Istanbul to Athens - Turkish Delights and Greek Treasures

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Istanbul

  Your adventure begins with your flight to Istanbul, a magical city that bridges two continents. After settling into the hotel, we'll gather this evening for a welcome dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant. It's the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers over delicious Turkish cuisine and raise a glass to the journey ahead.

• Day 2 • Istanbul

  Today we'll set off to explore the treasures of Istanbul’s Old City. Launch straight into action today on our Byzantine and Ottoman Relics excursion where we explore the once capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empires. From Sultanahmet Square we'll explore the Hippodrome's stunning obelisks and intriguing history of chariot races. Prepare yourself for breathtaking sights as we visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. After savouring local flavours at a Turkish restaurant, sharpen your bargaining skills at the Grand Bazaar, the trading hub of the city where you can find everything from pots and carpets to fruit and spices. Taste baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and honey. The evening is yours to dine and explore at leisure. You may also choose to join our Istanbul by Night excursion to see the city’s monuments beautifully illuminated.

• Day 3 • Istanbul

  A day at leisure to explore this amazing City straddling two Continents, or you could choose to marvel over the priceless collections at the Topkapi Palace Museum on an optional excursion. Constructed as the Sultans residence, this is one of the largest buildings in the city. This afternoon we have another optional excursion available with the chance to cruise on the Bosporus. A good time will be spent on board, and we'll see both sides of the Bosphorus strait - glimpse life in both Europe and Asia at the same time. This evening we will gather for a 'farewell to Istanbul' at a restaurant in the Kumkapi fisherman's area of the city.

• Day 4 • Istanbul to Canakkale

  After breakfast, we depart Istanbul and follow the scenic Marmara Sea coast, watching the landscape shift from urban sprawl to rolling countryside as we near the Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Peninsula. This afternoon, we explore the moving Gallipoli battlefields, site of the pivotal 1915 World War I campaign, visiting memorials and cemeteries including ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine to better understand the ANZAC legend and our shared history. Later, we cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry or via the impressive Çanakkale Bridge—one of the world’s longest suspension bridges—before enjoying dinner at our hotel.

• Day 5 • Troy

  Time at leisure may be just what you need after two days of sightseeing, so why not relax at your hotel. However, if you’re keen to discover more, your Holiday Director will host an optional excursion to the clifftop town of Ronda. You’ll see the deep gorge, El Tajo, which divides the town in two and is spanned by an ancient stone bridge, the Puente Nuevo. We then continue on a leisurely guided stroll around Ronda's cobblestone streets lined with the typical whitewashed houses of the region.

• Day 6 • Canakkale to Kusadasi

  Today we follow in Homer’s footsteps at Troy, exploring its nine archaeological layers spanning more than 3,000 years of continuous history, standing before the reconstructed Trojan Horse, and imagining epic tales of warriors, love, and betrayal. We also visit the Troy Museum, where interactive exhibits and artefacts from Troy and other historic sites vividly bring its stories to life. Later, we return to central Canakkale for free time along the waterfront promenade to enjoy lunch or a Turkish coffee by the harbour, before dinner at our hotel to share reflections on the day.

• Day 7 • Ephesus

  We step back in time at Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical cities and former capital of Roman Asia Minor, strolling its marble streets to see the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, bath houses, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—while hearing stories of Roman daily life, gladiators, and the early Christian community. We also visit the Basilica of St. Jean in nearby Selçuk, believed to be the final resting place of John the Apostle, before heading to the hilltop village of Sirince, set among olive groves and peach orchards, to explore its stone houses, shops, and fruit wines, returning to Kusadasi for the evening.

• Day 8 • Kusadasi to Samos

  After breakfast, we'll transfer to the harbour for our ferry crossing to the beautiful island of Samos. The short crossing offers views across the sparkling Aegean of the Turkish coastline receding behind us. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

• Day 9 • Samos

  Today it is time to explore the island with a tour that includes the remarkable Eupalinos Tunnel. This is a 6th-century BC engineering marvel—a 1,036-metre aqueduct tunnel that was carved through solid rock from both ends simultaneously and met in the middle with remarkable precision. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating glimpse into classical ingenuity. During the tour we will visit local winery and try some local wine made on the Island.

• Day 10 • Samos to Athens

  Today, a short morning flight will take us from the tranquil island of Samos to the bustling city of Athens. After checking into the hotel, we’ll take an orientation walk through the local area. Athens rewards those who wander its streets, so you can take the rest of the day to explore at leisure. The city is an eclectic mix of timeless ruins, Byzantine churches, contemporary street art, secluded cafes and family-run tavernas serving traditional dishes.

• Day 11 • Athens

  Today, we’ll explore more of the city where you’ll come face-to-face with one of Greece's most iconic sites—the Acropolis. This citadel, crowned by the magnificent Parthenon, has watched over Athens for 2,500 years. Climb the path to the summit and you’ll be rewarded with views across the city, and on a clear day see the Aegean Sea shimmering in the distance. The Acropolis Museum houses treasures unearthed on the sacred hill. A glass floor reveals ruins beneath your feet, whilst the galleries display sculptures, friezes and artifacts that offer an insight into the artistic and cultural achievements of Greece.

• Day 12 • Athens to Kalambaka

  After breakfast, we bid farewell to Athens and journey north through the Greek countryside to Kalambaka – gateway to the UNESCO wonders of the Meteora monasteries. The Meteora monasteries are extraordinary - perched atop towering rock pillars that rise dramatically from the landscape. We’ll visit two of these Eastern Orthodox monasteries, accessed by stone steps carved into the rock faces. Inside we’ll uncover Byzantine frescoes, ancient manuscripts and peaceful courtyards where monks have sought spiritual contemplation for more than 600 years.

• Day 13 • Kalambaka to Nafpaktos

  Today’s journey takes us to Delphi, perched dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. We'll explore the extensive archaeological site, walking the Sacred Way as pilgrims once did, to the Temple of Apollo, and visit the well-preserved theatre with its panoramic mountain views. The on-site museum houses some of Greece's finest treasures, including the timeless Charioteer of Delphi, a life-size bronze sculpture from around 470 BC. From Delphi, we'll continue our journey to Nafpaktos, a charming coastal town on the Gulf of Corinth.

• Day 14 • Nafpaktos

  Today offers a well-deserved chance to relax in Nafpaktos. This atmospheric town, with its Venetian castle and pleasant waterside tavernas is perfect for a leisurely day. For those seeking more adventure, join our optional excursion to be immersed in the rich history of Kalavryta. You’ll have the opportunity to experience a ride on the historic Odontotos Rack Railway, one of Greece’s most scenic rail journeys and an engineering marvel from the 1890s that winds through the Vouraikos Gorge. This narrow-gauge railway climbs 700 metres over 22 kilometres passing through tunnels, crossing bridges and hugging cliff-faces.

• Day 15 • Nafpaktos to Athens

  After breakfast, we head to Mycenae to see the Lion Gate, royal tombs, and the Mask of Agamemnon, then visit Nafplio with its Venetian houses and waterfront promenade. Next, we explore Epidaurus’ theatre and Sanctuary of Asclepius before returning to Athens via the Corinth Canal for a farewell dinner.

• Day 16 • Farewell

  After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you memories of Turkish delights and Greek treasures.