Follow in Socrates’ footsteps and explore more than three bygone millennia as your expert guide takes you on a tour of historic Athens. Begin your morning with a visit to the Parthenon, built to honour Athena, the city’s sacred patron, goddess of wisdom and warfare. From there, you’ll explore the ancient Acropolis, step into the shadow of the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus and walk beneath Hadrian’s Arch before visiting the Agora – the athletic, artistic, political and spiritual centre of ancient Athens.
Visit the site of the very first modern Olympics, which took place in 1896, before spending a few hours in the afternoon on urban explorations or in siesta at the five-star comfort of Grand Hyatt Athens. Head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you’ll be served an authentic Greek meal, matched with wine and an intriguing folklore show.
This morning after breakfast, say goodbye to Athens as you make your way to the bustling port of Piraeus for your ferry to Mykonos. Sailing on the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll soon approach the charming windmills and whitewashed houses that dot the slopes of Mykonos, famed for its charm and deep cultural roots. Make your way through the narrow, cobbled streets to check into the five-star San Marco Luxury Hotel & Villas.
The afternoon is yours to explore the lively beach clubs and mazed streets filled with boutiques, cafes, bars and stalls. In the evening, rejoin your group for an included dinner at the picturesque Platis Gialos Beach, from which you can easily access one of the many nightlife hotspots.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before your guide leads you on an orientation walk around the island’s main port. Stop to venture into the boutiques dotted across the island before joining your group for a boat trip to Delos.
The mythological birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis, the island of Delos is home to splendid archaeological ruins. Wander through the site before making your way back to Mykonos, where you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure. Sample full-flavoured seafood while taking in a stunning sunset in Little Venice or explore stylish seaside clubs and colourful party beaches.
Today is yours to explore Mykonos at your own pace. Take in the energising ambience of this bucket-list destination at one of its sophisticated world-class restaurants. Shop and explore your way through the quaint villages scattered across the island or spend the day lazing on one of its golden beaches. However you spend your time, you are guaranteed a magical experience in this slice of paradise.
Bid farewell to enchanting Mykonos and ferry to the breathtaking Santorini. After approximately three hours cruising across the dazzling Aegean Sea, you’ll glide past the island’s enchanting cliffs and sun-bleached architecture and come into dock.
This afternoon, soak in the scenery of a lifetime as visions of blue-domed churches and white-washed homes unfold before you. Blessed with unique beaches covered by volcanic sand, the island is filled with surprises guaranteed to dazzle and delight. In the evening, dress to impress as you dine in Oia with spellbinding views over the sea.
Today, enjoy a guided walking tour through Santorini’s hotspots with your expert guide, highlighting the historic significance of the island and its people, as well as offering insider secrets as to where you can find the best views. Your journey will continue with a short boat trip to the crater and hot springs that are part of the volcano that created Santorini’s magnificently unique landscapes.
In the afternoon, head to Oia and watch the sun descend below the horizon from a glistening pool atop the cliffs. The evening is yours to take in the buzzing nightlife, plentiful lounges and bars or relax at a world-class restaurant.
Spend a full day at your leisure in Santorini. If you’re in the mood for adventure, take to the black-sand beaches on quadbikes or motorcycles to see the island at high speed. For a more relaxed experience, join a catamaran cruise and spend the day sailing through azure waters. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thera or a stroll through prehistoric settlements.
This evening, cement your memories of Santorini by sampling the island’s fresh produce and modern Greek gastronomy at one of any abundant restaurants offering astounding views.
Savour a final breakfast on the island before you transfer to port and take the ferry back to Athens in comfort, reminiscing on your favourite moments from a wonderful Greek adventure. After arrivaing at Athens Airport, it’s a roughly 90-minute flight to historic Istanbul.
Welcome to Istanbul! You’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to the five-star Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, where the next leg of your incredible adventure begins. A magical city that marvellously merges European and Asian influences, Istanbul is full of intriguing sights and ancient wonders, from its spellbinding architecture to its exceptional cuisine. After a welcome meeting with the tour director, head out to wander the atmospheric streets and discover what this captivating city has to offer. Alternatively, enjoy the amenities of your premium hotel, including indoor and outdoor pools and Turkish baths, or join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant welcoming you to Turkiye.
Optional Activities:
- Group dinner with your guide.
Today, journey to the heart of Istanbul’s fascinating Old Town and discover the city’s charms, modern and ancient. On a guided tour, walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once an ancient Roman circus and the lively heart of Constantinople, visit the grand Blue Mosque and mysterious Basilica Cistern, and admire the silhouette of the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Afterward, dive into the maze of the Grand Bazaar, stop by the city’s countless monuments and embrace the local culture before embarking on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy dinner on board as you glide between Europe and Asia.
After a delicious breakfast, make your way to Gallipoli’s shores on a scenic drive through Turkiye’s picturesque countryside. Stop to recharge at the quaint village of Kesan and enjoy a delicious meal (charges apply). This afternoon, arrive in Gallipoli and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers who bravely fought here during World War I. Witness some of the region’s historic battlefields, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and other important historical sites. Afterward, continue towards Canakkale on a picturesque ferry ride, arriving just in time for dinner.
Tonight, enjoy your stay at the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale, overlooking the Dardanelles Strait. Relax with a dip in either the indoor or outdoor pool, visit the hotel’s hammam or admire views across the shimmering water.
Fuel up on an early breakfast in preparation for a day filled with epic adventure. This morning, visit the ancient city of Troy and witness the ruins of this once-glorious city, which holds a special place in both mythology and history. Pose with the Trojan Horse before departing for Pergamon. Home to sacred healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion, it was one of the most important centres of healing in the Roman world.
After this rich, cultural experience, conclude your day at the seaside metropolis where you’ll check in to your accommodation for the evening – the Izmir Marriott Hotel. Built overlooking the shores of the Aegean Sea, this hotel is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Turkish culture. Tonight, head to a local restaurant to sample seafood and raki – a heady liquor made from twice-distilled grapes.
Today, drive along the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Ephesus, originally the most important Greek settlement in the region. Stroll through this beautifully preserved ancient city and its impressive library before taking a short ride to the mountains and a location where it’s said the Virgin Mary lived her final days. Next, enjoy an afternoon of pastoral culinary discovery at a restaurant famous for its delicious gozleme – a savoury, stuffed Turkish flatbread (charges apply).
Continue inland to your next five-star retreat, Hotel Doga Thermal Health & Spa, located near the ‘cotton castle’ town of Pamukkale. On arrival, rest up and relax, or perhaps savour the spa and massage services of this lavish resort, followed by a lovely evening meal with your travel companions.
After breakfast, head into Pamukkale and sink into the mineral-rich depths of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed hot springs. Walk in the shallow pools among terraces of snow-white travertine unfolding before you. Famous for its mineral-rich waters with healing properties, the Pamukkale region has welcomed countless visitors over millennia.
After your soak, delve into history at the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its majestic 15,000-seat amphitheatre. Dating from the second century AD, this impressive structure nonetheless retains its incredible accoustics.
Exit Hierapolis and continue towards Konya, home of Turkiye’s famous Sufi whirling dervishes. Check in at the Dedeman Konya, which features opulent interiors, modern amenities and a prime location in the heart of Konya. Head out to explore the town or relax at the hotel before a delicious dinner featuring Turkish and international cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the diversity of Turkish culture today, beginning at Karatay Madrasa — an education centre and architectural beauty with origins stretching back to the thirteenth century. Continue to the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum where you will have the opportunity to explore the works of Rumi, the famous Sufi scholar, poet and theologist.
Turn from cultural to natural wonders: travel inland towards the otherworldly Cappadocia, one of the most iconic sites in Turkiye. This famous region is adorned with stunning caves and ‘fairy chimneys’ — unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks. Enjoy a visit to Avanos, famous for its top-quality clay, and learn all about pottery-making with an interactive workshop.
After a long day of cultural discovery, retreat to the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos — Cappadocia and join your group for a relaxing dinner.
Rise and shine for the sunrise of a lifetime on a hot air balloon flight over the magical fairy chimneys. A bucket-list item for keen travellers, this is an experience not to be missed (additional costs apply; this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions).
As you disembark your balloon, you will have the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region’s soft tufa rock has allowed for the creation of incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more. Take in incredible natural formations, as well as the traces that successive civilisations left carved into the landscape.
Later on, delve into one of the oldest and finest of Turkish crafts on a visit to a carpet-weaving workshop before stopping lunch. Savour delicious regional cuisine together with excellent local wine (surcharges apply). This evening, relax at your hotel over dinner and perhaps witness the unique ritual of the Sufi whirling dervishes at a live show — an unforgettable experience (additional cost). You will also have the option to attend an evening cultural performance, complete with traditional costumes, belly dancing and Turkish music (additional cost).
Optional Activities:
- Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (from EUR290 per person).
- Turkish night show (from EUR40 per person).
- Wine tasting (from EUR10 per person).
- Whirling dervishes ceremony (from EUR30 per person).
Catch your included flight back to Istanbul this afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps returning to your favourite sites from earlier in the tour. Dinner for all is available at your hotel tonight.
Your marvellous adventure comes to an end over a final breakfast with your newfound friends. Make sure to bid farewell and exchange numbers before checking out of the hotel at 11am. Complimentary transfers to Istanbul Airport (IST) are available all day.