Athens to Istanbul
Overview
Highlights
- Uncover thousands of years of civilisation in Athens with a visit to the world-famous Acropolis and the ancient Agora
- Like endless pilgrims before you, visit the home of the Oracle of Delphi in Apollo’s sanctuary, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites
- Be mesmerised by the magical monasteries of Meteora, an extraordinary site and sight, precariously perched high up on a series of ancient rock pinnacles that must be seen to be believed
- Hit the glorious beaches of the local secret of the Chalkidiki Peninsula, or make for the hills to take in the scenery across mountainous spines and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea
- Discover the many flavours of Greek cuisine. There's nothing quite like dining on rich and hearty moussaka or grilled lamb and tzatziki in a traditional taverna as Rembetika music floats around you
- Get beneath the glorious chaos of Istanbul with a local guide, discovering parts of this continent-straddling metropolis that you would never have thought existed
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today – confirm the time and place with reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodat...
Today is a free day for you to explore Athens and all it has to offer. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis ...
Travel by public bus to Delphi (approximately 3 hours). Located on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, by a valley of cypress and olives trees, this modern town and ancient ruins overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. The ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the centre of the world (leg...
Travel by public bus to Kalambaka (approximately 4.5 hours). After leaving your bags at the hotel you’ll take on a short orientation walk of town, where your leader will point out amenities and help you get your bearings. Then it's off to nearby Meteora, home to 24 14...
Climb into the heavens, just like monks have done for centuries, towards ancient monasteries precariously placed atop 400-metre-high rock formations. You’ll enjoy some great views back over the town. The area makes for incredibly dramatic photos – multi-colour streake...
Take a 2-hour bus ride to Kastoria today. This medieval town sits on the western shore of Lake Orestiada, in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains. Kastoria is full of interesting Byzantine churches and Ottoman-style architecture, including old distinctive villas...
Take a bus ride to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki (approximately 2.5 hours), where you’ll have some time to explore the second largest city in Greece. Relax in the splendour of what is regarded as the cultural capital of the country, maybe with shopping, dinner and a show....
Building on the Ottoman influence on the cuisine, be sure to indulge in bougatsa (a rich breakfast pastry) and a frappé coffee first thing this morning. Then head out for a day trip, through fertile farming fields, to Pella (approximately 1.5 hours). This was the anci...
Hop on a public bus and head for a spit of earth in the Aegean Sea (approximately 2 hours). Here there are three distinctive land legs sticking out into the sea, and the first thing you'll see when you arrive at the Chalkidiki (Halkidiki) Peninsula today is the azure ...
Today is a free day for you to explore the area. There is the option to head into the thickly forested hills of the Sithonia land tendril, where there are a multitude of hiking options, all of which afford glorious views across the sparkling blue Aegean Sea, the rugge...
Hop in a private bus and head east along the coast to Kavala, also known as the cyan city (approximately 2 hours). This is the principal seaport of eastern Macedonia and is located on the Via Egnatia, a 2nd century Roman road whose remains can still be seen today. Whe...
Today you will visit the excavations of the ruins of Philippi, 15 kilometres inland from Kavala (approximately 30 minutes). Philippi was established by Philip II of Macedon (the father of Alexander the Great), who seized the original town of Krenides in the 4th centur...
Today you’ll travel by private bus to Turkey (approximately 3.5 hours). Cosmopolitan cities brimming with modern delights, archaeological sites filled with ancient splendour, curious landscapes straight out of a storybook and picture-perfect coastlines frequented by t...
This morning travel by public bus to Istanbul (approximately 4.5 hours), the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. A beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions, blending the influences of both east ...
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is a great deal to do in Istanbul we recommend allowing a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city, perhaps taking an Urban Adventure. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be able to assist.
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Dates & Availability
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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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Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
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Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.
Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.
Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.
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Finish point
- Golden Horn Hotel - Istanbul
- Hocapasa Mah. Istasyon Arkasi Sk. No 9
- Sirkeci
- Istanbul
- Istanbul
- TURKEY
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