13 Days Turkey & Greece Marvels Tour

Day 1: ARRIVAL & AIRPORT TRANSFER

Welcome to Istanbul!

Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to join our optional Dinner Cruise tour. For pricing and booking details, please consult your tour advisor.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2: EXPLORE OLD CITY

Overnight in Istanbul

Breakfast at the Hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 3: JEWELS OF ISTANBUL & FLY TO CAPPADOCIA

Today, your itinerary includes visits to the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Spice Bazaar, and a Bosphorus boat trip:

• Rüstem Paşa Mosque: A 16th-century gem in Eminönü, known for its stunning Iznik tilework, designed by Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Rüstem Paşa.
• Spice Bazaar: One of Istanbul’s oldest markets, offering spices, herbal remedies, and delicacies. Located in Eminönü, it’s open on Sundays.
• Bosphorus Boat Trip: Cruise between Europe and Asia, passing landmarks like Beylerbeyi Palace and charming waterfront villas.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Breakfast at the Hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

After the tour, we will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel.

Day 4: CAPPADOCIA NORTH TOUR

You can enhance your experience with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride. For pricing and booking details, please consult your tour advisor.

Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia on a guided tour:

• Devrent Valley: Begin by marveling at the unique fairy chimneys in this otherworldly setting.
• Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Continue to see the fascinating mushroom-shaped rock formations, some of the most striking in the region.
• Avanos: Travel to this charming city known for its traditional pottery.
• Göreme Open-Air Museum: In the afternoon, explore this beautiful site where rock-cut churches and ancient Christian settlements reveal a rich historical tapestry.
• Uçhisar: Conclude your tour with a visit to the natural rock formations and castle at Uçhisar.

Return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Cappadocia

Breakfast at the Hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 5: CAPPADOCIA SOUTH TOUR & FLY TO IZMIR

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on another full day exploring Cappadocia:

• Red Valley: Begin with a visit to Red Valley to see its stunning rock formations and explore rock-cut churches. Enjoy a 5 km hike through the scenic Güllüdere Valley.
• Çavuşin Village: Next, visit this historic village known for its unique houses and churches once occupied by Christian clergy.
• Pigeon Valley: Drive to Pigeon Valley, renowned for its ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.
• Ozkonak Underground City: In the afternoon, explore this fascinating underground city where early Christians sought refuge.

Overnight in Kusadasi

Breakfast at the Hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

After the tour, we will transfer you to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 6: EXPLORE PAMUKKALE

After breakfast, head to the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, renowned in Roman times for its therapeutic hot springs.

Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as you’ll have the opportunity to relax in the thermal waters of Pamukkale.

Overnight in Kusadasi

Breakfast at the Hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 7: EXPLORE EPHESUS & FLY TO ATHENS

Immerse yourself in history today as you explore:

• Ephesus: Discover this remarkable ancient city, once the capital of Asia Minor and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
• House of the Virgin Mary: Experience the serene atmosphere of this sacred site, believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Overnight in Athens

Breakfast at the Hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

After the tour we will transfer you to airport. You will fly to Athens. Upon arrival we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Day 8: EXPLORE ATHENS

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast before we set off on a scenic tour of the Athenian Neoclassical Center.

We’ll visit key landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Our expert guide will share intriguing stories about their history and importance.

Next, we’ll explore the stunning Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, with entrance fees included.

After the tour, you can either return to your hotel or take time to wander the picturesque streets of Plaka.

In the evening, join us for a walk through Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, and Plaka to discover Athens’ charm by night.

Overnigh in Athens

Breakfast at the Hotel is included

Day 9: FROM ATHENS TO MYKONOS

Begin your adventure with a transfer to the Port of Piraeus, where you’ll board a ferry to the iconic island of Mykonos. As you sail, enjoy the sunlit deck and take in the beautiful blues of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos, often called the “rocky place,” is rich in history and legend. Named after Mykonos, son of King Anius of Delos, the island combines charm and cosmopolitan appeal. Upon arrival, an English-speaking representative will warmly greet you, assist with your hotel transfer, and provide a quick introduction to Mykonos.

The rest of the day is yours to relax at your own pace, taking in the island’s unique atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Overnight in Mykonos

Breakfast is included

Day 10: MYKONOS; RELAX, SUN, BEACH, AND HISTORY

Enjoy a free day to soak in the beauty of Mykonos, a global destination famous for its stunning beaches, lively boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.

Savor the island’s rich Mediterranean flavors, with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and aromatic spices like oregano and basil. Sample its renowned seafood, a nod to Mykonos’ coastal traditions.

Just a short ferry ride away, the ancient island of Delos awaits, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology. Inhabited since 3000 B.C., Delos stands as a cultural gem from antiquity.

Overnight in Mykonos

Breakfast is included

Day 11: MYKONOS TO SANTORINI

After a delightful breakfast, our representative will pick you up at the scheduled time in a private vehicle to take you to the port, where you’ll set off for your next destination—the inspiring island of Santorini.

As you approach, you’ll catch views of Fira, the island’s capital, with its iconic white houses clinging to the cliffs overlooking the volcano.

Upon arrival, our English-speaking representative will greet you at the port, guide you to your hotel, and share insights about Santorini’s charming attractions. The rest of the day is yours to explore the narrow streets and soak in the island’s unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Santorini

Breakfast is included

Day 12: FREE DAY IN SANTORINI

Overnight in Santorini

Breakfast is included

Day 13: DEPARTURE, FROM ATHENS TO SANTORINI

As your journey comes to a close, we will ensure your timely transfer to Santorini Airport for your return flight to Athens. Rest assured, you’ll arrive with ample time to comfortably make your international connection, ideally departing after 12:30 PM.

It has been a pleasure hosting you with Smart Turkey Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you back someday to create more unforgettable memories. These special moments will surely hold a lasting place in your heart.

Safe travels! Or, as the Greeks say, “Kalo taksidi!”

If you’d like to extend your stay in Santorini, additional nights can be easily added during your reservation.

Breakfast is included