Istanbul to Athens - 14 days

Istanbul to Athens - 14 days

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14 Days From

$5175

$4140

Istanbul to Athens - 14 days

14 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1144/ISTA

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

2 - 28

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $5175 $4140 Operator discount: -$1035 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 14-day journey from Istanbul to Athens, exploring the rich tapestry of history and culture across Turkey and Greece. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll marvel at iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Traverse the poignant landscapes of Gallipoli, and step back in time at the ancient ruins of Troy and Ephesus. Relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale before crossing to the Greek islands. Discover the medieval charm of Rhodes, the stunning sunsets of Santorini, and the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos. Conclude your adventure in Athens, where the legendary Acropolis awaits your exploration. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and the freedom to explore independently, making this a perfect blend of structure and spontaneity.

Highlights

  • Istanbul - Marvel at the Old City, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern, and Topkapi Palace

  • Gallipoli Peninsula - Explore ANZAC Cove and pay your respects at Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, trenches, and battlefields

  • Troy - Turn back time and examine the Trojan horse replica, ancient ruins, and the Aegean Coast

  • Pamukkale - Admire the hot springs and take a dip in the famous thermal pools, then visit the Roman spa town of Hierapolis

  • Rhodes - Visit the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and admire medieval architecture like the Venetian Castle

  • Santorini - Take in the blue and white villages that make up this beautiful volcanic island in the Cyclades

  • Mykonos - Spend 2 days exploring the churches, beaches, and nightlife on this picturesque Cyclades Island

  • Athens - Get to know the capital of Greece as you explore independently, with a visit to the famous Acropolis recommended

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Saturday. Arrive Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. Istanbul is easy to get around on foot and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes dotted about the city. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 2 : Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Istanbul. Enjoy a tour of the Old City from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. We’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, famed for its blue Iznik tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia - constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, and Topkapi Palace.

Day 3 : Canakkale

Location: Gallipoli

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.

Day 4 : Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Gallipoli - Kusadasi. Step back in time as we visit the legendary Roman ruins of Troy and Pergamum. We enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city of Troy, which dates back to 3000BC. See the replica Trojan horse before we explore the ruins of Pergamum with it’s impressive temples, library and medical facilities. Visit a local carpet emporium en route to Kusadasi - Turkey produces some of the finest carpets in the world.

Day 5 : Kusadasi

Roberto Goldone
Annesha Bhowmik

Location: Ephesus

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore ancient Ephesus. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts incredible excavated ruins including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel.

Day 6 : Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi - Pammukale - Marmaris. Meandering through the sweeping plains and cotton farms, we arrive at the ruins of Roman Hieropolis and the hot springs of Pamukkale. Admire this surreal landscape created by frequent earthquakes. Marvel at the crystalline marble, quartzites and stalagtites, which shimmer in the sunlight. There will be time to paddle our feet as we walk the terraces or opt for a dip in the thermal baths before visiting a leather fashion house.

Day 7 : Marmaris

Location: Rhodes

Accommodation Name: Semiramis Hotel, Rhodes

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Marmaris Port for a ferry to the Greek island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese group. Spend the rest of the day at leisure - perhaps visit Rhodes City and see the walls of a very well preserved Venetian castle. Built by the Knights of Saint John, it is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture.

Day 8 - 9 : Stunning Santorini

Location: Santorini

Accommodation Name: Daedalus Hotel, Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rhodes - Santorini. Transfer to the airport for a flight (via Athens) to Santorini. Spend the next two days at leisure on this beautiful island. Santorini is located in the Cyclades island group, in the Aegean Sea. This dramatically striking volcanic island is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world, with towns and villages perched on top of the massive cliffs of the caldera and beautiful black and red beaches. Santorini is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and gorgeous villages with traditional white and blue architecture. Be sure to visit Fira and Oia, Santorini’s most famous villages, which are perched on the edge of the caldera, offering amazing views over the Aegean and the volcano.

Day 10 - 11 : Cosmopolitan Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation Name: Giannoulaki Hotel, Mykonos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santorini - Mykonos. On day 10 you'll be transferred to the pier to catch the ferry to Mykonos. Included transfer to your hotel where you'll spend the next two days at leisure. Mykonos island is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and exciting nightlife. The picturesque Cycladic capital is full of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches and the island boasts magnificent sandy beaches.

Day 12 : Ancient Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Parthenon Hotel, Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Mykonos - Athens. Today you take the ferry to Athens, transfer and hotel check in. Athens is the capital of Greece and took its name from the ancient goddess Athena. It is thought to have at least a 3000 year old recorded history which makes it one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Day 13 : The Acropolis

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Parthenon Hotel, Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Athens. You’re free to independently explore the ancient capital today. Visit the legendary Acropolis and discover the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and of course the spectacular and iconic Parthenon. Other sights of interest include Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. You can also see Evzones (ceremonial guards) in their distinctive uniforms at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace.

Day 14 : Athens

Location: Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Friday - Athens. After breakfast, included transfer to Athens Airport for your onward journey.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 star

  • Breakfast daily and 4 hotel dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfast and four dinners at selected hotels during your tour.

  • 13 nights 4 star and special class hotels

    Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 13 nights throughout the tour.

  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis

    Experience guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale, and Roman Hierapolis.

  • Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide (days 1-6)

    Benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide from days 1 to 6.

  • Rhodes to Santorini - One way economy flight

    Includes a one-way economy flight from Rhodes to Santorini.

  • Marmaris to Rhodes and Santorini - Athens ferry tickets

    Ferry tickets from Marmaris to Rhodes and from Santorini to Athens are included.

  • One arrival transfer on day 1 and one departure transfer on day 14 included per booking

    Enjoy one arrival transfer on day 1 and one departure transfer on day 14 per booking.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles (days 1-6)

    All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles are provided from days 1 to 6.

  • Please Note: This tour is semi independent days 7 - 14 (you will not be escorted by a tour guide)

    The tour is semi-independent from days 7 to 14, meaning you will not be escorted by a tour guide during this period.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • A hotel tax of €3.00 per room per night to be paid directly to the hotel at time of check in

    A hotel tax of €3.

    00 per room per night is payable directly to the hotel at check-in.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.

  • Entrance Fees: EUR€120-130pp in 2024, EUR€175-185pp in 2025 paid EUR

    Entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be EUR€120-130 per person in 2024 and EUR€175-185 per person in 2025.

Age Policy

16 years with an accompanying adult

Accommodation

Experience a range of luxurious accommodations from the modern Point Hotel Taksim in Istanbul to the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa. Enjoy stunning views at the Kolin Hotel, relax at the Charisma Hotel in Kusadasi, and unwind at the Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention. Delight in the Orsmaris Boutique Hotel's sea views, the Semiramis City Hotel's proximity to the beach, and the Daedalus Hotel's Santorini charm. Conclude your stay at the Giannoulaki Hotel in Mykonos and the centrally located Airotel Parthenon in Athens.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private modern air-conditioned vehicles for the first six days, including arrival and departure transfers. Enjoy ferry rides from Marmaris to Rhodes and Santorini to Athens, and a one-way economy flight from Rhodes to Santorini. The tour is semi-independent from days 7 to 14, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes 13 nights in 4-star and special class hotels. Some of the hotels mentioned are Point Hotel Taksim in Istanbul, DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa, Kolin Hotel in Canakkale, Charisma Hotel in Kusadasi, Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention, Orsmaris Boutique Hotel in Marmaris, Semiramis City Hotel in Rhodes, Daedalus Hotel in Santorini, Giannoulaki Hotel in Mykonos, and Airotel Parthenon in Athens.

  • Will there be a tour guide throughout the entire trip?

    The tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide from days 1 to 6. From days 7 to 14, the tour is semi-independent, meaning you will not be escorted by a tour guide during this period.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Breakfast is included daily, along with 4 hotel dinners throughout the tour.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes all relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles from days 1 to 6. Additionally, there is a one-way economy flight from Rhodes to Santorini and ferry tickets from Marmaris to Rhodes and Santorini to Athens.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

    Entrance fees are not included in the tour price. They are estimated to be EUR€120-130 per person in 2024 and EUR€175-185 per person in 2025, to be paid in local currency.

  • What activities are available during the leisure days on the islands?

    During the leisure days on the islands, you can explore the beautiful island of Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets and blue and white villages. In Mykonos, you can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere, exciting nightlife, and magnificent sandy beaches. In Rhodes, you can visit the well-preserved Venetian castle and explore the medieval architecture.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Saturday - Friday

May 03, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$5175 $4140

Operator discount: -$1035

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May 10, 2025 - May 23, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1035

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Operator discount: -$1035

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Operator discount: -$1035

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Operator discount: -$1035

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Operator discount: -$1035

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Operator discount: -$1035

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$5175 $4140

Operator discount: -$1035

Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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