Tour Overview
8-Day From Istanbul to Athens With Saronic Islands is planned as a 8 Days / 7 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, Athens, Acropolis, Olympia, Delphi. 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, 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches. 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, a fascinating city that bridges Europe and Asia. Upon landing at Istanbul Airport or arriving at the cruise terminal, you will be greeted and privately transferred to your hotel. Hotel check-in begins at 1:00 PM. After check-in, your travel advisor will meet you to provide information about your tour and upcoming arrangements. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city independently.
Private Istanbul Old City Tour
Following breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide at approximately 10:00 AM for a privately guided exploration of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. During the tour, you will visit some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including:
• The ancient Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople• Historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain• The magnificent Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant blue İznik tiles• Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s greatest architectural treasures• Topkapi Palace, former imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire• The vibrant Grand Bazaar, featuring thousands of traditional shops and local products
The excursion ends in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, followed by a return transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Istanbul Panorama
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a relaxed morning before your afternoon cruise experience. Around 14:00 PM, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise with lunch served onboard. Sail along the famous waterway connecting Europe and Asia while admiring Istanbul’s skyline and historical waterfront landmarks.
Highlights along the route include the Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridges, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the legendary Maiden’s Tower. After the cruise, transfer back to your hotel for the evening.
Istanbul to Athens
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your international flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Greece’s historic capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for personal activities, shopping, or discovering the local atmosphere of Athens.
Athens City Highlights Tour
Begin the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Athens, featuring the city’s most iconic attractions. Discover important landmarks including the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Parliament House, and Syntagma Square.
Continue to the Acropolis, the legendary hilltop monument that symbolizes the heritage of Ancient Greece. You will also visit the impressive Acropolis Museum, home to priceless archaeological collections. After the tour, enjoy free time to wander through Athens’ lively neighborhoods or relax at a local café.
Saronic Islands Cruise: Hydra, Poros & Aegina
Today, set sail on a full-day cruise through the beautiful Saronic Gulf. Your first stop is Hydra, a picturesque island known for its stone mansions, narrow alleys, and car-free charm. Continue to Poros, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the famous Clock Tower.
The final island stop is Aegina, the largest of the three islands, offering time to stroll through local streets and seaside areas at your leisure. Lunch will be served onboard during the cruise. On the return journey to Athens, enjoy traditional Greek music and folk dancing performances.
Full-Day Delphi Excursion
Travel to Delphi, one of Greece’s most important archaeological destinations and once believed to be the center of the ancient world. Explore the remarkable Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Theatre, and the Stadium.
You will also visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where significant artifacts such as the famous Charioteer of Delphi are displayed. Enjoy lunch in the modern village of Delphi before returning to Athens in the evening.
Departure from Athens
Depending on your flight departure time, enjoy some final free time in Athens before your transfer to the airport. Your unforgettable journey through Turkey and Greece comes to an end with wonderful memories of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
What's Included
Included
- ✈️ Flights International flight from Istanbul (Turkey) to Athens (Greece). Each flight ticket includes 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of hand luggage.
- 🏨 Accommodation 7 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed & breakfast basis.
- 🍽️ Meals Daily breakfast throughout the tour. Meals and lunches during guided sightseeing tours are not included unless specifically stated 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 Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour in Istanbul. 2 Full-Day and 1 Half-Day Small Group Tours in Greece.
- 🚐 Transportation & Transfers Private airport and hotel transfers throughout Turkey and Greece. Comfortable transportation during all scheduled sightseeing tours.
- 🎟️ Entrance Fees Entrance fees to all sightseeing attractions included in the scheduled guided tour program, unless otherwise stated.
- 🤝 Professional Travel Support English-speaking licensed local guides during scheduled sightseeing tours. Local assistance and carefully coordinated travel arrangements throughout Turkey and Greece.
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.
- 🍽️ Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🎟️ Optional tours, activities, and services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- 🧳 Personal expenses. 💰 Tips for guides and drivers.
- 📋 Any services not specifically listed under Included.
