Turkey & Greece Highlights

Meet in the arrivals hall of Istanbul International Airport for a private transfer to the hotel - the arrival transfer is arranged according to your arrival flight details (for any time of the day or night). The remainder of the afternoon-evening is then free at leisure for you to relax or stroll around on your own. Overnight Istanbul

Travel Tip: After your flight over, why not consider unwinding with a traditional Turkish Bath experience at one of Istanbul’s historic hammams—some of which have been welcoming patrons for more than 300 years. If this is something you would enjoy, simply mention your interest in the notes section when making your request, and we’ll be happy to provide further details. This activity can be done on any of the evenings available while in the city.

Join on a full-day walking tour exploring some of the amazing sights this historical area has to offer. This guided tour includes the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Hippodrome-Obelisk, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. The evening free at leisure to stroll around and have dinner at one of the many local restaurants in the area. Overnight in Istanbul.

Today's full-day tour begins with a stop in Ortaköy, where visit the iconic Ortaköy Mosque, beautifully located along the Bosphorus. Then visit Ayios Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church, one of Istanbul's oldest active Greek churches. Afterward, a scenic drive along the Bosphorus to Rumeli Fortress, where you explore this impressive historical structure in detail. Continue across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul and a short stop at Otağtepe Hill for panoramic views. After lunch, visit Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey's largest mosque and known for its elegant architecture, spacious courtyards, and views over Istanbul. Then proceed to Maiden’s Tower via Salacak (90m from land), where enjoy legendary stories and the historical background of this iconic landmark. The experience continues with a 1-hour cruise on the Bosphorus, offering a relaxing and scenic perspective from the water.

After the tour, a private transfer to Istanbul Airport for the direct domestic flight to Cappadocia, and transfer to hotel on arrival. Overnight Cappadocia

Today immerse yourself in the beautiful natural setting of Cappadocia. Explore Devrent Valley and Pasabagi for the world-famous fairy chimneys. The highlight for today is Goreme Open-Air Museum, with its numerous churches, monasteries and their frescoes, carved from the soft volcanic stone and decorated by Medieval Orthodox Christian Monks around 1000-1200AD. During the day's touring you will also enjoy the view from Goreme Panorama, and a stop in Avanos, located on the Kizilirmak River and famous for its pottery. Overnight Cappadocia.

Travel Tip: A truly memorable experience and one of the region’s highlights is an early morning hot-air balloon flight over the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia as the sun rises. If this is something you would enjoy, please mention your interest in the notes section when making your request.

After the tour, some free time before an evening transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Izmir. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight Kusadasi.

Travel Tip: For those that would like to do a more "off-the-beaten path" experience, on this day we can instead arrange a private tour covering Kaymakli Underground City, Sobessos Ancient Site (remains of a little-known Roman-era settlement), Taskinpasha Madrasa (a 19th-century Islamic school, reflecting the region’s Ottoman heritage), Keslik Monastery (a peaceful rock-cut monastic complex with churches, living quarters and frescoes), and Mustafapasha Village (a charming former Greek village, known for its historic stone houses, churches and distinctive local character).

• Important Note: The ferry service between Samos and Mykonos does NOT operate on a daily basis. Therefore, depending on your chosen travel dates we may need to use the alternative of flight from Izmir to Mykonos (instead of the ferry connection via Samos) or possibly a flight from Izmir to Santorini (and in this case the order of the island visits would then be Santorini > Mykonos > Athens). The most suitable option will be advised to you at the time of your request and according to your chosen travel dates.

Travel Tip: Mykonos offers plenty of activities, of which we can recommend a hands-on Greek cooking class or a day trip to the nearby island of Delos. If either of these experiences appeals to you, please mention it when making your request.

• Important Note: The ferry service between Mykonos and Santorini does NOT operate during the winter season (November–March). During winter months, you can either choose to exclude Mykonos from your itinerary or, if you would like to experience both islands, we would then arrange to use a domestic flight VIA Athens for this connection.

Today enjoy the magic of Santorini. Wander through picturesque villages, follow the scenic clifftop path from Fira to Oia, with spectacular caldera views along the way, or simply relax on one of its beautiful beaches. As evening approaches, find a spot to watch the sun set over the caldera. Overnight Santorini

Travel Tip: Why not experience the island from the water with a semi-private 5-hour catamaran cruise? Sail past White Beach, hidden caves, the volcanos Nea and Palea Kameni and the hot spring. Enjoy swimming stops and a BBQ lunch onboard. Operates May to September, with the option of a daytime (10:00–15:00) or sunset sailing (15:00–20:00). Another alternative would be a private or semi-private land tour covering highlights such as Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Blue Dome Church of Firostefani, Megalochori Village, Prophet Elias, Oia, Black Beach or Red Beach. If either of these experiences appeals to you, please mention it when making your request.

Transfer to the port for a morning or afternoon fast (highspeed) ferry to Athens, ferry timing depends on your preference. On arrival, transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the evening at leisure, to settle in or head out for dinner in the old Plaka area. Overnight Athens

The afternoon and evening are free for you to continue exploring Athens at your own pace.

Time to say farewell to Greece, and per your international flight departure time, transfer from the hotel to Athens Airport.