Greece & Turkey Highlights Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Athens

  Upon arrival at Athens airport, meet our staff at the airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, walk (escorted upon request) to Plaka, Athens' old town.

  • Athens

• Day 2: Athens - Delphi - Kalabaka

  Morning drive northwest to Delphi. Delphi city is considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world and a religious center. Guided visit to the archaeological site, Temple of Apollo, Theater, Market, the famous Omphalos (navel of the earth), and finally the Delphi Museum with the amazing sculptures. Then drive through central Greece, and arrive at Kalambaka for the night.

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  • Kalabaka

• Day 3: Kalabaka - Meteora - Athens

  Morning departure for Meteora, one of Greece's most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit to two of the Byzantine monasteries perched dramatically atop towering rock formations. These centuries-old monasteries seem to float between earth and sky, offering not only breathtaking views but also remarkable collections of religious icons, manuscripts, and frescoes. Please note that visiting them requires climbing several steps, which may be challenging for some.

  In the afternoon, begin your journey back to Athens, with a brief stop at the Leonidas Monument in Thermopylae, commemorating the legendary battle where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their heroic stand against the Persian army.

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  • Athens

• Day 4: Athens - Istanbul

  This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of Athens, beginning at Constitution Square (Syntagma), where you'll see the historic House of Parliament and the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier. Continue to the National Library and witness the ceremonial changing of the guard by the Evzones in their traditional uniforms outside the Presidential Palace.

  Next, visit the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Pass by Hadrian's Arch and the nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The tour culminates at the Acropolis, the crown jewel of Athens. Explore its monumental structures: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the majestic Parthenon. Your exploration concludes at the Acropolis Museum, home to remarkable sculptures and artifacts that bring ancient Athens to life.

  After the tour, you will be transferred to Athens Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 5: Istanbul

  This morning, ascend to Topkapi Palace and take in the views of its fabulous collections of jewels and other artifacts. Continue to visit the Imperial Harem, another palace inside the Topkapi. Explore the Hagia Sophia. Next visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles decorating interior walls, considered the landmark of Istanbul. Discover the Basilica Cistern, which was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace primarily. Later, you will visit the highlights of the ancient hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and others.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 6: Istanbul - Cappadocia

  After breakfast, drive to the airport for a short flight to Kayseri. Upon your arrival at Kayseri, be met and transferred to the hotel in Cappadocia. Begin your private tour with a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where the whimsical rock formations resemble animals and fantastical shapes - perfect for photography. Continue to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and chapels adorned with well-preserved Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 10th to 13th centuries.

  Next, head to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and cone-shaped rock formations. Conclude your day at Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic cliffs - a unique blend of natural beauty and local heritage.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 7: Cappadocia

  Today you will visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then descend into the subterranean city of Kaymakli. Continue your journey to Cavusin Valley, where you'll explore ancient troglodyte dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock. This abandoned village, once inhabited for centuries, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's early Christian history and unique cave architecture.

  After lunch, head to the stunning Red Valley, named for its glowing red and rose-colored rock formations that are especially breathtaking in the afternoon light. Visit a local wine house to sample regional wines made from grapes grown in Cappadocia's volcanic soil. Conclude your tour at Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley, home to some of the most striking fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps - an iconic symbol of the region's surreal landscape.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 8: Cappadocia - Kayseri, Departure

  After breakfast, take a private transfer to Kayseri airport for your departure flight.

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