The Great Odyssey

The Great Odyssey

18 Days Starting in Istanbul and ending in

Visiting: İstanbul, Ankara, Ürgüp, Pamukkale, İzmir, Çanakkale, Athens, Mikonos, Thera, Heraklion

Tour operator:

ESKAPAS

Tour code:

702247

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

15 - 24

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

6-90

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

From: $3850

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Follow the path of Odysseus on this custom tailored tour of Turkey and Greece meant to give you the most amazing adventure through antiquity. From the ancient steps of the Parthenon to the sensational crumbled walls of Troy, you will stand with legends and gods, sailing through the incredible waters of the Mediterranean, and wandering along the path of history. Every adventure starts with that first step; come take it with Eskapas.Please Note that trip may follow Canakkale - Bursa - Istanbul itinerary instead of Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul for some departure date. Please consult us during your booking.

Highlights

  • Follow the path of Odysseus on a custom tailored tour of Turkey and Greece

  • Explore the ancient steps of the Parthenon and the sensational crumbled walls of Troy

  • Sail through the incredible waters of the Mediterranean

  • Wander along the path of history with legends and gods

  • Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Istanbul, Ankara, and Cappadocia

  • Discover the beauty of Pamukkale's thermal waters and the ancient city of Ephesus

  • Visit the famous city of Troy and the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli

  • Explore the mythical city of Athens, the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, and the picturesque island of Santorini

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Istanbul Arrival

Location: İstanbul

Arrival to Istanbul . Meet with english speaking assistant at the airport . Transfer to the hotel for check in . Overnight: Istanbul Meals: N/A

Day 2 : Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Breakfast at the hotel . Drive from your hotel to Spice Market for shopping . Free time. Then meet and proceed to take 1,5 hrs Bosphorus Cruise excursion along the bosphorus , that is dividing the 2 continents Asia & Europe . During the excursion you will enjoy the beauty of Istanbul , with its forest , Palaces and wooden old houses built on both continents . Lunch at local restaurant . After lunch visit Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)  , Hippodrome and the famous Hagia Sophia . Free time at Grand Bazaar .

Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

Day 3 : Istanbul - Ankara

Location: Ankara

Breakfast at the hotel . Departure from the hotel to visit Topkapi Palace ( harem section entrance free is not included )  the house of the ottoman sultans . Departure from the hotel to Ankara – the capital of Turkey . Arrival to Ankara in early evening

Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

Day 4 : Ankara - Cappadocia

Location: Ürgüp

Breakfast at the hotel . Visit Anatolian Civilizations Museum where you will see the Neolithic & Paleolithic  ruins from Urartu , Hatti, Hittite, Phrygia  civilizations, then proceed to Mausoleum of Ataturk , the founder of Turkish Republic. In the afternoon drive to Cappadocia . En route visit the Underground city  that is one of the biggest underground city in the region, constructed by the first Christians to protect themselves from the attacks.

Overnight: Cappadocia Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

Day 5 : Cappadocia

Location: Ürgüp

Breakfast . Full day visit at Cappadocia . Visit Göreme Open Air Museum  - a UNESCO Heritage site , a fantastic region  with it’s cave churches located on the valley. Then proceed to Uchisar Village and then the  spectacular fairy chimneys. Visit  Derbent Valley with and explore the natural rock formations and get a chance to attend the workshops of carpets and onyx-stones .

Overnight: Cappadocia Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

Optional Tour | HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR

In the early morning departure from your hotel .  a chance to live this unique experience, an overlooking to Cappadocia from the sky , see the beauty of the region  the rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, lunar landscapes ..

Day 6 : Cappadocia - Sultanhani - Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

After the breakfast at the hotel , drive to Pamukkale. En route visit Sultanhan Caravansarai  that was built during Seljuk Empire and used long years as a stop over for the travellers and merchants. Continue to Pamukkale . Visit Cotton Steps – a UNESCO heritage site that has been believed to have healing  thermal water.

Overnight: Pamukkale Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

Day 7 : Pamukkale - Ephesus - Izmir

Location: İzmir

Breakfast . Drive to Selcuk – Ephesus . Visit the Ephesus Ruins – the city that was dedicated to Artemis I the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, the Agora .Then proceed for Virgin Mary House  -  has been believed it is the final resting place of the mother of Jesus . Then stop at Leather Production Store . Proceed for Izmir . Overnight: İzmir  Meals: Breakfast - Dinner

Day 8 : Izmir - Pergamon - Troy - Çanakkale

Location: Çanakkale

Breakfast . Drive to Pergamon ( Bergama ) region and visit the ruins of Asclepion which is the first hospital of Asia Minor in human history . Then continue to Troy , visit the famous city that evokes the poetic name of Homer's Iliad. Continue to Canakkale .

Overnight:Çanakkale  Meals: Breakfast - Dinner.

Day 9 : Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Anzac Cove - Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Breakfast . We will cross  Dardanelles Strait by car ferry and continue to Gallipoli Peninsula. We will visit one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli,  including Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels, 57. Regiment Turkish Memorial,The Nek,Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

Overnight:İstanbul  Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 : Istanbul - Athens (Flight)

Location: İstanbul

Breakfast .  Transfer to airport and fly to Athens (flight ticket is included) . After your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, the transfer to your hotel will be conducted in one of our private vehicles. A member of our English speaking team will meet you at your hotel, help you with the check-in, inform you of all the details of your trip, introduce you to the city and its everyday way of life and answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and enjoy Athens at your own pace.

Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 : Athens

Location: Athens

After your breakfast and, at the agreed time, you will commence the panoramic tour of the Athenian Neoclassical Center: the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the University, the Library, and National Academy, the Ilion Palace, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate, the Panathenaic Stadium, and many other monuments and sites of great interest.  You will learn all there is to know about their history and background from the licensed English-speaking Tour Guide accompanying you on this tour.

Your next stop will be the "sacred rock", the spectacular, unique and magnificent Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The entrance fee to both sites is included. At the end of the visit, you can either choose to return to your hotel or set out on your own adventure through the charming and picturesque streets of Plaka.

In the evening, we have included a guided walking tour that will take you through the prettiest districts of the capital, such as Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 : Athens - Mykonos

Location: Mikonos

Early in the morning, your assistant will escort you to Piraeus port in one of our private vehicles and you will take the ferry to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. The crossing is scheduled at the ideal time of the day so that you can enjoy the sun on deck and marvel at the deep blue of the Aegean Sea.

Upon your arrival, one of our English-speaking representatives will welcome you, transfer you to your hotel and introduce you to this famous island.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and immerse yourself in the 'slow' way of life of the natives.

Overnight: Mykonos Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 : Mykonos

Location: Mikonos

Free day to enjoy this magnificent island. Mykonos is the meeting point of the international "jet set", famous for its wonderful beaches, the dazzling shops and vibrant nightlife.

Overnight: Mykonos Meals: Breakfast

Eskapas Tip: Just a short distance away by ferry, there is the historic island of Delos, which, according to Greek mythology, was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This small island, inhabited since 3000 B.C., was one of the most important cultural centers of antiquity.

Day 14 : Mykonos - Santorini

Location: Thera

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the agreed time, in one of our private vehicles, to drive you to the port, where you will continue on to your next destination, the island that is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, Santorini. As the ferry approaches the port, you will admire the capital city of Fira, with its white houses perched on the cliffside and facing the volcano.

Upon disembarkation, one of our English-speaking representatives will welcome you, escort you to your hotel and introduce you to some of the most outstanding features of this picturesque island. The rest of the day is free for you to wander through the narrow streets and become part of this amazing world.

Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 : Santorini

Location: Thera

Free day to explore, at your own pace, this magical island, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis. The name of the island was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi due to the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His descendants remained until 1576, when the island became part of the Duchy of Naxos and until the Turkish conquest by Piyale Pasha.

Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 : Santorini - Crete

Location: Heraklion

At the agreed time our staff will transfer you to the new port of Santorini, Athinios, where you will board the ferry to the largest island in Greece, Crete and more precisely to the port of Heraklion. Upon your arrival we will meet you at the port and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight: Heraklion Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 : Heraklion

Location: Heraklion

After your breakfast, you will have a free day to explore this incredible city. We suggest a leisurely stroll through the charming historical center and, of course, a visit to the extraordinary Palace of Knossos, home to the fabled King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur.

Overnight: Heraklion Meals: Breakfast

Day 18 : Heraklion - Athens Departure

Location: Athens

After breakfast, at the appointed time, our staff will transfer you to Heraklion airport, where you will board your flight (included) back to Athens. In Athens, you will connect to your international flight, which should ideally depart after 12:30 hrs.

Request more information

What's Included

Accommodation

17-night 4-star/first class accommodation.

  • Istanbul : Hotel Yigitalp or Hotel Grand Gulsoy or Hotel Ramada Grand Bazaar or similar 4**** hotel in Old City
  • Ankara: Point Hotel or  Latanya Hotel or  Anadolu Downtown or  Holiday Inn Cukurambar or similar 5***** hotel.
  • Cappadocia : Dinler Hotel Urgup, Perissia Hotel Urgup or similar 4**** Hotel
  • Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal Hotel or Richmond Thermal Hotel Pamukkale or Ademipira Thermal Hotel or similar 5***** Hotel
  • Izmir: Hotel Blanca or Hotel Kaya Prestige or similar 4**** Hotel
  • Gallipoli: Hotel Iris or Hotel Akol or similar 4**** hotel
  • Athens : Airotel Alexandros 4* or similar in Athens
  • Mykonos: Pelican Bay Art Hotel 4* or similar
  • Santorini : Venus Aphroditi Hotel 4* or similar
  • Crete, Heraklion: Artree Suites or Pavo Art Hotel or similar 4*


Flights

  • Athens - Istanbul international flight is included
  • Crete - Athens domestic flight is included


Guide

Official English speaking guide during visits (Sometimes bilingual)


Meals

17 Breakfasts - 1 Lunch - 6 Dinners

This tour offers Vegetarian food option on request. Simply let Eskapas know the food option that you prefer.


Additional Services

All entrance fees mentioned in the programs (the program may follow Canakkale-Bursa-Istanbul instead of Canakkale-Gallipoli-Istanbul for some departures)


Transport

All transport and transfers per itinerary as described in the program.

  • Normal Ferry ticket with numbered seats Piraeus - Mykonos.
  • Fast Ferry ticket with numbered seats Mykonos - Santorini.
  • Fast Ferry ticket with numbered seats Santorini - Heraklion.


What's Not Included

  • Before/After air fares
  • Stay-over taxes to be paid directly to the hotels in Greece
  • Tips to the guide and driver 
  • Personal expenses

Please Note

This trip requires Passport ID page copy of each traveler. You can cover your photo on the page with a piece of paper It is required to issue your flight tickets, cruise tickets of ferry tickets.

On the other hand It is always advisable that you get a photocopy taken of your passport’s information page, prior to your travel, for security reasons. This is particularly useful if the trip is international, and the person is far away from their home country. A photocopy of your passport makes passport renewal an easier process, especially in a situation where the passport was damaged, lost or stolen.

Check out our Q&As

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

    At Eskapas we have a flexible policy. You must change it until 30 days prior to your departure otherwise any changes mean "cancellation".

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

    Solo travelers must pay single supplement to have a private room due to hygien reasons.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Eskapas has been established in 2000 in Istanbul

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All hotels used to accommodate our customers are certified by “Hotel Association of Turkey”; they all are committed to use maximum 50 % capacity

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    COVID-19 RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RULES Eskapas is committed to fulfill the following regulations to protect its customers from the risk of Covid-19 : 1 – Eskapas will fulfill all safety rules mentioned in the “Safe Tourism Certification” prepared by Turkish Ministry of Tourism; that plan covers all aspects of the journey from the aircraft to the airport, transfers, touring and hotels (tga.gov.tr/abou

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes you can.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your timetable - voucher that will show your itinerary with timing and hotels (30 days before prior to your arrival date)

Reviews of this operator

Yılmaz Tepeli (Google Reviewer)  

Eskapas Travel met all my...

05-Jun-2024

Eskapas Travel met all my expectations, I had a wonderful holiday.

Uncle (Google Reviewer)  

The Eskapas 10 day Anatolian...

24-May-2023

The Eskapas 10 day Anatolian tour of Turkey was by far the best experience for my month stay in Turkey. Most of my trips in the past to countries include too many stories about how things went wrong when traveling and planning trips myself. The Eskapas tour started off great with me being picked up by Eskapas at the Turkey airport exit and ending well with a driver picking me up at the scheduled 2am time to get me back to the airport after the tour. I give Ismail the credit for arranging the airport transfers which took the pressure off me. Reading other Eskapas positive reviews mentioning Ismail’s name and her tour arrangement success was one of the deciding factors for me using Eskapas. Now for the tour, I was not doing too well after drinking Istanbul tap water before starting the tour. Nader, the tour guide found me an open pharmacy on a Turkish national holiday when most pharmacies were closed. I and the tour group appreciate him finding that pharmacy. Nader has been leading tours for over 30 years In Turkey and had informative responses to any and all questions. I learned a lot about the Turkey culture from him that I would have missed had I planned this tour on my own. The quality of hotels we stayed at far exceeded my expectations. It was pleasant to have a conversation with others on the tour discussing if a hotel was a 4 or 5 star. I expect to book a tour next year to Egypt using Eskapas. Lessons learned, don’t drink the public water in Turkey and take an Eskapas tour.

Jan Grapp (Google Reviewer)  

The big question: Is...

31-Jan-2024

The big question: Is it safe to travel to Egypt now? Our answer is YES! There is a significant police presence in downtown Cairo, which the locals say is normal. It is reassuring, because they look like they are ready for anything. We felt very safe even walking around the hotel at night. We booked a 12 day group tour of Egypt with Eskapas. It was fantastic! It turned out we were the only members of the group (my husband and I). The accommodations were excellent (5*), the transportation, drivers and guides were exemplary. From the time we arrived at the Cairo airport until we left Egypt, we didn't have to worry about anything, all arrangements were taken care of. There was someone to take us to our hotel, Steigenberger Tahrir Square, a beautiful hotel in a great location. The staff at this hotel responded quickly and efficiently to all our requests and they could not have been more helpful or pleasant. The included breakfast at this hotel is over the top! We toured all the top sights with amazing guides. Marwa in Cairo was incredibly knowledgeable, personable and always concerned for our comfort and welfare. We had many fascinating conversations about the sights and Egypt in general. Abdelrhman was a delight and managed our transportation and helped us navigate Cairo restaurants and the bazaar. Emad stayed with us for the southern half of our tour and the 5 day Nile cruise. He took care of us completely with all the transportation and tickets for all the sights. He is a wonderful and brilliant man. He went beyond our expectations to help us in many ways. We enjoyed his company immensely. Ismail with Eskapas was very efficient and always responded quickly regarding booking, billing, additional nights and general questions. We took a tour with Eskapas in Turkey in 2021 and it was amazing. I highly recommend this company if you are looking for high quality, worry free travel at a reasonable price.

G. YILMAZ (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Eskapas, I had...

05-Jun-2024

Thanks to Eskapas, I had the holiday I dreamed of, everything was perfect.

sezer demirel (Google Reviewer)  

Excellent service, friendly staff, great...

05-Jun-2024

Excellent service, friendly staff, great choice for a holiday in Eskapas.

Omer Kocatürk (Google Reviewer)  

Eskapas is the leading tour...

27-Jul-2024

Eskapas is the leading tour operator specialized in multi-day guided tours around the world for active travelers who enjoy a comprehensive tour, with a lot of activity and local experiences. Our groups are mid-size to give you a better experience but also to offer a competitive price. Eskapas is one of nominees for 2023, 30th World Travel Awards in Leading Tour Operator category. The World Travel Awards is globally recognized as a highly prestigious honors program in global travel and tourism. The awards are voted for by tourism professionals and consumers worldwide. This honor recognizes the brands’ commitment to excellence, with an ultimate industry accolade."

kürşad fikri yılmaz (Google Reviewer)  

Eskapas' professional team made our...

05-Jun-2024

Eskapas' professional team made our holiday perfect, it was great.

Efe Bs (Google Reviewer)  

I was looking for a...

09-May-2024

I was looking for a place to travel, I came across you on Google Maps, I did the best thing by coming across you, thank you.

Emel Tekin (Google Reviewer)  

It was a great holiday....

29-Jul-2024

It was a great holiday. Thanks to you, everything was great. Thank you for everything. We also plan to spend our next holidays with you.

Süleyman Ayaz (Google Reviewer)  

Eskapas offers quality holiday services...

05-Jun-2024

Eskapas offers quality holiday services at affordable prices, we are very pleased.

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$4070

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    ESKAPAS allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    ESKAPAS allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform eskapas, 61 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    ESKAPAS requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 61 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

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

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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