Istanbul-Athens Tour

Upon arrival at Istanbul International Ataturk Airport, meet our representative for a warm welcome and assisted transfer to your hotel. After check-in and some time to rest, the afternoon and evening are free to explore at your own pace. You may take a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, interact with the locals, shop in nearby bazaars, or enjoy traditional Turkish delicacies at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, your sightseeing tour begins at 08:30 am with a guided visit to Hagia Sophia, a magnificent basilica originally built in the 4th century. Continue to the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries, where you can admire royal collections and sacred relics. Around noon, visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles, followed by the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine sporting and social life. In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in the bustling Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops offering carpets, spices, and handicrafts. Evening is free to enjoy optional activities such as a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise or cultural shows. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast before departing at 08:30 am for a scenic Bosphorus Cruise. From the deck, admire iconic landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, and the marble-fronted Ciragan Palace. The cruise continues past Ortakoy, a charming village known for its historic mosque, before reaching the mighty Rumeli Fortress and the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge, linking Asia and Europe, before ascending Camlica Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. In the afternoon, stroll through the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with the aromas of herbs, saffron, and local delicacies, where you may also shop for souvenirs and handicrafts. Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your downtown hotel. Spend the afternoon discovering Plaka, the old quarter of Athens with its charming streets, traditional tavernas, and local shops. You can also experience the modern side of Athens with cafés and vibrant nightlife. Overnight stay in Athens.

After breakfast, embark on a guided Athens city tour starting at 09:00 am. Drive past Constitution Square, the House of Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before continuing to the National Library and the Presidential Palace. Proceed towards Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, followed by the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. The highlight of the day is a guided visit to the Acropolis, including its museum and architectural masterpieces such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The evening is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Athens.

Today after breakfast, leave at around 08:00 am for a full-day excursion to Delphi, driving through the scenic towns of Thebes, Arachova, and Levadia. At Delphi, explore the famous archaeological site, once considered the center of the ancient world, with highlights including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Temple of Apollo. Visit the Delphi Museum to admire treasures such as the bronze Charioteer and the statue of Aghias. Enjoy lunch in Delphi before returning to Athens in the evening for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Piraeus port at 07:30 am to board your full-day cruise to the beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. The ship sets sail at 08:15 am, reaching Poros after two hours, where you enjoy around 50 minutes to explore this small island. Continue to Hydra, arriving in about 1 hour 15 minutes, where you have time to admire the amphitheater-style harbor, traditional mansions, and stone-paved alleys, with the option of a donkey ride. After a short cruise, arrive at Aegina, the largest of the three islands, where you may visit ancient sites or relax by the seaside. Return to Piraeus port in the evening and transfer back to your hotel in Athens for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying with you cherished memories of your Istanbul and Athens journey.