Istanbul to Athens - 14 days
Istanbul to Athens - 14 days
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:
Tour code:
1144/ISTA
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
2 - 28
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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
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Accommodation
4 star -
Breakfast daily and 4 hotel dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast and four dinners at selected hotels during your tour.
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13 nights 4 star and special class hotels
Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 13 nights throughout the tour.
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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.
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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.
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Rhodes to Santorini - One way economy flight
Includes a one-way economy flight from Rhodes to Santorini.
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Marmaris to Rhodes and Santorini - Athens ferry tickets
Ferry tickets from Marmaris to Rhodes and from Santorini to Athens are included.
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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.
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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.
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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
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Breakfast is included daily, along with 4 hotel dinners throughout the tour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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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