Best of Greece & Turkey
19 Days Starting in Athens and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: Athens, Mikonos, Thera, İstanbul, The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Gallipoli Peninsula, Ancient City of Troy, Kuşadası, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Fethiye, SaklıEv, Ölüdeniz, Dalyan, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Ihlara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
13 - 35
Physical rating:
Easy
Age range:
18-39
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A fantastic combination of sun, sea, history and culture of two magnificent countries in this 19 day tour. Begin your tour exploring beautiful Athens, visit the picturesque Mykonos and magical Santorini before you venture to the main sites of the Aegean Coast including Marmaris & Fethiye, and discover the wonders of Istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Gallipoli and the history of Troy and Ephesus. A complete package of the Aegean and incredible wonders of Turkey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The President Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Greece! Meet in the lobby around 6:00pm for an informal meeting with your guide and other tour members.
Afterwards, join us for an optional group dinner to get to know your new travel mates.
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2 : Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The President Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Let's start our tour in Greece's capital, Athens, which is one of the world's oldest cities with history spanning back over 3000 years and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization.
Take a step back in time and explore an amazing array of historical and cultural sites in our city tour including: the National Library, the Academy, Constitutional Square and Parliament, The Temple of Zeus, and of course, the iconic Parthenon and Acropolis.
The night is free for you to explore more of this incredible city.
Included Activities
Athens City Tour
Entrance Fees
Acropolis - EUR 20
Day 3 : Athens, Mykonos
Location: Athens, Mikonos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alex Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, we have an early start to catch the ferry from Athens to Mykonos.
In the afternoon, you will meet with your tour leader and your fellow travellers to explore Mykonos town, and its white washed houses.
Included Activities
Orientation Walk in Mykonos Town
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 4 : Mykonos
Location: Mikonos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alex Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to soak up the sunshine, swim in the sea or chew through your memory card taking pics of cute windmills and quaint streets.
Or discover the birthplace of Apollo by taking an optional tour to Delos Island.
Tonight, hit the bars and restaurants and dance the night away!
Optional Activities
Delos Island Tour - EUR 50
Day 5 : Mykonos, Santorini
Location: Mikonos, Thera
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Haroula Hotel – 3 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Next up: Santorini! After our ferry ride, we will wander through the town of Fira to get our bearings.
See why the blue door houses, white church domes make Santorini the iconic postcard town of Greece.
Santorini is formed from volcanic activity, and from the caldera witness the most epic sunset and breath-taking views.
Included Activities
Orientation Walk in Santorini
Day 6 : Santorini
Location: Thera
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Haroula Hotel – 3 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got a free day today.
Relax on the red or black sand beaches, wander the streets and browse through the shops of the main town or take an optional quad biking tour.
Explore the island's volcano and check out an active crater and hot springs in our optional volcano tour.
The choices are endless!
Optional Activities
Quad Biking - EUR 35
Volcano Tour - EUR 20
Day 7 : Santorini, Athens , Istanbul ( By Flight )
Location: Thera, Athens, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
Today we will take a ferry from Santorini to Athens and then fly to Istanbul from there.
Once we land, keep your eyes open for the Travel Talk sign, as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our Istanbul hotel.
It's a free evening in the magnificent city of Istanbul aka Constantinopolis.
Day 8 : Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide.
Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar.
After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 9 : Istanbul
Location: İstanbul, The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul.
We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.
In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Blue Mosque
Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise - EUR 10
Entrance Fees
Blue Mosque - Free
Hagia Sophia - Free
Topkapi Palace Museum 100 TL
Day 10 : Istanbul, Gallipoli
Location: İstanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel – 5 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli.
A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches
Day 11 : Gallipoli, Troy, Kusadası
Location: Gallipoli Peninsula, Ancient City of Troy, Kuşadası
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse.
Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Troy Ancient City - 50 TL
Day 12 : Kusadası, Ephesus, Fethiye
Location: Kuşadası, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Fethiye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Greenland Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, our first stop is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus.
Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here.
Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye where we can explore the buzzing resort town.
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Ephesus Ancient City - 100 TL
Day 13 : Fethiye, Saklıkent, Ölüdeniz
Location: Fethiye, SaklıEv, Ölüdeniz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Greenland Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we make our way to Saklikent, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
We will then continue our journey to Oludeniz.
Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport.
Here you can relax on the exquisite beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding and microlighting.
Late in the afternoon we depart for our overnight stay in Fethiye.
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Saklikent
Sightseeing of Oludeniz
Optional Activities
Paragliding - EUR 120
Entrance Fees
Saklıkent - 10 TL
Oludeniz Beach - 7 TL
Day 14 : Fethiye, Dalyan
Location: Fethiye, Dalyan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Greenland Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our next stop is Dalyan, a small town situated along the south-western coast popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty.
We will join a boat trip to visit the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and we then continue to Iztuzu beach, homeland of world famous Caretta Caretta turtles.
After a fantastic boat ride we will reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea.
Included Activities
Dalyan Boat Trip
Mud Bath
Iztuzu Beach
Optional Activities
Mud Bath
Iztuzu Beach
Entrance Fees
Mud Bath - 8 TL
Iztuzu Beach - 1 TL
Day 15 : Fethiye, Pamukkale
Location: Fethiye, Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle' in Turkish.
Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.
Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
Entrance Fees
Pamukkale White Terraces - 80 TL
Day 16 : Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Location: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia.
Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by.
In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground.
End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City
Sightseeing of Ihlara Valley
Optional Activities
Turkish Bath Experience - 130 TL
Entrance Fees
Derinkuyu Underground City - 50 TL
Day 17 : Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel – 4 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast.
We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin.
In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art.
Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.
Included Activities
Goreme Open Air Museum Visit
Sightseeing of Cavusin
Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley
Sightseeing of Uchisar
Optional Activities
Turkish Night Show - 160 TL
Hot Air Balooning - 195 EUR
Entrance Fees
Goreme Open Air Museum - 75 TL
Day 18 : Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul
Location: Cappadocia, Ihlara, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
Day 19 : Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
5 & 4 star hotels in Turkey, 4 & 3 star hotels in Greece
-
Meals
18 breakfasts, 9 Dinners
-
Transportation
A/C coach, economy class ferry, flight from Greece to Turkey.
-
Flight
Flight between Greece & Turkey
-
Transfers
Transfers between ports and hotels | Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus
-
Tour Leader
Services of experienced Travel Talk tour leaders | Services of experienced Travel Talk guide, licenced by the Ministry of Tourism in Turkey
-
Airport Transfer(s)
Transfers from the ferry ports to the hotels and from hotels to the ferry ports
-
Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local tour leaders
-
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Tips and gestures
-
Optional activities
-
Travel Insurance
-
Items of a personal nature
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Greece to Turkey.
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, children age 18 and above are allowed
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."