This 14 day tour, starts from Athens, Greece, and ends at Istanbul, Turkey. Enjoy the rich history of Athens before enjoying some sun and sea time on Santorini and Mykonos. Then travel by ferry across to Turkeys Kusadasi, the getaway to your Turkish adventure which will includes the incredible travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Welcome to Greece! You will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours, free to explore this ancient city. Tonight a welcome meeting and meet your fellow travelling companions.
This morning you will have a half day tour and visit the Acropolis, stop at the stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held. Admire the Olympian Zeus and Hadrians Arch. At the Acropolis visit the museum, the towering entrance of Propylaia, the Temple of Nike and the most famous of Greek relics, the Parthenon.
Early morning departure today for the breathtaking Island of Santorini, where you can soak up the sun and relax on the beach or perhaps explore the picturesque capital, Fira.
Take an optional boat trip in the world's biggest volcanic crater above sea level. Visit the active volcano, swim in the warm thermal waters and take a therapeutic mud bath.
Arrive in Mykonos and explore the white-washed town or head for the beach before experiencing the vibrant Mykonian nightlife.
Free day today. Spend the day on the beach, stroll around the town or take a trip to one of the small villages or take an optional day trip to the neighbouring island of Delos. This Mecca of Ancient Greece is today an island wide, open-air museum.
Please Note: In September, the ferry schedules change. The Mykonos - Samos ferry departs Mykonos 21:20 and arrives Samos 02:45. So during September your room will be available in Mykonos until you are transferred to the port for your ferry to Samos. Then you will have a room available in Samos upon arrival.
Today you will catch a mid-day ferry heading towards the island of Samos and then another ferry to Kusadasi, Turkey. From here you will be transferred to Pamukkale.
Today we visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
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.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus a once a bustling trade hub and religious center, Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from site of the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus's grand facade and the grand amphitheatre.
Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
We continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Here we will visit a local vineyard and learn about local production techniques. You will taste 3 local wines from the region at the garden of the vineyard before returning to our hotel.
Step back in time today as we visit Troy where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award winning, Troy Museum. We continue on to Bergama and up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon . Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.
Relaxed morning to explore the town of Canakkale before an afternoon tour of the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels. After the tour we continue on to Istanbul.
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.
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.
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.