16 Days Turkey and Greece Highlights

Welcome to Turkey. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your international flight or enjoy a gentle first walk around the city depending on your arrival time.

Istanbul is one of the world’s great historic cities, shaped by Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. This first evening is a perfect time to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Not included

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district. Begin with the Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant domes, six minarets and beautiful interior tilework. Continue to Hagia Sophia, one of the most important architectural landmarks in the world, reflecting both Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Walk through the Hippodrome, once the public and ceremonial center of Byzantine Constantinople, and see its historic monuments and obelisks. Then explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and most atmospheric covered markets.

After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. Discover its courtyards, collections and imperial atmosphere while learning about palace life and Ottoman history.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided Bosphorus program. Cruise along the legendary waterway separating Europe and Asia, with views of Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, historic neighborhoods, Rumeli Fortress and elegant bridges.

The morning program may also include visits to the Spice Bazaar and Rüstem Pasha Mosque, depending on the daily operation and timing. After the tour, enjoy some free time in Istanbul before your transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Cappadocia.

Upon arrival in Cappadocia, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you may optionally join a sunrise hot air balloon flight, one of Cappadocia’s most iconic experiences, subject to availability and weather conditions.

After breakfast, begin your guided Cappadocia tour. Visit Devrent Valley, known for its imaginative rock formations, and Paşabağ Valley, also called Monks Valley, where some of the region’s most remarkable fairy chimneys can be seen.

Continue to Avanos, a town famous for its pottery tradition, before visiting Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches, chapels and frescoes. End the day with panoramic views from Uçhisar Castle, one of the highest natural viewpoints in Cappadocia.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, continue exploring Cappadocia’s deeper cultural and natural heritage. Start with a guided walk in Red Valley, known for its colorful rock formations, cave churches and scenic paths. The hike is approximately 4 km and is considered moderate.

Visit Çavuşin Village, an old settlement known for its cave houses and rock-cut structures. Then continue to Kaymaklı Underground City, an impressive multi-level underground settlement used by local communities for shelter and protection in ancient times.

The day also includes scenic stops at Pigeon Valley and Ortahisar, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia’s unique volcanic landscape.

In the evening, transfer to the bus station for the overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale. If you prefer not to travel by overnight bus, a flight-based alternative may be arranged upon request.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive in Pamukkale in the early morning. A day-use room or rest stop may be arranged so you can freshen up and enjoy breakfast before the guided tour begins.

Visit the famous Pamukkale travertines, also known as the “Cotton Castle,” where mineral-rich thermal waters have created bright white terraces over thousands of years. Continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a historic spa city with Roman ruins, ancient baths, a necropolis and impressive archaeological remains.

At the end of the day, continue to Kuşadası and check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, visit one of Turkey’s greatest archaeological treasures: Ephesus Ancient City. Walk along marble streets and see impressive remains such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, public buildings, temples and ancient Roman structures.

Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful sacred site visited by people from different faith backgrounds. Then stop at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Return to your hotel in Kuşadası after the tour.

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel by local intercity bus or arranged transfer toward Marmaris. Upon arrival, continue to the port for passport and ferry formalities before boarding the ferry to Rhodes, Greece.

After arrival in Rhodes, transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to enjoy the island at your own pace. You may take a relaxed walk in the Old Town, enjoy dinner near the harbor or simply rest after the travel day.

Overnight in Rhodes.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is free for independent exploration. Rhodes offers one of the most atmospheric old towns in Greece, with medieval walls, stone streets, historic gates, charming squares and waterfront areas.

You may explore the Old Town, visit local museums, join an optional excursion to Lindos, relax by the sea or enjoy the island’s café and restaurant culture.

Overnight in Rhodes.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to explore Heraklion’s city center, Venetian harbor, local restaurants or seaside atmosphere depending on your arrival time.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Heraklion. You may explore the Venetian walls, old harbor, museums, markets and local neighborhoods on your own.

A highly recommended optional visit is Knossos Palace, the most famous archaeological site on Crete and one of the key centers of Minoan civilization. This can be arranged as an optional guided or self-guided visit depending on your preference.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the port for your high-speed ferry or seajet to Santorini. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to begin discovering the island. You may enjoy a walk through Fira, admire cal from Heraklion to Santorini

After breakfast, transfer to the port for your high-speed ferry or seajet to Santorini. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Thedera views or relax at your hotel before an evening out.

Overnight in Santorini.

Meals: Breakfast

Today is free to experience Santorini at your own pace. You may relax on the beach, visit villages such as Oia, Fira or Pyrgos, explore local shops and cafés, or enjoy the famous caldera views.

For active travelers, the scenic walk from Fira to Oia is a memorable option. Optional island tours, wine tastings, boat trips or sunset experiences can also be arranged upon request.

End the day with Santorini’s legendary sunset, either from a panoramic viewpoint, your hotel terrace or a local restaurant.

Overnight in Santorini.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the port for your ferry to Athens. Ferry duration may vary depending on the vessel type and seasonal schedule. A domestic flight option may also be arranged upon request for guests who prefer a faster transfer.

Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to explore the city center, Plaka, Monastiraki or enjoy dinner with a view of the Acropolis.

Overnight in Athens.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, join your selected Athens experience. Depending on your preference and availability, you may choose one of several regular group tour options.

Popular choices include a panoramic coach tour with the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum, a guided walking tour through central Athens, a longer cultural walking tour including museum visits, or an Athens food walking tour with tastings and a visit to local markets.

The afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring Athens independently. You may visit Plaka, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, local museums or enjoy a relaxed final evening in Greece.

Overnight in Athens.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. According to your international flight departure time, you will be transferred to Athens Airport.

This marks the end of your 16 Days Turkey and Greece Highlights tour, completing a memorable journey through two countries, ancient civilizations, natural wonders, islands and iconic Mediterranean cities.

Meals: Breakfast