Treasures of the Mediterranean – A Luxury Tour of Turkey & Greece
Discover the treasures of Turkey and Greece on an unforgettable 14-day luxury small-group tour (max. 16 travellers), taking you from the colorful bazaars and bustling streets of Istanbul all the way to the feats and temples of the Ancient Greek civilization. Includes 13 nights of luxury accommodation, daily breakfasts and gourmet experiences, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the spectacular Cappadocian landscape, a traditional Greek cooking class, all internal flights and private transportation, insider experiences with private local guides, all sightseeing and entrance fees including UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ephesus and The Acropolis, and so much more.
In a unique journey of surprise and discovery, uncover Turkey and Greece: two of the most captivating countries in the Mediterranean. Steeped in history and pulsating with a vibrant energy, Turkey will beckon you with astonishing architecture, exotic culture and fragrant cuisines, while Greece will bewitch you with its sun-bleached ruins, blue skies and inspiring culture.
What You’ll Love…
Discover Turkey - Explore Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia and taste your way through Istanbul’s neighborhoods
Relive the heyday of the Byzantine Empire in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople) taking in the stunning construction of Hagia Sophia, said to have changed the history of architecture and lose yourself in the bustling stalls at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in the world.
Taste your way through the vibrant areas of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods renowned for their restaurants, cafes and bakeries – on a remarkable tasting trail taking in both the European and Asian side of this sprawling metropolis.
Soar high above the stunning Cappadocia valleys in a sunrise hot-air balloon - the ultimate vantage point from which to take in the breathtaking panorama of tall volcanic spires and deep valleys gloriously bathed in the morning light. Float between fairy chimneys and caves before landing to toast this unforgettable experience.
Pay a visit to the city of Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle”, where the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis await you, and discover the incredible ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in Europe.
Discover Greece – Retrace the steps of the ancient Greek gods and learn the secrets of Greek cuisine
The epic stage of Gods and heroes’ deeds, referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and retaining some of the most ancient landmarks in Europe, travelling through Greece will be a spectacular journey - starting off with a night of delicacies and ouzo in one of Athens’s finest taverns.
Uncover the secrets and history of the Ancient Greek civilization while exploring sanctuaries and oracles, monasteries and temples. From the magnificent UNESCO World heritage site of the Acropolis – visible from all over Athens and one of the most important sites in the Western world – all the way to the Sanctuary of Apollo, your knowledgeable guide will talk you through the legends and stories of Greek gods and heroes.
Reach the holy place of Meteora, one of Greece’s most beautiful sites, an inspiring and sensational setting of rock formations with a series of monasteries perched in splendid isolation on top of incredible natural pillars.
Immerse yourself in the Greek culture: get the chance to learn the most loved recipes of the country’s cuisine in a traditional hands on cooking class and learn more about local wines with a delightful visit to a winery, where you will also enjoy a delicious lunch paired to perfection with Greek wines.
The Accommodation - Experience another level of luxury in some of the most unique and opulent hotels in the world
Once a monastery, the award-winning Argos in Cappadocia offers a luxury stay like no other. This world-class boutique hotel high above the village of Uchisar has been carefully built from its surrounding terrain: ancient ruins, caves and underground tunnels. Sleep under beautifully arched stone ceilings and relax in inviting nooks and crannies at seven different mansions. Discover the ambience of the hotel’s Seki Restaurant, serving a variety of local and international dishes, as well as a wide selection of wines, produced from the property’ own vineyards stored in the underground cellar.
The magical setting of the five-star Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul yields deep blue waterfront views of the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the beautiful domes, Bohemian glass chandeliers and sweeping staircases, and be sure to book in for a relaxing massage at the hotel’s famed CHI Spa.
Wake up to breathtaking views over Athens’s Acropolis from the Divani Palace Acropolis. This charming hotel offers elegant rooms, an outdoor pool with bar, and delicious dining options, including the summer Roof Garden restaurant, with enchanting views of the ancient heritage.
Your package includes:
- **13 nights of luxury accommodation **including three nights at Shangri-La Bosphorus, two nights at Argos in Cappadocia, one night at Hierapark Hotel in Pamukkale, two nights at Swissotel Buyuk Efes in Izmir, two nights at Hotel Divani Meteora in Kalembaka and three nights at Hotel Divani Palace, Athens
- Daily breakfasts, four lunches and seven dinners
- **A selection of gourmet experiences **including a tasting trail through Istanbul’s vibrant streets, dinner with a local Turkish family in Cappadocia, local wine tasting in Sirince, a hands on cooking class in Athens and a paired lunch in a local winery on the outskirts of Athens
- All internal flights: Istanbul - Cappadocia - Izmir - Athens
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the spectacular Cappadocian landscape
- **Private airport transfers **in Turkey and Greece
- Private air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- Expert local English speaking guides throughout the tour
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- Insider experiences
Your tour starts in Istanbul and finishes in Athens. Flights to and from these cities are available with carriers like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways with an approximate flight time of 24 hours from Australia.
Book your flight through us. First, confirm your tour booking dates. Our Tours Concierge will then be in touch within 48 business hours to assist with additional arrangements, with no booking fee to you.
Private return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only. Please ensure your flights into Istanbul arrive before 3pm on Day 1 and depart Athens any time after breakfast on Day 14.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Day 1 - Istanbul
On arrival in Istanbul you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time the day is at your leisure. This evening you meet your leader and group for a welcome meeting before heading out to dinner at a local meyhane (traditional restaurant) in the Besiktas neighborhood – a great opportunity to try local specialties.
**Accommodation: **Shangri – La Hotel or similar
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 - Istanbul
This morning you meet your leader and journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler. Head to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), where ancient empires based themselves and historical sites intertwine with backstreets filled with hidden gems. Here you’ll visit the jaw-dropping Hagia Sofia, whose stunning construction is said to have changed the history of architecture.
When not erecting splendid buildings, the Byzantine Emperors loved a bit of entertainment, and the hippodrome was their stadium. Inspect some of the decorative statues and obelisks that remain from a time when this now tree-lined land would hold thousands of chariot racing fans.
Finish the day off at the Grand Bazaar, packed with over 3,000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books and the Spice Market for some free time to explore on your own.
The evening is at your leisure.
**Accommodation: **Shangri – La Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Istanbul
Today is at your leisure to make your own discoveries. Your local guide will be on hand to assist with suggestions on what to see or do in Istanbul.
In the afternoon, your leader will take you on a tasting trail through not only the European side of Turkey but you’ll also take the ferry to the Asian side and experience the different influences these 2 continents have had on Turkish cuisine.
Accommodation: Shangri – La Hotel or similar
**Meals included: **Breakfast and dinner
Day 4 - Cappadocia
This morning, you will be transferred to Ataturk Airport and fly to Cappadocia! After you settle to your beautiful rooms at Argos Hotel, your leader will take you on a leisurely hike of the beautiful valley.
This evening you will enjoy a meal with a local family in their own home. This is a unique experience, enjoying the famous hospitality of a Turkish family and admiring the spectacular views of surrounding landscapes at the same time.
Accommodation: Argos in Cappadocia or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5 - Cappadocia
This morning we have an early start as we head to the valley for an unforgettable hot air balloon flight over the other worldly Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away as you float over the valley.
Returning to the hotel in time for breakfast we then visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, to see the many incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face. The Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art, cave chapels and colourful biblical frescoes from the 10th–12th centuries.
This afternoon we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City to see dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground. The evening is at leisure.
**Accommodation: **Argos in Cappadocia or similar
**Meals included: **Breakfast
Day 6 - Pamukkale
This morning we fly to Izmir and transfer to Pamukkale also known as the Cotton Castle. After checking in to your hotel and a chance to refresh from the morning travels, we visit Hierapolis, famous for its healing thermal and mineral baths and beautiful snow-white petrified waterfalls. Here you will see the magnificently preserved Necropolis, the main Street and Gates, the thermal Baths, the devil’s hole, and finish the visit with sunset from atop the masterpiece Ancient Theater.
Head back to the hotel where the evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hierapark Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Izmir
This morning we head back toward Izmir via Sardes, the capital of Lydia where it is said the secret of separating gold from silver was discovered and for this reason Sardes is famed in history as the place where modern currency was invented. Here you will visit the ancient gymnasium and Artemis Temple – where modern day excavations continue to happen.
After lunch we continue to Izmir where after checking in to your hotel and a chance to refresh from the days travels, you will join your leader for an orientation walk of Turkey’s third largest city.
Accommodation: Swissotel Buyuk Efes or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 – Ephesus & Sirince
This morning we visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in Europe and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsius.
After our visit to the site, your leader will take you to their favorite gözleme (Turkish Pancake) spot for lunch, where you get to see the local women at work creating these local delicacy’s before enjoying them. Afterwards we visit Selcuk and the Museum of Ephesus, St. John Basilica and Artemis Temple before returning to the hotel.
In the late afternoon, we head to the village of Sirince, and enjoy some local wine tastings and stroll the streets of this cute village before we enjoy our final Turkish dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Swissotel Buyuk Efes or similar
**Meals included: **Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 - Athens
Today you will farewell your Turkish leader and fly to Athens where you will be met by your local leader and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Depending on your flight time, the rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening head to a local taverna for a traditional Greek dinner. Local mezze will be accompanied by ouzo and wine.
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 10 – Athens
Today you visit one of the most recognizable sights in Athens: The Acropolis. Together with a local guide explore the sight and learn more about Ancient Greek civilization and culture. Afterwards enjoy a walking tour back to your hotel – taking in the famous Plaka district, the National Gardens of Athens, Zappeion, Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch finishing off at the Greek Parliament and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier where you will watch the Changing of the Guards.
The afternoon is at leisure and this evening you enjoy a traditional hands on cooking class. Learn how to make your own traditional recipes before you gather around the table to enjoy your creations.
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 11 – Delphi - Kalambaka
An early start is rewarded with a visit to the fascinating Sanctuary of Apollo in ancient Delphi, home to the Delphi Oracle. Explore the Temple of Apollo, Sanctuary of Athena and Delphi Museum.
After lunch we continue north to the town of Kalambaka in the center of the country. As it’s a long day on the road (approx. 6 hours of driving) the evening is at leisure - perhaps take a short walk into town to dine in one of the local tavernas.
Accommodation: Hotel Divani Meteora or similar
**Meals included: **Breakfast and lunch
Day 12 - Kalambaka
After breakfast you will travel into the hills to see the monasteries of Meteora, one of Greece’s most extraordinary sites. Settlement of the area dates back to the 11th century when hermit monks first settled in the hidden caverns of Meteora.
Afterwards we enjoy a visit to a local winery where you’ll learn all about the local wines but more importantly get to taste them with a paired lunch. This afternoon you head back to Kalambaka for an evening of leisure.
**Accommodation: **Hotel Divani Meteora or similar
**Meals included: **Breakfast and lunch
Day 13 - Athens
Today we head back to Athens. The drive is approx. 4 hours, rewarded with beautiful scenery along the way. Arriving back into Athens you will have time for some final sightseeing or a chance to pick up some souvenirs before enjoying a farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Accommodation: Divani Palace Acropolis or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 14 - Athens
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
**Meals included: **Breakfast