Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands

17 Days | Experience the best of Turkey and Greece

Explorer
From
USD $10,280

Dive into the magic of the Mediterranean on a 17-day Premium exploration of Turkey and Greece. Discover stunning islands and a sunken city, explore ancient cities, cruise the Bosphorus in a private boat, and marvel at diverse landscapes, from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the glittering Mediterranean Coast. Hop across to the storied city of Athens, explore the charming villages of Paros, uncover ancient riches in Naxos and soak up million-dollar views in Santorini. With knowledgeable local leaders and a group of keen travellers by your side, you’re never far away from an unforgettable moment.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands including Greece and Turkey
Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Santorini, Greece
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Greece, Turkey
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ERPIC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodationOur best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service
Premium experiencesAll must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium
Premium knowledgeTrips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders

Why you'll love this trip
  • Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey and Greece's otherworldly sights, from the marble streets of ancient Ephesus to the psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia and the legendary caldera of Santorini.
  • Get to know the real Turkey during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with a local chef, visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative, and traditional dinner at a locals home in Cappadocia.
  • Understand the dazzling variety of Greek produce during Exclusive Experiences, including a kitron tasting, an afternoon of wine tasting in Santorini and a hands-on cooking class with a local in Naxos.
  • Join experienced local leaders as you stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, explore the legendary ruins of Pergamon and discover the history and charming villages of Paros.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Pickpocketing can be an issue in Athens, especially on public transport. But if you keep your valuables concealed and secure while travelling on the metro or bus, you should have no problems.
  • Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, so you will need to be able to cope with the heat if you're visiting at this time. Please consider the time of year and your suitability to visiting during that season.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands including Greece and Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane, Ferry, Taxi

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (10 nights), Feature Stay (5 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
  • Istanbul - Welcome Meeting
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
  • Istanbul - Orientation Walk
  • Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise
  • Pergamon - Ancient City Visit & Cable Car
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Selcuk - Sultanköy Carpet Demonstration & Picnic Lunch
  • Sirince - Cooking Class
  • Izmir - Flight to Kayseri
  • Cappadocia - Home-cooked lunch
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Panoramic Sights Tour
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Red Valley Hike
  • Istanbul - Farewell Dinner
  • Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Paros - Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide
  • Naxos - Old Town Walk & Portara Visit
  • Naxos - Cooking Class at a Local Home
  • Naxos - Eggares Olive Oil Press
  • Santorini - Caldera Hike
  • Santorini - Winery visit
  • Santorini - Mythology and Wine experience
Optional activities
  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park - EUR30
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR275
  • Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR325
  • Santorini - Thira Prehistoric Museum - EUR6
  • Santorini – Black Sand Beach Umbrella and Sun Bed Rental - EUR75

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel.

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands
From
USD $10,280