Turkey & Island Connection

On arrival, transfer from Istanbul airport  to your hotel. This evening, there is a welcome meeting at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace,  home of the Ottoman Sultans and now a museum. View the Roman Hippodrome and visit the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar where you can purchase some incredible bargains. Continue to Hagia Sophia, built by Constantine the Great.  The tour concludes with a visit to Spice Bazaar. Optional dinner with Turkish show. (B)

Morning departure to Gallipoli to visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine and the 57th Regiment Memorial. Cross the Dardanelles and overnight in Canakkale at Kolin Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Travel to Troy, founded in 3000 BC. At the site there stands a symbolic wooden horse that was built to commemorate the legendary war. Cross the legendary Mount Ida and continue to Pergamum to visit the Acropolis. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi at Charisma Deluxe Hotel or similar. (B, D)

This morning take a short drive to Ephesus, the most famous archaeological site in Turkey. View the 2000 year old marble streets, Hadrian’s Temple, Library of Celsus and gymnasium. Continue to the traditional village of Sirinice before returning to Charisma Deluxe Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

After breakfast, drive through the meandering plains and cotton farms and arrive in Pamukkale to enjoy the beauty of the Lime Cascades. Continue the day with a visit to Ancient Hierapolis before driving to Marmaris for overnight at Ors Maris Hotel or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the port for the ferry to Rhodes. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Overnight at Mediterranean Hotel or similar. (B)

This morning, join us for an orientation walk of Rhodes town.Walk towards to old town passing by the Casino of Rhodes, the Turkish cemetery and the Mandraki port before entering the medieval city of Rhodes through the moat (Tafro). Continue to stroll along the cobblestone Knights’ Street, lined with 15th and 16th century ‘Inns’, where the knights lived, divided according to their nationalities. Travel back in time and experience the medieval character of the beautiful old town, declared a World Heritage site. To complete the day, enjoy sweets and coffee tasting in a traditional Kafeneio of the old town. The remainder of the the day is free to explore the old town, the Palace of the Grand Masters or for shopping at the bazaar on Socrates Street. (B) 

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Santorini (direct or via Athens – subject to availability). Alternatively, if a direct ferry is available this may be substituted. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel El Greco  or similar. The remainder of the day is at leisure. We recommend relaxing with a cocktail or glass of Santorini wine at one of  Fira’s restaurants while viewing the sunset over the caldera. (B)

Enjoy a full-day coach tour of the island, including hotel transfers. First stop is a vsit to the Red Beach, followed by the black sandy beach of Perivolos. Enjoy free time for swimming or lunch. Afterwards, the guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the most traditional villages of Megalohori and Pyrgos. Your tour includes a visit to a winery with the opportunity to taste the local wines. The last stop is at Oia to view the sunset before returning to your hotel. (B)

Transfer to the pier for the hydrofoil to Paros. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel,  Paros Agnanti or similar. The remainder of the is at leisure. (B)

Enjoy a free day to explore the island known for its fine white marble. You may decide to take a day trip to the fishing village of Naoussa or the island of Antiparos. (B)

Transfer to the port and ferry to Piraeus Port. On arrival, transfer to the Athenian Callirhoe Hotel or similar. (B)

Half-day sightseeing tour of Athens, including visits to the legendary Acropolis, featuring the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylea and Erechtheion with its museum, Zeus’ Temple,  Hadrian’s Arch and the Panatheniac Stadium, site of the first Modern Olympic games. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to airport. (B)