Greece and Turkey Beauties - 13 Days/12 Nights

Arrive at Athens Airport, transfer to the hotel, and check in at your reserved hotel. In your free time, you can explore Athens, shop in the famous Plaka area, and enjoy a drink in the nearby cafes.
Overnight stay in Athens. ( Dinner)

After breakfast, we make a round trip to the Athens Parliament, Academy, University, Bibliothèque, and Panathinaikos Stadion and visit the Acropolis, which includes the temples of Nike, Propylene, Parthenon, and Erehthion.
We will have lunch in Plaka.
In the afternoon, drive along the coastal road, passing the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza, to the most southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand.
On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore.
After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion.
Overnight in Athens  (Breakfast - Dinner)

After Breakfast, leave by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit the Theatre of Epidavros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. Then, proceed to the town of Nauplion (short photo stop). Drive to Mycenae and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Then, depart for Olympia through Central Peloponnese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis.
Overnight in Olympia.   (Breakfast - Dinner)

After breakfast, Discover the archaeological site of Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. Visit the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Hera in Olympia, once home to the world's most prestigious athletics event. The site includes the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium, and the Archaeological Museum.
Then, drive through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge crosses the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi.
Overnight in Delphi.   (Breakfast – Dinner)

After breakfast, visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum in Delphi.
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it has been the sacred place and religious worship centre of the Hellenic World, which has been dedicated to Apollo for centuries. You can observe the Temple of Apollo as the god of music, lyrics, and poems with its archaeological concepts, the treasure of the Athenians, Apollo sanctuary, the treasure of the Cyprians, Omphalos the Altar of the Chiots Field, Delphi Ancient Theater, Delphi Stadium, and thousands of years old masterpieces in Delphi Museum as well.
Then, we depart for Kalambaka, a small town seated at the foot of the astonishing Meteora complex of gigantic rocks. We have Lunch in a local restaurant.
Visit Meteora, which is among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks that seem to be suspended in mid-air. There are ageless monasteries where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.
We will witness and appreciate Meteora's magnificent natural landscape, the extraordinary efforts of people to uphold their religious beliefs, and the fascinating Church structures. Following the paths opened by the first monks, we will find churches built on high rocks in Meteora with magnificent views. 

Many monasteries were built on the top of hills around 200-300 meters in the 11th century. The reason why they chose such a high location is related to safety concerns. There are no stairways to the top, but they implemented a wooden lift system and thick tethers to transport people and goods to the top. We will conclude this wonderful excursion by visiting Holy Telis (Agia Triada) and Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monasteries and exploring any available monasteries in this breathtaking geography.
Overnight stay in Kalambaka. ( Breakfast –  Dinner )

After breakfast in Kalambaka, we will travel 250 km from Kalamabaka to Thessaloniki. Upon arriving, we will have lunch at a Greek restaurant. We will explore Thessaloniki and visit its beautiful monuments and remains, such as the White Tower of Thessaloniki, Arc of Galerius, Aristotelous Square, Saint Dimitrios Church, Rotonda Church, Galerius Triumphal Arch, and Byzantium Castle. It is worth noting that during St. Paul's second and third missionary journeys, he performed missionary work in Thessaloniki and wrote letters to the Thessalonians.

Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport and fly to Kayseri Airport in Turkey. Lan transfer to Cappadocia hotel.
Overnight stay in Thessaloniki. ( Breakfast – Dinner )
Overnight in Cappadocia. ( Breakfast – Dinner in Thessaloniki )

Hot Air Balloon Tour (05:00 - 09:00)
Prices are not fixed. They may vary according to the season.
Booking information for arrival to Greece or two weeks before arrival. Payment Cash in Cappadocia

Hot Air Balloon tour  (Optional) 04:30 – 09:00 Afterwards, take breakfast in the hotel.
After breakfast, we will spend a whole day in fantastic Cappadocia. Visit Uçhisar Castle, Pigeon Valley.
Goreme Open Air Museum is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its unique monasteries and chapels include Dark Monastery, Elmalı Monastery, Snake Monastery, and St. Barbara Monastery.
Pasabagi Valley to see rock formations resembling mushrooms, known as Fairy Chimneys. These chimneys were formed by earth, wind, and rain erosion over many years and have been used as shelters or for religious purposes. This area is also called the Valley of Monks (Priests). Our next stop is Devrent Valley, where we will see natural rock formations that resemble animals.
We have a lunch break at a local restaurant in Avanos. Then, we visit a pottery shop to observe the creation of beautiful ceramics at the Avanos Ceramic atelier.  
We complete our day tour with the authentic and mystic Whirling Dervish Show.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia. ( Breakfast – Dinner )

Hot Air Balloon tour  (Optional) 04:30 – 09:00 Afterwards, take breakfast in the hotel.
After breakfast, Visit Uçhisar Castle, Pigeon Valley.  Cavusin, Mustafa Pasha Village, Goreme Village, and Panorama Hill for the ferry chimney. Lunch break in a local restaurant.  
Kaymakli Underground City was excavated to protect it from enemies, particularly Roman Soldiers, during the early Christian era and against Arab attacks.
For those interested in traditional Turkish arts and the influence of Silk Road commerce, we can visit the Carpet Center to see hand-knotted rugs.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia. ( Breakfast – Dinner)

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir. Our guide will meet you at the Izmir Airport. City tour in Izmir.
Izmir: With a history of over 3,000 years, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey and the third largest city in Turkey. It is known for its industrial and agricultural income, mild Aegean climate, and friendly people with a modern secular lifestyle.
Visit the famous Kemeralti Bazaar and have lunch in a local traditional restaurant.
After Lunch, we will visit the ruins of ancient Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Revelations, where the Apostle John relays God's promise, and the ancient Agora. We will then continue towards Kusadasi, 100-km
Overnight stay in  Kusadasi or Izmir  ( Breakfast –  Dinner )

After an early breakfast, depart for Pamukkale. It is a pleasant journey with a beautiful view of the 220 km fertile Aydın and Denizli plains. 

Hierapolis is an impressive ancient city, one of the 12 cities of Ancient Ionia. We will visit the Tomb of the Apostle Philip, who was martyred during the persecutions of the Christian community by the order of Roman Emperor Domitian. We will also explore the ancient city ruins of Hierapolis, including the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the Great Theatre, the Nymphaeum, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, the Great Necropolis, the Frontinus Gate, and the Frontinus Street.
We take a Lunch at a restaurant.
Pamukkale is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has been a settlement and treatment centre for civilisations for thousands of years due to its healing thermal waters. The thermal waters are good for heart diseases, rheumatism, digestion, respiratory, circulatory and skin diseases. It is even said that King Agamemnon treated his soldiers injured in the Trojan Wars in Pamukkale. The Pamukkale terraces are made up of sedimentary rocks that have been deposited over millions of years by the combination of thermal water and oxygen in the air. In some places, the rock tombs, integrated with the white Travertines, create a fascinating visual feast. Press the shutter for great pictures.

Then, we will walk along Pamukkale's famous white travertines. And spend free time in the Ancient Cleopatra Pool (at an additional charge). Return to Kusadasi around 19:30
Overnight stay in Kusadasi or Pamukkale ( Breakfast – Dinner)

Turkish Airlines  İzmir 19:55  -  Istanbul 21.20   / 21.45 – 23.05
After breakfast, we start our wonderful Ephesus tour, blending history, archaeology, culture, and religious information after a 20-km journey from Kuşadası. This tour also offers a visual feast.
The House of the Virgin Mary: this small, modest stone house is located in the forest on the side of a mountain 9 km from Ephesus. Christian pilgrims from all over the world visit it. St. John brought Mary to Ephesus, following Jesus Christ's advice  (John 19:27).
Ephesus is the best-preserved ancient Roman city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Church of Ephesus was the most important of the Seven Churches Revelation of Asia Minor. The Gospel of John was thought to have been written in the Bible at Ephesus. Some of the structures we will see here are as follows: 
Ephesus Theater: It is the second-largest (the first is the Colosseum in Italy) and one of the best acoustic theatres in the world, with a capacity of 25,000 people. Saint Paul and several priests preached here after the Roman Empire approved Christianity. 
Celsus Library: The third-largest library of ancient times, dedicated to the famous Roman consul Celsus.
Other structures include the Hadrian temple, the Domitian Temple, the Odeon, the Medical School, the Scholastica Bath (the second biggest Roman Bath in Turkey), Love House, Various Monumental Fountains (dedicated to great emperors), Latrines (public toilets), the Commercial Agora, Curetes Street, Arcadian Street (Ephesus harbour), and the Terrace Houses (extra charge).
We have lunch in a Local Restaurant.
Visit Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 
Depending on your preference, we may stop at the carpet weaving centre, leather outlets, or ceramic craft shops at the end of the tour.
At the end of the Ephesus tour, transfer to Izmir airport ( 70 km). Take a flight to Istanbul. 
Overnight in Istanbul ( Breakfast )

Today, we’ll Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighbourhood, with iconic buildings and storied streets. 
After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 08:15 am and discover Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.  
Blue Mosque is one of the most critical sites in the Muslim world. It has 20,000 Blu Iznik tiles and six minarets. 
Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman Sultans and their families lived and ruled the empire for 400 years.
Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of the holiest places of worship in the Christian world.  
We’ll have a lunch break at a local Turkish restaurant.
Hippodrome Square. Stroll through the Hippodrome Square, where chariot races, gladiator fights and other sporting events occur. Among the monuments in Hippodrome, you’ll see the German Fountain of Wilhelm ll, the Serpent Column from Delphi, Greece, and the Egyptian Obelisk from Luxor. 

BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE  (20:00 – 24:00) 
Menu: Grill fish or meatballs or chicken, cold and hot appetisers,  
Beverages.; Unlimited soft and alcoholic ( Raki, Beer, Wine, vodka)
Program: Music, Folklore performance, Whirling Dervishes show, Traditional wedding ceremony, Oriental belly dancer Show, and more.
Transfer: Return transfer from the hotel. 19:30 – 24:00
Overnight in Istanbul ( Breakfast - Dinner)

Note: When visiting mosques and churches, women should avoid shorts, skirts, and see-through or revealing clothes. They are advised to wear a long dress and a headscarf. 

Free time depends on your flight hours. Four hours before departing from the hotel, a private Istanbul Airport Transfer. Flight back to your country. ( Breakfast ) 

Customized Tours
We can create a tour program on your request and offer an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary requirements. Please don't hesitate to contact us.