Classical Turkey & the Greek Islands
Straddling two continents, Istanbul has a wealth of cultural influences to explore. The surreal landscapes of Cappadocia are similarly fascinating, and best experienced on foot. The braided valleys, rock sculptures and underground cities of Turkey’s most bizarre region will reward photographers, geographers and historians alike, or anyone keen on unusual natural surrounds. The religious hub of Konya has its differences too, as home to the mystical Whirling Dervishes, while Pamukkale, with its sparkling travertine terraces, appears both strange and serene. In Ephesus, we encounter some of the world’s best preserved Roman ruins and, in Gallipoli, pay our respects to the fallen Australian, New Zealand and Turkish soldiers at the World War I site. Across the Aegean Sea lies three of Greece’s most beautiful islands: Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. In Crete, we explore the delightful Venetian town of Hania and walk amongst the plentiful wildflowers and native fauna of Agia Irini Gorge. Santorini’s mythical clifftop villages and famous sunset resonate with nearby Mykonos – a vibrant isle of traditional architecture and golden beachside fun. This awe-inspiring journey offers the perfect mix of ancient wonders, incredible cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Fri) Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Explore Istanbul including the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome area. Free afternoon before flight to Cappadocia. |
| 3 | Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum. Short walk through Cappadocia's Love Valley. |
| 4 | Walk to the Kizilcukur (Red Valley) with its magnificently sculptured red rock formations. Drive to the Pasabaglari Valley and explore unique fairytale chimneys including a chapel dedicated to St Simeon. |
| 5 | Visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Drive to Belisirma and embark on short walk along the Melendiz River in the Ilhara Valley exploring Byzantine cave chapels along the way. Drive to Konya. |
| 6 | Drive to Pamukkale and explore the travertine shelves and the ruins of Hierapolis. |
| 7 | Explore the ruins of Ephesus; one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Drive to Selcuk. |
| 8 | Visit the ancient site of Troy. Drive to Canakkale. |
| 9 | Visit the battlefields of Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. Drive to Istanbul. |
| 10 | Free morning in Istanbul before flying to Athens. Free afternoon. |
| 11 | Fly to Crete. Explore the Venetian town of Hania. |
| 12 | Guided walk through Agia Irini Gorge (3-4 hrs). Relax in Sougia. |
| 13 | Free day in Crete. Optional Samaria Gorge walk possible today. |
| 14 | Ferry to Santorini. Afternoon free to explore. Walk to Oia and watch Santorini's world famous sunset. |
| 15 | Walk around Santorini's caldera. Afternoon visit to Prehistoric Museum of Fira. |
| 16 | Free day to enjoy Santorini; optional activities available on the island or simply relax. |
| 17 | Ferry to Mykonos. Guided walk through old Mykonos town. |
| 18 | Guided excursion to the island of Delos. |
| 19 | Boat ride along Mykonos' stunning coast. Afternoon free. |
| 20 | Ferry to Athens. Remainder of day at leisure in Athens. |
| 21 | Tour ends after breakfast in Athens (Thur). |
Trip Highlights
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
21 days |
Trip Code |
PETG |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Easy), Walking (Easy) | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Greece, Turkey | |
Start City |
|
| Istanbul | |
End City |
|
| Athens | |
