Tour of city center squares
- Tour of neighborhoods developed after 2004 Olympic Games
Optional Activities
- Visit to Acropolis (admission not included)
Landmarks Presidential Mansion Panathenaic Stadium National Library of Greece Acropolis Plaka - Day 19
Athens
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. You'll depart with memories from your journey through Turkey and Greece.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Buffet)
