Greek Islands and Turkish Coast Odyssey

Welcome to your tour in Athens! After arrival, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel. You'll have some leisure time to unwind and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, check the information boards at the hotel reception for details on the commencement of your tour. Enjoy a smooth start to your adventure. 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 the second day, we begin our adventure bright and early as we head towards northern Greece. Our first stop is in Kamena Vourla, a delightful seaside town set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. Continuing our journey north, we pause at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, renowned for the legendary battle that took place here. Our exploration brings us next to the charming village of Kastraki. Nestled with rewarding vistas of the surrounding valley, Kastraki offers you the perfect spot to enjoy lunch at your leisure. After revitalizing ourselves, we delve into the awe-inspiring world of Meteora. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it captivates visitors with its dramatic rock formations and ancient monasteries perched atop themone of which we will have the opportunity to visit. We complete our day by dining in Kalambaka, a town located at the foot of the Meteora cliffs, leaving you to ponder the day's wonders as you unwind for the evening.

Today, we embark on a journey through the captivating region of Thessaly, known for its remarkable landscapes. We travel south to Delphi, where we explore the renowned archaeological site that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Corinth. There will be an opportunity to enjoy lunch in this scenic setting. Afterward, we'll visit Hosios Loukas Monastery, famed for its exquisite 11th-century Byzantine mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to Byzantine art and architecture. Our travels continue towards Athens, where we'll arrive in the evening, completing our day of exploration and discovery.

Today's itinerary promises a unique experience as we explore the captivating Saronic Islands, home to some of Greece's most enchanting locations. We'll begin our day by taking an early morning ferry from Athens to the island of Aegina. With its history dating back over 4,000 years, Aegina offers a blend of historical and cultural quests. You can take in the picturesque harbour, roam through its traditional neighbourhoods adorned with charming houses and ancient churches, or perhaps visit the Greek Temple of Apollo. After our time on Aegina, we embark on a ferry ride of approximately 75 minutes to the island of Poros, known for its vibrant atmosphere and quaint architecture. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk and a relaxed lunch at your own pace before we set sail again for a brief 15-minute journey to the quaint village of Galatas on the Peloponnese peninsula. Our exploration continues as we travel by road through scenic hillside landscapes to reach Epidaurus, where you will have access to the ancient theatre, a marvel of classical architecture that dates back 2,400 years and still hosts performances. The day concludes with our arrival in Nafplio, a city distinguished by its captivating coastal charm and historic architecture. You will have free time to wander and explore this delightful area, and we will round off our busy day with an included dinner. Please be aware that ferry schedules may vary, particularly during the off-peak season, which could result in adjustments to our planned visits.

Today, we'll venture across the scenic Peloponnese hinterland, starting with a journey to Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. You'll have free time to explore Areos Square, where local cafes and restaurants provide a wonderful opportunity to soak up the local ambience. Following this, we'll head to Olympia to experience the renowned Archaeological Site, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. This historic site includes remarkable landmarks such as the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena all included in our guided tour. From there, we'll journey on to Patras, Greece's third-largest city and a vibrant port overlooked by a medieval fortress. Here, we will visit Greece's largest cathedral, a significant pilgrimage site, alongside the historic old church of St. Andrew. Dinner will be provided, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Following a hearty breakfast, we'll cross the impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge, a cable-stayed marvel that links the Peloponnese with mainland Greece. Our first destination is Nafpaktos, nestled on the Gulf of Corinth. This charming town is historically known as Lepanto, the site of a significant naval battle where the fleets of the Christian and Turkish empires clashed an event during which Cervantes famously lost his arm. Here, youll have time to wander its scenic harbour and explore the enchanting old town. Our journey then takes us along the picturesque coast to Mycenae, a monumental citadel dating back to the 18th century BC, recognised as a cornerstone of European civilisation. You'll have free time to delve into its history and enjoy lunch. We then move on to the impressive Fortress of Acrocorinth, where remnants of a temple to Aphrodite stand at the highest point. Afterward, we'll make a brief stop at the iconic Corinth Canal before reaching Athens by evening.

Today is completely yours to explore Athens at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city by visiting its iconic landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and charming streets. Whether you choose to delve into its ancient past, enjoy modern cultural experiences, or simply relax in a local caf, you have a day to discover what makes Athens truly memorable.

Today, we will embark on a comprehensive tour of Athens, beginning with a visit to the Presidential Mansion and continuing on to the historic Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games. Our exploration will also include the National Library and bustling city squares, along with glimpses of the new infrastructure introduced for the 2004 Olympics. The tour will conclude near the renowned Acropolisplease note that admission is not included. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the Port of Piraeus, where you'll board an overnight ferry. This vessel is equipped with amenities akin to those found on a cruise ship to ensure your comfort as you spend the night on board in a double cabin.

We arrive in Rhodes early this morning, ready to explore the island's rich tapestry of history and culture. Our city tour will guide us through Rhodes' remarkable walled citadel and its Old Town, a place where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian influences echo through its streets. After immersing ourselves in this historical splendour, you'll have the afternoon to relax or explore further. Around 4:00 p.m., we'll board an express ferry bound for Turkey, a journey of approximately an hour. Upon arrival in Marmaris, a charming coastal destination celebrated for its castle, marina, and fountains, we'll settle into our accommodations. Dinner will be arranged. Please note that the ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris can be unpredictable and may not operate daily outside the summer months. Consequently, this segment of our itinerary could be adjusted if necessary.

Today, we venture to Dalyan, a charming locale nestled along a scenic river. We include a delightful one-hour boat ride that presents an opportunity to marvel at the Lycian Rock Tombs. Continuing by boat, we reach a large lake where you may enjoy a dip in the warm waters or choose to experience a rejuvenating mud bath. There's time to savour a meal at one of the inviting riverside eateries. Our journey then takes us to Antalya, a bustling coastal city home to over a million people. Among the city's highlights are Hadrians Gate, the Ottoman district, and a spectacular waterfall plunging directly into the sea. Dinner is provided, rounding off another full and exhilarating day.

Today, we set off from Antalya to visit the remarkable Roman theatre in Aspendos, celebrated for being one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Afterwards, we journey to Side, where you can admire the Temple of Apollo poised beautifully by the sea and take some time to explore its vibrant port and bustling streets. Our travels continue across the dramatic landscapes of the Taurus Mountains, whose impressive peaks rise above 3,500 metres and remain snow-clad for much of the year. We pause in Karaman to view its fortress from the outside before making our way to the enchanting region of Cappadocia. Our day concludes with an included dinner in Nigde.

Today, we'll delve into the astonishing landscape of Cappadocia, renowned for its surreal terrain, ancient churches, and dwellings carved into the rock. Our exploration begins at the Gumusler Monastery, a captivating underground site from the 7th century, noted for showcasing some of Turkey's finest Byzantine frescoes. We then visit Kaymakli, an extraordinary subterranean city capable of sheltering up to 30,000 people. Our journey continues to Uchisar, where a natural fortress offers sweeping vistas across the region. After a break for lunch, we head to the Greme Valley, known for its open-air museum filled with rock-cut churches adorned with intricate frescoes. All entry tickets for these sites are included. Our day concludes in Avanos, where we'll be staying, and dinner will be provided.

Today, we'll embark on an exciting journey through the heart of Anatolia, where the scenery transforms into lush, verdant landscapes. By early afternoon, we will reach Safranbolu, a charming small town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its historical significance as a key stop on ancient caravan routes, Safranbolu offers a unique glimpse into Turkey's past. Immerse yourself in tradition with a cup of authentic Turkish tea in the courtyard of a beautifully preserved caravanserai. Dinner will be provided, ensuring a delightful end to a day filled with cultural exploration.

Today, we will travel along the captivating Black Sea coast, where lush, green landscapes provide a backdrop to our journey. Our first stop is Gkgl Ma?aras?, a magnificent cave featuring an underground river and vivid coloursentry is included. Continuing to the coastal town of Ere?li, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we'll visit the remarkable Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, steeped in mythology and local lore. Our day concludes as we arrive in Istanbul by evening, where the vibrant cityscape awaits.

We begin our exploration of Istanbul with a guided tour of its landmarks. Our first stop is the grand Sleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in the city, where we can appreciate its architectural magnificence. We continue by discovering the ancient city walls and the historic Golden Horn, before experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the fishing district. We'll also admire the exterior of the iconic Hagia Sophia. A highlight of our tour is a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the former epicentre of the Ottoman Empire, where we can wander through its splendid courtyards and pavilions.In the afternoon, you'll have some leisure time to enjoy the city's unique blend of East and West. As the day draws to a close, we will arrange transport to Taksim, Istanbuls bustling centre of commerce and entertainment. Here, you can savour the local cuisine in one of its many restaurants, hop on the quaint old tram, or perhaps visit the nearby historic Galata Tower.

Today, we will take a captivating boat trip on the Bosphorus, lasting approximately two hours on a private vessel reserved for our group. This scenic cruise navigates the strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, beautifully dividing Istanbul into two continents. As we glide through these iconic waters, you will witness the vibrant maritime activity and sail beneath the two majestic bridges that connect Europe and Asia. Along the way, catch sight of the Sultan's palaces, charming wooden houses, and stunning Ottoman architecture lining the shores. After our maritime adventure, we'll return to central Istanbul, where you will have free time to continue exploring the city's delights at your leisure.

Following a hearty breakfast, our journey officially concludes. We trust you'll leave with cherished memories of your adventure, capturing the diverse experiences and cultural riches you've encountered along the way. Safe travels, and we hope to see you on another journey soon.