QUICK OVERVIEW
Package tour will let you to discover the Evidence of the past can be seen in the temples, theaters and agoras, as well as churches, mosques and palaces. When you join this tour you will have chance to see cultural historical, biblical highlights of Turkey and Greece, explore ancient wonders and local culture of Mediterranean. Taste Turkish coffee and shish kebab in Turkey, ouzo in Greece join Greek island cruise to make your dreams come true.
Tour Code : CS-FTGRC
Duration : 14 Days / 13 Nights
Highlights : Turkey, Greece, Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Marmaris, Rhodes, Beach holiday
Price : From $
Turkey Greece Tour plus Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1 Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul, the city that bridges two continents, “Europe” and “Asia”. You will be met at the airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. There you will have a briefing and welcome cocktail. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
DAY 2 Istanbul – Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour
Breakfast at hotel and begin full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. We will visit Topkapi Palace (Harem section is optional), ancient Roman Hippodrome (center of the chariot races) and proceed to the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine church which was converted to a mosque in 15th century. We will continue our Sultanahmet tour with the Blue Mosque and finally will stop at Grand Covered Bazaar and will have free time to discover 4000 tiny shops in the passageways of the world’s largest covered bazaar. Overnight stay in Istanbul. (B, L)
DAY 3 Bosporus Cruise, Half Day
Through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments, Rumeli Fortress, Historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. Overnight stay in Istanbul. (B, L)
DAY 4 Istanbul Ephesus Kusadasi
Early morning flight to Izmir Airport to visit Ephesus. Arrival in Izmir International Airport and meeting at the exit gate. Drive to visit House of Mother Mary on top of the mount of the Nightingale. Here the Blessed Virgin is said to have lived her last years on earth. Then Temple of Artemis. It was one of the seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Ephesus ruins are the best preserved ancient site in the World which extends into the third millennium B.C. The remains of this important city are standing miraculously today, vivid witnesses of a glorious past. Among the well preserved ruins the theatre, Celsius Library, Agora, Odeon, Domitian’s Temple, Trojan Fountain, Roman Latrine are the most remarkable. Overnight stay in Kusadasi. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 Kusadasi Pamukkale
After breakfast we depart for Pamukkale, a short break on the way; View the geographical phenomenon of the unique white calcium waterfall; lunch break; Hierapolis, an ancient health spa with the largest Necropolis (Cemetery) in the Asia Minor; Impressive ruins & splendid theatre. Drive back to Kusadasi for overnight stay in… (B, L, D)
DAY 6 Kusadasi – Patmos (cruise)
Morning at leisure for shopping in Kusadasi. Around noon transfer to the Kusadasi port to embark on the cruise ship. Cruise to Patmos, the tiny, rocky island where the exiled St. John the Divine received the Revelation which forms the last book of the New Testament. Optional tour of the 11th century monastery of St. John is available. Tonight you will sail to Rhodes. Dinner and overnight stay on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 Rhodes (Cruise)
Morning arrival at Rhodes, the island of Roses and site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here you can take an optional tour to Lindos with its bay of St. Paul, where St. Paul landed and its Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena; stroll through the medieval city with the streets of Knights and the stone mansions or enjoy swim on one of the beautiful beaches of the island. Late afternoon sail to Crete. Dinner and overnight stay on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 Heraklion (Crete) – Santorini (Cruise)
Morning arrival at Heraklion, the capital of Crete. A few miles away is the Palace of Knossos, discovered by Sir Arthur Evans in 1899, center of the famed Minoan civilization and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Noon sail to Santorini the most spectacular of the Greek Islands. The town of Thira is perched on a cliff created by volcanic eruption. Optional visit to the Akrotiri excavation where recent Minoan discoveries support the theories that Santorini might be the remains of the lost continent of Atlantis. At night, sail to Piraeus. Dinner and overnight stay on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 Athens Arrivals
Disembarkation after breakfast at Piraeus port and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon. (B)
DAY 10 Athens Acropolis Half day tour
At 8 a.m., enjoy a tour of Athens, combining many of the cities principal modern and classical sights. This tour includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Panathenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896). See the Presidential Palace (ex Royal Palace), government buildings and elegant homes. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and see the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. In contrast, we visit the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the crowning beauty and glory that were Athens, the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylae, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechteion with its Porch of Maidens. We also visit the Acropolis Museum. Return to hotel at noon. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Athens. (B)
DAY 11 Full Day Delphi Tour
Drive through the fertile plain of Boetia, crossing the towns of Thebes connected with the tragedy of King Oepidus, Levadia and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi, the center of the Ancient World. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the museum. Lunch in the village of Delphi. Return to Athens early evening. (B, L)
DAY 12 Athens
Free time till transfer to airport or you can add on one of our Greece Tours. (B)
PS: Upgrade to 5 star hotel and upper class cabin upon Request.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDE
• All accommodation in 4 star in double per person, single accommodation surcharge
• All noted sightseeing tours on regular group tours in Turkey, Greece.
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir.
• Greek island Cruising full board with standard Cabin (upgrade is possible with extra coast)
• All main entrance fees to sights visited in the itinerary
• Official tour guide
• Airport transfers and ground transportation.
• Local taxes and handling services
NOT INCLUDED
• Shore excursions at Greek island Cruise
• Port taxes for Greek island Cruise
• Tips to guide, driver or staff at hotels and cruise, items of a personal nature and medical services
• Anything did not mentioned as being included
