ICONIC ISTANBUL

Upon your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking driver will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, our representative will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of your trip. They will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and explore Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Greca Tip: Extend your stay in Athens by adding more nights during Step 1 of 3 of your reservation!

Boarding begins at the port of Lavrion at about 8:30 AM, and the ship is scheduled to leave the port at 1:00 PM.

Sailing the Aegean in the morning is the ideal time of the day to observe its deep blue color, enjoy the sun on deck or entertain yourself by joining in one of the many activities and services offered by the cruise company.

Onboard, Greca Travel includes a full-board meal plan along with non-alcoholic beverages during our meals, so our only concern is to have a good time.

Your first destination will be the glamorous island of Mykonos, where the cruise ship will dock from 6:00 until 11:00 PM, before continuing your tour around the wonderful Greek islands.

Mykonos is the meeting point of the international "jet set" and is famous for its wonderful beaches, dazzling shops, and vibrant nightlife.

Only a short distance away from Mykonos there is also the historic island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis according to Greek mythology. This small island, inhabited since 3000 BC, was one of the most significant cultural centers of Antiquity.

You will also have the opportunity to pre-book excursions organized by the cruise company to yet more fascinating places in your itinerary.

At 7:00 AM, after a peaceful and comfortable night's cruising, you will awaken on the Turkish coast and at the port of Kusadasi.

During this stop, you will be able to explore, at your own pace, the ancient city of Ephesus, once visited by Saint Paul, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra, among others. Ephesus was one of the twelve Ionian cities and flourished as an important cultural, religious, and commercial center.

At noon, the cruise will leave port and sail towards the island of Patmos, where Saint John wrote the Apocalypse, and where Jesus Christ appeared to him in the Grotto of the Apocalypse, according to the Book of Revelation.

From 4:30 to 9:30 PM, you will have free time to visit the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse, and the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and to stroll in the port of this small but so important island.

Tip Greca: You can buy a souvenir from the quaint little shops at the port of Skala and Xerotigana, a deep-fried pastry with abundant honey and cinnamon.

After a peaceful night sailing, you will arrive at the famous island of Rhodes. This was once home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: "the Colossus of Rhodes", a statue of Helios.

From your arrival, at about 7:00 AM until your departure at 6:00 PM, you will have free time if you wish to explore the renowned medieval town of Rhodes, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Acropolis of Lindos, or simply lay back and enjoy the natural beauty of the largest island in the Dodecanese island complex.

Lindos is located 55 kilometers (40 miles) from the city of Rhodes and “bears” above it the Acropolis of Lindos, with the ancient Temple of Athena, built in 300 BC In the old city of Rhodes, you will walk the Street of the Knights, and find their residences.

Greca Tip: Walk through the Palace of the Grand Master, and its imposing 14th-century structure with ancient art, exquisite marble, and mosaics will give you a tiny glimpse of what life was like back then.

After a generous breakfast, your cruise ship will drop anchor at the largest Greek island, Crete. More precisely you will arrive in Heraklion, the capital of the island and home of King Minos and the ferocious Minotaur. Heraklion was the most significant city of the Minoan civilization, with the oldest palatial complex in Europe, the Palace of Knossos.

You will have a free morning to explore this vibrant, working, small metropolis and then, at around noon, you will depart for the amazing and picturesque island of Santorini.

As your cruise ship approaches the island, you will be filled with admiration and awe. It is the perfect moment to capture with your camera the beauty of the capital city of Fira with its painted blazing white houses and deep blue roofs.

From 16:30 to 21:30 hours you will have free time to wander in its narrow, winding alleys and later on, watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Greca Tip: You can take your seat at one of the bars and coffee shops and enjoy the views of the caldera or follow the path along the caldera’s edge with sweeping views over the island and the volcano.

After reaching the port of Lavrio early in the morning as our assistant will have indicated, one of our vehicles will accompany us to the Athens International Airport to board our flight to Istanbul.

After we arrive in what was once Byzantium (and later Constantinople), a Spanish-speaking assistant will be waiting for us at the airport, will inform us about all the details of our itinerary, answer any questions or queries we may have, and will give us a brief presentation of the city and our day to day.

The transfer to the hotel will be carried out by one of our vehicles. Once at the hotel, our assistant will help us with the registration. The rest of the day will be for us to relax and begin to enjoy this impressive city.

Greca Tip: Consult the best gastronomic options in Turkey with our assistant.

After you've fueled up with breakfast, we'll swing by your hotel or the nearest meeting spot to kick off. A full-day adventure exploring Istanbul is starting.

Get ready for an epic experience with our friendly English-speaking guide. This includes all-inclusive tickets and a scrumptious lunch at a central city restaurant. You will also visit the most important landmarks of the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires.

Together, we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime in this marvelous city. Prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. And don't miss the vibrant Grand Bazaar, It has over 4000 stores to indulge in an unforgettable shopping spree. 

Once the tour concludes, you're welcome to soak up the enchanting ambiance of the old city a little longer. When you're ready, you can make your way back to your hotel.

Greca Tip: For a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Istanbul, make sure to visit Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Feast your eyes on the cityscape, the Golden Horn, and the mesmerizing Bosphorus. It's a sight you won't want to miss!

Our full-day tour begins early in the morning. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, we'll begin with a panoramic drive along the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that has shaped Istanbul's history. This iconic waterway, separating the old and new parts of the city, was home to Byzantine Jews, Italian traders, and other non-Muslim communities. As you pass through Balat, admire landmarks like the Metal Church of St. Stephen, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the Byzantine City Walls, once the strongest fortifications of the Middle Ages.

Next, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), where the air is filled with the exotic aromas of spices, fruits, and flowers. Operating since the 17th century, it played a vital role as a distribution center during the Silk Road era.

After exploring the market and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere, we'll head to the port for a Bosphorus Cruise, sailing through the strait that separates Europe and Asia. From the boat, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of marble palaces, Ottoman-era wooden mansions, modern residences, and luxurious apartments. Glide past the Rumeli Fortress, an impressive example of military architecture built to control the Bosphorus.

If time permits, we will visit a leather showroom before enjoying a delicious lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Afterward, we´ll cross the Bosphorus Bridge, an architectural marvel that connects Europe and Asia, and visit the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer residence of Ottoman sultans.

The tour will end at Çamlıca Hill, one of the highest points in Istanbul, offering panoramic views of the city, from the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. This picturesque spot provides the perfect opportunity to see the Bosphorus and Golden Horn in all their glory.

Greca Tip: Do not miss the opportunity to indulge in local delicacies like Kofte, Pide, and Sis Kebab, and sweet treats, such as lokum or baklava.

After savoring a delightful breakfast, we will arrange a seamless transfer for you to Istanbul Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your international flight.

The entire team at Greca extends their warmest wishes for a safe and pleasant journey. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back soon, creating more unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

Have a wonderful trip! Or, as the locals say, "Iyi yolculuklar!"

Greca Tip: If you feel that your time in Istanbul was too brief, you can easily add extra nights to your booking. Simply let us know your preferences, and we'll be happy to assist you.