Turkey & Greece Tour From Istanbul to Athens

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  Welcome to Istanbul, a vibrant city where East meets West.

  Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 2: Historical Highlights of Istanbul

  Take a sweeping view of Istanbul's imperial past with your knowledgeable guide today!

  Begin at Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. Explore its lavish pavilions, the jewel-studded Treasury, and the intriguing Harem to uncover stories of palace life. Next, step into the majestic Hagia Sophia and marvel at its vast dome, colorful mosaics, religiously hybrid murals, and chandeliers that cast a mysterious and solemn ambiance.

  Descend into the underground Basilica Cistern, built in the 6^th century, before strolling through the Hippodrome of Constantinople like the Byzantine aristocracy did when it was the imperial arena thousand years ago.

  Awake your senses at the old, colorful Spice Bazaar and talk to local people. End the cultural journey at the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, a crowning achievement of Ottoman architecture that blends spiritual serenity with panoramic views over Istanbul.

  In the evening, you may opt for a traditional Turkish Hammam experience, a perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 3: Contemporary Istanbul & Culinary Discovery

  This morning, head to the iconic Galata Tower for panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city's European and Asian sides. Afterward, visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, showcasing cutting-edge Turkish and international art across a range of media.

  In the afternoon, take a bite of Turkey at a hands-on Turkish cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare authentic dishes guided by local chefs. Enjoy the rich flavors of Turkish gastronomy while learning cultural cooking techniques that you can bring home as a delicious souvenir.

  As night falls, consider joining an optional Bosphorus Night Cruise. Sail along the iconic waterway and admire the city's illuminated skyline from the water, or experience the mystical Whirling Dervishes ceremony - a spiritual tradition deeply rooted in Turkish culture.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 4: Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia, Valleys Tour

  Fly to Kayseri this morning and transfer to Cappadocia, a surreal region that combines natural beauty and man-made charm perfectly.

  Upon arrival, explore the artisan town of Avanos, known for its pottery traditions, before visiting the whimsical rock formations of Devrent Valley and Pasabagi Valley, where natural spires rise dramatically from the ground. Use your imagination on these heaven-made masterpieces, and you may get surprises.

  Continue to Cavusin Valley, dotted with honeycomb-like cave dwellings. Climb narrow paths to a village mosque as your guide shares with you stories of the area's rise and fall. In the evening, settle into your cave-style accommodation for the night.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 5: Castles, Valleys & Open-Air Treasures

  Begin your day at Uchisar Castle, the region's highest point, offering sweeping views across Cappadocia. Hike through the scenic Pigeon Valley, named for the pigeon houses carved into cliff faces, then explore the remarkable Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes. This may be the perfect place to learn about Byzantine's religious bonds like nowhere else.

  After lunch, trek through Red Valley (it takes about 3 hours). The best way to unwind this amazing trail is going up to the panoramic viewpoint in the late afternoon, when the setting sun transforms the rocks into brilliant shades of pink and crimson, composing a magical finale to your day.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 6: Cappadocia - Istanbul - Athens

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul, and continue onward to Athens, the historical capital of Greece. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure - perhaps take a stroll through the Plaka district or enjoy your first taste of Greek cuisine at a local taverna.

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  • Athens

• Day 7: Ancient Athens City Tour

  Step into the legacy of classical Athens. Begin at the Acropolis Museum. Thanks to its location over an active archaeological site, you can travel to ancient Athens from the first step here. Admire the delicate statues and artifacts up close in the exhibition halls.

  Next, visit the nearby Acropolis to explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike - monuments that define ancient Western civilization. Stop by Syntagma Square to witness the Changing of the Guard; on Sundays at 11:00 AM, the full platoon parade accompanied by a band is a sight to behold.

  Today's tour concludes with an exploration to the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games. Enjoy the evening at your own pace. Don't waste it, Athens' lively outdoor cafés and tavernas await!

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  • Athens

• Day 8: Athens to Santorini by Ferry

  After breakfast, transfer to the port and board a scenic ferry to the island of Santorini, famed for its dramatic caldera views, whitewashed villages, and stunning sunsets. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

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  • Santorini

• Day 9: Santorini Relaxing Day With Optional Cruise

  Enjoy Santorini at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, wander the island's cliffside villages, or discover hidden beaches, this is a perfect day for personal exploration.

  For a memorable afternoon, consider joining the Thalassa Cruise. Board a traditional wooden boat. The experienced guide will lead you to explore a volcanic crater, indulge yourself in a sea water hot spring, enjoy a BBQ dinner with local wine onboard, and visit the charming town of Oia before witnessing a breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea in Fira.

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  • Santorini

• Day 10: Free Day With Jeep Adventure at Request

  Enjoy another free day in paradise.

  If you're up for an adventure, you may join the Black Trails Santorini Jeep Wrangler Tour at 3 pm to explore the most secret spots of the island as you drive a Wrangler Jeep. Along the off-road driving experience, swim in one of the most beautiful and hidden beaches of the island, visit the White Beach and the lunar landscape of Eros Beach, explore traditional villages, and enjoy a traditional Greek dinner at a countryside restaurant.

  Otherwise, take time to savor the slow pace of island life and indulge in some shopping or seaside dining.

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  • Santorini

• Day 11: Santorini - Athens, Culinary Discovery

  This morning, take a ferry back to Athens and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping.

  If you wish to dive deeper into Greek culture, join a local food walk. Learn about the role of food in Greek life and sample local delicacies such as olive oil, baklava, bougatsa (a custard-filled phyllo pastry), cheeses, seafood, cured meats, and regional herbs. Chat with local vendors and savor your final evening with a flavorful farewell.

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  • Athens

• Day 12: Departure From Athens

  Enjoy your final morning in Athens at leisure before heading to the airport for your onward flight. As your exploration of two civilizations comes to a close, we wish you a smooth journey and unforgettable memories filled with the history, flavors, and inspiring landscapes of Turkey and Greece. Safe travels!

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