The tiles of the Blue Mosque capture the afternoon sunlight. The terraced pools of Pamukkale make the mountainside look like an ice palace. The medieval castle at Rhodes encompasses the island’s eclectic history and the Acropolis in Athens continues to captivate visitors from around the world. On this custom tailored tour through Turkey and Greece you will find engrossing history and majestic beaches, treasured ruins and breathtaking landscapes. From large cities to charming villages, you will...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul - The Meeting Point
Welcome to magnificent Istanbul, the historic city that once marked the meeting place of East and West. Magical minarets and graceful domes create the skyline. The scent of rich spices fills the air. The streets are dizzyingly energetic. The call to prayer is almost hypnotic as it echoes over the rooftops. Your private transfer is waiting at the airport to escort you to your fabulous accommodation. The layers of the city unfold around you. Cobblestone alleyways are lined with cafes. Tables are decorated with elegant textiles. The scent of sweet mint tea emanates from the restaurants and mixes with the rich aroma of dark roasted Turkish coffee. When you sit in a café you can see copper kettles filled with percolating coffee and surrounded by vibrant red coals. You have arrived in Istanbul and can feel the city’s historic touches and contemporary charm.
What's Included:
Day 2
The Streets and Skyline
Day 3
Canakkale - The Fields of Gallipoli
Day 4
Kusadasi - The Walls of Troy and Seat of Pergamum
Day 5
Kusadasi - The Secrets of Ephesus
Day 6
Pamukkale - Intriguing Nature
Day 7
Marmaris - Mediterranean Abounds
Day 8
Rhodes - The Ancient Way
Day 9
Crete - The Myths of Crete
Day 10
Crete - Crete’s Elite
Day 11
Crete - Out of Town
Day 12
Athens - The Ancient Gateway
Day 13
Athens - History’s Allure
Day 14
Athens - Returning from History
Trip Highlights
- Discover the fantastic architecture of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
- Explore the iconic Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- Venture to historic battlefields and war memorials at Gallipoli
- Visit the legendary city of Troy and the tremendous ruins at Pergamum
- Travel to the fabulous ancient ruins of Ephesus
- Witness the sensational calcite deposits and terraced pools at Pamukkale
- Traverse the magnificent historic streets of Rhodes
- Experience the mythological Minoan Palace of Knossos home to the Minotaur
- See the iconic Parthenon at the top of the Acropolis in Athens
Detailed Description
Experience the highlights of Turkey and Greece on this 14-day tour through the exceptional history and majestic landscape that has shaped the cultures along the Aegean Sea. From luxurious beaches to unparalleled ancient ruins, vibrant antiquity and colorful bazaars, you will discover fascinating artwork and architecture, indelible flavors, and enchanting villages. Journey through ancient Greek and Roman cities. Witness the remains of Troy. Explore the traditional cafes of Istanbul. In the Turkish hills and on the Greek islands, you will find variety and endless splendor.
Your trip to Turkey and Greece begins with your arrival in Istanbul. The ancient city is filled with tradition that dates back to the Roman Empire. The alleys are bright with shops. The scent of rich, dark roast coffee fills the air. The following day you will have a private half-day tour that will take you from Topkapi Palace to the Blue Mosque, and through the Grand Bazaar. In the evening you have the option to partake in a traditional dinner and Turkish show. In the morning you will make your way to Gallipoli to visit the Anzac Cove and surrounding World War I battlegrounds before you settle in Canakkale.
After breakfast you will make your way to the legendary ruins of Troy. In the afternoon you will come to the amazing ruins at Pergamum, home to the magnificent sanctuary of Asclepion. The ruins of Ephesus provide a deeper look into the ancient Greek world along the Ionian coast. Venture to Pamukkale to witness the exceptional natural calcite hillside that looks as though it is covered in snow. Adjacent to the foothills is the amazing ancient city of Hierapolis. The next day you will transfer to Rhodes and find the luxuries of the Hotel Mediterranean. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the island’s ancient and medieval history; stroll through the Acropolis or meander along the castle’s cobblestone streets.
Once in Heraklion, Crete you will have three days to indulge in the Agapi Beach Resort. Spend your time luxuriating in the sand or discovering the city’s majesty, from the Minoan Palace of Knossos to the incredible Archeological Museum. Fly to Athens and have a view of the Acropolis from your hotel room at Athens Gate. A half-day tour will show you the city’s chronicled past, from the contemporary history of Syntagma Square to the city’s Golden Age at the Parthenon. The next morning you will be escorted to the airport for your flight home.
For more tour options, read about the Turkey tours offered by Zicasso. Or, browse the reviews for Turkey tour companies.
Starting Price
$5,900 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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