Türki̇ye & Greece Mediteranan Tour

Day Wise Description

D 01 ISTANBUL ARRIVAL: (DINNER)

1. Upon arrival, meet with your tour director at Istanbul airport
2. Commence sightseeing, covering the following locations
3. English-speaking tour director and coach included
4. Dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul

D 02 ISTANBUL – BOLU: (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and coach included
3. Bosphorus Cruise Tour (Admission included/private charter boat/70 min suggested time)
   1. Experience Turkey’s Asia and Europe sectors as you cruise through this iconic water channel in Istanbul.
4. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) (Admission not required/30 min suggested time)
   1. A testament to Ottoman architecture and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
5. Byzantine Hippodrome Square (Admission not required/40 min suggested time)
   1. Once a vibrant arena for Byzantine chariot races and gladiator fights, now home to historical monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.
6. Hagia Sophia Mosque (Photo stop outside, Admission not included/20 min suggested time)
   1. A blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, combining Christian and Islamic elements, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Topkapi Palace & Hagia Irene Museum (Admission included/120 min suggested time)
   1. A grand symbol of the Ottoman Empire, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city.
8. Grand Bazaar (Admission not required/120 min suggested time)
   1. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring over 4000 shops on 61 covered streets, attracting up to 400,000 visitors daily.
9. Dinner and overnight stay in Bolu

D 03 BOLU – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA: (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and LDC Coach included
3. Ankara – the capital and second-largest city of Turkey
   1. Visit Ataturk Mausoleum & Museum of Ataturk (Admission not required/45 min suggested time)
      1. Final resting place of the founder of modern Turkey, featuring an impressive fusion of ancient and modern architecture.
      2. Explore the Museum of Ataturk, showcasing his writings, letters, personal objects, and a wax statue, as well as an exhibition of photographs recording important moments in his life.
4. Salt Lake (Tatta) (Admission not required/30 min suggested time)
   1. A closed-end lake surrounded by plateaus, historically known as Tatta, fed by the Melendiz and Pecenekozu rivers.
5. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia

D 04 CAPPADOCIA: (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and LDC Coach included
3. Cappadocia Hot Air Ballooning (Optional)
   1. Experience the charming landscape during sunrise from the sky, exploring hard-to-reach places with a thrilling balloon ride.
4. Turkish Carpet Weaving Course (Art experience stop – 60 min suggested time)
   1. Learn about rug weaving, a tradition in Anatolia that began with the arrival of Turkish tribes from Central Asia.
5. Pigeon Valley (Admission not required/30 min suggested time)
   1. See caves and pigeon houses used by farmers to collect droppings as natural fertilizer for orchards and vineyards.
6. Goreme Open-Air Museum (Admission included/60 min suggested time)
   1. Explore frescoed rock churches and chapels set in a surreal landscape of rock cones and fairy chimneys dating back to 4,000 B.C.
7. Uchisar Castle Village (Admission not required/20 min suggested time)
   1. A fantasy-land of cave homes with the Uchisar Castle overlooking the desert landscape from the highest point in Cappadocia.
8. Kaymakli Underground City (Admission included/45 min suggested time)
   1. Visit this ancient refuge for 15,000 Christians, with eight-storeys of interconnected corridors, rooms, and passageways.
9. Avanos Pottery Village and Traditional Pottery Art Atelier with Workshop (Art experience stop/60 min suggested time)
   1. Discover pottery-making techniques dating back to Hittite times, using red clay from the Kizilirmak (Red River).
10. Dervend "Camel" Valley (Admission not required/30 min suggested time)
    1. Explore unique rock formations known as "Fairy Chimneys," shaped by centuries of natural erosion, creating a magical atmosphere.
11. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia

D 05 CAPPADOCIA – KONYA – PAMUKKALE: (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and LDC Coach included
3. Sultanhani Ancient Caravanserai Photo Stop (Admission not included/45 min suggested time)
   1. Explore the historical roadside inn, which played a crucial role in supporting commerce and travelers along the Silk Road, connecting Asia, North Africa, and Europe.
4. Melvana Celaleddin-i Rumi (Admission not required/60 min suggested time)
   1. Discover the teachings of Rumi, which advocate for tolerance, charity, love, and the belief that all religions possess truths. His teachings have resonated with people of all creeds.
5. Cotton Textile Factory Outlet (Local product stop/60 min suggested time)
   1. Visit a textile outlet in Denizli, a town renowned for its textile industry, to explore locally made products.
6. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale
7. Note: Tonight, enjoy a stay at a Thermal Hotel, offering natural thermal spring waters rich in minerals. The indoor and outdoor pools provide natural healing without chemical processing, and pool service is complimentary for guests.

D 06 PAMUKKALE – KUSADASI: (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and LDC Coach included
3. Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) & Hierapolis Ancient City (Admission included/90 min suggested time)
   1. Visit the extensive ruins of Hierapolis, known for its thermal baths and ancient health center. Afterward, explore the iconic Pamukkale terraces, formed by deposits of white limestone from thermal springs, creating a surreal landscape.
4. House of Virgin Mary (Admission included/90 min suggested time)
   1. Discover the believed last home of the Virgin Mary, located near Ephesus. This sacred site, identified based on the visions of Anna Katherina Emmerich in the 18th century, holds spiritual significance for Christian pilgrims.
5. Dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi

D 07 KUSADASI – IZMIR – ATHENS: (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and Coach included
3. Leather Outlet Center & Leather Fashion Show (Admission not required/60 min suggested time)
   1. Unveiling elegance at the Leather Oasis! Embark on a stylish journey with a vibrant fashion show, showcasing exquisite leather creations crafted in Turkey. Immerse yourself in high-quality leather at a top-notch outlet shopping center where fashion meets culture.
4. Ephesus Ancient City (Admission included/120 min suggested time)
   1. Explore one of the world’s most outstanding archaeological sites. Walk through the well-preserved marble streets to see the Library of Celsius, the Odeon, the Grand Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Roman Bath.
5. Transfer to the airport for an international flight to Athens (flight excluded)
6. Meet in the arrivals hall in Athens with your airport assistant and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

D 08 ATHENS FULL DAY TOUR: (BREAKFAST)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and Coach included
3. Pass by key historical sites, including:
   1. Syntagma Square
   2. House of Parliament
   3. Memorial to the Unknown Soldier
   4. Athens Academy
   5. University
   6. National Library
   7. Hadrian’s Arch
   8. Temple of Olympian Zeus
   9. Panathenaic Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896)
4. Visit the Acropolis and explore its architectural masterpieces:
   1. The Propylaea
   2. Temple of Athena Nike
   3. Erechtheion
   4. The Parthenon (“the harmony between material and spirit”)
5. Continue to the Acropolis Museum to admire the wonders of the classical era.
6. Free time for shopping in the city center (Coach & English-speaking assistant service included).
7. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Athens hotel.

D 09 ATHENS – DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (METEORA): (BREAKFAST, DINNER)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. English-speaking tour director and Coach included
3. Depart for Delphi, the ‘navel’ of the ancient world:
   1. Known for its world-famous oracle, where pilgrims visited to receive prophecies from the ancient Greek god Apollo.
   2. Explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
   3. Visit significant sites, including:
      1. The Treasury of the Athenians
      2. The Temple of Apollo
      3. The museum featuring masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture
4. Depart for Kalambaka, the town nestled at the foot of Meteora.
5. Dinner and overnight at Kalambaka hotel.

D 10 KALAMBAKA (METEORA) – ATHENS: (BREAKFAST)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing, covering the following:
2. Visit Meteora with its impressive scenery and ageless monasteries:
   1. Explore 2 Byzantine monasteries suspended between earth and sky, perched atop towers of sandstone.
   2. Discover priceless historical and religious treasures inside the monasteries.
3. Depart for Athens.
4. Transfer to the hotel.
5. Overnight in Athens hotel.

D 11 ATHENS – SANTORINI: (BREAKFAST)

1. After breakfast, commence sightseeing with the following:
2. Transfer to Athens port of Piraeus and take the Speed Boat (tickets not included in the package – rates and schedule as mentioned below) to the island of Santorini.
3. Meet at Santorini port and transfer to the hotel.
4. Remainder of the day at leisure.
5. Overnight in Santorini hotel.

D 12 FULL DAY SANTORINI ISSLAND TOUR: (BREAKFAST)

1. After breakfast we will commence with sightseeing, covering the following
2. Drive to the picturesque village of Megalochori with the historical mansions, old traditional houses and pirate hideaways. Then head up to Prophet Elias, the highest point of the island, for a short stop for photo shooting and viewing – only from outside (no entrance is allowed) – in the monastery. See the black beach of Perivolos or Perissa. See Pyrgos village and visit a local winery for wine tasting. Visit the traditional settlement of Oia which is located on the northern tip of the island, high on the cliff top. Oia hosts the most magnificent views on Santorini and a picturesque road with cliffs on one side and sea on the other leads to this attractive town. Walk around and discover the typical Santorinian architecture. Transfer to the hotel.
3. Overnight in Santorini Hotel.

D 13 SANTORINI – ATHENS DEPARTURE: (BREAKFAST)

1. After breakfast we will commence with sightseeing, covering the following
2. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Santorini airport and take the Flight (Tickets Not Included in the package) to Athens. Continue with your international Flight back home.