Turkey & Greece Discovered

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. In the evening, we gather for a welcome briefing and orientation, giving you the chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Today, we embark on a full day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. We begin at the Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has served as both a Byzantine church and an Ottoman Mosque, and now once again stands as a functioning mosque.

We continue to the Hippodrome, once the centre of public life in Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired worldwide for its striking domes, slender minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles.

In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum with an optional entrance ticket. This opulent former residence of the Ottoman sultans showcases the grandeur of the empire, though entry to the Harem section is not included.

Our day concludes with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. This evening is at leisure, with the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner paired with a lively belly dancing performance.

Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. Istanbul – Gallipoli – Dardanelles – Canakkale. This morning, we travel west to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where we pause at Anzac Cove, the site of the landings in 1915.

We continue to Lone Pine Cemetery, the resting place of many Australian soldiers, and Chunuk Bair Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand forces who fought here. These sites remain deeply moving places of remembrance.

Later, we cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry and continue to Canakkale, where dinner and an overnight stay await.

Canakkale – Troy – Bergama – Izmir. After breakfast, we visit Troy, the legendary city immortalised in Homer’s Iliad. Its archaeological remains reveal nine layers of settlement, and a replica of the famous wooden horse symbolises its place in myth and history.

We then continue to a local village to enjoy a traditional lunch before travelling to Pergamum, once a major centre of learning and culture.

Here, we explore the Asklepion, an ancient sanctuary of healing where patients once came for cures. By evening, we arrive in Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, where we share dinner and stay overnight.

After breakfast, you can opt to join a full-day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus (booked and paid locally), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the classical world. Walking along its marble streets, you will see the grand Theatre, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and many other remarkable remains that showcase the city’s past splendour.

The optional tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims. This peaceful site is believed by many to have been the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Later, you will stop at a regional carpet centre to observe the traditional craft of Turkish rug weaving, a skill passed down through generations. The day concludes in Izmir, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Izmir - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Pamukkale. We depart Izmir, travelling to a leather fashion showroom, where we see first-hand the skill and creativity of Turkish craftsmanship. This visit offers us the chance to appreciate one of the country’s most renowned trades.

From here, we continue to Pamukkale, celebrated for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by natural thermal springs. These striking formations have drawn visitors for centuries and remain one of Turkey's most famous natural wonders.

Our day concludes with a tour of Hierapolis, the ancient spa city that grew around the hot springs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ruins include temples, baths, and a well-preserved theatre that recall its status as a thriving centre of health and culture in antiquity.

Pamukkale - Marmaris. This morning, we will be picked up from our hotel and embark on a scenic drive to the coastal town of Marmaris. The journey takes us through picturesque countryside and rolling hills, passing traditional villages and fertile farmland along the way.

Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax by the sea, wander along the marina, or enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants overlooking the bay. We will spend the night in Marmaris.

Marmaris (Turkey) - Rhodes (Greece). Today, we will transfer to the port for our hydrofoil journey across the Aegean Sea to the island of Rhodes in Greece. The ride offers a pleasant crossing with views of the turquoise coastline and small islands scattered across the horizon.

Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may like to wander through the lively streets of the Old Town, browse local shops for handmade crafts, enjoy traditional Greek cuisine at a taverna, or visit the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters.

After breakfast, you will have the full day at leisure to enjoy Rhodes at your own pace. You may wish to explore the charming Old Town with its cobbled lanes and medieval walls, relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, browse local boutiques for handmade crafts, or sample traditional Greek dishes at a seaside taverna.

Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the picturesque village of Lindos, famous for its whitewashed houses and ancient acropolis.

Rhodes - Santorini. This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to the island of Santorini. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Famous for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and stunning sunsets over the caldera, Santorini is one of Greece’s most picturesque islands. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, take a stroll through the charming streets, or enjoy a meal overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Please note: The flight from Rhodes to Santorini is not included in the cost of this tour. Please contact us if you would like assistance in booking this flight.

Today, you will have a free day to explore Santorini at your own pace. You may wish to visit one of the island’s beautiful villages perched on the volcanic cliffs, such as Oia or Fira, where whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches overlook the sparkling sea.

Alternatively, you could unwind on one of Santorini’s black-sand beaches, sample local wines at a traditional vineyard, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside taverna while taking in the island’s breathtaking views.

Santorini - Mykonos. We check out of our hotel this morning and will be transferred to the pier for our hydrofoil or ferry journey to the island of Mykonos. The crossing offers beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and the scattered Cycladic islands along the way.

Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the island’s charming narrow streets, relax on one of its golden beaches, or dine at a waterfront restaurant. In the evening, you may wish to experience the vibrant nightlife that Mykonos is famous for.

Today, you will have a full day at leisure in Mykonos to enjoy the island’s relaxed pace and distinctive Cycladic charm. You may wish to spend time on one of its beautiful beaches, wander through the maze of narrow lanes in Mykonos Town, or admire the famous whitewashed houses and windmills overlooking the harbour.

You could also browse local boutiques, stop for a coffee in a shaded square, or enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside taverna while taking in the island’s stunning views.

Mykonos - Athens. This morning, you will have time at leisure to explore Mykonos. You may wish to enjoy a final stroll through the winding lanes of Mykonos Town, relax on one of the island’s golden beaches, or browse the local shops for last-minute souvenirs and handmade crafts. Take time to soak up the island’s relaxed atmosphere and striking Cycladic scenery.

In the afternoon, we will board the ferry to Athens, enjoying scenic views of the Aegean Sea along the way.

Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in. In the evening, you can opt to join an optional dinner featuring traditional Greek cuisine and lively folklore dancing, or spend time exploring the charming Plaka district, known for its narrow streets, colourful shops, and welcoming tavernas.

Today, we will enjoy a guided tour of Athens’ iconic Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the world. Here we will see remarkable landmarks such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its elegant Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike, all standing as enduring symbols of classical Greece.

Our tour continues with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, where beautifully preserved sculptures and artefacts offer fascinating insight into Athens’ ancient past.

In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure to explore the Plaka district at your own pace. You may wish to wander through its narrow, cobbled streets lined with neoclassical houses, browse local boutiques for handmade crafts, or enjoy traditional Greek dishes at one of its welcoming tavernas.

After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!