Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
15 Days Starting in Istanbul and ending in Santorini
Visiting: Istanbul, Canakkale, Selcuk, Ephesus/Overnight Train, Konya / Cappadocia, Cappadocia , Cappadocia to Istanbul , Athens, Syros, Mykonos, Delos / Mykonos, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ERSZC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
If you’re looking for world-famous ruins, postcard-perfect beaches, epic history and a healthy dose of mouth-watering cuisine, a Greek holiday is probably high on your list, but did you know all of these treasures can be found in Turkey too? You’d be missing out if you visited one and not the other, so we created the perfect two-week adventure for you. Glimpse Turkey and Greece’s glorious past on visits to Ephesus and the island of Delos. Compare Turkey’s version of beach life with that found on the Greek Islands. And debate which country serves up the tastiest cuisine. Balancing traditional towns with tourist hotspots, unique cultural experiences with bucket-list items, and free time with planned excursion, this trip to Turkey and Greece has all the makings of an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all once called home. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm, followed by a guided tour of the Old City with your expert leader. Visit the scene of many a chariot race in the ancient hippodrome, check out the Blue Mosque, take a walk past the wares of the Grand Bazaar and marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Suleymaniye Cami. If you're not too exhausted after all the exploring, join your new friends for dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab. While you might be familiar with the shaved meats and pita bread sensation that you may have come across at 2 am, nothing beats the kind they wrap up in Istanbul.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 2: Canakkale
Location: Canakkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, hit the road enroute to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. You’ll stop along the way to explore Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events and history embedded in this area. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and ANZAC commemorative Site. You’ll also take in the views across the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Included Activities:
-
Day 3: Selcuk
Location: Selcuk
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, we’ll drive to Selcuk with a stop in Troy – where history and mythology sit side-by-side – along the way. You’ll wander the ancient city walls with your group leader and even get a chance to enjoy a photo op with a replica Trojan Horse. You’ll learn more about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists alike before continuing on to Selcuk. After arrival in the town, on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll follow your leader on an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress.Then drive out to the nearby picturesque village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture nestled in the hills make for a photographer's dream. Return to Selcuk and the evening is yours.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 4: Ephesus/Overnight Train
Location: Ephesus/Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight train
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
This morning, take a private minivan to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking. Then enjoy a lunch after the tour and don't miss out the chance of peeking into their kitchen where the local ladies make the delicious gozleme. You'll some free time later before being transferred to Izmir in the early evening - an overnight train, will be waiting to transport you through the night to the central Anatolian city of Konya.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 5: Konya / Cappadocia
Location: Konya / Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Wake up in Konya, a traditional Turkish city that's closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi, considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Visit the Mevlana Museum and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Keep an eye out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmarks of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains. Stop enroute at one of the underground cities that once provided a safe haven in times of war or persecution. Arrive in the Cappadocian town of Ugrup in the late afternoon and take a sunset valley walk before settling in for the evening. This evening, you'll be treated to a stay in a local cave hotel that Cappadocia is famous for here.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 6: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience during which the sun illuminates a skyline dotted with balloons. Later this morning, enjoy a guided walk through one of the nearby valleys, possibly the Valley of Love, which features fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and churches. Your leader will know a number of fantastic scenic routes, and a good walk is by far the best way to experience this unique environment. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the soft cliff face, or check out the Dark Church. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home where the family will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for you and your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 7: Cappadocia To Istanbul
Location: Cappadocia to Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wave goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm), and get transferred to your hotel. Meet up with your travel buds in the evening and take a stroll to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods, a place of contradictions where tool-selling tradesman share space with chic cafes and galleries – this is the place to be seen. Perhaps, try a local favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), for dinner, then cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few of the bars, or simply enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.
Day 8: Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Hos Cakal! Goodbye to Turkey and Kalimera! Welcome to Greece.
This morning, transfer to Istanbul airport, bid farewell to Turkey, and board a flight bound for Athens. The flight will be unaccompanied, but your leader will provide flight details and contact information before you board, and you will be met at the airport on arrival. After transferring to the hotel, the day is free until a group meeting at 6 pm. Settle in, freshen up and maybe take a walk around Athens’s ancient streets to get a feel for the city. After your evening meeting, head out for dinner with the group at a restaurant in the vibrant Psiri neighbourhood.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 9: Syros
Location: Syros
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you on a wander through the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.
Included Activities:
-
Day 10: Syros
Location: Syros
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 11: Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Hotel
Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.
Day 12: Delos / Mykonos
Location: Delos / Mykonos
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 13: Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Hotel
Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 3 hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 14: Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the centre of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.
Included Activities:
-
Day 15: Santorini
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nights), Overnight Train (1 night) -
Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
-
Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
-
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
-
Troy - Archaeological site visit
-
Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
-
Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
-
Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
-
Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
-
Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
-
Cappadocia - Valley walk
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
- Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
- Ephesus - Guided Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
- Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii
- Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
- Sirince - Wine Tasting
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Valley Walk
- Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
- Syros - Ano Syros Walk
- Syros - Sunset Dinner
- Mykonos - Wine & Finger Food
- Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
- Delos - Archaeological Site
- Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
Transport
- There is an overnight train on this trip. Travel is reserved on a first class couchette basis. Cabins are twin share, have individual climatic control for your comfort, a small refrigerator in each couchette and a wash basin. Toilets are available at each end of the carriage. Bedding is supplied. There is a restaurant car available offering basic snacks.
- STRIKES
- Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.
- GREEK FERRIES
- The main means of transportation in the Greek Islands is by public ferry. These ferries are large car ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1.00pm. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore Istanbul with your Leader.
- 2. A single supplement bookable for this trip, excluding Day 4 (Overnight train). Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. There is a 15kg checked and 8kg luggage restriction for the domestic flight in Turkey.
- The international connection between Istanbul and Athens has a 23 kg checked in luggage allowance and 8 kg hand luggage.
Mode of Transport
- There is an overnight train on this trip. Travel is reserved on a first class couchette basis. Cabins are twin share, have individual climatic control for your comfort, a small refrigerator in each couchette and a wash basin. Toilets are available at each end of the carriage. Bedding is supplied. There is a restaurant car available offering basic snacks.
- STRIKES
- Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.
- GREEK FERRIES
- The main means of transportation in the Greek Islands is by public ferry. These ferries are large car ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
You will need to carry your bags on and off local trams and trains and ferries during this trip. Some of the Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots and lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet.
There is an overnight train on this trip, the train is twin share with comfortable beds and all linen is supplied.
Transport in Greece is by way of large ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. There are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry freely. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
Summer temperatures in Turkey and Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. On the other hand, early in the season (April) many businesses may still be closed and the weather is unpredictable, however you may have some of the major sights almost to yourself. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 10, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 10, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 09, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 02, 2026 - May 16, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 09, 2026 - May 23, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 16, 2026 - May 30, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Saturday - Saturday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions