ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Athens
Arrive to Greece, the land of mythical Gods and ancient civilization. Your private driver will pick you and your spouse up from Athens International Airport and take you to your five-star hotel. Enjoy a romantic afternoon and evening exploring the vibrant culture and nightlife of Athens. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes and entertainment to enjoy with your loved one whilst on your honeymoon.
DAY 2
Athens – Full Day Athens and Cape Sounion Tour
Begin the first full day of your honeymoon with a tour at the new Acropolis Museum, with nearly 4,000 artifacts on display, providing a remarkable insight into the everyday life of ancient Greeks. Walk to the top of the Acropolis hill, entering through the gates of the Propylaea, just like the ancient Greeks, as you stand in awe at the magnificent Parthenon. Learn about its construction and changes throughout the centuries, from a treasury to a church, and later a mosque. From the top of this towering citadel, which overlooks Athens, you can see remnants of other ancient ruins, dotted between Byzantine churches, neoclassical houses, and modern buildings. Descend through the Old Town and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of the historical Plaka neighborhood, where you can enjoy a romantic lunch as a newlywed couple.
Your romantic tour will continue to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, and home to the world-renowned archeological site of the Temple of Poseidon, which lays in ruins, surrounded by the sea. The temple, built in the 5th century, is perched on the headline, almost sixty meters above the blue sea, overlooking the Sounion Bay, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and stunning views of at least seven islands, on a clear day.
DAY 3
Athens – Full Day Delphi Discovery
Your day will begin with a leisurely drive through the plains of Beotia, the north-eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth, passing through the mountainous towns of Thebes, Levadia, and Arachova, known best for its peculiar architecture and cobbled uphill streets.
Delphi is an entrancing archaeological site and modern town, which was once considered by Zeus as the center of the world in Greek mythology. You will both have the opportunity to explore the most prominent sites, including the Temple of Apollo on the southern slopes of Parnassos mountain, and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which is the site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle and home to one of the finest examples of ancient bronze statues such as the Charioteer of Delphi and the sculpture of an ancient Greek athlete known as Agias.
Following your visit, you can take a break for lunch with your spouse and enjoy some free time in the village of Delphi, before returning to Athens.
DAY 4
Athens – Full Day Argolis Experience
Take a leisurely drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf on your way to the Corinth Canal, with a short stop to see the narrow waterway, before proceeding to Mycenae, an archaeological site of great interest. Here, you will see the Lion's Gate, which was erected during the 13th century BC, and is the only remaining monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture. Marvel at the stunning examples of Cyclopean masonry, founded in the walls of Mycenae and the Grave Circle A, which is a 16th-century BC royal gravesite, notable for a series of excavated gold death masks, arms, and gold and silver cups. Take a break to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local tavern.
Continue your romantic tour to the picturesque seaport town of Nafplion, once known as the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and Kingdom of Greece. To conclude your fun-filled day, on your return to Athens, take a half hour drive to the great Theater of Epidaurus. Although it was built in 340 BC, it has been so well-preserved, that it is still used today for dramatic theatrical performances and concerts.
DAY 5
Athens, Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you and your loved one to your private transfer, that will take you to your five-star hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul, with your other half.
DAY 6
Istanbul - Full Day Byzantine and Ottoman Empire Discovery
Your private tour of Istanbul starts with a visit to the Hippodrome, once known as the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. You will take a short walk to the Blue Mosque, which was completed in 1616, a triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance.
Visit the magnificent Topkapı Palace, which was once the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries and located on the peninsula extending out between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, offering magical views. In the Treasury section, you will see breathtaking displays, including the 7th largest diamond of the world, better known as the Spoonmaker's Diamond.
After your lunch break, you can both continue to St. Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom. This architectural marvel was built during Emperor Justinian reign in 537 AD, and remained the greatest church in Christendom, until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, by Sultan Mehmet II, who ordered the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a Mosque.
Make sure to tour the Underground Cistern, which was built by Justinian in the 6th century. It is seventy meters wide and one-hundred and forty meters long, with a capacity of 80,000 m³ of water. It has 336 beautiful columns that support the cistern, two of which are carved with the head of Medusa on the plinth.
Finally, visit the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops, and great place to spoil each other with gifts and souvenirs.
DAY 7
Istanbul - Full Day Bosphorous and Asia Tour
Begin your day with a Bosphorus cruise into the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents, and the lifeblood of Istanbul. Passing along the shores of the Bosphorus you will view magnificent palaces, restored Ottoman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residences of Istanbul's elite.
The next stop of your tour will be at the Spice Bazaar. Discover the lively and fragrant marketplace that has been in operation since the 17th century. Start with a walk through the colorful corridors, filled with stalls emanating aromatic herbs and spices. Your guide will help you find the best kiosks, as you venture off for 45 minutes on your own. During your stroll, experience the Spice Bazaar, as a local.
Start your afternoon with the 19th century Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest and most beautiful Ottoman palaces. Built by Sarkis Balyan, a renowned Armenian architect, learn about the grandeur of this Ottoman monument as you admire views along the waterfront of the Bosphorous Strait.
Conclude your day by leaving the Beylerbeyi Palace and head across the expansive Bosphorus Bridge, connecting the European and Asian continents. Enjoy the feeling of crossing from one continent to the other in only two minutes! Continue to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. As you arrive at Istanbul's peak point, hop out for an opportunity to capture sweeping views of the city's skyline. Surrounding this vantage point, your guide will point out the wonderful Ottoman gardens making this view even more irresistible.
DAY 8
Departure
Take a transfer to the Istanbul Attaturk Airport, for your return flight to Istanbul and your later connection home.
