Turkiye / Best of Turkey and Greece: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini – 14 Days

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Best of Turkey and Greece

  • DESTINATIONTurkey - Greece
  • STARTS | ENDSIstanbul - Santorini
  • DURATION14 D | 13 N
  • AVAILABLEDaily | March - November

Step into an unforgettable 14-day journey through Turkey and Greece, where every day is packed with excitement and wonder. Explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul, roam the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, and unravel the mysteries of Ephesus. Then, marvel at the ancient wonders of Athens before setting sail for the idyllic islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Indulge in mouthwatering Turkish and Greek cuisine along the way, creating memories against the backdrop of stunning scenery. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary adventure – come join us!

Tour highlights

Discover the history and culture of Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with an experienced guide.
See the rock-cut churches at the Goreme Open-Air Museum. Explore the Underground City of Kaymakli.
Admire impressive Roman ruins of Ancient Ephesus and Temple of Artemis. Swim in natural hot spring waters in Pamukkale.
Explore Athens – a living museum! Stand before the gleaming Acropolis and magnificent Parthenon.
Wander the streets of white-washed Mykonos & experience Mykonos’ famous nightlife.
Sip cocktails and watch a spectacular Santorini sunset. Enjoy a dip in the thermal waters near a volcanic crater.

Brief itinerary

DayHighlightsOvernight
Day 1Welcome to the city of two continentsIstanbul
Day 2Explore the historical treasures of Istanbul’s Old CityIstanbul
Day 3Cruising the Bosphorus and Culinary WalkIstanbul
Day 4Flight to Izmir — Iconic Archaeology in EphesusKusadasi
Day 5Aphrodisias & The Cotton Castles of PamukkalePamukkale
Day 6Antalya — Exploring the Old CityAntalya
Day 7Jewels of the MediterraneanAntalya
Day 8Flight to Cappadocia — Surreal World of ChimneysCappadocia
Day 9Hot Air Balloon — Hiking the Ihlara CanyonCappadocia
Day 10Flight to Istanbul — Departure

Plan your trip to Turkey & Greece
This is a sample itinerary for inspiration. Chat with a local expert who can assist you in planning your trip.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 | Welcome to Istanbul – Where the East Meets West

A private transfer will escort you from the Istanbul airport to your hotel in the heart of the city. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in Istanbul.

Day 2 | Exploring the Hypnotic History and Culture of Istanbul

Pick up from your hotel. Join on regular group tour (private guided available on request) to explore some of the most important sights in the historical Sultanahmet area. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome, Obelisk and also Topkapi Palace (excluding Harem). Tour will finish with a visit to the dazzling Grand Bazaar, where you’ll hunt for local treasures. Drop off to hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 3 | A Sensual Journey Across Continents in Istanbul

This morning start the tour with a visit to the bustling Spice Market – a colorful bazaar heaped with various sweets and spices. Then take a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise between the continents of Europe and Asia, during which you’ll have views of various historical sights that line its shores. After cruise drive through the Bosphorous Bridge and stop at Camlica Hill for panoramic views over Istanbul. Finally, stop at the Dolmabahce Palace for interior visit. Drop off to hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 4 | Exploring a Surreal World of Chimneys, Caves, and Churches

Pick up at hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport. Fly to Cappadocia. Transfer from Cappadocia airport to Cappadocia. Start with a gentle walk through orchards, unusual volcanic rock formations and rock-cut houses at Red & Rose Valley. Visit the old Christian Village of Cavusin, followed by lunch and then an excursion to Pigeon Valley. In the afternoon, visit Kaymakli Underground City, which hid local Christians from Arab invaders, Ortahisar Castle and Mustafapasa Greek village. Drop off to hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 5 | Underground Cities and Fairytale Landscapes in Cappadocia

Pick up from your hotel to explore Devrent and Monk’s Valley, to see the extraordinary mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles or ‘fairy chimneys’. Continue on to the small village of Avanos, famous for clay pottery design. After lunch, proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum, featuring the most impressive rock-carved churches and Byzantine frescoes in all Cappadocia. Finally enjoy a view of the moonscape valleys from the rock-perched natural citadel at Uchisar.

Day 6 | Iconic History and Archaeology in Ephesus

Pick up at hotel in Cappadocia and transfer to the airport. Fly to Izmir. Begin the tour at the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent her final years. Explore the marble white ancient city of Ephesus, with spectacular monuments such as the Library of Celsus, Agora, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Hadrian’s Gate, Domitianus Temple, Theater and Roman Latrines. After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis and Isabey Mosque. Drop off to hotel.

Day 7 | The Famous Lime Terraces of Pamukkale and Spa Indulgence

Pick up at your hotel. Drive to Pamukkale or ‘Cotton Castle’. Following lunch break, visit the ancient Roman City ruins of Hierapolis. Explore the magnificently preserved Necropolis, Avenue of Tombs, Gates, Thermal Baths, Devil’s Hole and also the Masterpiece Theater. Free time for Cleopatra’s pool. Drop off to hotel.

Day 8 | Fly to Mykonos via Athens

After breakfast & check-out, you will be transferred to Izmir airport. Depart on flight to Mykonos via Athens. Upon arrival in Mykonos, you will be greeted with Greek hospitality and transferred to your hotel (Check-In 13:00). Wander the streets of white-washed Mykonos, before you party all night.

Day 9 | Mykonos at Leisure

You have a free day in Mykonos. Mykonos Town (Chora) is the picturesque Greek island, with the fishing boats bobbing side by side with the luxury boats, the whitewashed streets, beaches, restaurants and bars; you will not be short of things to explore.

Day 10 | Ferry to Santorini

Breakfast, check-out and as per your chosen ferry time transfer to port for departure to Santorini. On arrival meet for transfer to hotel with remainder of the day at leisure to explore Santorini at your own.

Day 11 | Santorini at Leisure

Today you have the full day explore the Island on your own. Explore explore around the town and various villages; hike the scenic route between Fira and Oia; relax on different color beaches – black beach, red beach, white beach. Sip on a cocktail while watching Mother Nature’s artistic talent displayed across the sky, one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world !

Day 12 | Fly to Athens

After breakfast & check-out, you will be transferred to Santorini airport. Depart on flight to Athens. On your arrival to Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of your day is yours to explore the Plaka area and Athens on your own.

Day 13 | Half Day Athens City Tour

After breakfast, we spend the morning on a coach tour of the city. Popular landmarks and monuments we will pass are the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the Parliament. We will also pay a visit to the Acropolis which looks over the city. We take a guided tour of the Acropolis before visiting one of the world’s best museums – the Acropolis museum. The afternoon is at leisure so why not explore the Plaka district or go shopping on popular Ermou Street.

Day 14 | Departure

After check-out, we will arrange for the transfer to Athens Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Meal: Breakfast included.

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