Tour Overview
18-Day Turkey Highlights & Greek Islands Hopping Tour 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, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Cappadocia, Sobesos, Kaymakli Underground City, Zelve Open Air Museum, Avanos. 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. 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 Turkey
Arrive in Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia in a unique cultural blend. After landing at Istanbul Airport or arriving at the port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.The rest of the day is free for relaxation or independent exploration of the city.
Istanbul Old City Tour – Byzantine & Ottoman Heritage
After breakfast, enjoy a guided exploration of Istanbul’s historic peninsula.Visits include:• Hagia Sophia Mosque• Blue Mosque• Topkapi Palace• Hippodrome of Constantinople• German Fountain & ancient obelisks• Grand BazaarA full immersion into the city’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman history.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Cappadocia
Begin the day with a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, sailing between two continents.Highlights:• Spice Bazaar visit• Bosphorus boat tour• Panoramic drive along the Golden HornLater, fly to Cappadocia via Kayseri and transfer to Göreme.
South Cappadocia Tour
Discover the surreal landscapes of southern Cappadocia.Key stops:• Kaymakli Underground City• Soğanlı Valley trekking area• Ortahisar panoramic viewpoint• Mustafapaşa village• Ancient Sobesos ruins• Traditional local lunch
Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.
North Cappadocia Tour / Flight to Izmir
Explore the northern region of Cappadocia:• Uçhisar Castle• Rose Valley & Çavuşin• Paşabağ Fairy Chimneys• Zelve Open Air Museum• Devrent (Imagination Valley)• Avanos pottery workshopAfter the tour, fly to Izmir and transfer to Kuşadası.
Ephesus Ancient City Tour & House of Virgin Mary
Step back in time with a guided visit to one of the most important ancient cities in the world.Highlights:• Ancient city of Ephesus• Celsus Library• Grand Theatre• Temple of Artemis ruins• House of Virgin Mary• Şirince village wine tasting
Pamukkale Thermal Terraces & Ancient Hierapolis Tour
Visit one of Turkey’s most iconic natural wonders.• White travertine terraces of Pamukkale• Ancient city of Hierapolis• Roman theatre, necropolis & bathsReturn to Kuşadası in the evening.
Ferry to Greece – Rhodes Island
Transfer to Marmaris and board a ferry to Rhodes Island, Greece. Enjoy a scenic crossing over the Aegean Sea.
Rhodes at Leisure
Free day to explore Rhodes.Optional highlights:• Medieval Old Town (UNESCO site)• Lindos village• Beaches and seaside relaxation
Flight to Heraklion (Crete)
Flight to Heraklion, Crete. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the island atmosphere.
Heraklion Free Day
Day at leisure or optional excursion:• Knossos Palace (Minoan civilization)• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Ferry to Santorini – Island Hopping Begins
High-speed ferry to Santorini. Enjoy free time with spectacular caldera views and island scenery.
Santorini Leisure Day
A full day to explore the island at your own pace:• Oia sunset experience• Fira town stroll• Volcanic beaches• Optional volcano & hot springs cruise
Ferry to Mykonos
Travel by ferry to Mykonos, one of the most famous Greek islands. Free time upon arrival.
Mykonos Free Day
• Mykonos Town (Chora)• Paradise & Super Paradise beaches• Vibrant nightlife
Ferry to Athens
Morning ferry ride to Athens, the capital of Greece. Free evening after arrival.
Athens Guided City Tour
Explore the historical heart of Greece:• Acropolis & Parthenon• Acropolis Museum• Panathenaic Stadium• Temple of Olympian Zeus• Presidential Guard ceremony
Departure from Athens
After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight. End of services.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights Domestic flights within Turkey (Istanbul–Kayseri and Kayseri–Izmir) Domestic flight within Greece (Rhodes–Heraklion)
- 🏨 Accommodation 17 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed & breakfast basis.
- 🍽️ Meals Daily breakfast throughout the tour. 4 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. 2 Full-Day Cappadocia Tours. Full-Day Ephesus Tour. Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour. Half-Day Athens City Tour. All guided tours include English-speaking licensed guides, transportation, and entrance fees unless otherwise stated.
- 🚢 Ferry Experience Fast ferry from Heraklion to Santorini (Economy Class). Fast ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (Economy Class). Ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus (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 the Greek Islands. 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.
