12 days/11 nights Aegean Express

Istanbul-Troy-Ephesus-Kusadasi-Athens-Epidaurus-Nafplion-Olympia-Delphi-Meteora

Itinerary:

Day 1    Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2    Istanbul Old City
Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica underground cistern and the Hippodrome. 
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3   Gallipoli Battlefields
One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston's Jolly and the Gallipoli Museum. 
Overnight in Guzelyali

Day 4   Troy - Acropolis of Pergamum
This morning, step back in time as we visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse. Then we tour the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and Library made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. 
Overnight in Kusadasi

Day 5   Ephesus, Kusadasi
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey. At the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. 
Overnight in Kusadasi

Day 6    Kusadasi, Izmir - Athens 
After breakfast transfer to airtport of Izmir and flight to Athens . Welcome to  Athens, transfer to hotel,check - in  and the rest of the day is at leisure

Day 7  Epidaurus, Nafplion

Our first stop is at Corinth Canal. Drive to Epidaurus for a visit at the theater famous for its remarkable acoustics, and then on to Nafplion and check - in the hotel. Free afternoon for walking around the old town of Nafplion (the first capital of Greece). Overnight.

Day 8  Mycenae, Olympia

Drive to Mycenae where you shall visit the archaeological site and the tomb of Agamemnon, then depart for Olympia, through the central Peloponnese area passing the cities of Megalopolis and Tripolis. Overnight.

Day 9: Olympia, Delphi

In the morning we visit the archaeological site and the museum of Olympia. Drive via Patras to Rion, cross the channel to Antirion on the state of the art new suspended bridge considered to be the longest and most modern in Europe.Arrive in Nafpaktos, then continue to Delphi. Visit to the picturesque mountain village of Arachova. Overnight in Delphi.

Day 10  Delphi, Kalabaka

In the morning we visit the archaeological site and the museum of Delphi. The Museum with the famous bronze Charioteer, the statue of Antinoos, the athlete Aghias and the site in which you can admire the Ancient Sanctuary and all the renowned ruins of the Opals (Navel) of the Ancient world.Then drive to Kalabaka via Central Greece. Overnight.

Day 11  Meteora, Athens

In the morning, visit the breathtaking Meteora monasteries, built on top of rock towers and providing fantastic views over the plain and in the early afternoon drive back to Athens passing via Thermopylae and Kammena Vourla.

Day 12  Athens, Departure

Morning at leisure and then transfer to Athens El. Venizelos airport in time to catch your outbound return flight.

 *Note: Program schedule/itinerary may change subject to flights details (Arrival & Departure Times)

Included:

11 nights accommodation in A Category Hotels with Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner subject to agreement. 
Transfers from and to the airport
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites as indicated in the program.
Professional English-speaking licensed guide
Transportation by luxurius air-conditioned, non smoking coach
Local taxes

Not Included:

-         Tips and porterage

-         Drinks during meals and any expenses of personal nature

-         Optional tours and everything that is not included in the program

Highlights:

Archaeological sites - museums & places we visit: Istanbul, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy-Acropolis of Pergamum, Athens, Delphi, Nafplion, Epidaurus, Meteora, Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae.

Additional Information:

Every effort is made to use superior class hotels, as classified by the local Governments. In smaller towns where no first class hotels are available, the best hotels existing is used. All the hotels used on this tour have private facilities.
A dress code is required to enter selected sites. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.