Experience the ultimate cultural and historical adventure with the 12-day Istanbul to Athens tour. This journey takes you through two of the most fascinating countries—Turkey and Greece. From Istanbul’s bustling bazaars and the ancient ruins of Troy to the breathtaking islands of Mykonos and Santorini, every day is packed with unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a history lover or a leisure traveler, this tour promises an enchanting blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
This tour is ideal for:
Q1. Is airfare included in the tour price?
No, airfare is not included. Guests are responsible for arranging flights to Istanbul and from Athens.
Q2. Are meals provided during the tour?
Yes, 11 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.
Q3. Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but optional activities, like the Santorini boat tour, allow for flexibility.
The Istanbul to Athens tour is the perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. From ancient landmarks to vibrant islands, this 12-day journey offers an unforgettable experience for UK, USA, European and Australian travelers
Discover Istanbul’s Old City
Start your day with a guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City. Highlights include:
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before diving into the heart of this historic metropolis.
Gallipoli Battlefields
Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of immense historical importance during World War I.
Visit:
These locations honor the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Gallipoli campaign. Dinner and overnight stay are included.
Troy and Assos
Explore the legendary city of Troy, known for its pivotal role in Homer’s Iliad. Marvel at the ancient ruins, including a replica of the famed Trojan Horse. Continue to Assos, a picturesque ancient city overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Ephesus and Kusadasi
One of the tour’s highlights is Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. End your day in the charming coastal town of Kusadasi.
Kusadasi to Samos
Board a ferry to Samos, a Greek island known for its pristine beaches and rich wine culture. Spend your day exploring its picturesque villages or relaxing on the sandy shores. Depending on ferry schedules; we may head straight to Mykonos or spend a day exploring lash-green Samos Island.
Mykonos’ Cosmopolitan Appeal
Arrive in Mykonos, renowned for its white-washed buildings, iconic windmills, and vibrant nightlife. Stroll through its narrow streets and soak in the island’s lively atmosphere.
Ferry to Santorini
Take a scenic ferry ride to Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic islands. Famous for its caldera views, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets, Santorini is a dream destination. Explore the village of Oia and immerse yourself in its volcanic beauty.
Santorini Optional Boat Tour
Day 9 offers optional activities, including a boat trip to the volcanic hot springs or a relaxing day on Santorini’s black sand beaches. It’s a day tailored to your preferences.
Travel to Athens
Say goodbye to Santorini as you journey to Athens, the capital of Greece. Upon arrival, take time to explore the bustling cityscape or unwind before the next day’s tour.
Exploring Athens
Dive into Athens’ rich history by visiting:
Farewell to Athens
Conclude your journey with a heartfelt goodbye to Athens. Reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made across Turkey and Greece.
Istanbul - Old City - UNESCO Heritage site
Istanbul - St. Sophia Museum
Istanbul - Blue Mosque
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Hagia Irene and Harem)
Istanbul - Hippodrome
Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
Gallipoli - ANZAC Cove
Gallipoli - Lone Pine - Australian Memorial
Gallipoli - Johnson's Jolly - original tunnels
Gallipoli - The Nek - original trenches
Gallipoli - Chunuk Bair - New Zealand Memorial
Troy - Ancient City and Museum - UNESCO Heritage site
Pergamon - UNESCO Heritage site
Site of the Temple of Artemis
Ephesus - UNESCO Heritage site
Sirince - Village
Samos
Santorini
Athens - City Tour
Athens - Parthenon
Athens - Acropolis - UNESCO Heritage site
Athens - Acropolis Museum
Athens - Panathenaic Stadium
Athens - Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens - Hadrian's Arch
Athens - Propylaea
Athens - Temple of Athena Nike
Group Size : Minimum Group Size of 2. Maximum Group Size of 50.
Age : Minimum Age of 8. Whilst there is no Maximum Age set it is assumed the customer is fit enough to take part in the activity or tour. Health documents may be requested.
Single travellers are obliged to pay Single Supplement and will have the hotel room to themselves.
In Greece the Hellenic National Tourism Organization has decided on a residence fee to be applied on hotel accommodation from 01/01/2018. The fees applied will be EUR 1.50 for 3* hotels, EUR 3.00 for 4* hotels and EUR 4.00 for 5* hotels, per room, per night and are not included in the tour price. This tax must be paid by the guests directly to the hotel before the end of the stay.
The Maximum group size for this tour in Greece is 50, The Maximum group size for the tour in Turkey is 20
Tours in Greece are in English as well as either French or Italian
This itinerary is subject to change dependent on Greek ferry schedules. Although it is rare, occasionally ferry schedules are changed and departures are cancelled without notice. If this occurs the program will need to be adjusted, and may mean you will spend less or more time in one location than originally planned for.
The Greek Island segment of this tour is semi-independent. Accommodation, ferry tickets and transfers to and from the ferry ports are arranged for you but there is no tour leader or guide. This part of the trip is all about relaxing and enjoying the Greek Island atmosphere.
Hotels:
This is intended to give an idea of the type of accommodation that may be expected. The actual hotels used for any given tour may change due to many reasons such as group size, availability, time of year, hotel standard has dropped or simply we found a better hotel. We update the website immediately if and when any changes take place. If and when we do change hotels it will be to a hotel of equal or higher standard and will be at no extra cost.
Where more than one hotel is shown for a given an overnight stop this means that one of those hotels will be used.
Istanbul - 4 star - Nidya Hotel Galataport
Çanakkale - Special Class - MD Barbaros Hotel
Kuşadası - Boutique - Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
Athens - 4 star - Athenaeum Grand Hotel / The Golden Age Hotel
Santorini - 4 star - Aegean Plaza Hotel / Rose Bay Hotel
Mykonos - 4 star - Manoulas Beach Hotel / Pelican Bay Hotel
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