Istanbul to Athens Explorer

Istanbul to Athens Explorer

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15 Days From

$3255

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Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 15-day journey from Istanbul to Athens, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Turkey and Greece. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll wander through the historic Old City and cruise the Bosphorus. Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient underground city of Kaymakli, and the stunning travertines of Pamukkale. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus before flying to Athens. In Greece, delve into the wonders of the Acropolis, the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia, and the mystical site of Delphi. Experience the breathtaking clifftop monasteries of Meteora and traverse the Corinth Canal. Throughout the tour, enjoy comfortable stays in 4-star and boutique hotels, with guided tours and transport in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Istanbul Old City

  • Cappadocia scenery

  • Pamukkale

  • Ephesus ruins

  • Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens

  • Temple of Apollo at Delphi

  • Clifftop monasteries at Meteora

Places You'll See

annieduduc

Cappadocia, Turkey

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Tour Starts In Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Istanbul 4-star hotel

Your 15-day adventure starts off with your arrival in Istanbul. One of the most fascinating and grand cities in the world, Istanbul is rich with culture and history. Uniquely located at the junction of Europe and Asia, it is filled with winding streets, friendly people, and many architectural marvels. You are transferred to your hotel, and have the rest of the day to yourself. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Tour Of Istanbul Old City

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Istanbul 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start the day exploring the historical part of Istanbul known as the Old City. You visit some of the most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Blue Mosque, the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the intriguing Topkapi Palace and the historic Hippodrome. You also get to enjoy the quintessential Istanbul experience of cruising down the Bosphorus, the mighty river that links the two continents. This is available in the form of a half-day Bosphorus cruise. You'll spend the night in Istanbul.

Day 3 : Bosphorus Cruise. Fly To Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Cappadocia boutique hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we'll take a 1 hour cruise along the Bosphorous River to take a view of the city from this narrow straight of water which separates Europe from Asia, along the way your guide will give you an overview of the historical sights as you pass by. This afternoon we'll take a short flight to Kayseri and onwards by a short road transfer to Cappadocia. This magical place has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. Its unique landscape is made up of hundreds of volcanic rock formations in strange and peculiar shapes.

Day 4 : Carpet Weaving Village Visit

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Cappadocia boutique hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A day filled with fascinating cultural experiences awaits us. We visit the Goreme Open Air Musuem, one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. It is comprised of a series of monasteries and churches hewn into the rock formations, many still retaining beautiful colour paintings and frescoes. We also see the fairy chimneys at Pasabag and the grand Uchisar Castle. Later, we visit a traditional carpet village. Carpet weaving has an important place in Turkish tradition, and we are able to see how they are made and valued. In the evening, there is an optional folklore evening featuring belly dancers, a memorable way to end off the day.

Day 5 : Kaymakli Underground City, Silk Road, Stop At Sultan Hani Caravansary, Mevlana Museum In Konya

Stêrka Farqîne
Türkan
erhan inevi

Location: Konya

Accommodation Name: Konya 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit the mazes and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City. We then travel along the famous ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We stop at the Sultan Hani Caravansary. In ancient times, a caravansary was a roadside inn where travellers were able to stop to rest and recover from their journeys. The Sultani Hani Caranvansary is one of the biggest in the world and stopping here will give you a sense of what travellers back then might have experienced. When we reach Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of the world-renowned poet and philosopher Jalaluddin Rumi. We also make a trip to the 12th-century Aladdin Mosque.

Day 6 : Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Pamukkale 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head towards the famous travertines and hot springs of Pamukkale. This magical natural site is a bucket-list destination and is visited by around 2 million people each year. The white limestone cascades and bright blue pools contrast beautifully, and are aptly known as a cotton castle. We also visit more famous and fascinating ancient historical sites. We see the ruins of Hierapolis, known as the “Sacred City” due to its temples and religious sites. The theatre here is well-preserved and is wonderful to see. The enormous Necropolis, or cemetery, is also accessible. We also visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an ancient site dedicated to the famous Greek God of healing, medicine, music, and poetry.

Day 7 : Laodicea, Kusadasi

Location: Laodicea

Accommodation Name: Kusadasi boutique hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Day 8 : City Of Ephesus

Roberto Goldone
Annesha Bhowmik

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation Name: Athens 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we visit another ancient city. Ephesus is extremely well-preserved, and much of the ruins have been excavated and restored. You are therefore able to walk and stroll through the city much as the original inhabitants would have done, giving you a wonderful insight into the past. We visit another carpet weaving village, before departing for Athens from Izmir Airport.

Day 9 : Athens (Free Day)

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Athens 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you have a free day to explore Athens at your leisure. This legendary city is the capital of modern Greece, and was the historical capital of Europe. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, overflowing with landmarks dedicated to mythology and philosophy. Explore at your leisure, taking the opportunity to visit sites and places that will not be covered on the next day’s guided tour.

Day 10 : Guided Athens Tour

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Athens 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we go on a city tour of Athens. We visit the essential sites of this extraordinary city: from the Panathenaic Stadium to the iconic Acropolis, from the Temple of Zeus to Hadrian’s Arch to the Parnethon. The temples and ruins will transport you back in time and fill you with a sense of wonder. We will also pass by some of the more modern sites, including the University, the Academy, the Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and the National Library.

Day 11 : Corinth Canal Crossing, City Of Mycenae

Location: Mycenae

Accommodation Name: Nafplion 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start off the day by crossing the Corinth Canal, one of the smallest canals in the world. It separates the Greek mainland from the Pelopponese Peninsula. We also visit Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece. This enormous fortified citadel was the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation, a key ancient civilisation in history. Highlights at the site include the tomb of Agamemnon, who was King of Mycenae; Cyclopean walls and masonry; the famous Lion Gate; and many royal tombs. We then head towards Nafplio, a beautiful seaside town, where we spend the night

Day 12 : City Of Olympia, Rio-Antirio Bridge Crossing

Location: Olympia

Accommodation Name: Delphi 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head to Olympia, which is the place where the Olympic Games were founded. We visit the Ancient Stadium, where the ancient games were once held. We stop at the Archaeological Museum, where we can see one of the most famous statutes in the world, Hermes of Praxiteles. Later in the day, we cross the Rio-Antirio Bridge, a much more modern structure than many we have encountered thus far! It is one of the world’s longest cable-stayed bridges. We arrive in Delphi.

Day 13 : Delphi

Location: Delphi

Accommodation Name: Kalambaka 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore Delphi, another important site of ancient Greece. This was once known as the centre of the ancient world, and the shrine of the god Apollo. Here we see the remains of Apollo’s Temple, as well as the Sanctuary of Athena, who was the oracle of Delphi. The magnificent mountain setting adds an extra dimension to the Delphi experience. We also stop at the Castalian Spring, which was used in ancient times to clean the temple and purify those who came there. We then travel through the scenic traditional villages of central Greece on our way to the city of Kalambaka.

Day 14 : Meteora Tour, Journey Back To Athens

Location: Meteora

Accommodation Name: Athens 4-star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora. This unique and awe-inspiring place is made up of striking rock formations that stand out dramatically against the landscape. Ancient Christian monasteries are found perched atop and among the formations, some still in use by nuns and monks today. The views and the interiors of the monasteries are captivating to see. We begin the journey back to Athens. En-route, we pass by Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae. We stop to see the Leonidas Monument, a statue that exists in honour of the Spartan King Leonidas, famous for his last stand against the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Day 15 : Tour Ends

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. We enjoy breakfast in Athens before you are transferred to the airport to board your flight home.<STRONG> OVERNIGHT: </STRONG> <STRONG> MEALS: </STRONG> Breakfast<STRONG> EXTRAS: </STRONG> Extra day in Ath

Meals Included: Breakfast

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. We enjoy breakfast in Athens before you are transferred to the airport to board your flight home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in 4-star and boutique hotels.

  • Transport

    All transport and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Airport Transfers

    24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.

  • Domestic Flight

    Domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri.

  • Tour Guide Services

    Services of local tour guide in Turkey and Greece.

  • Entrance Fees in Turkey

    Entrance fees to sites visited in Turkey.

  • Group Size

    Maximum group size in Turkey is 20; maximum group size in Greece is 50.

  • Tipping Kitty

    Tipping kitty is included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees, if required, are not included.

  • International Flight between Izmir and Athens

    International flight between Izmir (ADB) and Athens (ATH) is not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory and available on request, but not included.

  • Meals Not Indicated

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Entrance Fees in Greece

    Entrance fees to sites visited in Greece are not included (allow approx. EUR 79 from April to October or EUR 45 from November to March).

  • Greek Hotel Residence Tax

    Greek hotel residence tax is not included (allow EUR 10.50 per person for shared rooms, EUR 21 for single rooms).

  • Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.

  • Tips for Guide and Driver

    Tips for guide and driver are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours are not included.

  • Other Items

    Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

More Info

This 15-day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the historic lands of Turkey and Greece. Culture, history, philosophy, mythology, religion, politics, architecture - these two countries were, and still are, both incredibly important and influential in these fields. You will visit many famous landmarks and sites on your tour, seeing ancient ruins and half-buried civilisations, temples of Greek gods and statues of legendary warriors, iconic buildings and fascinating natural spectacles. Highlights include Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the mythical landscape of Cappadocia, the travertines of Pamukkale, Athens with its many attractions, and numerous ancient temples of the Greek gods. History and legend will become your reality as you traverse these famed lands over two amazing weeks. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with air-conditioned minibus or coach transfers, including a domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, ensuring a seamless journey across Turkey and Greece.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at 4-star and boutique hotels throughout your journey, offering a blend of luxury and local charm in both Turkey and Greece.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 4-star and boutique hotels as stated in the itinerary.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All transport and transfers are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles, including a domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Entrance fees to sites visited in Turkey are included, but entrance fees to sites visited in Greece are not included and should be budgeted separately.

  • Is there a maximum group size for this tour?

    Yes, the maximum group size is 20 in Turkey and 50 in Greece.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary, with 14 breakfasts and 7 dinners provided.

  • Is there a tipping kitty included in the tour package?

    Yes, a tipping kitty is included in the tour package.

  • What is the policy on airport transfers?

    The tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    Travel insurance is not included and is compulsory, but it is available on request.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Marijo Wilson  

recommended trip

February 2018

Best trip I have ever been on. I have traveled with many tour companies but none compare to the itinerary, information, and professionalism of this company.

trico Plumb  

google Review

January 2021

Awesome trip. Our guide was amazing and the trip exceeded our expectations.

captain_Philly  

8 day/7 night Taste of the Balkans Tour

May 2018

and liked the variety of tours they offered as well as their reasonable prices. The idea of hitting 4 Balkan countries in one trip was appealing (along with the very reasonable price), so I booked it. The pros: I got to see A LOT... starting from Athens and moving up through Meteora, Tirana, Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik, and finally Split. We did city tours, ancient ruins, the Parthenon, monasteries, forts, museums, excellent food and wine all along the way! The price was very good. Some hotels were better than others (Splendido in Kotor was awesome), but overall for the price I paid, it was more than worth it just for the hotels and transport for 7 days, let alone the guides. Speaking of the guides, Gorgi and Besmir were fantastic!! They were such great company, kept things running, offered great advice, and became my friends. Once the other 8 people or so went home, I enjoyed hanging out with them on the beach in Split on my last day just like old friends. The cons: Encounters is a large agency and subcontracts the guides/drivers in different countries, so you never know what you're gonna get - at least I can say that Gorgi and Besmir were awesome! Also, the group format can be rough because it's hard to get 10-15 people to agree on anything. Some folks in our group were definitely disappointed that due to a bad route plan we had to skip a fishing village or something. Also, some miscommunication on departure times caused some stress. The border crossings can be tricky because some Balkan cultures do not like or recognize others...so if that's the case you may have to wait and hour or two and be hassled (apparently Greece and Albania do not particular recognize Macedonian passports because they think it's not a real country). Lastly, while it was great seeing so much, it was very rushed... early departures in the morning followed by hours and hours in the van, border crossings, quick tours, hotel checkins, and a little free time each night. The title "Taste of the Balkans" is exactly that, a taste. Now that I know that I absolutely LOVE Montenegro and Croatia, I will return to those two places for a week each instead of spending one day here one day there. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$3255 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Istanbul to Athens Explorer

15 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Ephesus, Athens, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

297

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3255 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Feb-2025 but subject to change.