Turkey & Island Hopper

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 Heraklion (Crete) (direct or via Athens – subject to availability). On arrival, transfer to the Galaxy Hotel or similar. Afternoon at  leisure in Crete’s vibrant capital, which offers a mix of ancient and medieval history, outstanding museums and enticing shopping and restaurants, and the ancient Palace of Knossos, located just outside town. (B)

After breakfast, pick-up from thehotel for a guided tour of the  historical sites. The first stop  is the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa. We then drive south and reach the Plateau of Lassithi. Here you will have a short stop to visit the Monastery Vidiani that is dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi. After a lunch break in one of the local villages in Lassithi, visit the Dicti Cave where Zeus, the father of Greek Gods, was born. Return to your hotel. Overnight at Heraklion Galaxy Hotel or similar. (B)

Transfer to the port for a highspeed ferry to Santorini. On arrival, transfer to Hotel El Greco or similar. Use the free time to explore the area, best known for its stunning views. Take the time to sample Santorini wines, take the cable car, or just indulge in amazing Mediterranean food. Enjoy the relaxed pace of the island. (B)

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

Transfer to the port for the fast ferry to Athens (upgrade to flight available at an extra charge). On arrival, transfer from the port to Athenian Callirhoe Hotel (or similar), located in the heart of Athens with spectacular views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant and bar. (B)

Half-day sightseeing tour including a visit to the Acropolis and the famous Acropolis Museum, Zeus’s Temple and the modern Olympic Stadium  Afternoon is free to wander the streets of the Plaka to take in local sites, stores and fexperience Athens like a true Athenian. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to airport. (B)