GREECE AND SPLENDID TURKEY

Arriving in Athens, we'll smoothly transfer you to your hotel in our comfortable vehicles. Our English-speaking assistant will be with you, ensuring your comfort and care throughout the journey.

In the afternoon, at the hotel, our representative will provide you with all the essential trip details. Get ready for an engaging presentation about the city, where you'll gain insights into its vibrant daily life. Feel free to ask questions and clear any doubts, setting the stage for a pleasant and hassle-free experience throughout your trip.

With the rest of the day at your leisure, embrace Athens at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Greca Tip: Enhance your experience by easily extending your stay. Add more nights during the booking process!

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace—sleep in, explore nearby areas, or simply unwind—before meeting your assistant at Syntagma Square at 15:40 to witness the Changing of the Guards in front of the Hellenic Parliament at 16:00.

Shortly after, we will board our vehicle together and begin a panoramic city tour, offering a comprehensive introduction to Athens and its most important landmarks. During the tour, we will see:

The Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University of Athens, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Residence, the Kallimarmaro Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the Zappeion, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, while making short stops to take in the beauty of these landmarks and capture memorable photos.

Our tour will come to an end at the top of Philopappou Hill, offering stunning views of the city. Here, our assistant will provide recommendations for those who wish to continue exploring independently, whether visiting the Acropolis, discovering Monastiraki, or enjoying a meal in Plaka.

This tour is conveniently designed to finish at around 19:30, allowing you some time to rest before making your way to Mornastiraki to join the Athens by Night Walking Tour, and see another side of the city under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: If you wish to visit the Acropolis, you can do so at your own pace, in the morning or after the afternoon tour, keeping in mind that the site closes at sunset. You can purchase your tickets for the Acropolis in step 2 of your reservation.

Embark on an exciting journey as we transfer you to the Port of Piraeus. From there, you'll set sail on a ferry bound for the famous island of Mykonos. Bask in the perfect timing of the crossing, enjoying the sun-drenched deck and immersing yourself in the captivating shades of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos, known as the "heap of stones" or the "rocky place," holds a rich history. According to legend, it was named after Mykonos, the heroic son of King Anius of Delos. As you arrive on this cosmopolitan island, our friendly English-speaking representative will warmly welcome you. They'll assist with your hotel transfer and introduce you to the enchanting charms of Mykonos.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and embrace the laid-back island lifestyle. Immerse yourself in the unhurried pace embraced by the locals, allowing yourself to truly relax and soak in the beauty of Mykonos.

Greca Tip: For a swifter journey, consider selecting a fast ferry during the reservation process.

Free day to spend a delightful time exploring the stunning island of Mykonos. Known as a favorite destination for the international "jet set," it offers a wealth of attractions including beautiful beaches, glamorous shops, and vibrant nightlife.

When it comes to food, Mykonos offers Mediterranean cuisine that incorporates fresh vegetables, flavorful olive oil, and a variety of aromatic spices such as oregano and basil. You can also indulge in delicious fish and seafood dishes.

Remember to visit the nearby historic island of Delos, just a short ferry ride away. According to Greek mythology, Delos is the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This ancient island has been inhabited since 3000 BC and holds immense cultural significance from ancient times.

Greca Tip: For an authentic experience, we suggest renting a car or motorcycle to explore the island, immerse yourself in local customs, and truly feel like a part of Mykonos.

After a generous breakfast and at the appointed time, we will transfer you to the port of Mykonos to take the ferry to Paros.

This Cycladic island is a visitors' mecca for natives and foreigners alike and is the ideal destination to relax and enjoy its beaches, numerous small churches, and its picturesque villages.

When the ferry docks at the port of Paroikia, the capital of the island, one of our representatives will meet you to transfer you to your accommodation.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy this wonderful island.

Greca Tip: Wander in the narrow whitewashed labyrinthine streets of the traditional settlement of Paroikia and try 'mizithra', the soft white goat cheese, plain with bread or on pasta and meat dishes. For a sweet aftertaste, you can have Petimezinia sweets and the local pumpkin pie.

Paros, derived from the Greek word for "beach," lives up to its name with its breathtaking coastline. Renowned in ancient times for its white marble and revered today for its stunning beaches, Paros is a destination that captivates the senses and exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning travelers.

In proximity to Paroikia, the island's capital, lies the remnants of an ancient wall and an Ionian temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, dating back to the 6th century BC. During this era, priests prescribed cures based on patients' dreams, often involving therapeutic baths, mud treatments, and physical activities.

This day on the island is yours to freely unwind, explore at your leisure, and immerse yourself in the rich Cycladic culture, if only for a few days.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the chance to visit the Archaeological Museum of Paros, where the island's history comes alive through an extensive collection of sculptures, vessels, statues, and artifacts. Many of these treasures were discovered in the sanctuaries of Apollo and Asklepios. Among the museum's highlights is the renowned statue of the Mermaid Gorgo.

Enjoy a leisurely day to bask in the beauty of Paros beaches and explore the vibrant streets adorned with trendy bars and shops at the heart of the island. Indulge in the delightful offerings of local restaurants and patisseries, where you can savor the delectable flavors of traditional cuisine.

Greca Tip: Enhance your dining experience by pairing your meal with a glass of the island's indigenous wine varieties such as Monemvasia, Mandilaria, Aidani Black, Vaftra, and Karampraimi.

After an abundant breakfast, utterly enthralled by the Greek way of life, one of our drivers will pick you up at the agreed time and take you to the port. 

You will now board the ferry to your next destination, the island that is an inexhaustible source of inspiration: Santorini.

When you approach the island you will be astonished by the beauty of the city of Fira, with its white houses overhanging the cliff and overlooking the volcano.

Upon your arrival, one of our representatives will welcome you, transfer you to your hotel and introduce you to this picturesque island.

The rest of the day is free for you to wander through its narrow streets and watch one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the world from the terrace of a coffee shop or a bar.

Greca Tip: You can add more nights in Santorini during step 1 of 3 of your reservation.

Free day to explore, at your own pace, the magical island of Santorini, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Venetian Giacomo Barozzi gave the name of the island. He was inspired by the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini.

Optionally, you can go on a dazzling sailboat tour that will take you over to the small islands of Santorini Caldera, Nea, and Palea Kameni, with the hot springs of green and yellow waters.

Greca Tip: On this free day, we recommend exploring the island, tasting its wine and its excellent local cuisine. We cannot miss tasting the tomato keftedes (a kind of tomato balls), the fava dishes (a vegetable smaller than a pea), and the cheese called Chloro. Here is a catamaran cruise with wine tasting in Santorini you may want to take.

You will have another free day on this magical island, considered by many to be the lost continent of Atlantis. You can enjoy the beaches of volcanic stones or black sand, dine by the sea, and appreciate some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Greca Tip: Make sure you try tomato keftedes, a kind of tomato balls, the fava dishes (a vegetable smaller than a pea), and the Chloro cheese. In the evening, you can relax with a glass of one of the island's local wines or join the vibrant nightlife.

At the agreed time, we will transfer you to the new port of Santorini, Athinios, where you will board the ferry back to Athens.

In the evening, upon your arrival at Piraeus, you will be transferred to your hotel, for a good rest and a rejuvenating sleep.

Greca Tip: If you want, you can buy a fast ferry ticket for this leg of your trip during step 1 of 3 of your reservation.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will transfer you to the Athens International Airport to check in your luggage and board the flight to the wonderful Istanbul.

After your arrival in what was once called Byzantium and later Constantinople, you will be transfer to your hotel in one of our private vehicles. You will check in at the hotel and the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and start enjoying this stunning city.

Greca Tip: Head to Ortaköy, the area for upmarket chic, where you will also find a strip of stands serving kumpir, Turkey's answer to the jacket potato. Pick your spud and toppings and savor the seaside views while you eat on your feet.

In the morning, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting to take us to Istanbul Airport to board our flight to the capital of Turkey, Ankara.

In Ankara, we will visit the important Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, the hero and first president of the Republic of Turkey. At noon, we will continue to the magical and surprising region of Cappadocia, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: Ask your tour guide about the possibility of taking the famous hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia during the following days (subject to weather conditions).

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.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, your entire day will be devoted to exploring Cappadocia.

Your journey will commence at the Göreme Valley, home to an open-air museum filled with churches, chapels, and monasteries adorned with ancient frescoes on their walls. Next, you'll proceed to the town of Avanos, renowned for its longstanding pottery-making tradition, which can be traced back to the Hittite period.

Here, you'll be captivated by the utilization of red clay sourced from Kizilirmak, Turkey's longest river, and have the opportunity to savor delightful Turkish tea.

Later on, you'll traverse the Pasabag Valley, also known as the "Valley of the Monks," due to the numerous monk refuges carved into the soft rock. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking cone-topped rock pillars called Fairy Chimneys.

The tour will then take you through the Devrent Valley, often referred to as the "Imaginary Valley," where you'll encounter a multitude of unique rock formations, some of which resemble animals.

Additionally, you'll visit the Göreme Panorama, a panoramic viewpoint offering fantastic views of Göreme city.

Lastly, you'll explore the city of Urgüp, renowned for its wine production, fertile vineyards, and apricot gardens, where you can capture incredible photos as lasting mementos of your visit.

In the late afternoon, you'll return to Istanbul for your overnight stay.

Greca Tip: Check if you will return to the same Hotel in Istanbul after this tour, and consult with the concierge the possibility of storing your luggage there so you can travel light!

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.