Jordan, Turkey & Greece

Overnight in Athens. Welcome to Greece. On arrival at Athens International Airport, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, relax and begin discovering Athens at your own pace.

• Please indicate your preferred option when making your request. If no preference is specified, the standard group coach tour will be included automatically. A selection of other Athens experiences can also be arranged, including private wine tastings and food-focused tours.

Your afternoon and evening are unstructured, giving you time to explore further, enjoy a leisurely meal or simply experience Athens at your own pace.

Overnight in Santorini. Today is yours to experience the island according to your interests. Wander through picturesque villages, explore local museums, or follow the scenic clifftop walking trail between Fira and Oia, with panoramic views across the volcanic caldera.

Travel Tip: For a different perspective of Santorini, consider a 5-hour semi-private catamaran cruise. Depending on your preferred departure, sail during the day (10:00–15:00) or at sunset (15:00–20:00), with opportunities to swim near White Beach, explore hidden caves and cruise past the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. Alternatively, we can arrange a private or semi-private land-based island tour incorporating highlights such as Akrotiri Archaeological Site, the Blue Dome Church of Firostefani, Megalochori Village, Prophet Elias, Oia, Black Beach and Red Beach. If either experience interests you, simply mention it when making your request.

Overnight in Istanbul. Today takes you into the heart of historic Istanbul, with a full-day walking tour through the city’s most celebrated landmarks. Discover the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, then explore the former Hippodrome and its ancient Obelisk. Continue to the colorful Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, before visiting Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. The evening is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

Travel Tip: You may like to unwind with a traditional Turkish Bath experience at one of Istanbul’s historic hammams, some of which have been part of the city’s bathing culture for more than 300 years. This can be arranged on any evening during your Istanbul stay. Simply note your interest when making your request and we will be happy to provide details and options.

Overnight in Cappadocia. Experience another side of Istanbul today as you explore parts of both the European and Asian shores of the city. Begin with a visit to the iconic Ortakoy Mosque which overlooks the Bosphorus, followed by Ayios Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church. Then along the European shoreline to Rumeli Fortress, an imposing medieval stronghold built beside the Bosphorus, before crossing to the Asian side. After lunch, visit Çamlıca Mosque, admired for its grand architecture, spacious courtyards and elevated views over the city. Continue towards Maiden’s Tower, to hear some of the legends and stories surrounding this much-loved Istanbul landmark. Complete the tour day with a relaxing one-hour Bosphorus cruise, offering a different perspective of Istanbul from the water.
Following the tour, depart on a direct domestic flight to Cappadocia, on arrival transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Cappadocia. Today is all about the landscapes that have made Cappadocia one of Türkiye’s most distinctive destinations. Explore Devrent Valley, known for its unusual rock formations, and Paşabağı, where towering fairy chimneys rise dramatically from the landscape. The day’s main highlight is the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a remarkable collection of rock-cut churches and monasteries decorated with medieval frescoes. Along the way, pause at Göreme Panorama for spectacular views across the valleys, and visit Avanos, a traditional town on the banks of the Kızılırmak River with a long-standing reputation for pottery and ceramics.

Overnight in Kusadasi. Your final day in this area takes you from picturesque valleys to the fascinating world beneath the surface. Begin with an approximately 4-kilometre walk through Red Valley, passing rock-cut churches and distinctive fairy chimneys along the way (The walking section can be omitted for guests with mobility limitations). Continue to Çavuşin, a former Greek village, before descending into the Kaymaklı Underground City with its network of rooms, passageways and chambers carved deep beneath the Cappadocian landscape. The day also includes a stop to admire Uçhisar Castle, a striking natural rock citadel dating from the Byzantine period, followed by panoramic views over Pigeon Valley, famous for its thousands of carved dovecotes.
After the tour, enjoy some free time before an evening transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Izmir.

Overnight in Kusadasi. Step back into the ancient world with a guided visit to Ephesus, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the region. Walk its beautifully preserved marble streets and discover the remains of the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Roman Baths, fountains, temples and other monuments that reveal the scale and sophistication of this once-great city. From Ephesus, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful hillside site traditionally associated with the final years of Mary’s life. Round off the day in Şirince, a charming hillside village with traditional architecture and a distinctly Aegean atmosphere, before returning to Kuşadası. You will also see the remaining columns of the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Overnight in Kusadasi. Today, travel inland towards Pamukkale, an approx. 2.5-hour drive from Kuşadası. Here, nature and ancient history come together in one setting. Walk among Pamukkale’s famous white travertine terraces, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. Above the terraces lie the extensive ruins of Ancient Hierapolis, once a thriving Greco-Roman spa city. Explore the ancient Necropolis and Theatre, along with some of the site’s more unusual remains, including the Devil’s Hole. End with return to your hotel and enjoy your final evening at leisure in Turkey.

Overnight in Amman. A private transfer service will take you from the hotel in Kusadasi to Izmir Airport in time for the flight departure to Amman. On arrival, meet in the immigration area for assistance through and transfer to the hotel. Time to relax and enjoy your first evening in Jordan.

Overnight in Amman: After breakfast, set out for Jerash, one of Jordan’s most impressive Roman archaeological sites. Accompanied by a local onsite guide, explore its Forum, colonnaded street, Nymphaeum and Temple of Artemis. Continue to Ajloun, home to the imposing 12th-century Islamic castle built around 1184–85 by the forces of the renowned Muslim leader Salah al-Din. Then return to the city and visit the Amman Citadel, where the remains of the Umayyad Palace and Temple of Hercules stand alongside the Archaeological Museum. Continue downtown to see the remarkably preserved 2nd-century Roman Theatre, browse the traditional souks and take a stroll through Jabal Amman, one of the city’s atmospheric historic neighborhoods.

• Please note: The Jordan portion of this journey operates on a private basis. Transportation between each area and sightseeing locations is by private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Local onsite tour guides are included for the visits of Jerash, Amman Citadel and Petra. An accompanying private tour guide can also be arranged at an additional cost if you would prefer a guide travel in the vehicle with you; however, this is entirely optional, and many travelers find the combination of a private driver and local onsite guides works well.

Overnight in Petra. Today travel south towards Mount Nebo, traditionally regarded as the place where Moses looked across the Promised Land before his death. Visit the ancient monastery and take in sweeping views across the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and the lands beyond. Continue to Madaba, known for its Byzantine mosaics, including the celebrated 6th-century map of the Holy Land preserved in St. George’s Church. The journey then follows the historic King’s Way, one of the region’s oldest routes, towards Kerak. Pause at Wadi Al-Mujib, a dramatic valley carved through spectacular geological formations. On arrival to Kerak, explore its imposing Crusader castle, built in the early 12th century under King Baldwin I. Continue south to Petra, check-in with the evening free at leisure.

Travel Tip: If you would like to experience Petra in a completely different way, consider Petra by Night. Follow the path through the Siq towards the Treasury, with thousands of candles illuminating the ancient surroundings and traditional music adding to the atmosphere. Petra by Night operates Sunday to Thursday, 20:30 to 22:30, approx. 2-hours duration (not available on Fridays & Saturdays).

Overnight at camp in Wadi Rum. Discover the extraordinary Rose City of Petra, founded around the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people who settled here and built a thriving commercial empire. Petra opens from 6:30am, so an early start can be arranged if you would like to experience the site before the day becomes busier. From the main entrance, make your way on foot (or on horseback) from the main gate to the beginning of the dramatic Siq, the narrow canyon leading into the ancient city. Follow the Siq until the magnificent Treasury comes into view. Your local onsite tour guide will accompany you for the first 2.5-hours of the visit (one way, along the main trail), introducing you to the Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs and Pharaoh’s Castle. Afterwards, enjoy free time to continue exploring Petra independently at your own pace. In the afternoon, travel south to Wadi Rum, Jordan’s spectacular desert wilderness. In a 4x4 jeep with a Bedouin driver, explore this landscape of vast sandy plains, towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations. In the evening, enjoy dinner beneath a hopefully starry sky, an unforgettable way to end the day.

Overnight at the Dead Sea. After breakfast at the camp, leave the desert behind and travel north (approx. 4-hrs) to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at around 400 metres below sea level. For centuries, ever since the time of King Herod, travelers have been drawn to these mineral-rich waters. The afternoon is free to float effortlessly in the salty waters and unwind at the hotel.

Per your international flight departure time, head to Amman Airport and bid farewell to your private Jordanian driver.