TURKEY & GREECE 19 DAY TOUR 2023
Tour Highlights
Itinerary features:
| ★ | Travel from Istanbul to Ankara by air to save long haul driving time |
| ★ | A relaxing In-Depth tour to Midwest region, West Coast area along Aegean Sea, Anatolian Plateau, Ankara- the capital and Istanbul for diverse culture and amazing scenery |
| ★ | Top attractions: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia. Provide comfortable accommodations and ample time to explore historical sites in Istanbul: St. Sophia Church, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace |
| ★ | Ephesus— well preserved ancient Greek ruins |
| ★ | Take Bosphorus Cruise for panoramic view of castles, grand palaces and villas along European Side & Asian side |
| ★ | Sultanhani Caravansarai—It used to be a roadside inn for trade routes travelers to rest at night |
| ★ | Tuz Golu: One of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world, a unique landscape in Turkey |
| ★ | Aspendos Theater: a well-preserved Roman theater in Aspendos |
| ★ | Accommodate you in cave hotel in Cappadocia for two nights |
| ★ | Buffet breakfast throughout the tour. Arrange dinner with tastes of Greek culinary culture |
| ★ | Comfortably travel to all cities and islands. Enjoy Greek leisure lifestyle. |
| ★ | Tour UNESCO World Heritage Site in Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Athena. |
| ★ | Arrange 2 nights stay on Santorini to enjoy island leisure lifestyle. |
| ★ | Mykonos: One of the most attractive islands among Aegean Sea. |
| ★ | To two most famous islands: Mykonos & Santorini |
| ★ | To Greece’s most important historic cities, known for the cradle of European civilization and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Acropolis in Athens (1987), Meteora (1988), Delphi (1987) |
| ★ | Santorini: Most popular island out of the Cyclades. To Oia－the town beloved by artists. Enjoy beautiful scenery of Aegean Sea. |
| ★ | Travel to Mykonos & Santorini by flight to save time |
| ★ | Provide headset service for 15 and more guests per group for better sightseeing experience |
| ★ | Provide one bottle of mineral water per person per day on the coach |
Itinerary
Day 1
USA－Istanbul, Turkey
<Itinerary>
Today take overnight flight to Istanbul Turkey, arrive the next day。
Day 2
Istanbul
<Itinerary>
Upon arrival, transfer to restaurant for dinner and then to hotel and check-in.<Dinner>: Local Cuisine
<Hotel>: Wyndham Grand Europe Hotel or similar
Day 3
Istanbul / Ankara
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, city tour will follow: ★Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans from 15th-19th century A.D., we will visit the 3rd courtyard ★Imperial Treasury is a vast collection of artworks, jewelry. The most eye-catching jewel is the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, set in silver and surrounded in two ranks with 49 cut diamonds. Then to ★St. Sophia church is the grandest red dome structure of Byzantine art. Continue to ★Blue Mosque, an Ottoman architecture built in the 17th century. Hand-painted blue tiles adorn its interior walls. The Mosque is bathed in blue as lights frame the five main domes, six minarets. Tonight, we will travel to Ankara by air.<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>: Crowne Plaza Hotel Ankara or similar
Day 4
Ankara-289km-Cappadocia
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, we will visit ★Museum of Anatolian—they have many priceless collections from Mesopotamian, Hittite Empire, Greek, Roman and Byzantine era. Continue to ★Mausoleum of Ataturk, which serves as a tribute to the founder of modern Turkey. You will see ★Ataturk’s tomb and museum. Later, depart for Cappadocia via ◎Tuz Golu— One of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. This evening, enjoy wonderful Turkish folk music and belly dance.<Breakfast>Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner> Local Cuisine
<Hotel>: Uchisar Kaya Hotel or similar
Day 5
Cappadocia
<Itinerary>
Early morning you can take hot air balloon tour at your own expense (about USD300 per person), watch sunrise and rock formations. Later visit ★Goreme open air museum: Medieval orthodox Christian monks carved the cave from volcanic stone and decorated with elaborate Byzantine frescoes. Continue to ★Kaymakli Underground City, where people of Kaymakli built their living spaces, kitchen, storage rooms, cellars, stable etc. under the hill thousands of years ago. Cappadocia is an area in central Turkey known for its unique moon-like landscape. We will explore Mushroom Valley, Camel Rock, Uchisar Castle, and Hunting Valley. Later, a brief stop at ★Turkish carpet studio.<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner> Local Cuisine
<Hotel> Uchisa Kaya Hotel or similar
Day 6
Cappadocia-228km-Konya-303km-Antalya
<Itinerary>
This morning we will drive through hilly region to Konya (the old capital of Turkey, birthplace of Whirling Dervishes dance) via ◎Sultanhani Caravansarai. After lunch, visit ★Mevlana Museum and ★Alaeddin Mosque. Later depart for Antalya.
<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner> : Western Cuisine 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>: Akra Barut Hotel or similar Hotel or similar
Day 7
Antalya-244km- Pamukkale
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart for Duden Falls near Antalya. Upon arrival, take ★ boat ride to tour Duden Falls. Continue to Aspendos, we will visit ★Roman Theater and ◎Aqueduct. Afternoon, continue our tour to Pamukkale also known as “Cotton Castle”. It is a natural terrace made of travertine deposited by water from hot springs. Tonight, enjoy a thermal bath at hotel (Don’t forget your swimsuits).<Breakfast>: Buffet at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner>: Western Cuisine at hotel
<Hotel>: Doga Thermal Hotel or similar
Day 8
Pamukkale-195km-Ephesus-18km-Kusadasi
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, city tour will follow: to ★Hieropolis. Continue to★Ephesus, famous for its spectacular temples, library, and amphitheater. Later, brief stop for a ★leather show. Tonight, we will overnight in Kusadasi—a popular vacation destination in Turkey.
<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner> Western Cuisine 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>: Charisma De Luxe Hotel or similar
Day 9
Kusadasi-19.7km-Artemis Temple-362km-Troy-31km-Canakkale
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, we will visit ◎Artemis Temple, a Greek temple dedicated to goddess Artemis and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple was destroyed, only foundations and sculptural fragment remain on the site today. Continue to ★Troy, explore mythical site of homer’s Iliad, Helen and the giant Trojan horse. Later depart for Canakkale and overnight here (Canakkale is popular town with limited hotel accommodations, if not available, we will overnight in Ayvalik).<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner>: Western Cuisine at hotel
<Hotel>: Kolin Hotel or similar
Day 10
Canakkale-310km-Istanbul
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, travel by coach crossing ◎1915 Canakkale Bridge to Istanbul. Then to Istanbul City Tour. We will visit ◎Roman underground cistern with interesting weeping column. ★Dolmabahce Palace. Continue our tour by taking ★Bosphorus cruise for panoramic view of castles, grand palaces and villas. After returning from cruise, to ★ Grand Bazaar for shopping spree (It is the largest covered market in Turkey with over 3000 stores).<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>: Local Cuisine
<Dinner> Local Cuisine
<Hotel>: Le Meridien Hotel or similar
Day 11
Istanbul / Athens, Greece
<Itinerary>
This morning, transfer to airport for flight to Athens. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for dinner, then check-in.
<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel> Zafolia Hotel or similar
Day 12
Athens－ Mykonos (by flight, about 45 minutes)
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, transfer to airport to Mykonos, the island with bright sunshine, sandy beaches, blue ocean, lazy holiday atmosphere, attracting tourists from all over the world. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. Afternoon is free for you to explore this wonderful town. Mykonos also features vibrant nightlife with many pubs, disco, coffee shops, and restaurants.
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner>: Western Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel> Porto Mykono or similar
Day 13
Mykonos－Santorini (by ferry, about 2.5 hours)
<Itinerary>
Today, transfer to port and aboard ★ferry to Santorini. The lively colors of the white Cycladic houses and blue painted windows contrast stunningly the black volcanic rock rising from the sea. Late afternoon, arrange excursion to Oia located in north-west of the island, known as an artist paradise, stroll between the alleys and enjoy stunning sunset view.
<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner>: Western Cuisine (Lobster meal)
<Hotel>: El Greco Hotel or similar
Day 14
Santorini
<Itinerary>
Today is at leisure; you can relax and explore the island on your own pace. Either to Fira-the capital of the island or take cable car (at your own expense) or riding donkey through narrow alleys. (Lunch & dinner is not included).<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Hotel> El Greco Hotel or similar
Day 15
Santorini / Athens (By flight, about 45 minutes)
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart for Athens by ★air. Upon arrival, transfer you to Cape Sounio, located on the southernmost tip of Attica. On sunny day, you will be impressed by the lovely view of the sea and Saronic Gulf Islands. Later, return to Athens, you can explore old town at your own pace, there are many boutiques, cafes and restaurants.<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner>: Western Cuisine at Hotel
<Hotel> Zafolia Hotel or similar
Day 16
Athens-184km- Delphi-235km- Kalambaka
<Itinerary>
After breakfast depart for Delphi, also known as “World Center”. In Mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles sent by Zeus in opposite directions. They met in Delphi indicated the center of the earth. Delphi is also known as the worship center for the God Apollo. We will visit ★Delphi Museum to view famous” navel of the earth”, the finding of Temple of Apollo, Temple of Athena. Continue to ★Temple of Apollo. Later, depart for Kalambaka.<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner>: Western Cuisine at hotel
<Hotel> Amalia Hotel or similar
Day 17
Kalambaka -28km- Meteora-362km-Athens
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, travel to Meteora located in Thessaly plains, massive gray colored rocks rise towards the sky and monasteries perched on top of enormous rocks. These breathtaking landscapes were sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years. In 14th century, a monk from the north amazed by these natural beauties and hand-built the first monastery. There were total of 24 monasteries before, now only 6 turned into museums for visitors, we will tour the most famous ones—★The great Meteoron and ★Roussanou Monastery. Return to Athens in the afternoon.<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Chinese Cuisine, 8 dishes & 1 soup
<Hotel> Zafolia Hotel or similar
Day 18
Athens
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, city tour will follow: ◎Syntagma Square, ◎The Parliament Building, ◎ Memorial monument, ◎University of Athens, ◎Athens Academy, ◎Panathinaiko Stadium that held the first Olympic Games in 1896. Continue to ★Acropolis: visit ★ the Parthenon, ★The Temple of Athena, Tonight, enjoy dinner with Greek folk dance performance. ★ Erechtheion: the most iconic sculpture is the Porch of the Maidens, a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column supporting an entablature on her head. ★ Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure. The building was completed in AD 161, it can seat 5000 people.<Breakfast>: Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner>: Local Cuisine with Greek folk dance performance.
<Hotel> Zafolia Hotel or similar
Day 19
Athens / USA
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart to airport for homebound flight to US and ends this unforgettable journey.<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
Photo-Stop ★ Entrance Fee and Transportation Included ◎Photo-Stop
Pricing
Departure Date
08, 11
JUN
2023
| Adult: $5,699 |
| Child: $4,59 |
| Single Supplement: $1,700 |
Departure Date
13, 27
JUL
2023
| Adult: $5,799 |
| Child: $4,699 |
| Single Supplement: $1,800 |
Departure Date
10, 24
AUG
2023
| Adult: $5,799 |
| Child: $4,699 |
| Single Supplement: $1,800 |
Departure Date
07, 21
SEPT
2023
| Adult: $5,799 |
| Child: $4,699 |
| Single Supplement $1,800 |
Tour Fare include:
Greece: 4-star hotel, Turkey:4 to 5-star hotel. Greece: Breakfast & Dinner, Turkey: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transportation, Entrance Fee & Domestic flights (Istanbul / Ankara, Athens / Mykonos, Santorini / Athens)
Tour Fare Excludes:
International airfare, Personal expense, any expense not included in our itinerary, Tips (tour leader, bus driver, local guide: US12 per person), Visa Fee, Travel Medical Insurance (If full payment paid 60 days prior to departure date, we offer medical travel insurance for US residence only)
**Registration and reservation must also pay a deposit of USD $ 500 per person(Once the group is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable, it can be used for future credit for tour group
** If you purchase air ticket on your own, your arrival time to the first destination and your departure time from last destination to U.S. must be the same as our group. If not the same, you must arrange your own transportation to meet group and to airport on the last day **
** Cancellations will only be accepted in writing; cancellation penalty is as following:
120 days prior to departure: US$100 per person
119 days to 60 days prior to departure: US$200 per person
59 days to 30 days prior to departure: 35% of tour fare
29 days to 15 days prior to departure: 50% of tour fare
14 days to 3 days prior to departure: 80% of tour fare
2 days or less prior to departure and/or cancelled during the touring period: 100% of tour fare
(Tour fare is Non-Transferable to other names and/or other services)
For any train tickets, ferry tickets and admission reserved, if you cancel, we will check with local suppliers for cancellation penalty
For Airline tickets that is purchased and issued, if you cancel, airfare is Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable, we will check with airline for cancellation penalty
Hotel Twin Room Cancellation Policy: If your roommate cancelled, the share with party will occupy a single room, the cancelled party is responsible for single supplement incurred
The above term and policy will not apply to any special tours and/or customized tours, all special tours and customized tours will base on its own term and conditions
Notes:
*Tour fare is per person in double occupancy
*Child Fee: 2-11 years old share bed with parents, otherwise will be count as adult fare
* Single supplement is for one person occupying one single room with one bed
