Best of Turkey & Greece Journey

ITINERARY

• DAY 1
  Maiden's Tower views in Istanbul, Turkiye

  Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey

  Welcome to the Istanbul!
  
  Upon arrival, meet with your driver and transfer to your accommodating hotel. Spend the day at leisure to relax and rest after your overseas flight in this astonishing city.

  What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 2
  The Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.

  Istanbul - Full day city tour

  After breakfast, pick up from the hotel and the journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. We’ll visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping.
  
  Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 3
  One of many Palaces in Istanbul, Turkey, Kucuksu Palace

  Istanbul - Continue your journey

  After breakfast, pick up from the hotel. First visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and several other herbs and spices. Later we will join a boat trip on the Bosphorus, a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. Afternoon visit. Underground cistern. 
  
  Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 4
  Hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey

  Cappadocia - Explore the Fairy Chimneys, Pigeons Valley and Underground City

  Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for morning flight to Cappadocia.
  
  Arrive at Kayseri airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon begins your tour in Cappadocia. The first meeting is with Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup which are famous as they appear on all Cappadocia advertisements. Then we head on to Pigeons Valley; later we’ll descend into the center of the earth in the Kaymakli Underground City one of the largest and the deepest of 200 others in Cappadocia. After the tour program transfer to your hotel.
  
  Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 5
  The natural rock citadel in Uchisar, Cappadocia Turkey

  Cappadocia - Discover the Chimneys and Devrent Valley

  After breakfast, take our second day private Cappadocia tour. Drive to Devrent Valley, take a walk through this lunar landscape where different rock formations can be seen. After seeing the best examples of the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos Town, which is famous for tile and pottery workshops. After lunch, our next stop is the Goreme Open Air Museum where you will enjoy the fantastic rock churches and beautiful frescoes from various centuries decorating the walls of the churches. Then we drive to the Uchisar Rock Castle, which is the highest and the most dominant point, giving us a breathtaking panorama. We end the day visiting Esentepe Windy Hill for a panoramic view and taking photos. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Izmir (via Istanbul).
  
  Arrive in Izmir and transfer to the hotel for overnight in Izmir.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 6
  The ruins of ancient Pergamon, Turkey

  Izmir - Athens

  In morning, check-out from the hotel and drive to Bergama to visit the Acropolis, one of Turkey's most impressive archaeological sites. Acropolis is dramatically sited on a hill to the northeast of the town center. There's plenty to see in this ancient settlement, among these are the Temple of Trajan, the vertigo-inducing 10,000 persons seat Hellenistic theatre, the Altar of Zeus (sadly denuded of its magnificent frieze, which now resides in Berlin), and the Asclepion, built in the 4th Century BC, around a sacred spring that still flows, in honor of Asklepios, god of healing. Asclepion was an ancient healing complex located at the base of the Pergamon acropolis in Turkey. It became one of the best-known healing centers of the ancient world. It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital.
  
  Transfer to Izmir Airport for flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to the hotel and overnight.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 7
  Greek guards, “Evzones,” are members of the Presidential Guard in the Hellenic Parliament.

  Athens - Wander around the historic city center

  After breakfast at hotel, wander around the historic city center and discover some of its highlights by yourself. At the sunset, enjoy your evening at a local tavern and taste delicious Greek dishes - Greek way to welcome you to this wonderful country!

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 8
  The Acropolis of Athens is the complete ancient Greek monumental complex

  Athens - Acropolis & Flavors of the city

  A perfect tour to get an authentic feel of Athens! Ascend to the top of the sacred rock of the Acropolis to be confronted by one of the world’s most essential structures in history, the Parthenon. Once there, you will enjoy a guided tour that will reveal the magnitude and the rich heritage of Athens and the cultural achievements of the Greek civilization of the Golden Age.
  
  Sense the intriguing Greek cuisine and local food culture through an experiential food tour in the heart of the bustling capital of Greece. After visiting Acropolis, get ready for a 3-hour food tour that will truly make you feel like an Athenian! Wander through authentic corners of the city and visit many dedicated artisans that have perfected their recipes over the decades, specialized food stores sourcing the best products from all over Greece, and the vibrant central food market.
  
  You will enjoy a leisurely walk through the city's old quarter to marvel Plaka neighborhood with its picturesque cobbled streets, quaint restored buildings, and distinct and atmospheric architecture. You will walk by the Roman Agora, the Tower of the winds, Hadrian’s Library, Lycicrates Monument, Fethiye Mosque, beautiful neoclassical buildings, and many more Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman traces of the old city.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 9
  Santorini is one of Greece's most beautiful islands.

  Santorini - Explore the hidden gems of the island at your own pace

  Your driver will deliver you to Athens Airport. Domestic flight from Athens to Santorini - A short flight and you will find yourselves on the magical island of Santorini!
  
  Upon arrival, you have a private transfer to your hotel. Without mentioning dazzling panoramas, and the mesmerizing sea of vibrant villages, Santorini's culinary tradition would be something worth experiencing. Borrowing a pronounced Mediterranean diet from the mainland, Santorini tends to use vegetables, quality olive oil, meat, and fresh seafood generously, creating its own cuisine by adding products that are cultivated solely on its fertile soil.
  
  Santorini is in all aspects a work of art, and its souvenirs and local produce doubtlessly reflect the island's beautiful facets. Try the island's peculiar white eggplants with mozzarella, or sample the unique "Tomatokeftedes," tomato fritters made of Santorini's produce, with a glass of Vinsanto. Oia and, above all, Fira is the island's major shopping destination, with unrivaled charm where traditional shops line up neatly down narrow streets.
  
  In Santorini, a visit to one of the local art galleries is a must: evocative handicrafts, folk art, and jewelry can be bought at accessible prices, guaranteeing a souvenir that mirrors the authenticity of the villages. Another worthy shopping experience is all about local produce. The diversity of products makes it hard to choose from the numerous delicacies grown on volcanic soil. Fava, the Greek version of split peas, is particularly unique in Santorini and makes a down-to-earth yet scrumptious puree. The island's grapes make a heavenly wine exported worldwide and can buy in any local wineries. Last comes Santorini's trademark tomato, the locals' pride and a must-try for food enthusiasts - wonderfully flavorful and juicy.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
  • Flight
• DAY 10
  Dining in a fantastic view in Santorini, Greece

  Santorini - Cooking and Wine Tasting

  Today we are leaving the selection to you. We have two options to select.
  
  Option A: Santorini Cooking and Wine Tasting
  A blend of Santorini’s best tastes and flavors with a “touch” of your effort to cook authentic Santorinian recipes are the main ingredients of the experience that is the Cooking & Tasting Experience Tour. The tour includes a visit to a winery, a hands-on cooking lesson by local experts, a format about the local wines, and enjoying your gastronomic creations. What will you take with you? Experience the joy of cooking traditional Santorinian dishes, savor the memory of an exquisite gastronomic experience with the delicious tastes of the island, and take home a booklet with all the recipes you cooked.
  This tour is perfect for foodies, honeymooners, cooking class aficionados, or food and wine lovers.
  
  Option B: Santorini Eat & Walk Food Tour
  Our goal is to showcase the flavors and ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine from a local standpoint in a fun & informative manner to let you experience Greek food as the locals do!
  Our fun local food expert will meet you at a starting point in Firostefani and lead you through the traditional towns of Firostefani and Fira, following a pebbled downhill footpath right on the edge of the world-famous Santorini caldera. Start your day with a traditional Greek coffee. Follow your guide through the historical alleyways and hidden paths of Fira with several stops for samplings of local treats, including an olive oil tasting and a quick bite of souvlaki - the ultimate greek street food. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste Santorini & Greek food, street food, samples of local beer, wine, and raki, Cycladic cheeses & cold cuts, olive oil tasting, delicacies from the bakery, and traditional sweets. Of course, lunch at a caldera view restaurant combined with some local wine is a 'must'!

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 11
  Fantastic view of Caldera Sunset, Santorini

  Santorini - Enjoy Caldera Sunset Cruise

  Explore Crete by Land Rover on a full-day adventure along the Minoan Path, and experience a blend of ancient myths, spectacular landscapes, and a traditional Cretan lunch.
  
  Following a pick-up from your hotel, drive through spectacular mountains en route to the Lassithi Plateau, and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Lassithi Plateau and north coast. Continue to Dikteon Cave to marvel at the birthplace of Zeus before heading to a traditional olive mill.
  
  Visit a traditional olive mill in the Protected Designation of Origin Archanes, Heraklion, Crete. Here, the locals produce their oils exclusively from their olive groves, with 2000 trees surrounding the olive mill. Making extra virgin olive oils using the most ancient and modern methods of olive oil extraction with a telling effect and olive oil tasting here is something you would not want to miss! Work up an appetite before your lunch at a local taverna.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 12
  Chania old city Crete, Greece

  Welcome to Chania, Crete

  Hydrofoil boat from Santorini to Heraklion. Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the port. After about 2 hours, you will be in Heraklion port! Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting for you with your name. Private transfer to your hotel, and the drive will be around two hours.
  
  Free time at leisure in Chania Old Town
  Walkthrough the stone paths and the narrow streets of the Old Town and discover the hidden spots of the Venetian Harbor. You will enjoy a leisure stroll in the puzzled alleys where the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the old Cretans lived and occupied. Enjoy this tremendous flower-decorated neighborhood, meet the locals, and eat like locals! The unique Cretan Gastronomy is something you would not want to miss!

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 13
  Ageas Nikolaos City, Crete

  Chania - Explore the seven villages of Apokoronas

  This is a tour of the unique area of Apokoronas, the eastern province of the Chania Region, which is one of the first villages in Armenoi. Following a route through the nature and traditional Cretan towns like Stylos, Tsivaras, and Kalives, you will arrive in Gavalochori village and visit the folklore museum of Apokoronas. The seven rooms of it will reveal everything about history, handcrafts, and the everyday life of the people. You will enjoy a cup of Greek coffee next to the nature and water springs of the village.
  
  Leaving Gavalochori, driving towards Vrises village, you will enjoy the view of the river and the square. The village of Emprosneros is following to see the theatre “Mikis Theodorakis and the hidden church of St. Antony, built on the rock. You visit a cheese factory and taste the local “Graviera,” “Mizithra,” or “Anthotiros” cheese varieties. You will also taste some olive oil on warm bread, cookies, and Cretan biscuits in the local bakery. The experience of the Cretan cheese-making process follows.
  
  After that you will enjoy lunch in a traditional “kafeneio” in Fres village, speaking with the locals and learning about the countryside way of life. You will have the chance to see pure beauty and feel the real Crete around you. A whole place is ready to be explored by you! Apokoronas is one of the most historical places in Crete because of its people. Apokoronas is waiting to reveal his secrets.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 14
  Greek Tavern for a family trip to Crete, Greece

  Chania - The Real Cretan Cooking Experience

  Up in the high peaks of the White Mountains, you will prepare some traditional and delicious homemade dishes using healthy organic Cretan ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables picked from the garden, dairy products, and the most aromatic herbs. Follow us on the extraordinary journey through the Cretan flavors and taste the real Cretan way of life.
  
  You will have the chance to walk around our vegetable gardens to see, feel, smell, touch, and taste the pure products of Mother Earth. You will prepare a traditional Cretan recipe and learn how Cretans cook with your own hands. Your host will also reveal the secrets of local herbs, how the Cretan olive oil affects people’s health, and valuable tips about the local products you will use.
  
  After the magnificent cooking experience, you will taste delicious Cretan wine paired with local cheese. The view of the mountain is breathtaking right out of our window. Enjoying the extraordinary wine, you will feel like it’s heaven on earth! Later, after the tasting, you will prepare some appetizers like “Ntakos” and “Tzatziki” and, of course, the popular Cretan Cheese-pies “Kalitsouni.” You will love the bread-making as well. In the meanwhile, the meal will be ready. You will taste your own dishes, paired with fruity local wine, and taste some traditional jar desserts at the end. The healthy Mediterranean diet and the famous Cretan cuisine have already been revealed in front of your eyes.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 15

  Departure

  Transfer to Crete Airport for a short flight to Athens to connect to your home flight.
  
  Time to say goodbye to beautiful Greece.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer