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Overview

This itinerary is very similar to our original "Turkey & Greece Highlights" option but instead of Mykonos & Santorini, it takes you to the islands of Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete) & Santorini. All our Turkey & Greece combinations are very flexible, you get to choose which islands you wish to visit in Greece along with the areas of Turkey that you would like to explore. We are here to help you put together the best itinerary according to what you would prefer to do & the amount of time you have available.

Tour itinerary

DAY 01 - Arrival to Istanbul:
Transfer from Istanbul Airport to the hotel, as per your international flight arrival time. Overnight in Istanbul
meals: none

DAY 02 - Istanbul Sightseeing Tour:
Join on a walking tour of Sultanahmet visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included.

DAY 03 - Cruise on Bosphorous & fly to Cappadocia:
Enjoy a morning cruise on the Bosphorus and a visit to the famous Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar. Then transfer to the airport for a domestic flight on to Cappadocia, arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia
meals: breakfast included

DAY 04 - Cappadocia Tour with Goreme:
*Optional extra: 01-hour sunrise hot air balloon ride affording amazing views over the Cappadocian valley
Today's guided full-day tour explores this land of fairy chimneys, churches & monasteries carved from volcanic rock and picturesque valleys. Visit Devrent Valley and Monk's Valley (Pasabagi), Avanos village, Goreme Open-Air Museum and Uchisar Natural rock castle. Overnight in Cappadocia.
meals: breakfast & lunch included

DAY 05 - Red Valley & Underground City:
Begin the full-day tour with a 4km (medium grade, approx 2hrs) hike in Red Valley, exploring rock-cut churches and colourful fairy chimneys as you make your way towards Cavusin (old Greek village). After lunch, visit Kaymakli Underground City as well as enjoy panoramic views at Pigeon Valley with its famous dovecotes. In the evening, transfer to bus station for departure by overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale (**flight options also available, at extra charge).
meals: breakfast & lunch included

DAY 06 - Travertens of Pamukkale:
Arrive early morning (if by overnight bus) with "day-room" provided for you to take a shower and have breakfast. Then join up with the day tour visiting the natural formation of the travertens (cotton cliffs/cotton castle) in Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis. End of the day with arrival to the hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included

DAY 07 - Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary:
One of the jewels in the crown of Turkey, the Ancient City of Ephesus is a must. Walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and the Grand Theatre, etc. Also included are visits to the House of Virgin Mary & what remains of the Artemis Temple, once one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included

DAY 08 - Kusadasi to Rhodes via Marmaris:
Check-out and transfer to the bus station for departure on the local intercity bus to Marmaris. On arrival make a short taxi ride to the port for passport control formalities then depart by ferry to Rhodes (Greece). Arrive and transfer to hotel with the evening free at leisure. Overnight in Rhodes.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 09 - Rhodes at leisure:
The day is free at leisure for you to explore around the islands & the Old Town of Rhodes on your own. Overnight Rhodes.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 10 - Rhodes to Heraklion (Crete):
Today depart by flight from Rhodes to Heraklion, the capital of the island of Crete. Arrival, transfer to hotel, with the remainder of the day and/or evening free at leisure. Overnight Heraklion.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 11 - Heraklion at leisure:
A full day for you to explore around the city centre with its Venetian walls, harbour, museums & restaurants. Highly recommended is to visit the nearby ruins of Knossos Palace. Overnight in Heraklion.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 12 - Ferry Heraklion to Santorini:
Morning transfer to the port for highspeed ferry to Santorini. Arrival transfer with the remainder of the day and evening at leisure for you to begin exploring this wonderful island. Overnight in Santorini.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 13 - Santorini at leisure:
The day is free at leisure for you to relax on one of its many beaches of different coloured sands, enjoy watersports, visit a few of its picturesque villages or stroll along the scenic route from Fira to Oia. Overnight in Santorini.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 14 - Santorini to Athens:
Transfer to the port for fast ferry on to Athens (1hr domestic flights are also available, at extra charge). Arrive, transfer to hotel, evening free at leisure. Overnight in Athens.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 15 - Athens City Tour with Acropolis:
Breakfast at hotel then join on one of the following regular group excursions (you get to choose):
a) 5hr large-group coach tour: visit Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & panoramic drive in city centre
b) 5hr small-group walking tour: visit Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & stroll in the city centre
c) 5hr small-group walking tour: visit Acropolis, Ancient Agora & stroll in the city centre
*Please note your preference when making your request, otherwise, we will automatically include the 5hr large group coach tour. Other alternatives are also available, such as wine tasting and/or a foodie tour, etc.
Afternoon and evening free at leisure for you to further explore on your own. Overnight in Athens.
meals: breakfast included

DAY 16 - Departure from Athens:
As per your international flight departure time, transfer from the hotel to Athens Airport.

What's included?

  • Hotel accomodation in category of your choice
  • Breakfasts at hotels throughout (dinners optional)
  • Guided day tours, regular group (private on request)
  • Guiding in English, main entrances, tour transport
  • Lunches during full day tours in Turkey, drinks extra
  • Flight/ferry tickets from Istanbul through to Athens
  • Arrival & departure transfers throughout
  • Taxes and handling services

Notes

  • Available on a daily basis from late-April to mid-October
  • Available in reverse order, start Athens end Istanbul
  • Very flexible, can be customized to suit preferences
  • Optional excursions available in Rhodes, Heraklion & Santorini, on request

Create a tailormade package

Feel free to ask our professional travel planners any questions you might have so far. Receive reply as quickly as possible (max. 24 hours).

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From our past customers

I wanted to thank you for a wonderful trip you put together. It was a pleasure working with someone as professional and accomadating as yourself and would happily recommend your services to anyone. Any time I can help in any way, you have my e-mail. All the hotels were great. I would highly recommend the Aldemar in Rhodes if anyone asks. My offer stands to show you New York City if you are ever over this way. We enjoyed the trip so much we know we will be returning and I will look forward to work with you again. I know you went well beyond what could be expected and we really appreciate it. Thanks again, Fred.

-Fred

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