Crossroads of Civilizations: Greece & Turkey Explorer

Athens, Greece

Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Athens is a vibrant city that's at once ancient and modern, classic, and constantly evolving. From its rich historical heritage along with the landmark Acropolis to hip and trendy bars to high-end boutiques and multicultural cuisine, Athens has it all. You will be picked up from Athens International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. You will be picked up from Athens International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. After checking in to your hotel and enjoying some leisure time, you will get to experience the breathtaking allure of Athens' magnificent coastline and an exquisite Greek temple that is nothing short of splendid! This adventure revolves around Athens' profound connection with the sea, guiding you through the illustrious Athens Riviera. Your journey culminates at the mesmerizing Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. As the day transitions into evening, relish the dramatic sunset over Cape Sounion, a sight to behold. Explore the wonders of Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural spa with perpetually warm waters, and delve into the architectural marvel of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Enjoy beachfront bliss along the city's favored coastline and encounter an ancient temple that weaves tales of history and grandeur. Ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.

Athens - Discover the Acropolis with Local Delicacies

Meet your licensed English-Speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour of the Acropolis. Head to the top of Acropolis via the gates of Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and an iconic example of classical antiquity and admire one of the world's most important architectural structures, the Parthenon along with the ancient temples of Parthenon, Erechteion and Athena Nike which are considered the most important monuments in Western civilization. Your guide will help you discover more about the site's significance, as well as the bountiful heritage and cultural achievements of the Greek civilization during the Golden Age. From there, you will continue your tour heading to the vibrant Varvakios Agora. Experience the hustle and bustle of Athens in this historic market that has everything from fish, meat, vegetables, nuts, herbs, olives, spices and more. You will get to taste an array of local delicacies and discover the authentic heart of Athens and see many favorite local spots where Athenians eat, drink and shop.

Athens to Nafplio with a Tour of Mycenae and Epidaurus along the way

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your 5-day tour of the Peloponnese. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf towards your first stop, the Corinth Canal. The Corinth Canal is a famous narrow waterway that separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese and will provide you with the first of many perfect photo opportunities of the day. Crossing into the Peloponnese you enter Argolida, the land of Homer's Golden Mycenae and home to King Agamemnon. Your tour of this stunning UNESCO Site commences by entering through the Lion's Gate, erected during the 13th century BC and the only remaining monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture. Explore the awe-inspiring examples of Cyclopean masonry found in the walls of Mycenae and continue with a visit to the Royal Tombs of King Agamemnon and his wife Clytemnestra along with the Treasury of Areus. From there, visit the Great Theater of Epidaurus, known for its perfect acoustics. Built in 340 BC, this Theater is so well-preserved that it is still used today for dramatic theatrical performances and concerts. Finally, head to Nafplio for your overnight stay. Nafplio is a charming seaside town that was Greece's first capital, and which has a very scenic old town and the impressive island fort of Bourtzi off the coast of Nafplio as well as the imposing fortress of Palamidi overlooking Nafplio.

Nafplio to Monemvasia with a Tour of its charming medieval town

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel to head to Monemvasia, a charming medieval town on a small island formed by an earthquake in 375 AD. Wander around the fortress relics and Byzantine churches, visit the castle, and enjoy some leisure time to further explore.

Monemvasia to Mystras with a Tour of the medieval ruins of Mystras

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel to head to Mystras, and visit the medieval ruins of Mystras, known as the "Wonder of the Morea". This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1249 as an amphitheater enclosing a fortress, the town was abandoned in 1832, leaving ancient ruins on the slopes of Mt. Taygetos near ancient Sparta. Overlooking the modern village of Mystras, it features a fortress, palace, monasteries, and a church with rare frescoes from 1348 to 1380. After your tour, enjoy some leisure time to further explore.

Mystras to Olympia with a Tour of the Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel to head to Olympia, which was home to the first Olympic Games. Many impressive buildings and monuments stand on the site of this ancient sanctuary, including the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Echo Stoa, (a covered walkway), the Philippeion, (one of the numerous memorials), and the ancient stadium, where games were held between 776 BC and 393 AD, and from where the Olympic torch is still lit before it leaves for the country hosting today's modern Olympic Games. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece and home to relics from excavations dating from prehistoric times. The impressive building boasts 12 exhibition rooms displaying priceless exhibits, including the marble statues of the temples of Zeus and Hermes, carved by the ancient Greek sculpture Praxiteles, ancient helmets, such as the one worn by Miltiades in the battle of Marathon, and the bronze battering-ram, the only surviving one of its kind in antiquity. After your tour, enjoy some leisure time to further explore.

Athens to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Olympia to Athens Airport, to catch your departure flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you in your private transfer, that will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while in Istanbul.

Istanbul - A Day of Iconic Landmarks, Ancient Secrets, and Vibrant Culture

After breakfast, experience the heart of Istanbul on this immersive full day private tour, ideal for those short on time but eager to explore the city's iconic sights. From ancient landmarks to vibrant bazaars, this journey takes you through centuries of history, culture, and stunning architecture, guided by a local expert. Your adventure begins at the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a magnificent blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Inside, you'll be captivated by the intricate mosaics and grand dome, which have amazed visitors for over a thousand years. Then, admire the exterior of the striking Blue Mosque, before visiting the Hippodrome, the ancient center of Byzantine life, where the 3,500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk stands as a testament to the city's rich past. Next, descend into the mystical Underground Cistern, an atmospheric water reservoir beneath the city, where softly lit columns create a mesmerizing, otherworldly feel. Afterward, savor authentic Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant, handpicked to suit your tastes. Finally, immerse yourself in the bustling Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest covered market. With over 60 streets and 2,000 shops, this vibrant maze offers everything from silk and ceramics to exquisite jewelry and carpets. Guided by your expert, you'll uncover hidden gems and the craftsmanship that make Istanbul's markets legendary.

Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a fun-filled day with a half day private tour of the Bosphorus, a waterway separating the two continents of Europe and Asia. You will board the Bosphorus Cruise boat, with views of the extravagant Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, two baroque palaces of the Ottoman sultans. You will have the opportunity to see the Besiktas commercial district, Rumeli Fortress, the Ortakoy area, known for handcrafts and nightlife, and lastly, the famous Kizkulesi lighthouse.

Istanbul to Izmir

After breakfast and check-out procedure, you will meet your driver and head to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir Airport. Your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you in your private transfer, that will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Izmir. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while in Izmir.

Izmir - Discover Ephesus

After breakfast, you will have the chance to discover the footsteps of ancient philosophers, apostles, and artisans on this immersive full day private tour of Ephesus, one of the most magnificently preserved classical cities in the world. Your journey begins in the heart of Ephesus, where marble roads, towering colonnades, and grand monuments like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater transport you back to a time when the city was a thriving center of culture, trade, and early Christianity. Next, pay a respectful visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful hillside sanctuary believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus — a sacred place of pilgrimage for visitors of all faiths. Afterward, you'll explore the Selçuk Bazaar, a lively local market brimming with Turkish textiles, ceramics, handmade jewelry, colorful spices, and traditional carpets — a perfect stop to soak in daily life and perhaps pick up a meaningful keepsake. Finally, you'll arrive in Sirince, a charming hilltop village nestled among olive groves and vineyards. Known for its whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, cobbled streets, and boutique wineries, Sirince offers a refreshing contrast to the grandeur of Ephesus. Sip local fruit wines, chat with artisans, and embrace the mystical, almost time-suspended atmosphere. This tour combines history, spirituality, and authentic local flavor — ideal for culturally curious travelers.

Izmir to Cappadocia

After breakfast and check-out procedure, you will meet your driver and head to Izmir Airport for your flight to Cappadocia Airport. Your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you in your private transfer, that will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Izmir. Please ask your Travel Advisor for further recommendations of their favorite things to do and see while in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Highlights of Cappadocia

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and guide and start your private full day tour which will take you through Cappadocia's rich history and breathtaking landscapes, from underground cities to ancient rock-cut churches. You will start at the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where stunning Byzantine frescoes adorn centuries-old churches, including the Dark Church, a masterpiece of 11th-century Christian art. At Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region, you will take in a 360-degree panoramic view before stopping at Pigeon Valley, known for its rock-carved pigeon houses. In Pasabag Valley (Monk's Valley), you will see Cappadocia's famous fairy chimneys, shaped by nature over time. In Avanos, a town famous for pottery, you will watch a master at work and even try the potter's wheel yourself, using the red clay from the Kizilirmak River, Turkey's longest river. Finally, you will explore Kaymakli Underground City, an ancient refuge carved from volcanic rock. This vast network of tunnels, dating back to the Hittite era, will reveal how early civilizations lived underground, with storerooms, wineries, kitchens, and churches. A 10-km tunnel connects it to Derinkuyu Underground City, showcasing the region's incredible underground engineering. This tour will offer a blend of history, nature, and artistry, bringing Cappadocia's fascinating past to life.

Cappadocia - Balloons, Camel Safaris and Valleys

After breakfast, it's time for you to discover the ultimate views of Goreme and the fairy chimneys with the Hot-Air Balloon flight. Your journey begins in the quiet pre-dawn hours, where the anticipation builds as you witness the inflation of the vibrant hot air balloons against the dark Cappadocian sky. Once you are in the air, you'll be treated to an unparalleled bird's-eye view of Cappadocia's iconic fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations so get your camera ready! After the tour, enjoy some leisure time to explore Cappadocia before you step into an Arabian Nights fantasy as you embark on a Cappadocia camel safari, an unforgettable way to explore the region's lunar-like terrain. Led by experienced guides, you'll gently ride through Red Valley, Güllüdere Valley, and Meskendir Valley, experiencing the timeless charm of ancient trade routes once traveled by Silk Road merchants. For a magical sunrise or sunset ride, choose the Freedom Tour, where the golden light transforms Cappadocia's landscapes into a breathtaking masterpiece. This is a peaceful, immersive journey—perfect for families, couples, and photographers looking to capture Cappadocia from a unique perspective.

Cappadocia to Istanbul - Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cappadocia Airport, to catch your departure flight to Istanbul, Turkey to connect with your international departure flight.