12 days/11 nights Ancient Turkey & Greece
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Ιstanbul-Ankara-Cappadocia-Goreme-Pamukkale-Kusadasi-Ephesus-Athens-Delphi-Olympia-Epidaurus-Sounion
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 Istanbul. 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 (B, L, D)
Day 3 Ankara, Cappadocia
After breakfast we drive towards the nation's capital, Ankara to visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Ataturk before continuing on to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.
Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D)
Day 4 Goreme, Underground City
Today we tour the Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag and Uchisar castle and Derinkuyu underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish traditional evening featuring folklore and belly dancers... a night you won't forget!
Overnight in Cappadocia (B)
Day 5 Konya, Pamukkale
Leaving Cappadocia we head south along the ancient Silk Road just as the ancient traders did. Along the way we visit Sultanhani Caravansary, before stopping at Konya to tour the Mevlana Museum.
Overnight in Pamukkale (B, D)
Day 6 Pamukkale, Aphrodisias
Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. We then drive to Aphrodisias, the famous city of Aphrodite, before heading onto the resort town of Kusadasi.
Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 7 Kusadasi, Ephesus
Absorb yourself in history 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 and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value.
Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 8 Kusadasi-Athens,Delphi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Izmir and flight to Athens
Arrival in Athens to begin our adventure to the land of the ancient treasures and Christian history paralleled by modern day sophistication. We will be greeted at the airport and will be transferred to the lovely mountain region of Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo. We shall have lunch at a local restaurant and then check into our hotel. At approximately 16.00 pm we starting our tour of Delphi where we will gain a greater understanding of the Greek religious heritage and its influence on the early Christian church. We will also visit the Temple of Apollo and the Castallia Springs. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Delphi.(B L)
Day 9: Delphi, Itea, Galaxidi, Rion, Patra, Olympia
After breakfast we head to ancient Olympia passing through Itea and picturesque Galaxidi, taking the ferry from Antirion to Rion and from there driving to Patras, the second busiest port of Greece. En route stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Arrival in Olympia and check into our hotel. In the afternoon we start our tour of world famous Olympia where we visit the stadium which gave birth to the Olympic games, the Temples of Zeus and Hera and the sculpture of Hermes.
Dinner at the hotel and overnight.(B L D)
Day 10: Olympia, Epidaurus, Athens
After breakfast, we depart for Epidaurus. On the way lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit to the theatre of Epidaurus (4th century B.C.) famous for its acoustics and then proceed to Athens by the National Road connecting Epidaurus with Corinth. Arrival in Athens in the evening and check into our hotel and overnight. (B L)
Day 11 : Athens, Cape Sounion
This morning after breakfast, begins with the tour of the city of Athens: seeing the Tomb of Unknown Soldier, the Greek Parliament, the Kalimarmaro Stadium, home of the first modern day Olympic competition and main site of the Olympic Games of 2004. Of course a tour of Athens is not complete without a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. On Mars Hill, Apostle Paul was brought before the council and delivered his great sermon. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel along a coastal road past many wonderful beaches to the southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. After visiting the temple ruins we have time to walk along the rock promontory of Sounion or sit at the cafe and sip the most scrumptious hot chocolate you can imagine.
Return back to Athens early in the evening. Dinner at the hotel and overnight. (B L D)
Day 12: Athens - Departure
Morning at leisure and then transfer to Athens El. Venizelos airport in time to catch your outbound return flight. ( B )
*Note: Program schedule/itinerary may change subject to flights details (Arrival & Departure Times)
Included:
11 nights accommodation in A Category Hotels
Meals as programmed (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) - drinks are not included
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 anything that is not included in the program
Highlights:
Archaeological sites - museums & places we visit: the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica underground cistern and the Hippodrome, Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag and Uchisar castle and Derinkuyu underground city, Sultanhani Caravansary, Mevlana Museum, the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, the Temple of Artemis, Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo, Castallia Springs, Olympia, the Temples of Zeus and Hera and the sculpture of Hermes, theatre of Epidaurus, the Kalimarmaro Stadium, the Acropolis and Parthenon, Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon.
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.
