Athens, cruise to the Greek Islands with Istanbul and Cappadocia in 10 days

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!

Today, you will enjoy a delightful breakfast and prepare for a wonderful day as you discover the city of Athens and its fascinating blend of history and modernity.

During the panoramic tour, you will admire the Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Zappeion, the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, which for centuries was one of the largest temples in Greece, and Hadrian’s Arch, built in honor of the Roman emperor.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Acropolis, symbol of the classical world and home to the Parthenon, a masterpiece of Greek architecture; the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatids; and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. You will admire the history and legends surrounding these monuments while enjoying panoramic views of Athens from the hill.

The tour concludes at a central point in the city, ideal for continuing to explore Athens at your own pace. Later, you will head at your own rhythm to Monastiraki to join the “Athens by Night” tour, enjoying a walking tour through Plaka and Anafiotika, admiring the illuminated Acropolis, and passing by iconic sites such as Athens Cathedral and Ermou Street, while discovering how the city comes alive under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: At the Acropolis, mythology, architecture, and unique Athens panoramas come together. See how the Parthenon has inspired architects for over two thousand years and discover the stories of the ancient gods and heroes who dwell in these monuments.

In the morning, your assistant will escort you, in one of our vehicles to the port of Lavrion, where you will board the cruise ship.

During the cruise, you will enjoy the brilliance of the sun and the deep blue of the Aegean and participate in the activities and services offered to the passengers. In this cruise package, Greca has included a full board basis and a package of non-alcoholic drinks during your meals. This way, you can concentrate on having a great time!

Your first destination will be the famous island of Mykonos, where your cruise ship will dock from 18:00 until 23:00 hours before continuing your journey around the beautiful Greek islands.

Mykonos is a meeting point of the international "jet set", and is famous for its wonderful beaches, dazzling shops, and vibrant nightlife. Moreover, not very far away, there is 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.

Finally, you can pre-book other amazing excursions organized by the cruise company so you can visit more fascinating places and make the most of your tour.

Keep your camera ready as you wander around one of the most picturesque parts, the five Windmills of Kato Mili, which sit on a small hill above Little Venice.

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 generous breakfast, you will awaken on the largest Greek island, Crete. More precisely you will start your day in Heraklion, the capital of the island and home of King Minos and the Minotaur. Heraklion was the most significant city of the Minoan civilization, with the oldest palatial complex in Europe, the Palace of Knossos.

Free morning 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 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 explore Fira through its narrow, winding streets and later on watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Greca Tip: You can take your sit 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.

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel, providing you with the energy you need for a memorable day in the captivating city of Istanbul. Enjoy the freedom of exploring this remarkable destination at your own pace, immersing yourself in its fantastic atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, get ready for an extraordinary journey to the enchanting region of Cappadocia, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at your hotel, where you can complete the check-in process and take some time to relax and rejuvenate.

Greca Tip: We highly recommend consulting with your guide about the possibility of joining a hot-air balloon ride the following day in Cappadocia. Experience the awe-inspiring sensation of gently drifting over the magnificent valleys of the city, capturing unforgettable views from above. It's a truly magical and unforgettable way to enhance your stay in this remarkable destination.

Start your day with a rejuvenating breakfast before embarking on a captivating exploration of the region of Cappadocia.

The day's itinerary includes visits to remarkable attractions, like the Villa of Uchisar, the fascinating underground city of Kaymakli, and the breathtaking Valley of Goreme with its remarkable open-air museum. In the afternoon, make sure to experience the unique beauty of Pasabag Valley and the charming town of Avanos.

As the day draws to a close, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul, where you will check in at your hotel.

Greca Tip: Please remember that when exploring the caves, if photography is permitted, it is advisable to refrain from using flash as it may negatively impact the quality of the images.

Your experience begins in the heart of Istanbul, where our official guide welcomes you for a journey into the soul of the Old City. From the very first steps through Sultanahmet Square, the history of two great empires—Byzantine and Ottoman—unfolds around you.

You’ll explore the legendary Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of the 6th century whose soaring dome has inspired architects for more than a millennium. Nearby, the Blue Mosque awaits with its elegant İznik tiles and six slender minarets that silhouette the sky. As you stroll through the ancient Hippodrome, your guide brings to life the chariot races, rival factions, and political intrigues that once animated this arena, still marked by the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.

Your visit concludes inside the Grand Covered Bazaar, a labyrinth of nearly four thousand shops where colors, scents, and craftsmanship blend into one of the world’s most vibrant marketplaces. After the tour, you are free to continue exploring this historic bazaar at your own pace.

Greca Tip: If you enjoy craftsmanship, ask to see a demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets—each one tells a story woven by generations.

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.