Athens is one of the best places to visit in Greece
FROM: USD $3,325 pp

From Istanbul to Athens. The great capital of the Ottoman Empire to the ancient capital of Greece in 14 magical days. Discover archaeological treasures, natural wonders, and the jewels of the Greek Islands; Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID Safe Guide

Trip Highlights

Istanbul - Marvel at the Old City, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and Topkapi Palace
Troy - Turn back time and examine the Trojan horse replica, ancient ruins and the Aegean Coast
Pamukkale - Admire the hot springs, Roman Hierapolis and leather fashion house, dip into the lush thermal pools
Rhodes - The largest of the Dodecanese Islands and admire medieval architecture like the Venetian Castle
Mykonos - Spend 2 days exploring the churches, beaches and nightlife on this picturesque Cyclades Island
Acropolis - Enjoy ancient history at the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Nike and the Parthenon
Gallipoli Peninsular - Explore ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, trenches and battlefields
Pergamum and Ephesus - Examine more Roman ruins and let your historical imagination run wild
Marmaris - Stay on the Aegean Coast
Santorini - Take in the blue and white villages that make up this beautiful volcanic island in the Cyclades
Athens - Get to know the capital of Greece with its Constitution Square, Houses of Parliament, Memorials, National Library, and Acropolis including the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Nike and the Parthenon

Included

Breakfast daily and 4 hotel dinners
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis
Rhodes to Santorini - One way economy flight
One arrival transfer on day 1 and one departure transfer on day 14 included per booking
Please Note: This tour is semi independent days 7 - 14 (you will not be escorted by a tour guide)
13 nights 4 star and special class hotels
Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide (days 1-6)
Marmaris to Rhodes and Santorini - Athens ferry tickets.
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles (days 1-6)

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$40pp (Turkey Only), paid in local currency
A hotel tax of €3.00 per room per night to be paid directly to the hotel at time of check in
Entrance Fees: USD$75-85pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Istanbul

Saturday. Welcome to Turkey, after arriving into Istanbul a transfer will be provided to our hotel. Istanbul is easy to get around on foot and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes dotted about the city. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2

The Old City

We explore the incredible old city of Istanbul today, steeped in fascinating history and from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled from. We’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, famed for its blue Iznik tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia (constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian), and Topkapi Palace.
Overnight: Istanbul  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Gallipoli

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Departing Istanbul today we make our way to ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years. These trenches were only around 3 feet deep and provided vital cover for the Australian and New Zealand troops fighting the enemy.

We continue across the Dardenelles by ferry this afternoon before we reach our hotel.
Overnight: Canakkale  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Troy and Kusadasi

Gallipoli - Kusadasi. Step back in time as we visit the legendary Roman ruins of Troy and Pergamum. We enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city of Troy, which dates back to 3000BC. We see the replica Trojan horse before we explore the ruins of Pergamum with it’s impressive temples, library and medical facilities. Visit a local carpet emporium en route to Kusadasi and understand how Turkey produces some of the finest carpets in the world.
Overnight: Kusadasi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Ancient Ephesus

Today we explore ancient Ephesus, considered to be the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Highlighting the sophistication of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts incredible excavated ruins including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. With a population numbering nearly 250,000 people it became the capital of Asia Minor and gained much of it's prosperity from commerce and pilgrims visiting the Temple of Artemis. We have time to explore the marble ruins and you may wish to stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel amongst other points of interest.
Overnight: Kusadasi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Pamukkale Terraces

Kusadasi - Pammukale - Marmaris. Our drive today sees us meander through sweeping plains and cotton farms until we arrive at the ruins of Roman Hieropolis and the hot springs of Pamukkale. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. Admire this surreal landscape created by frequent earthquakes. Marvel at the crystalline marble, quartzites and stalagtites, which shimmer in the sunlight. There will be time to paddle our feet as we walk the terraces or opt for a dip in the thermal baths before visiting a leather fashion house.

We continue to the ruined spa town of Hierapolis before we continue to Marmaris for our overnight spot.
Overnight: Marmaris  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Rhodes

After breakfast, we transfer to Marmaris Port for a ferry to the Greek island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese group. Spend the rest of the day at leisure - perhaps visit Rhodes City and see the walls of a very well preserved Venetian castle. Built by the Knights of Saint John, it is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture.

This tour is semi independent in style from days 7 - 14, so from once you arrive in Rhodes until you depart from Athens you will not be escorted by a tour guide.
Overnight: Rhodes Hotel: Semiramis Hotel, Rhodes  |  Breakfast

Days 8-9

Stunning Santorini

Rhodes - Santorini. This morning you'll transfer to the airport for a flight (via Athens) to Santorini. Spend the next two days at leisure on this beautiful island. Santorini, located in the Cyclades island group, is a dramatically striking volcanic island and is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world, with towns and villages perched on top of the massive cliffs of the caldera and beautiful black and red beaches. Renowned for it's beautiful sunsets and stunning blue and white villages, Santorini is a feast for the eyes. Santorinis infamous villages of Fira and Oia are a must visit, perched on the edge of the caldera and offering amazing views over the Aegean and the volcano.
Overnight: Santorini (2) Hotel: Daedalus Hotel, Santorini  |  Breakfast x 2

Days 10-11

Cosmopolitan Mykonos

Santorini - Mykonos. On day 10 you'll be transferred to the pier to catch the ferry to Mykonos. Enjoy the beautiful views from your ferry as you make your way through the turqoise waters of the Aegean sea. Upon arrival you'll have a transfer to take you to your hotel where you'll spend the next two days at leisure. Mykonos island is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and exciting nightlife. The picturesque Cycladic capital is full of whitewashed houses and blue domed churches and the island boasts magnificent sandy beaches.
Overnight: Mykonos (2) Hotel: Giannoulaki Hotel, Mykonos  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 12

Ancient Athens

Mykonos - Athens. Today you take the ferry to Athens, upon arrival we transfer to the hotel. Athens is the capital of Greece and took its name from the ancient goddess Athena. It is thought to have at least a 3000 year old recorded history which makes it one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Overnight: Athens Hotel: Parthenon Hotel, Athens  |  Breakfast

Day 13

The Acropolis

Athens. We are free to independently explore the ancient capital today. Visit the legendary Acropolis and discover the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and of course the spectacular and iconic Parthenon. Other sights of interest include Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. You can also see Evzones (ceremonial guards) in their distinctive uniforms at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace.
Overnight: Athens Hotel: Parthenon Hotel, Athens  |  Breakfast

Day 14

Athens

Friday - Athens. After breakfast, included transfer to Athens Airport for your onward journey.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

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Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,795
USD $5,455
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765
USD $3,325
USD $4,765

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul
USD $115
USD $215
Princes Islands - 1 day
USD $155
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Point Hotel Taksim, Istanbul

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Well-located just a short walk from the nearest Metro station, this modern hotel is a great base for exploring the sights of Istanbul. Light and spacious guestrooms offer air conditioning and free high speed WiFi. There’s also a indoor pool, spa facilities and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy a choice of eateries, including an authentic Japanese Restaurant and two café bars. However, this hotel’s highlight is the top-floor View Point Restaurant, which boasts delicious Turkish and world cuisine alongside sweeping views of the Bosporus Strait.

Kolin Hotel, Canakkale

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day. The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.

Charisma Hotel, Kusadasi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

The Charisma is a modern and elegant hotel with spacious rooms. The rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, LCD screen television, split air conditioning, mini-bar, electronic safe box, hairdryer and free internet connection. Towering over the Aegean Sea's outstanding view, the Hotel is just 15 minutes by walk from Kuşadası's shopping and entertainment area.

Orsmaris Boutique Hotel, Marmaris

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Örsmaris Boutique hotel was completely renovated in 2006. The hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a professional approach and excellent service. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated and command spectacular views out over the sea. Diner have the option of sitting indoors or al fresco as they feast on sumptuous Turkish and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy the two outdoor pools and surrounding flower garden. The Hotel is situated by the sea and 5 km away from Marmaris city center.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Istanbul
Ends
Athens
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 star
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide (in Turkey)
Meals
Breakfast: 13, Dinner: 4
Visiting
Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Pamukkale
Countries
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Pillars on a cliff in Canakkale
View of Kusadasi from across the water
The salt encrusted pools at Pamukkale

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Princes' Island | Istanbul | Russia
USD $ 155 / 1 day

Our guide, Erkan, was excellent. He took time to explain things to our group to help maximise our experience & knowledge. His management skills of the group were first class. He is a valuable employee. Our coach driver Omar, acted very professional & handled his coach safely & skilfully.

Paul Bendy
OTG001144Istanbul to Athens - 14 daysEuropeHandpickedEuropefalse0Turkeyhttps://www.onthegotours.com/Turkey/Istanbul-to-Athens-14-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Athens--Best-places-to-visit-in-Greece--On-The-Go-Tours-395571502196841_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgGroup_Tours