Turkey & Greece Tour

Today, upon your arrival, our local representative will pick you up and then transfer you to the hotel by a private car. Our well-chosen hotel is located in the historical area dotted with many old mosques and public baths. You can spend the remainder of the day at your own pace.

► Free Time Suggestion:
Consider visiting the Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s busiest street, to get a firsthand overview about this city. It is preferable to take the Tram Line T1 because street taxis may demand exorbitant fees. Board the train at Gulhane station next to your hotel and reach Tophane after 4 stops. Once out, walk northwest for 15 minutes to arrive. Admire the harmonious coexistence of ancient buildings and modern shops on both sides of the street, or explore the food stalls along the street. Historic bookstores, galleries and museums are also scattered around, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of Turkey’s history, art and culture. Walking down the street, you may also hear buskers playing melodic tunes or watch spontaneous dances.

► Safety Tips:
When exploring Istanbul by yourself, be on high alert for invitations from strangers. Someone may lure you to a bar or teahouse under the guise of socializing and then leave you alone with an expensive bill. And someone may disguise as a tourist asking you to keep their luggage, and then collude with the fake police to accuse you of carrying contraband. Scams in Istanbul come in many forms, so avoid deep conversations with strangers to guard your wallet.

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

Today’s guided tour will start from Hagia Sophia. It was originally a church and later converted into a mosque, combining the Christian and Islamic architectural styles. As you explore, pay close attention to the vibrant murals, carvings, and mosaics that illustrate the harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Then we’ll take a stroll in Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square), which is currently a park with an Egyptian obelisk standing as its prominent landmark. Our next stop will be the Blue Mosque opposite to Haghia Sophia. Over 20,000 blue-and-white tiles adorn its walls, forming exquisite patterns that have earned it the name.

► Tips: Ensure your attires cover knees and shoulders when visiting Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Women also need to wear headscarf. If you find yourself without appropriate clothing, you can purchase or rent suitable one at the entrance.

Next, the guide will accompany you to visit Topkapi Palace. It was the office and residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years before the construction of the new Dolmabache Palace. Located on the hilltop of Seraglio point, it also provides you with a panoramic view of the Bosphorus Strait. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.

★ Privileged Access to the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Our all-inclusive tickets allow you to visit the separately-charged Harem of Topkapi Palace. Exquisite palace decorations, gorgeous fabrics and jewelry, and a wide variety of daily necessities will present you with a more authentic epitome of Ottoman Empire (1299-1923). Meanwhile, through the in-depth explanation of our guide, you will delve into the complex power struggles in the harem, especially the cruel throne succession system. Under this system, failed heirs faced execution, a brutal practice that continued for nearly two centuries. Muhammad III marked an extreme example by executing his 19 brothers, 20 sisters, and several royal family members to secure power. Finally, to ensure the continuity of the empire, Ahmed I put an end to this cruel practice by imprisoning his own young brother instead of executing him.

The last stop of today will be the Grand Bazaar. There are more than 4,000 shops in this one of the oldest indoor bazaars. The dazzling products such as spices, carpets, dried fruits, gold and silver ware are ideal souvenirs for friends and families. Many local snacks also awaits for your taste. We’ll visit the Beyazit Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday. Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Turgut Kebab restaurant
Dine at the Grand Bazaar, or explore Turkish delicacies near the hotel. Turgut Kebab restaurant is an excellent choice, which is a 15-minute walk southeast of your hotel and costs about TL 700-800 (USD 21-24) per person. It has a stunning roof where you can enjoy the meal in a cheerful atmosphere with live band performance. Begin with an appetizer platter, which offers a variety of tasty dips and starters. For the main course, try the tender testi kebab and lamb chops. Alternatively, try the traditional Pide, a unique boat-shaped pizza that’s sure to be your first taste. Then finish your meal with the complimentary Turkish black tea and baklava.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our guide will accompany you to the pier for a 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which serves as the geographical boundary of Europe and Asia. Along the way, place your emphasis on the magnificent Dolmabachce Palace stretching 600 meters on the European side, the Bosphorus Bridge spanning east and west over the strait, and the lush Camlica Hill. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating anecdotes and historical legends about these iconic landmarks. On the viewing deck, you can engage with playful seagulls and soak in the intertwined beauty of the land and sea.

Following that, the guide will escort you to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight to Cappadocia. Once landing, our local driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

★ Meet Nature’s Embrace at a Cave Hotel
Experiencing cave accommodation in Cappadocia is an absolute must! Stepping into our meticulously chosen cave hotel, you’ll be attracted by its original rock walls and natural textures with primitive beauty. Lounge chairs on the top floor will further elevate your experience, providing you with a perfect spot to capture the breathtaking sunrise, sunset, and the sparkling night sky filled with stars.

► Recommended Activity: Hot Air Balloon
Taking a hot air balloon ride is a must-do in Cappadocia. This is the most direct and exciting way to appreciate the unique landforms of Cappadocia. As the balloon slowly lifted off, capture the stunning images of how it intertwining with Cappadocia’s caves and valleys. If a hot air balloon ride is too adventurous for you, visit the observation deck instead. A 20-minute walk northeast of the hotel will take you to the observation deck in Goreme. Here, you’ll witness the multiple hot air balloons taking off simultaneously. For a more private and convenient viewing experience, the hotel’s terrace is your ideal choice.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

We will spend 2 days discovering the charm of Cappadocia. Today we’ll explore its northern part. After breakfast, our driver and guide will accompany you to the first stop, the Goreme Open Air Museum. In the 4th century AD, Christians came here to escape the persecution of Roman rulers. Inspired by soft volcanic rocks here, they cleverly carved out a variety of cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Among these cave buildings, the most fascinating feature is the intricate murals found within.

★ Special Entry to the Dark Church
Our all-inclusive tickets provide you with a special entry to the Dark Church, where you can admire the finest and most well-preserved murals in the Goreme Open Air Museum. Bathed in a faint and mysterious ambiance, examine every detail of these murals and feel the profound strength of faith.

Then we will go on to visit Avanos, a well-known porcelain town. You will witness the magical process of porcelain-making with our guide. However, the town’s prosperity is inseparable from the nourishment of the Kizilirmak River. Red clay from the river is a premium raw material that lends those artworks a unique texture and color. The Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where many towering and mushroom-shaped columns stand, will be our next destination. It has earned the nickname Fairy Chimney Valley due to its magical chimney-like columns. Next, we will visit the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) featured by animal-shaped rocks. Be cautious of some so-called “professional” photographers here, since they may ask you to pose and then present you with a bill of TL100-130 per photo. If you’re not interested, kindly but firmly decline to pay. Today’s sightseeing will end at the Love Valley, where you can take pictures of the spectacular views of Cappadocia at sunset. In the end, the guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Tips for Capturing Picturesque Love Valley
When you are standing at a high point, a wide-angle lens is undeniably the best choice for framing photos with expansive valley, distant village and oil painting sky. To enrich the diversity and depth of your photos, try to shoot from a low angle to emphasize the grandeur of the caves. At the same time, incorporate surrounding foreground elements to elevate the appeal of your sunset shots.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

Today’s southern Cappadocia trip will begin with Cavusin Village. Your eyes will be drawn to numerous abandoned cave dwellings here, some crumbling into ruins and casting a desolating aura. The Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel) we’ll visit is built in the 5th century, renowned for its distinctive architectural style and stunning murals that vividly narrate timeless Bible stories. Next, you’ll be leaded to hike for about 2 hours in Red Valley, characterized by its striking red land and rocks.

► Tips for Hiking in the Red Valley
a. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid being hurt by thorny plants;
b. Bring enough food and water, because supply points along the way are few and expensive;
c. Hip drop will help you stay balanced and prevent slipping when you are going downhill because the hiking route is full of gravel. To guarantee that you can stand steadily, select hiking shoes with good grip.

We will also visit the nearby Rose Valley and Uchisar Castle. The interior of the castle was hollowed out by early settlers, creating a vast network of caves. It was actually a refuge from invasion, where stored food and water could sustain residents for months. Later, it was also a habitat for pigeons, and local residents cleverly collected pigeon droppings here to fertilize their vineyards. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to today’s highlight, Kaymakli Underground City. Within it lay an intricate labyrinth of passages, and each level was connected by stairs. It had kitchens, dining halls, wine cellars, and other caves with different functions, accommodating up to 10,000 people. Our guide will provide detailed illustrations to help you grasp the different usages of these spaces. Pay attention to the winemaking room on the third floor when exploring. During ancient times, people crushed grapes by feet to extract juice, which was then collected through specially crafted holes in the stone trough and transferred to pottery jars or wooden barrels for fermentation. The wine-making process typically took about half a year. It may sound unhygienic, but effectively facilitate the blending of grape juice and flavor substances in the peel. And the alcohol produced during the fermentation killed potential microorganisms, ensuring that the wine did not have an unpleasant odor of feet. At the end of the day, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Wood Fire Barbeque
This restaurant is a 10-minute walk northeast of your hotel and costs about TL 500-600 (USD 15-18) per person. Barbecue is a must-try here, which can be customized according to your personal preferences. And you’ll be definitely satisfied with the large dishes, such as T-bone steak and Tomahawk steak, which are much larger than you can imagine and as thick as two fingers. Besides, walnut salad also cannot be missed, adding a fresh and healthy element to this barbecue meal.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight to Istanbul. Once landing, our local driver will escort you to the hotel, then you can explore Istanbul on your own.

► Free Time Suggestion:
If you arrive early, consider visiting the Madien’s Tower after a rest. Once used to monitor navigation in the Bosphorus Strait, this ingeniously designed lighthouse now has been converted into a cafe and restaurant. It is a rare enjoyment to watch the scenery on both sides of the strait and the magnificent sunset from the tower. From the Gulhane Station next to your hotel, take the Tram Line T1 to Kabataş Tramvay istasyonu Station, where you can take a ferry to Madien’s Tower. For reference, the ticket price is TL 550 (USD 16).

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

The itinerary in Turkey will draw to an end here. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, the driver will transfer you to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight to Athens, continuing our guided sightseeing in Greece. Once landing, the local guide and driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel by a private car. The rest time of the day will be left for you to get familiar with the city by yourself.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
If your flight arrives early, it is highly recommended to take a 15- minute walk northeast of the hotel to visit Monastiraki Square. Get a taste of Athens by discovering cool murals and captivating street performances here. A must-visit is the flea market, where you can find a wide variety of handmade treasures, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. Furthermore, keep a close eye on your personal belongings because it’s crowded with tourists. Carry as little as necessary when venturing out and lock important personal items in the hotel safe because theft could happen in Athens. Keep your backpack in front of you, and remain vigilant when you’re in theft-prone areas like Monastiraki, the Acropolis, and Syntagma.

► Recommended Restaurant: Thes “Greek Creative Cuisine”
This restaurant is a 5-minute walk northwest of the Monastiraki Square and costs around €25-30 per person. Taste the authentic Greek flavor here with diverse classic cuisines, such as Souvlaki kebabs, Greek salad and Moussaka. There are also creative dishes like Pork-Fighoney, which succulent pork paired with celery sauce and figs will definitely amaze you. Pistachio ice cream or Feta cheese donuts are both good choices for dessert. Be sure to make an appointment in advance!

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens has a lot to offer to its visitors. Our guide will firstly accompany you to explore the neoclassical architectures in Athens. You’ll marvel at exquisite reliefs at the Academy of Athens, and have an ideological conversation with Socrates and Plato. The colorful frescoes in the foyer of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens will transport you through the glorious history of ancient Greece. Additionally, simple and imposing appearance of the National Library of Greece will also make you stop to admire its majesty. Our next destination is the Syntagma Square, where you will witness the hourly guard-changing ceremony. Soldiers dressed in traditional ornate uniforms, including pleated skirts, leggings and long-fringed berets, will walk out from their guard posts in slow, dramatic and rhythmic steps, moving towards each other and swapping positions. Then we’ll head to the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of first modern Olympic Games. As the only one stadium built entirely of white marble in the world, it shows you the essence of ancient Greek architectural aesthetics by grand arches and columns. A podium stands at the entrance, inviting you to experience the glory of a champion, so think about award-winning postures in advance.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Acropolis. The Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, all the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in the Acropolis, form the most outstanding ancient architecture complex in Greece. Most eye-catching of all is undoubtedly the Parthenon. Located on the top of the Acropolis, it offers you a sweeping perspective of the city, and you’ll be astounded by its perfect proportions and delicate carvings. In addition, the air grille design of Rolls-Royce cars was influenced by such intricate design, showcasing the artistic resonance of the era. After visiting, our guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel.
► Tips:
a. Some of the buildings undergo renovations from time to time, so the scaffolding may affect your experience;
b. Wear comfortable shoes, loose clothing, and plenty of sunscreen since you’ll walk uphill to visit several sun-exposed sites;
c. Avoid using professional photographic gear, like tripods and reflectors.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, you’ll be leaded to the Pireaus Port to board the ferry to Santorini, a popular winery and vineyard island situated in the south of the Aegean Sea. We’ll be here about 3 pm after a 7.5-hour boat journey. Our local driver there will pick you up and escort you to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be your free time.
► Note: If you do not want to have a lengthy boat voyage, consider upgrading to a flight from Athens to Santorini. Our travel consultants could assist you with it and provide pricing information.

► Free Time Suggestion:
After check-in, consider strolling 10 minutes north of your hotel to explore the heart of Santorini - Fira. Make sure you have enough memory on your camera or cell phone, because everything here will spark your desire to shoot. The domed churches with blue roofs and white walls are particularly attractive, and they look more romantic and dreamy against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea. You can also ride a donkey along the cliff road to feel the town’s cozy atmosphere. The seafood here is tasty, especially pairing with a glass of authentic white wine. With a variety of craft shops lining the streets, you can get a unique souvenir of this Santorini journey.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 Stars) or similar

In the morning, the driver will escort you to the Athinios Port to take a boat to the Volcano of Santorini. After arriving, you will have a short hike, revealing the awe-inspiring sight of solidified magma and smoke emerging from the ground. Then we’ll head to experience the hot spring. As we approach the hot spring, the boat will stop and you need to dive into the sea and swim toward it. The water depth is about 10 meters, so participate it based on your personal conditions. Swimming rings and foam floating sticks are available to ensure your safety.
► Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for rugged hiking terrain. And bring enough drinking water and sun-protective gear to cope with intensive sunlight as there are no stores on the island. If you plan to soak in the hot spring, pack a dark bathing suit and towel to avoid sulfur staining on your clothing.

Then we’ll set sail to the Therasia Island for lunch. While climbing the hundreds of steps here takes some effort, dining at a restaurant with a crater view is so cool! Each bite will be enhanced by the natural wonder of the volcano, making the meal extra memorable. After a good rest, return to the ship to continue the cruise, and finally disembark at the Ammoudi Bay Port to explore the town of Oia. Apart from breathtaking sunset views and abundant photographic materials, Oia offers various activities. Riding a donkey for a novel experience, strolling through narrow cobblestone streets, and exploring local handicraft shops are all your ideal options. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel around 8 pm.

► Best Photo Shooting Spots in Oia from Our Experts
1. Castle of Oia: best location for snapping sunset and panoramic views.
2. Kastro Oia Houses: stand on the high stairs opposite, and then take a high angle shoot.
3. Oia Lookout Panoramic Viewpoint: ideal for snapping the white architectural ensemble.
4. 3 Domes Viewpoint: capture the iconic trio of white churches with blue domes from western side.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Philippion Boutique Hotel, Santorini (4 Stars) or similar

Today is the last day in Santorini, and the morning will be left for your own arrangements. In the afternoon, our driver will transfer you to the port, boarding a 7.5-hour boat to Athens. After your late arrival at about 23:00, a locally-based driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel.
► Note: If you wish to avoid a long boat journey, contact our travel consultants to upgrade to a Santorini-to-Athens flight, which will take only about 50 minutes.

► Recommendations for Free Morning in Santorini:
After marveling at the dreamy view of Santorini’s white walls, consider switching your eyes to the Kamari Beach. This unique black sand beach offers fully equipped parasols, loungers, changing rooms and shower facilities, making it perfect for sunbathing or swimming. Bus is available from the station a 15-minute-walk north of your hotel, taking 20 minutes and costing 2 euros (cash only). Or hail taxis on apps like FreeNow, Uber, or Taxiplon to get there in 15 minutes for around 20 euros.

For wine enthusiasts, Santo Wines Winery is a must-visit and a 10-minute taxi ride from your hotel. Its observation deck provides you with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea while tasting the fine wine. Be sure to try the classic Vin Santo (dessert wine) and the refreshing Assyrtiko (white wine). Sommeliers will guide you through the brewing process of each wine, enhancing your wine-tasting experience.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Brown Acropol, Athens (4 stars) or similar

Your 12-day Turkey and Greece tour package will come to a perfect end today. According to your departure flight, our driver will escort you to the airport on time. Wish you a pleasant trip home!

► Free Time Suggestion:
If your flight departs in the late afternoon or evening, unveil the ancient Greek civilization again at the Ancient Agora of Athens. Open from 8:00 to 20:00, it is a 15-minute walk southwest of your hotel. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Acropolis hilltop at the Temple of Hephaestus or admire invaluable cultural relics at the Stoa of Attalos. It also had witnessed countless debates about the truth between ancient Greek sages and the public. Look for the sculptures depicting Socrates and Confucius in a dialogue posture, engaging in their cross-cultural exchange.

If you want to extend your Greece tour to other destinations, like Olympia, Delphi and Kalambaka, or explore other countries in Europe, please contact us to tailor your trip.

Meal: Breakfast