Greek and Turkish Odyssey Adventure

Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Once settled, you'll have some leisure time to start exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. In the afternoon, be sure to check the information boards at the hotel's reception, where you'll find details about the beginning of your upcoming adventure. Enjoy your introduction to this historic city, where ancient landmarks await discovery around every corner. 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 a journey through the Peloponnese, with our first stop at the remarkable Corinth Canal. Completed in the late 19th century, this engineering masterpiece links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. We then traverse the mountainous terrain to reach Tripoli, the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region. Here, youll have a chance to unwind and perhaps enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in the dynamic Aeros Square, renowned for its lively atmosphere.Our travels continue to Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games held in 776 B.C. A local guide will lead us through the Archaeological Site, where well delve into the history surrounding the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena each a testament to ancient Greek civilisation. Afterward, we head to Patras, Greeces third-largest city, where well visit its notable attractions including a distinguished medieval fortress and the country's largest cathedral. Nearby, the quaint St. Andrews church stands as a significant pilgrimage site. Dinner will be provided, rounding off a day filled with cultural and historical exploration.

Following breakfast, we will cross the impressive Rio-Antirrio bridge, a stunning example of modern engineering that links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Our first stop will be in Nafpaktos, a charming town on the Gulf of Corinth. Known historically as Lepanto, this site witnessed a significant naval battle between the Christian and Turkish fleets, during which the renowned Cervantes lost his arm. You will have the opportunity to wander through the picturesque harbour and the enchanting old town at your leisure.We then journey along the Gulf of Corinth to reach Mycenae, a monumental citadel often hailed as the cradle of European civilisation, dating back to the 18th century BC. Entrance is covered, and you will have time for lunch and to explore the ancient site. Our travels continue to the imposing Fortress of Acrocorinth, where the remnants of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite are set on its highest point entry included. Lastly, well pause briefly at the Corinth Canal before arriving in Athens in the evening.

Spend an enjoyable day exploring Athens at your own pace. Dive into the city's unique blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture. Perhaps you would like to wander through the historic Plaka neighbourhood, where charming streets lined with shops and cafes invite leisurely exploration. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the awe-inspiring Acropolis Museum or relax in the National Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city. This is your opportunity to uncover the corners of Athens that captivate you most.

Today, we will provide you with a sweeping tour of Athens, highlighting some of the citys most iconic landmarks. We begin with a visit to the Presidential Mansion and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. Well continue to the National Library and explore the vibrant squares of downtown Athens, taking note of the new developments introduced during the 2004 Olympics. Our tour will conclude in the vicinity of the Acropolis, allowing you the opportunity to admire this ancient marvel up close (please note that entry is not included in the tour). In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the Port of Piraeus, where youll embark on an overnight ferry journey to Rhodes. The ferry is equipped with facilities akin to those found on cruise ships, and youll spend the night in a comfortable double cabin.

We dock in Rhodes early this morning, kicking off with an enlightening tour of the city. Discover the rich tapestry of history as we explore the awe-inspiring walled citadel and the Old Town, which bears the architectural imprints of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, the Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian influences. Later in the afternoon, at around 4:00 p.m., we board an express ferry bound for Turkey. This short crossing takes approximately an hour, bringing us to Marmaris, a stunning coastal destination famous for its castle, lively marina, and enchanting fountains. Upon arrival, we check into our local accommodation. You can look forward to a delightful dinner that evening. Please note, ferry schedules between Rhodes and Marmaris are often subject to change and may not operate daily, except in the summer months, so adjustments to this itinerary might be necessary.

Today, we embark on a journey to Dalyan, a charming locale set along a picturesque, navigable river. We include a delightful one-hour boat trip, taking us to visit the ancient Lycian Rock Tombs. Our exploration continues by boat to a large lake where you'll have the opportunity to relax at the hot springs. Here, you can choose to swim in the warm waters or enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath. There will be ample time to savour a meal at one of the river's inviting restaurants. Our next destination is Antalya, a vibrant coastal city teeming with historical and cultural attractions. We'll explore notable sights such as Hadrians Gate, the enchanting Ottoman district, and a stunning waterfall that flows directly into the sea. Dinner is provided, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, we depart from Antalya to explore the wonders of ancient Aspendos, home to one of the world's best-preserved Roman theatres. After marvelling at this stunning feat of ancient engineering, we will proceed to Side. Here, you can take in the breathtaking view of the Temple of Apollo set against the backdrop of the sea. You'll have free time to wander through the vibrant port and lively streets. Our journey continues through breathtaking landscapes as we traverse the Taurus Mountains, known for peaks that rise over 3,500 metres and often remain snow-capped throughout the year. In Karaman, we'll pause to view its historic fortress from a distance before proceeding to the enchanting region of Cappadocia. The day concludes with dinner in Nigde.

Today, we delve into the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia, celebrated for its otherworldly scenery, historic churches, and ancient troglodyte villages. Our adventure begins at Gumusler, where we explore a 7th-century underground monastery adorned with some of Turkeys best-preserved Byzantine frescoes. Next, we make our way to Kaymakli, an underground city that once housed up to 30,000 inhabitants, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient civilisations.In Uchisar, you can enjoy spectacular views from a natural fortress that towers over the landscape. Following lunch, we continue to the Greme Valley. This area is famous for its open-air museum, which features striking rock-cut churches tickets are included for this unique experience. We'll wrap up the day in Avanos, where our accommodation awaits, with dinner provided for a perfect end to your cultural journey in this extraordinary region.

Today, we journey through the heart of Anatolia, making our way northwards as the landscape transforms into lush greenery. By early afternoon, we'll arrive in Safranbolu, a charming city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically significant as a major stop on ancient caravan routes, Safranbolu enchants with its beautifully preserved architecture. In the courtyard of a traditional caravanserai, you can savour a cup of authentic Turkish tea. Dinner will be provided, allowing you to experience the local cuisine.

Today, our journey takes us along the picturesque Black Sea coast, where you'll marvel at the lush green landscapes typical of this scenic region. Our first destination is Gkgl Magrasi, a remarkable cave with an underground river and stunningly vibrant colours. Entry is included, allowing us to delve into the cave's natural wonders. Next, we proceed to Ere?li, a charming coastal town where you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, steeped in rich mythology. We conclude the day with our arrival in the bustling city of Istanbul.

A captivating day in Istanbul is in store for us as we embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Our day begins with a visit to the magnificent Sleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Ottoman architecture. We will then explore the storied ancient walls and the picturesque Golden Horn, followed by the vibrant fishing district where the daily life of Istanbul bustles with energy. After that, we'll admire the awe-inspiring exterior of Hagia Sophia, a revered architectural marvel with a rich history.Our itinerary includes access to the Topkapi Palace, the former epicentre of the Ottoman Empires administration. Here, we can wander through its splendid courtyards and pavilions, each telling its own tale of a bygone era. The afternoon offers you the freedom to delve deeper into this fascinating city that straddles both Europe and Asia.As the day transitions into evening, well organise a transfer to Taksim, Istanbuls bustling commercial hub. Youll have the opportunity to dine at one of the numerous restaurants, experience the delightful old tram traversing the area, or perhaps visit the nearby Galata Tower for a stunning view of the cityscape.

Today, we embark on a captivating two-hour boat cruise along the Bosphorus, offering tickets for your exclusive use. This scenic waterway, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, charmingly divides Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We'll experience the vibrant activity along the strait, home to numerous vessels of all kinds. As we glide beneath the iconic bridges that span the continents, look out for the elegant Sultan's palaces and the charming wooden houses that line the shores, reflecting the rich Ottoman architecture. Afterwards, we return to central Istanbul, where you'll have free time to further explore this fascinating city.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, offering you a wealth of cherished memories to take home from your time in Istanbul.