Tour Overview
18-Day Turkey & Greece Tour: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Santorini is planned as a 18 Days / 17 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, Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace, ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, The Nek, Gallipoli Peninsula. 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, 17 breakfasts, 7 lunches. The result is a complete multi-day itinerary with the major visits, overnight stops and travel sectors clearly organized.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, one of the world's most fascinating cities where Europe and Asia meet. Upon arrival at the airport or cruise terminal, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, receive a welcome briefing regarding your upcoming Turkey and Greece tour package. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation or independent exploration of this vibrant city.
Private Istanbul Heritage Tour
Following breakfast, meet your guide and begin discovering the historic treasures of Old Istanbul.
Visit the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social life, where you'll see the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.
Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant Ottoman architecture and beautiful blue İznik tiles. Explore the legendary Hagia Sophia, one of the most important monuments in world history.
Later, visit the impressive Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, before enjoying free time at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour
Enjoy a leisurely morning before joining an unforgettable Bosphorus Cruise Tour.
Board your cruise vessel and sail between Europe and Asia while enjoying lunch on board. Admire iconic landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Bridge, and the famous Bosphorus Bridges.
Cruise along both European and Asian shorelines while viewing Beylerbeyi Palace and the picturesque Maiden's Tower.
Gallipoli ANZAC Tour
Depart Istanbul early in the morning and travel through the scenic Thrace region toward the historic Gallipoli Peninsula.
After lunch, visit significant World War I memorial sites including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Johnston's Jolly, The Nek, Chunuk Bair Memorial, and Brighton Beach.
Learn about the remarkable history of the ANZAC campaign while exploring one of Turkey's most important historical destinations.
Ancient Troy & Pergamon Tour
Begin the day with a visit to the legendary city of Ancient Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with the famous Trojan War.
Continue to Pergamon, once one of the greatest cultural centers of the ancient world. Explore the Acropolis, Temple of Athena, Library of Pergamon, Great Theatre, and the renowned Asclepion healing center.
Later, travel south to Selcuk, gateway to the ancient wonders of Ephesus.
Ephesus & Şirince Village Tour
Today's journey focuses on one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final residence. Continue to magnificent Ancient Ephesus, where highlights include the Library of Celsus, Marble Street, Great Theatre, and Temple ruins.
After lunch, visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Continue to charming Sirince Village, known for traditional Greek architecture, local wines, and picturesque streets.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Excursion
Travel to spectacular Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces and thermal waters.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Roman Theatre, Necropolis, Temple of Apollo, and historic thermal baths.
Enjoy free time walking barefoot across the natural calcium terraces, one of Turkey's most photographed attractions.
Flight to Cappadocia
After breakfast, transfer to Izmir Airport and board your flight to Cappadocia.
Upon arrival, transfer to Goreme and settle into your hotel surrounded by the region's unique volcanic landscape.
Spend the evening enjoying the magical atmosphere of Turkey's most famous natural wonder.
Southern Cappadocia Discovery Tour
Optional early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia's stunning valleys.
After breakfast, visit Ortahisar Castle, Mustafapasa Village, and the archaeological remains of Sobesos.
Explore beautiful Soganli Valley, known for its rock-cut churches and peaceful scenery. Continue to the remarkable Kaymakli Underground City, where early civilizations created an extensive underground settlement system.
North Cappadocia Tour / Flight to Istanbul
Discover the highlights of North Cappadocia.
Visit Uchisar Castle, Cavusin Village, Pasabag Fairy Chimneys, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Devrent Valley.
Continue to Avanos, famous for traditional pottery craftsmanship, and enjoy a pottery demonstration. After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Flight to Athens
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens, the historic capital of Greece.
Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure
Athens City Tour & Acropolis
Discover the cultural treasures of Athens with a guided sightseeing tour.
Highlights include the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma Square, Parliament Building, National Library, and the Academy of Athens.
Continue to the world-famous Acropolis, home to the iconic Parthenon, before visiting the modern Acropolis Museum.
Ferry to Mykonos
Transfer to Piraeus Port and board your ferry to beautiful Mykonos Island.
After checking into your hotel, enjoy free time exploring Mykonos Town, the harbor area, and charming Little Venice
Leisure Day in Mykonos
Enjoy a full day on one of Greece's most popular islands.
Visit the famous Mykonos Windmills, discover the unique Paraportiani Church, browse boutique shops, and relax on the island's stunning beaches.
Experience the authentic atmosphere of the Cyclades.
Mykonos to Santorini
After breakfast, transfer to the port and sail to spectacular Santorini.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and begin exploring Fira, the island's lively capital known for dramatic cliffside views and traditional whitewashed architecture.
Santorini Free Day
Enjoy a full day at leisure on the world-famous island of Santorini.
Optional activities include volcanic island cruises, hot spring swimming, wine tasting experiences, and relaxing on unique volcanic beaches.
In the evening, witness one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular sunsets.
Santorini to Athens
Spend a relaxing morning before boarding your ferry back to Athens.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Greece.
Departure From Athens
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Your unforgettable journey through Turkey and Greece, featuring ancient civilizations, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stunning islands, and breathtaking landscapes, comes to an end.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights Domestic flights within Turkey (Izmir–Kayseri and Kayseri–Istanbul), International flight from Istanbul (Turkey) to Athens (Greece),
- 🏨 Accommodation 17 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed & breakfast basis.
- 🍽️ Meals Daily breakfast throughout the tour. 6 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 Gallipoli Tour. Full-Day Troy & Pergamon Tour. Full-Day Ephesus Tour. Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis 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.
