Tour Overview
19-Day Turkey & Greek Islands Tour: Istanbul, Santorini, Rhodes is planned as a 19 Days / 18 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, Soganli Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, Ephesus, Kusadasi. 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
Welcome to Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying your first introduction to this fascinating city. Your adventure begins with a memorable Turkey and Greek Islands tour package connecting two remarkable countries.
Istanbul Old City Tour
After breakfast, explore the city's most famous landmarks on a guided tour. Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
This immersive day offers an authentic Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman heritage tour, showcasing the cultural layers that shaped one of the world's greatest cities.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Journey to Cappadocia
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while admiring elegant waterfront mansions, palaces, and panoramic city views. After visiting the Spice Bazaar, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
The day combines a classic Bosphorus cruise and Cappadocia flight itinerary, blending Istanbul's vibrant atmosphere with Anatolia's extraordinary landscapes.
South Cappadocia Tour
An optional sunrise balloon ride offers an unforgettable Cappadocia hot air balloon experience over fairy chimneys before your guided excursion.
Explore Kaymakli Underground City, Soganli Valley, Ortahisar, and traditional villages while discovering the region's unique geological and cultural heritage.
North Cappadocia Tour / Flight to Izmir
Continue exploring Cappadocia's iconic scenery, including Uchisar Castle, Pasabag Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, and Avanos.
Later, fly to Izmir and continue to Kusadasi, creating a seamless Turkey cultural tour from Cappadocia to Ephesus.
Ephesus & Şirince Village
Today visit the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, one of the finest archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Highlights include the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Artemis, and House of Virgin Mary. Continue to Sirince Village, famous for its traditional atmosphere and local wines.
This unforgettable Ephesus ancient city and House of Virgin Mary tour reveals the grandeur of classical civilization.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
Travel to Pamukkale and discover its dazzling white travertine terraces. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its Roman theatre, necropolis, and thermal springs.
This remarkable Pamukkale and Hierapolis UNESCO heritage experience combines natural beauty with fascinating history.
Flight to Athens (GREECE)
Transfer to Izmir Airport and board your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel.
Your journey now transitions into a captivating Turkey and Greece multi-country vacation package, connecting ancient Anatolia with the birthplace of democracy.
Athens City Tour
Explore Athens with a guided sightseeing tour featuring Syntagma Square, the Parliament Building, Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium, and other important landmarks.
This comprehensive Athens Acropolis and historical city sightseeing tour introduces Greece's rich classical heritage.
Ferry to Mykonos
Travel by ferry to Mykonos, one of the most celebrated islands in the Cyclades.
After hotel check-in, enjoy free time wandering through charming whitewashed streets, Little Venice, and the picturesque harbor.
Leisure Day in Mykonos
Spend the day exploring Mykonos at your own pace. Visit the famous windmills, Paraportiani Church, and hidden corners of Chora.
The island perfectly balances cosmopolitan energy with traditional Greek island charm.
Mykonos to Santorini
Transfer to the port and sail to Santorini. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy stunning views of the caldera.
This iconic island is often considered the highlight of any Greek Islands vacation including Mykonos and Santorini
Santorini Leisure Day
Enjoy a full day to experience Santorini's dramatic volcanic scenery, charming villages, and world-famous sunsets.
Optional cruises to the volcanic islands and hot springs are available for those seeking additional adventure.
Santorini to Heraklion (Crete)
Board a ferry to Heraklion, Crete. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time exploring Greece's largest island.
Explore Heraklion (Crete)
Spend the day discovering Crete's history, cuisine, and landscapes. Consider visiting Knossos Palace, one of the most important sites of the ancient Minoan civilization.
Flight to Rhodes
Transfer to the airport and fly to Rhodes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Discover Rhodes Island
Enjoy a free day exploring Rhodes, known for its medieval architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the impressive Palace of the Grand Master.
This destination is a highlight of the best Greek Islands tour including Rhodes and Crete.
Return to Athens
Transfer to Rhodes Airport for your flight back to Athens. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Greece.
Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to Athens Airport for your departure flight.
Your unforgettable 19-day Turkey and Greek Islands cultural tour package comes to an end, leaving you with memories of ancient civilizations, stunning coastlines, and world-famous islands.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights Domestic flights within Turkey (Istanbul–Kayseri and Kayseri–Izmir). International flight from Izmir (Turkey) to Athens (Greece). Domestic flights within Greece (Heraklion (Crete)–Rhodes and Rhodes–Athens).
- 🏨 Accommodation 18 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 Ferry from Athens to Mykonos (Economy Class). Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini (Economy Class). Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete) (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
- ✈️ International Flights • International arrival flight to Istanbul (Turkey) • International departure flight from Athens (Greece)
- 🛂 Travel Requirements • Visa fees and travel documents required according to the traveler’s nationality
- 🍽️ Meals & Personal Expenses • Meals, beverages, and drinks not specifically mentioned under the Included section • Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, telephone calls, and other individual costs
- 🎟️ Optional Activities & Extra Services • Optional tours, activities, and experiences not listed in the itinerary • Entrance fees for attractions or services not specifically mentioned as included
- 💳 Additional Costs • Travel insurance • Tips for guides, drivers, cruise staff, and hotel personnel • Any services, transfers, or arrangements not specifically listed under Included.
