Discover Greece and Turkey!, countries cradles of the greatest civilizations with this vacation package!. Visit Athens (home of democracy, is a heady mix of history and edginess with iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums) and after that, catch a flight to Istanbul (cradle of the ottomans and the birthplace of the Turkey we know today, a link between west and east, a cultural hub with a rich history, multicultural cuisine and architecture) and then, to Izmir (on Turkey’s Aegean coast known for its expansive archaeological sites include the Roman Agora). Here enjoy the tours around the city and a visit to imponent Ephasus (well-preserved ruins, as a Christian pilgrimage site, and as the former site of the Temple of Artemis). Lastly, fly back to Istanbul to finish enjoying what the city has to offer. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
Trip Summary
3 nights in Athens
Athens captures the heart of its visitors. It's the capital city, vibrant in nature, exciting and exasperating, worldly and chic, a city that attacks the senses. It boasts art, culture, world-class museums, charming neighborhoods, exceptional food, lively people and glorious ancient gems such as the Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. This city has a lot to offer and we promise you, it won't disappoint.
Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Nike, Hadrian's Gate, National Archaeological Museum, Greek Ancient Art Museum, Byzantine Museum, Temple of Poseidon, The Plaka, Syntagma Square, House of Parliament and so much more!
2 nights in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Istanbul is home to a layering of civilization on civilization, of empire built on empire. A stroll through this historic city will reveal ancient Roman hippodromes, peristyles, and aqueducts, the greatest excesses of the Byzantine Empire and the mystique and power of the Ottoman Empire. In this sprawling, continent-spanning city you can tramp the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched; admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety; peer into the sultan's harem; and hunt for bargains in the Kapali Carsi.
Visit and explore the Ayasofya,Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Camii, St. Savior in Chora, the New Mosque, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, the Hippodrome and so much more!
2 Nights - Aegean and Ephesus Tour departing from Izmir
Surnamed the "Pearl of the Aegean", Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and second most important port. It is a superb city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks set along a circular bay. The magnificent coastline abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. Konak Square and Konak Street are the best points to start your visit to Izmir. One of the most impressive landmarks of Izmir harbor is the Clock Tower, a beautiful marble tower 25 meters height. Other sights are the nine synagogues, concentrated either in the traditional Jewish quarter of Karatas or in Havra Sokak (Synagogue street) in Kemeralti. The Izmir Birds Paradise in Cigli, a bird sanctuary near Karsiyaka, containing 205 species of birds, is not to be missed. Izmir is also a good starting point to explore the many sights in the region.
2 nights in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Istanbul is home to a layering of civilization on civilization, of empire built on empire. A stroll through this historic city will reveal ancient Roman hippodromes, peristyles, and aqueducts, the greatest excesses of the Byzantine Empire and the mystique and power of the Ottoman Empire. In this sprawling, continent-spanning city you can tramp the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched; admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety; peer into the sultan's harem; and hunt for bargains in the Kapali Carsi.
Visit and explore the Ayasofya,Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Camii, St. Savior in Chora, the New Mosque, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, the Hippodrome and so much more!
Day 6
Departing from Istanbul Transportation to next city by: Regional Air
2 Nights - Aegean and Ephesus Tour
Day 6 to Day 8
2 Nights - Aegean and Ephesus Tour
[ Day 1 : Ephesus and St.
Mary’s House Izmir. ]
Arrive and transfer to Ephesus where you will explore 2,000
year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a
gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple in Ephesus. Visit Virgin Mary’s stone
cottage. Lunch included.
Overnight in Izmir or
Kusadasi.
[ Day 2: Pamukkale –
Izmir. ]
Today is the day to pay an early morning visit to the unique
Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascades, and also pay a visit to
one of the first modern spa centers of the ancient world, Hierapolis.
Then drive to Kusadasi or Izmir and overnight. Breakfast and Lunch
included.
Overnight in Izmir or
Kusadasi.
[ Day 3 : Izmir.
Transfer to the airport for the flight home. ]
Breakfast included.
Included:
- 2 nights hotel accommodation.
- Round trip airport transfer.
- Entrance fees.
- English speaking guide on the tours
Not Included:
- Personal expenses.
- Customary tips.
- Drinks.
- Airfares
<b>Greece</b> is THE land of ancient sites and architectural treasures: the Acropolis in Athens, the amphitheater of Epidaurus, the reconstructed palace at Knossos, the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, and frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete. But don't expect a visit there to be a sober study of the ancient world, the Greek propensity for partying dates back to Dionysus. Then there are 1400 islands to explore. Greece is much more than what you were taught at school or the predictable summer image of glorious sunsets and sandy beaches.
Turkey
Apart from Russia, no other country can stake such a proud claim to bridging `the East and the West` like <b>Turkey</b>, which sits astride two continents. It is called the `Cradle of Civilization`, where there are more Roman archaeological sites than in all of Italy, and more ancient Greek ruins available for viewing by the public than in Greece. The history from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and finally the modern Turkish nation are all on display here, and the Turkish vacation experience can encompass everything from being in the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, to attending a whirling dervish dance ceremony, to sunning yourself on the country`s beautiful shores, to climbing mountains and skiing at top resorts, to enjoying an iconic hot-air balloon ride over the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.
Athens captures the heart of its visitors. It's the capital city, vibrant in nature, exciting and exasperating, worldly and chic, a city that attacks the senses. It boasts art, culture, world-class museums, charming neighborhoods, exceptional food, lively people and glorious ancient gems such as the Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. This city has a lot to offer and we promise you, it won't disappoint.
Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Nike, Hadrian's Gate, National Archaeological Museum, Greek Ancient Art Museum, Byzantine Museum, Temple of Poseidon, The Plaka, Syntagma Square, House of Parliament and so much more!
Istanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Istanbul is home to a layering of civilization on civilization, of empire built on empire. A stroll through this historic city will reveal ancient Roman hippodromes, peristyles, and aqueducts, the greatest excesses of the Byzantine Empire and the mystique and power of the Ottoman Empire. In this sprawling, continent-spanning city you can tramp the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched; admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety; peer into the sultan's harem; and hunt for bargains in the Kapali Carsi.
Visit and explore the Ayasofya,Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Camii, St. Savior in Chora, the New Mosque, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, the Hippodrome and so much more!
Surnamed the "Pearl of the Aegean", Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and second most important port. It is a superb city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks set along a circular bay. The magnificent coastline abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. Konak Square and Konak Street are the best points to start your visit to Izmir. One of the most impressive landmarks of Izmir harbor is the Clock Tower, a beautiful marble tower 25 meters height. Other sights are the nine synagogues, concentrated either in the traditional Jewish quarter of Karatas or in Havra Sokak (Synagogue street) in Kemeralti. The Izmir Birds Paradise in Cigli, a bird sanctuary near Karsiyaka, containing 205 species of birds, is not to be missed. Izmir is also a good starting point to explore the many sights in the region.
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Istanbul is home to a layering of civilization on civilization, of empire built on empire. A stroll through this historic city will reveal ancient Roman hippodromes, peristyles, and aqueducts, the greatest excesses of the Byzantine Empire and the mystique and power of the Ottoman Empire. In this sprawling, continent-spanning city you can tramp the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched; admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety; peer into the sultan's harem; and hunt for bargains in the Kapali Carsi.
Visit and explore the Ayasofya,Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Suleymaniye Camii, St. Savior in Chora, the New Mosque, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, the Hippodrome and so much more!