15D Best of Turkey and Greece

Price from NZD 5609 per person on Twin sharing basis

Istanbul – Cappadocia – Pamukkale – Kusadasi – Athens – Olympia – Delphi – Kalambaka – Athens

This 15 day tour, starts from Istanbul, Turkey, and ends at Athens, Greece. Highlights include :- Istanbul Old City (UNESCO Heritage site) - St. Sophia Museum - Topkapi Palace - Blue Mosque - Hippodrome - Mycenae (UNESCO Heritage site) - Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - Göreme (UNESCO Heritage site) - Göreme Open Air Museum - Pamukkale Calcium Travertines (UNESCO Heritage site) - Hierapolis - Ephesus (UNESCO Heritage site) - Site of the Temple of Artemis - Olympia (UNESCO Heritage site) - Acropolis - Hadrian's Arch - Parthenon - Propylaea - Temple of Athena Nike - Temple of Olympian Zeus - Corinth Canal - Kalambaka (Hilltop Monasteries).

Small group tour with fixed departure dates

Itinerary

Day 1

Fri, Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul.

Day 2

Sat, Istanbul Old City (B)

Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) , Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome.

Day 3

Sun, Istanbul (B/D)

After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way. This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.

Day 4

Mon, Istanbul – Cappadocia (B/D)

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers... a night you won't forget!

Day 5

Tue, Cappadocia – Konya (B/D)

We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions. Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.

Day 6

Wed, Konya – Pamukkale (B/D)

Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.

Day 7

Thu, Pamukkale – Kusadasi (B/D)

Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Day 8

Fri, Kusadasi – Ephesus – Athens (B)

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value. After the Ephesus tour, you will drive to Izmir Airport for a flight to Athens. On arrival in Athens, our transfer will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel.

Day 9

Sat, Athens (B)

Today you are free to explore Athens at your own pace.

Day 10

Sun, Athens (B)

Athens city tour starts from the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit, the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon.

Day 11

Mon, Athens – Olympia (B/D)

You depart early in the morning and cross the Corinth Canal. Next stop will be a visit at the famous Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the home of Mythical Agamemnon, the Cyclopean walls, the Lions gate and the royal tombs. Depart for Nafplion, the first capital of Greece in Argolis, the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress.

Day 12

Tue, Olympia – Delphi (B/D)

Early departure for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum, with the impressive statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. In the afternoon the journey continues to the north, over the Rio-Antirio Bridge, and to Delphi.

Day 13

Wed, Delphi – Kalambaka (B/D)

Visit at Delphi, a place that was once characterized as the center of the ancient world. You can see the well-preserved remains of Temple Apollo, the Castalian Spring and Temple of Athena, the Oracle of Delphi. Afterwards, you will proceed to the small picturesque city of Kalambaka, passing through beautiful villages and cities of Central Greece, all built according to the traditional local architecture.

Day 14

Thu, Kalambaka – Athens (B)

After breakfast we will visit Meteora. Meteora has unique rock formations, rising high, stand ageless Christian Monasteries among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air. It is truly fascinating to visit the interior part of them, but also enjoy the amazing views. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see across the road Leonida's Monument. Arrival in Athens early in the evening.

Day 15

Fri, Athens (B)

After breakfast our tour concludes, and we say goodbye to our new friends.

Includes:14 nights’ accommodation, meals, transfers & tours in airconditioned vehicles, air tickets, English speaking guide, monuments entrances

Start Dates: 2025: Aug 1, 15, 29; Sep 12, 26; Oct 10, 24; Nov 7, 21

Small group tour operated is by Fez Travel

Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.