Tour Overview
17-Day Turkey & Greece Vacation: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Greek Islands is planned as a 17 Days / 16 Nights journey linking Countries Covered. The route is designed to combine cultural sightseeing, practical transport connections and time in the principal destinations without compressing the main visits into a single day.
Across the itinerary, the main sightseeing is built around Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Side, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Kusadasi, Izmir, Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary. Each stop is positioned within the day-by-day route so that the historical, cultural and landscape highlights remain easy to follow from one destination to the next.
Travel logistics are integrated into the program rather than treated as separate arrangements. Depending on the confirmed route, the package includes 4-star hotel accommodation, licensed guided sightseeing, private transfers, domestic flights, ferry connections, 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches. The result is a complete multi-day itinerary with the major visits, overnight stops and travel sectors clearly organized.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, a unique metropolis where East meets West. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or the port, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Check-in is available after 13:00.A representative will visit you at the hotel to brief you about the upcoming itinerary and answer any questions you may have.The remainder of the day is free for rest or a first exploration of the surrounding area at your own pace
Private Istanbul Old City Tour
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at approximately 10:00 for a full-day private sightseeing tour of Istanbul’s historic center.Begin at the ancient Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life, where you will see monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.Continue to the elegant Blue Mosque, famous for its blue İznik tiles and impressive domes. Next, visit the world-renowned Hagia Sophia, a landmark that has served both religious and cultural purposes for centuries.The tour proceeds to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, offering insight into imperial life. The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, a centuries-old covered market filled with thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.Return to the hotel around 16:00.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Izmir
After breakfast, depart around 08:30 for a half-day sightseeing experience.Drive along the Golden Horn, passing ancient city walls, then visit the Spice Bazaar filled with aromatic spices and traditional sweets.Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between two continents while admiring palaces, waterfront mansions, and bridges.The tour ends at midday. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. On arrival, continue to Kusadasi for hotel check-in.
Ancient Ephesus Tour
Following breakfast, depart between 08:30–08:45 for a full-day archaeological tour.Start with the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site. Continue to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, where you will walk through marble streets and see the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Hadrian.After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis and then continue to Sirince Village, known for its traditional houses and local wines.Return to Kusadasi in the evening.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour / Transfer to Antalya
After an early breakfast, travel to Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces formed by thermal waters.After lunch, explore Hierapolis, including its ancient theatre, temple ruins, necropolis, and thermal baths.Continue your journey to Antalya along the Mediterranean coast.
Full Day Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour
After breakfast, depart at around 08:00 for a full-day cultural excursion.Visit Perge, featuring Roman baths, colonnaded streets, and an ancient stadium. Continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world.Enjoy lunch by the river before heading to Side, a coastal town combining ancient ruins with seaside charm, including the Temple of Apollo and Roman theatre.On the way back, stop at Kursunlu Waterfall.
Flight to Cappadocia
After breakfast, transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight to Kayseri.Upon arrival, transfer to Göreme in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the unique landscape.
Northern Cappadocia Tour
Optional: Hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Cappadocia.After breakfast, begin a full-day northern Cappadocia tour.Visit Uchisar Castle for panoramic views, then continue to Cavusin, Rose Valley, and Pasabag (Monks Valley). Explore Zelve Open-Air Museum, followed by Devrent Valley with its surreal rock formations.After lunch, visit Urgup and Avanos, known for pottery workshops and traditional crafts.
Southern Cappadocia Tour / Return to Istanbul
After breakfast, check out and leave luggage at the hotel.Start the southern Cappadocia tour around 09:30–10:00. Visit Ortahisar Castle, Mustafapasa, and the ancient Sobesos ruins. Continue to Soganli Valley and Kaymakli Underground City.After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrival and hotel transfer included.
Flight to Athens
After breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight to Athens.Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Athens City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Athens’ most iconic landmarks.Visit Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square, and the Parliament building. Continue with stops at the National Library, Academy, and University of Athens.End the tour at the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Afternoon is free.
Ferry to Mykonos
Transfer to Piraeus Port for ferry departure to Mykonos.Arrive and check into your hotel. Free time to explore Chora, Little Venice, and the old harbor.
Mykonos Leisure Day
Spend the day exploring Mykonos at your own pace.Visit the iconic Windmills and Paraportiani Church, or simply enjoy the beaches, cafés, and island atmosphere.
Mykonos to Santorini
Morning at leisure before ferry transfer to Santorini.Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Explore Fira and enjoy breathtaking views of the caldera, volcano, and Aegean Sea.
Santorini Free Day
A full day to enjoy Santorini.Optional activities include visiting volcanic beaches, taking a cruise to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, or swimming in hot springs.In the evening, enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the caldera.
Santorini to Athens
Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to the port for ferry back to Athens.Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Departure from Athens
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Athens International Airport for your departure flight.End of services with unforgettable memories of Turkey and Greece.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights Domestic flights within Turkey (Antalya–Kayseri and Kayseri–Istanbul). International flight from Istanbul (Turkey) to Athens (Greece),
- 🏨 Accommodation 16 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed & breakfast basis.
- 🍽️ Meals Daily breakfast throughout the tour. 5 lunches during guided sightseeing tours in Turkey, as specified in the itinerary.
- 🏛️ Guided Sightseeing Private Istanbul Old City Tour with an English-speaking licensed guide, transportation, and entrance fees (lunch not included). Small Group Bosphorus Cruise Tour. Full-Day Ephesus Tour. Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour. Full-Day Antalya Tour. 2 Full-Day Cappadocia Tours. Half-Day Athens City Tour. All guided tours include English-speaking licensed guides, transportation, and entrance fees, unless otherwise stated.
- 🚢 Ferry Experience Standard ferry from Athens to Mykonos (Economy Class). High-speed ferry from Mykonos to Santorini (Economy Class). Standard ferry from Santorini to Athens (Economy Class).
- 🚐 Transportation & Transfers Private airport and hotel transfers throughout Turkey. Private airport and port transfers in Athens. Coordinated shared shuttle transfers between ports and hotels on Mykonos and Santorini. Comfortable transportation during all scheduled sightseeing tours.
- 🎟️ Entrance Fees Entrance fees to all sightseeing attractions included in the guided tour program, unless otherwise stated.
- 🤝 Professional Travel Support English-speaking licensed local guides during scheduled sightseeing tours. Local assistance throughout your journey. Carefully coordinated multi-country travel arrangements.
Not Included
- To keep the itinerary flexible, the following items are not included in the tour price: International arrival flight to Istanbul. International departure flight from Athens. Travel insurance. Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under Included. Optional tours and activities. Personal expenses. Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Any services not specifically listed under Included.