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Map of Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands including Greece and Turkey

Experience the history, traditions, flavours and beaches of Turkey and Greece on this well-balance tour

If you’re looking for world-famous ruins, postcard-perfect beaches, epic history and a healthy dose of mouth-watering cuisine, a Greek holiday is probably high on your list, but did you know all of these treasures can be found in Turkey too? You’d be missing out if you visited one and not the other, so we created the perfect two-week adventure for you. Glimpse Turkey and Greece’s glorious past on visits to Ephesus and the island of Delos. Compare Turkey’s version of beach life with that found on the Greek Islands. And debate which country serves up the tastiest cuisine. Balancing traditional towns with tourist hotspots, unique cultural experiences with bucket-list items, and free time with planned excursion, this trip to Turkey and Greece has all the makings of an unforgettable adventure.

Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Santorini, Greece
Destinations
Greece, Turkey
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
ERSZC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.

  • Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a Gozleme making demonstration and a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.

  • Travel and stay a little differently – and come home with memories to last a lifetime – from taking local buses and trains, to staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.

  • Get a birds-eye view of Cappadocia’s caves, fairy chimneys and honeycomb terrain with an optional balloon ride over this other-worldly landscape.

  • Uncover thousands of years of civilisation in Athens with a visit to the world-famous Acropolis and the ancient Agora.

  • Wander through the charming villages of Syros. When night falls, indulge in delicious seafood dinners in traditional tavernas as Rembetika music floats around you.

  • With its boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife, the chic isle of Mykonos invites you to embrace your hedonistic side.

  • The sight of a Santorini sunset can turn even the most hardened of souls into a romantic. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through picturesque white villages that cling to plunging cliffs.

Is this trip right for you?

  • You will need to carry your bags on and off local trams and trains and ferries during this trip. Some of the Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots and lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. 

  • There is an overnight train on this trip, the train is twin share with comfortable beds and all linen is supplied.

  • Transport in Greece is by way of  large ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.

  • Summer temperatures in Turkey and Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. On the other hand, early in the season (April) many businesses may still be closed and the weather is unpredictable, however you may have some of the major sights almost to yourself. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

greece santorini local friends restaurant owner
greece mykonos beach boat
greece athens acropolis parthenon
greece mykonos dinner seafood squid fresh

Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all once called home. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm, followed by a guided tour of the Old City with your expert leader. Visit the scene of many a chariot race in the ancient hippodrome, check out the Blue Mosque, take a walk past the wares of the Grand Bazaar and marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Suleymaniye Cami. If you're not too exhausted after all the exploring, join your new friends for dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab. While you might be familiar with the shaved meats and pita bread sensation that you may have come across at 2 am, nothing beats the kind they wrap up in Istanbul.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
Optional Activities
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY50
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY175
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY100
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY100
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (entrance fee) - TRY285
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast this morning, hit the road enroute to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. You’ll stop along the way to explore Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events and history embedded in this area. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and ANZAC commemorative Site. You’ll also take in the views across the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 6 hours.

This morning, we’ll drive to Selcuk with a stop in Troy – where history and mythology sit side-by-side – along the way. You’ll wander the ancient city walls with your group leader and even get a chance to enjoy a photo op with a replica Trojan Horse. You’ll learn more about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists alike before continuing on to Selcuk. In town, on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll visit the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture, and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress.Then drive out to the nearby picturesque village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture nestled in the hills make for a photographer's dream. Continue onto the seaside Kusadasi and enjoy a breezy evening here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Troy - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's total driving time will be approximately 7 hours.

This morning, take a private minivan to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking. Later you will stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll feast on gozleme made fresh before your eyes. Then, head back to Kusadasi for a relaxed afternoon - you could take to the Aegean and explore the coastline on a gulet, a traditional wooden Turkish vessel, or there are plenty of beaches in town to relax on. Get ready for transfer to Izmir in the early evening - an overnight train, will be waiting to transport you through the night to the central Anatolian city of Konya.
Accommodation
  • Overnight train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
Optional Activities
  • Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving - Free
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY50
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY85
  • Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - TRY50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Overnight travel this evening on the Mavi Konya: sleeping couchettes are two-berth and have excellent facilities including a washbasin, small fridge and plenty of luggage storage. Fresh bedding is supplied but you are required to make your own bed. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but we recommend bringing additional toilet paper. There is a dining car for breakfast in the morning and if you get hungry during the evening. You can even enjoy a local beer over a game of backgammon.

Wake up in Konya, a traditional Turkish city that's closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi, considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Take an opportunity to visit the Mevlana Museum and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Keep an eye out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmarks of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains. Stop enroute at one of the underground cities that once provided a safe haven in times of war or persecution. Arrive in the Cappadocian town of Ugrup in the late afternoon and take a sunset valley walk before settling in for the evening. This evening, you'll be treated to a stay in a local cave hotel that Cappadocia is famous for here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today's driving time is about 3 hours.

This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience during which the sun illuminates a skyline dotted with balloons. Even if you'd prefer not to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for this truly incredible sight. Later this morning, enjoy a guided walk through one of the nearby valleys, possibly the Valley of Love, which features fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and churches. Your leader will know a number of fantastic scenic routes, and a good walk is by far the best way to experience this unique environment. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the soft cliff face. You could also hire a bicycle and ride to Avanos to check out the Red River or relax in a Turkish bath. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local cave home where the family will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for you and your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR240
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum - TRY100
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing memories of this journey is a hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscape to see this otherworldly scene at sunrise. Those who are interested in this optional extra will have a truly awe-inspiring experience. The cost of this activity varies depending on what type of flight you choose. This activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this.

Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control.

Wave goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm), then grab your bags and jump on the metro as the group heads to the Sultanahmet District for the final evening of the trip. Meet up with your travel buds in the evening and take a stroll across the Galata Bridge to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods, a place of contradictions where tool-selling tradesman share space with chic cafes and galleries – this is the place to be seen. Perhaps, try a local favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), for dinner, then cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few of the bars, or simply enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Hos Cakal! Goodbye to Turkey and Kalimera! Welcome to Greece.

This morning, transfer to Istanbul airport, bid farewell to your tour leader, and board a flight bound for Athens. The flight will be unaccompanied, but your leader will provide flight details and contact information before you board, and you will be met at the airport on arrival. After transferring to the hotel, the day is free until a group meeting at 6 pm. Settle in, freshen up and maybe take a walk around Athens’s ancient streets to get a feel for the city. After your evening meeting, head out for dinner with the group at a restaurant in the vibrant Psiri neighbourhood.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers.
We have had reports of travellers being pick pocketed on public transport in Athens. Please be careful with your valuables while travelling on the metro or the bus.

Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you on a wander through the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Syros - Ano Syros Walk
  • Syros - Sunset Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins - EUR5
Meals Included
  • Dinner

Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room with a sea view at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
  • Delos - Archaeological Site
Optional Activities
  • Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum - EUR4
  • Mykonos - House of Lena - EUR2
  • Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) - EUR4
  • Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR4
  • Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 3 hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira - EUR6
  • Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) - EUR25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that our accommodation is located in the village of Karterados. It is a walk of approximately 20 minutes into Santorini's main town of Thira, or alternatively there are frequent bus departures from the bus stop right beside the hotel.

In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the centre of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the hike along the caldera usually takes approximately 3-5 hours / 12 km, and the surface varies between gravel and loose volcanic scree. There are multiple uphill and downhill sections, and there are no shade and no toilet facilities along the way. Please speak to your leader for more details if you have any concerns. As an alternative to the hike you can take the bus to Oia instead, and meet up with the rest of the group there.

Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private Bus, Public bus, Overnight Train, Plane, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), overnight train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
  • Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
  • Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
  • Troy - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
  • Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Valley walk
  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
  • Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
  • Syros - Ano Syros Walk
  • Syros - Sunset Dinner
  • Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
  • Delos - Archaeological Site
  • Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1.00pm. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore Istanbul with your Leader.
2. A single supplement bookable for this trip, excluding Day 4 (Overnight train). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. There is a 15kg checked and 8kg luggage restriction for the domestic flight in Turkey.  Excess Luggage can be stored in the Istanbul starting point hotel.
The international connection between Istanbul and Athens has a 23 kg checked in luggage allowance and 8 kg hand luggage.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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