Greece and Turkey Epic Cultural Expedition

Upon your arrival in Athens, we'll ensure a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once settled, you'll have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore or relax as you wish. In the afternoon, check the notice boards in the hotel reception area for essential information regarding the start of your journey. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day, we embark on an early morning journey towards northern Greece. Our first stop is Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside town framed by magnificent landscapes. We then continue north to the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the site of the legendary ancient battle. Appreciate the scenic surroundings as we proceed to Kastraki, a charming village offering sweeping views of the valley, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering rock formations and monasteries. Admission to one of the iconic monasteries is included in our itinerary. As the day winds down, we head to Kalambaka, where dinner is provided, ensuring a relaxing end to our day's exploration.

On our third day, we will depart Kalambaka and drive south through the region of Thessaly, where you can take in the delightful countryside vistas. Our destination is Delphi, a site of significant archaeological and cultural importance. Here, you will find the remains of an ancient sanctuary and a theatre, all offering sweeping views over the Gulf of Corinth. There will be time for a leisurely lunch amidst these historic surroundings. After lunch, we will make our way to the Hosios Loukas Monastery. This Byzantine monastery is a recognised World Heritage Site, famed for its exquisite 11th-century mosaics. Our day concludes with a journey to Athens, where we will arrive in the evening, allowing you some free time to explore or relax.

Today, our adventure is a unique exploration of some of Greece's enchanting islands. Given that Greece boasts nearly 6,000 islands, each offering its own charm, we'll start by taking an early morning ferry to Aegina. Just under an hour away, this island has been home to communities for over 4,000 years. Youll have time to discover its scenic harbour, explore quaint neighbourhoods with charming houses and ancient churches, or visit the Greek Temple of Apollo.Following our visit to Aegina, we'll embark on another ferry journey, approximately an hour and 15 minutes, to the island of Poros. Here, you'll have free time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, admire the old houses ascending towards the clock tower, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. After youve had your fill of Poros, well catch a brief 15-minute boat ride to Galatas in the Peloponnese and continue by road to Epidaurus. Admission to the well-preserved Ancient Theatre, constructed 2,400 years ago and still used today, is included.The day concludes in Nafplio, a picturesque coastal city renowned for its citadel and Venetian fortress. Youll have free time to explore before we reconvene for dinner. Please note that ferry schedules are subject to change, particularly in the low season, which might affect our visit to Aegina.

On the fifth day of our journey, we'll traverse the scenic Peloponnese mountains towards Tripoli, the bustling capital of Arcadia. Upon arrival, you'll have ample free time to explore Areos Square, renowned for its vibrant cafs and inviting restaurants. Our adventure continues to Olympia, the revered site of the ancient Olympic Games, which first took place in 776 BC. With a ticket and guided tour included, we'll explore this significant archaeological location, marvelling at the incredible landmarks such as the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena.Following our enriching visit to Olympia, we head to Patras, Greece's third-largest city. Patras is a lively port city crowned by a medieval fortress and home to Greece's largest cathedral, a major pilgrimage site, along with the historic church of St. Andrew nearby. You'll have a chance to soak in the local atmosphere before we settle down for an included dinner.

Following breakfast, well traverse the impressive Rio-Antirrio bridgeone of the world's longest cable-stayed bridgesconnecting the Peloponnese to Greece's mainland. Our first destination is Nafpaktos, nestled on the Gulf of Corinth, known for its Venetian fortress overlooking the town. Formerly known as Lepanto, it's famed for the historic naval battle where Christian and Turkish forces clashed, leaving the writer Cervantes maimed. You'll have leisure time to wander around the quaint harbour and discover the charming old town. As we progress along the scenic Gulf of Corinth, we'll arrive at Mycenaea monumental citadel hailed as the cradle of European civilisation, dating back to the 18th century BC. Admission is included, and you'll have time to further explore and enjoy a meal. Our journey then leads us to the formidable Acrocorinth fortress, where remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite crown the summit. We'll complete our day with a brief visit to the Corinth Canal before reaching Athens in the evening.

Today, you have a delightful opportunity to experience Athens at your own pace. With a whole day ahead, enjoy discovering the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you choose to stroll through its bustling streets, explore ancient ruins, or savour traditional Greek cuisine at a local taverna, the possibilities are endless. Wander the charming neighbourhoods, visit the renowned landmarks the city has to offer, and soak in the unique blend of ancient and modern that Athens provides.

On the eighth day of our journey, we'll embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Athens. Our itinerary includes visits to the grand Presidential Mansion and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held. We'll also explore the National Library and take in the lively atmosphere of downtown squares, observing some of the new infrastructure that the 2004 Olympics brought to the city. Our tour concludes near the iconic Acropolis, although admission to the site is not included.In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the bustling Port of Piraeus, where you will board an overnight ferry equipped with facilities akin to those on a cruise ship. Your accommodation for the night will be in a comfortable double cabin as we set sail, marking the next chapter of our adventure.

Upon our early morning arrival in Rhodes, we'll embark on a guided city tour to explore its impressive walled citadel and ancient Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the rich historical tapestry woven by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian influences. In the afternoon, at approximately 4:00 p.m., we'll board an express ferry to Turkey, which takes about an hour. Our destination is Marmaris, a picturesque coastal haven famed for its castle, marina, and vibrant fountains. We'll settle into our accommodations in this beautiful region, with dinner included. Please be aware that ferry schedules between Rhodes and Marmaris can be unpredictable and may not operate daily outside the summer months, requiring potential adjustments to this segment of the itinerary.

Today, we journey from Marmaris to Dalyan, a charming town located along a scenic river. Well embark on a one-hour boat trip to visit the fascinating Lycian Rock Tombs, carved into the cliffs with panoramic views. Our boat ride continues to a large lake, where we'll pause to relax and take in the surroundings. You have the option to unwind in the inviting warm waters or pamper yourself with a mud bath at the renowned hot springs. There will also be an opportunity to savour a meal at one of the delightful riverside eateries.After our explorations, we'll head to Antalya, a vibrant coastal city that is home to over a million residents. Here, we'll explore some of its notable features, including Hadrians Gate, a stunning Roman triumphal arch, and the charming Ottoman district. We'll also witness the awe-inspiring sight of its waterfall plunging directly into the sea. As the day draws to a close, we'll unwind with a dinner included in our itinerary.

Today, we'll depart from Antalya and journey to Aspendos, where you'll explore its renowned Roman theatreone of the best-preserved of its kind. Following this, well make our way to Side, where you can enjoy the sight of the Temple of Apollo perched by the sea and wander through the vibrant port with its busy streets. Our travels will then take us through the breathtaking Taurus Mountains, where peaks soar above 3,500 metres and remain snow-capped much of the year. We'll pause in Karaman to view its imposing fortress from the outside before continuing to the captivating region of Cappadocia. In the evening, youll enjoy dinner in Nigde, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we immerse ourselves in the extraordinary landscapes and rich history of Cappadocia. Our adventure begins with a visit to the 7th-century underground monastery at Gumusler, home to some of Turkey's most exquisite Byzantine frescoes. We continue to Kaymakli, exploring an underground city capable of housing up to 30,000 people, offering a glimpse into ancient life. Our journey proceeds to Uchisar, where a natural fortress provides stunning panoramic views of the region.After lunch, we explore the Greme Valley, renowned for its open-air museum featuring rock-carved churches (admission included). These incredible structures showcase the architectural ingenuity and artistic heritage of the area. We end our day in Avanos, where we will be staying for the night, and a delightful dinner awaits us.

On our thirteenth day, we venture to the far reaches of Cappadocia, exploring the captivating Ihlara Valley. Renowned for its serene streams and intriguing rock-cut churches and villages, the valley offers a striking glimpse into the region's history and natural beauty. Our journey will also lead us to a 13th-century caravanserai, reflecting the area's historical significance as a stopover for traders along the ancient Silk Road. In Konya, we will discover the Mevlana Mausoleum, the resting place of Rumi, where well delve into the teachings of the Dervish order. Dinner will be included, and in the evening, we suggest attending a mesmerising dervish dance performance at the cultural centre to enrich your cultural experience.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey through a breathtaking landscape dotted with lakes, heading towards the picturesque town of E?irdir. Known for its ancient walls and mosques, the town rests by a large tranquil lake, offering an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch. After taking in the peaceful surroundings, we proceed to the spectacular site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. Here, you will witness the natural wonder of the 'Cotton Castle,' where mineral-rich waters have created striking terraces of white travertine (entry tickets included). At the end of the day, we'll enjoy a delightful dinner, embracing the local charm.

Today, we set off for Ephesus, the most complete ancient city in Asia Minor. Once home to a quarter of a million people two thousand years ago, Ephesus offers a remarkable glimpse into the past. Our visit includes the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last days, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus itselfadmission is covered. After exploring these wonders, we'll proceed to Kusadasi, a bustling coastal city with a lively atmosphere, thriving commerce, and a charming castle by the sea. Dinner will be provided as part of our day.Please note: During the high season, from May to October, accommodation will be arranged in Izmir. In this scenario, after our tour of Ephesus, we will head straight to Izmir, bypassing Kusadasi. Upon arrival, we will embark on a brief panoramic tour of Izmir, located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. The following day, as part of our journey to Istanbul, we will make an additional stop for lunch in the traditional town of Balikesir.

Today, we depart for Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city. Our guide will take you on a brief tour of this modern and Westernised metropolis, showcasing its vibrant culture and dynamic energy. From there, we travel inland, stopping along the way for lunch. Our journey continues to Bursa, Turkey's fourth-largest city. Here, you'll discover its rich history, with highlights including the UNESCO-listed centre. Explore the bustling traditional markets, admire the historic mosques and religious schools, and visit the famous Green Mosque. We aim to reach Istanbul by the end of the day, ready for our next adventure.

We start our exploration of Istanbul with a guided sightseeing tour. Our first stop is the impressive Sleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural elegance. As we continue, well meander along the ancient city walls and admire the Golden Horn's sweeping vistas. We'll stroll through the bustling fishing district, with the chance to see the iconic exterior of Hagia Sophia, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. Next, well make our way to the Topkapi Palace, once the centre of Ottoman imperial power. Our visit will include entry to the palace where you can explore its magnificent courtyards and ornate pavilions.The afternoon is free for you to uncover more of Istanbul's treasures. You can delve into the local culture, enjoy traditional Turkish delights, or wander through the city's vibrant streets. Later, well arrange a transfer to Taksim, Istanbul's lively commercial hub. Here, you have the flexibility to dine at one of the numerous restaurants that line the area or take a nostalgic ride on the charming old tram. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the nearby Galata Tower for stunning views of the city. As the sun sets over this enchanting city, you'll have experienced the vibrant tapestry of its past and present.

Today, we'll enjoy a memorable cruise along the Bosphorus. The experience aboard a private boat will span roughly two hours, providing a unique perspective of the bustling waterway that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. As we sail through the strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, you'll witness the dynamic activity of numerous vessels. We'll glide beneath the two iconic bridges connecting the continents and admire stunning views of the Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and distinctive Ottoman architecture. Upon our return to central Istanbul, the afternoon is yours to explore as you wish.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey through captivating lands. Enjoy your onward travels and reflect on the experiences and sights that have made this trip unforgettable.