Istanbul to Athens Explorer
15 days
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Group Tour
This 2-week tour packs in many of ancient Turkey and Greece's famous sites and landmarks, together with some beautiful mountain and coastal scenery and the tastes of two different but fascinating cultures
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
What's this trip about?
This 2-week tour packs in many of ancient Turkey and Greece's famous sites and landmarks, together with some beautiful mountain and coastal scenery and the tastes of two different but fascinating cultures
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 1 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCappadocia
End CityKalambaka
Destinations
Attractions
Trip includes
- - All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in 4-star & boutique hotels- All transport and transfers in AC vehicles- 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service- Domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri- Services of local tour guide in Turkey and Greece- Entrance fees to sites visited in Turkey- Max group size in Turkey - 20; Max group size in Greece - 50 - Meals as indicated in the itinerary (14 breakfasts, 7 dinners)- Tipping kitty
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Itinerary
Day 1: Tour starts in Istanbul
Your 15-day adventure starts off with your arrival in Istanbul. One of the most fascinating and grand cities in the world, Istanbul is rich with culture and history.
Uniquely located at the junction of Europe and Asia, it is filled with winding streets, friendly people, and many architectural marvels. You are transferred to your hotel, and have the rest of the day to yourself.
| OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
None
| EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (TUSGTG), Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Day 2: Tour of Istanbul Old City
We start the day exploring the historical part of Istanbul known as the Old City. You visit some of the most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Blue Mosque, the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the intriguing Topkapi Palace and the historic Hippodrome.
You also get to e...
| OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise. Fly to Cappadocia
This morning we'll take a 1 hour cruise along the Bosphorous River to take a view of the city from this narrow straight of water which separates Europe from Asia, along the way your guide will give you an overview of the historical sights as you pass by.
This afternoon...
| OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia boutique hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Carpet Weaving Village visit
A day filled with fascinating cultural experiences awaits us. We visit the Goreme Open Air Musuem, one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. It is comprised of a series of monasteries and churches hewn into the rock formations, many still retaining beautiful colo...
| OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia boutique hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Kaymakli Underground City, Silk Road, stop at Sultan Hani Caravansary, Mevlana Museum in Konya
Today we visit the mazes and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City. We then travel along the famous ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We stop at the Sultan Hani Caravansary.
In ancient times, a caravansary was a roadside inn where travellers were able to stop to rest and r...
| OVERNIGHT:
Konya 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Pamukkale, Hierapolis
Today we head towards the famous travertines and hot springs of Pamukkale. This magical natural site is a bucket-list destination and is visited by around 2 million people each year. The white limestone cascades and bright blue pools contrast beautifully, and are aptly k...
| OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 7: Laodicea, Kusadasi
Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
| OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi boutique hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: City of Ephesus
Today we visit another ancient city. Ephesus is extremely well-preserved, and much of the ruins have been excavated and restored. You are therefore able to walk and stroll through the city much as the original inhabitants would have done, giving you a wonderful insight into the past.
We visit another carpet weaving village, before departing for Athens from Izmir Airport.
| OVERNIGHT:
Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 9: Athens (free day)
Today you have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure. This legendary city is the capital of modern Greece, and was the historical capital of Europe. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, overflowing with landmarks dedicated to mythology and philosophy.
Explore at your leisure, taking the opportunity to visit sites and places that will not be covered on the next day’s guided tour.
| OVERNIGHT:
Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 10: Guided Athens tour
Today we go on a city tour of Athens. We visit the essential sites of this extraordinary city: from the Panathenaic Stadium to the iconic Acropolis, from the Temple of Zeus to Hadrian’s Arch to the Parnethon. The temples and ruins will transport you back in time and fill...
| OVERNIGHT:
Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 11: Corinth Canal Crossing, City of Mycenae
We start off the day by crossing the Corinth Canal, one of the smallest canals in the world. It separates the Greek mainland from the Pelopponese Peninsula.
We also visit Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece. This enormous fortified c...
| OVERNIGHT:
Nafplion 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 12: City of Olympia, Rio-Antirio Bridge Crossing
Today we head to Olympia, which is the place where the Olympic Games were founded. We visit the Ancient Stadium, where the ancient games were once held.
We stop at the Archaeological Museum, where we can see one of the most famous statutes in the world, Hermes of Praxite...
| OVERNIGHT:
Delphi 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Delphi
Today we explore Delphi, another important site of ancient Greece. This was once known as the centre of the ancient world, and the shrine of the god Apollo. Here we see the remains of Apollo’s Temple, as well as the Sanctuary of Athena, who was the oracle of Delphi.
The ...
| OVERNIGHT:
Kalambaka 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Meteora Tour, Journey back to Athens
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. This unique and awe-inspiring place is made up of striking rock formations that stand out dramatically against the landscape.
Ancient Christian monasteries are found perched atop and among the formations, some sti...
| OVERNIGHT:
Athens 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 15: Tour ends
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. We enjoy breakfast in Athens before you are transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Athens - post-tour
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Dates & Availability
Price From $3,185
Price per day$212
Last Updated: 4/18/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Occupancy Per Person
Single Occupancy Per Person
Triple Occupancy Per Person
Spaces Remain
07 Jun 2024
21 Jun 2024
$3,185
21 Jun 2024
05 Jul 2024
$3,185
05 Jul 2024
19 Jul 2024
$3,185
19 Jul 2024
02 Aug 2024
$3,185
02 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
$3,185
16 Aug 2024
30 Aug 2024
$3,185
30 Aug 2024
13 Sep 2024
$3,185
13 Sep 2024
27 Sep 2024
$3,185
27 Sep 2024
11 Oct 2024
$3,185
11 Oct 2024
25 Oct 2024
$3,185
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Encounters Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Encounters Travel is an adventure tour operator, based in the UK but with representatives in Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We run a wide selection of cultural and adventurous tours around the world, each carefully designed to help you get the most out of the country you're visiting.
Our tours range from historical sightseeing and Nile cruises in Egypt, through to long strenuous treks and white water rafting in Nepal or swimming with whales in Tonga. You can join other travellers on a small group departure, or personalise and tailor-make an itinerary for you to enjoy privately.
Whatever your preference, we have a team of experienced travel consultants ready to advise you and help arrange your next great adventure tour!
Why choose us?
- Financial security for your peace of mind througn ATOL & financial failure insurance
- Members of ABTA (Y4447)
- Airport transfers included
- Encounters with local cultures and like-minded travellers
- No local payment as part of tour price
- Tours designed by experts
- Itineraries that don’t cut corners or costs at your expense
- Clear info provided on entrance fees & local costs
- The best industry renowned guides
- Every booking contributes to local projects
- Great value for money!
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Logistics
What's excluded
- - International flights- Visa fees (if required)- International flight between Izmir (ADB) and Athens (ATH)- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)- Meals not indicated in the itinerary- Entrance fees to sites visited in Greece (allow approx. EUR 79 (Apr-Oct) or EUR 45 (Nov-Mar)- Greek hotel residence tax (allow EUR 10.50p/p for shared rooms, EUR 21 for single rooms, see Tour Notes)- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)- Tips for guide & driver- Optional tours- Any other items not mentioned above
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
Encounterstraveltourcms-TUSGIA
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