Turkey & Greece Tour (April 2016)

Day 01

Arriving in Istanbul, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in comfort. You’ll have time to relax from your flight and enjoy dinner at your hotel or nearby.

Day 02

BOSPHORUS CRUISE & TWO CONTINENTS     

Today after breakfast, we will pick you up at 09:00 am, and visit Rustem Pasa Mosque and then walk to the embarkment. We then take the boat and cruise for 90 minutes on the Bosphorus. The boat goes by the shores of Bosphorus while your guide specialist on Bosphorus will explain you everything en route. You will see the views of Dolmabahce Palace, Leanders Tower, two suspension bridges, Rumeli Hisarı Fortress, beautiful mansions by the shores of Bosphorus and finally we disembark near the Spice Bazaar.

After lunch we continue to Dolmabahçe Palace. Imagine a palace with 285 rooms, 6 baths (hamam), 68 toilets and a ceiling made of 14 tons of gold! Dolmabahce Palace is one such architectural jewel, built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid between 1843 – 1856, checking out the modern approach to architecture with an essentially French influence. The rich tastes and splendor of the era is evident in every corner and artifact in the decor. You just cannot miss the Bohemian crystal chandeliers, the Crystal Staircase or the largest handmade Hereke rug in the Great Ceremonial Hall. Our guide – expert on 19th century Ottoman history – will take you step-by-step deep to the history of the palace and to its related stories full of legends, myths, and poems. Our last place to visit is Camlica hill on Asian side, which has a top view on Istanbul city. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the local or Indian restaurants. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 03

FULL DAY TOUR OF THE OLD CITY       

Your private Istanbul tour begins with the dawn call of the muezzin, giving us plenty of time throughout the day to explore the historic and cultural jewels of this fascinating city. Our first visit is to the Blue Mosque, an unrivalled masterpiece of ancient Islamic architecture that is famed for the thousands of beautiful ornate blue and white tiles that adorn its walls. Experience the true majesty of Ottoman architecture as you gaze upon the domed construction of the mosque’s exterior, with its six minarets. As you explore this magnificent building, your guide will be able to give you a detailed insight into its construction and history.Only a few steps away is Hagia Sophia, one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. This cathedral with its enormous dome changed the face of architecture and stood for nearly a thousand years as the largest cathedral in the world. Experience the stunning mosaics and decorative marble pillars that adorn the interior before moving on to see the Hippodrome, an important ancient sports and social centre, with its Serpent Column, walled obelisk and Egyptian Obelisk of Thutmosis III. There is plenty of time to enjoy lunch at one of the local or Indian restaurants in Sultanahmet before we continue our journey through Istanbul Old City. Your guide will then take you to the grand Topkapi Palace, an impressive complex which was the royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans for hundreds of years. The sheer size and scale of the palace is astonishing. Your guide will reveal intimate details of the intrigue and scandals of the period.

Complete your day with a quiet walk along the Grand Bazaar, before returning to your hotel to enjoy a relaxed evening in one of the local or Indian restaurants.

Day 04

FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA & FULL DAY REGIONAL TOUR       

Early in the morning around 05:00am we transfer you to the airport for your flight to one of Cappadocia’s regional airports. On arrival around 08:00am, you’ll be met by your expert tour guide and then commence the day’s touring.Our first stop is Esentepe, offering you a stunning panoramic viewpoint over the region’s famous town, Göreme. This World Heritage Site dates back to the Roman period. Learn about the history of the region and its magnificent rock formations formed by erosion.Our trip takes us on an easy one-hour hike through the unique landscape of the Rose Valley, where you will marvel at the fairy chimneys, tall spires of rock that rise from the valley floor. Learn about the landscape, vineyards and orchards as you walk at a relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.Your next visit is the Goreme Open Air Museum, a vast complex containing some of the finest rock hewn churches in the region. Your guide will point out the finest frescoes, which are as fresh and colourful today as when they were first created.

After lunch, your afternoon excursion will incorporate several photo stops, including animal-shaped rock formations, the famous Mushroom Shaped Fairy Chimneys and the striking monk’s cell of Saint Simeon. Conclude your day with a pottery demonstration in the town of Avanos.

Day 05

UNDERGROUND CITY & RIVER WALK      

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise!!

Optional sunrise hot air balloon flight is a lifetime experience whilst in Cappadocia! Every visitor wants to, and should!Your fifth day begins with a journey underground into the Kaymakli Underground City, a cave city carved by the Hittites about 3500 years ago. The city consists of hundreds of tunnels and was used for habitation and storage. This complex is possibly one of the largest of its kind, with many floors still to be uncovered. Your guide will lead you through the narrow passages to the many rooms within, including the stables, wineries and temples.

After leaving the city, we continue our journey to Ihlara Valley, for a peaceful one hour walk along the Melendiz River. This gorge is one of the most popular places to go hiking, famous for its natural beauty, vineyards and wildlife.After stopping for lunch, we continue on to the spectacular Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut monastery in the region. The cathedral caves and panoramic views in this location are breathtaking. Returning to the center of Cappadocia, we finally stop at a viewpoint of Pigeon Valley for some scenic photos.

Day 06

DIRECT FLIGHT FROM CAPPADOCIA TO IZMIR  

Enjoying a leisure breakfast at your cave hotel, you’ll have a free morning in Urgup town. Room check-out at 12:00 pm and we’ll take you out for lunch in a local restaurant. Around 14:00 you’ll be transferred to Kayseri airport for your direct flight to Izmir at 16:35. Upon arrival at 18:05 meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Sirince Village (1 hour distance)

Sirince village, used to be an old Orthodox village calledCirkince (ugly). This name was given by its habitants on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by strangers and share the beauty of their village. The name Sirince was given by an Izmir mayor which means pretty.

Day 07

DRIVE TO PAMUKKALE              

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the monumental site of Pamukkale. This famous World Heritage Site must be seen to be believed. This natural formation has been created over time by deposits of calcium carbonate dropped by the flowing water from the natural springs. Walk barefoot on marble white travertine terraces to bathe in the waters of the spring. People have bathed here for thousands of years. After this amazing experience, visit the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, adjacent to Pamukkale. It was founded as a thermal spa in the 2nd Century BC. Our expert guide will show you around all the most significant structures within the city, including the spectacular theatre capable of seating 15,000 people, the necropolis and the thermal baths. You can still see the images of the gods and goddesses depicted in the stonework. Wander around the Temple of Apollo and visit the Plutonium, also known as the Gates of Hell. This sacred pilgrimage site emits lethal toxic fumes, deadly to all living things. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 08

EPHESUS                         

Today your guide will drive you to the famous city of ancient Ephesus (takes 3 ½ hrs from Pamukkale). Be transported back through time as you wander through the ancient ruins, while your guide introduces you to all the architectural splendours of this huge city.

You will be stunned by the impressive facade of the Library of Celsus, which dates from around 125 AD. Built in memory of an ancient Greek governor, it once housed almost 12,000 scrolls.

Your tour of Ephesus will also give you the opportunity to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis. This famous building, dedicated to the Greek goddess, was sadly destroyed and now only a few stones and columns remain.We continue our tour with the spectacular Theatre of Ephesus, which is considered to be the largest outdoor theatre of its time. It is estimated that 24,000 people could be seated inside. The scale of this theatre is simply astonishing and will remain an unforgettable part of your day.

After enjoying an open buffet lunch at a local restaurant, our tour continues into the afternoon with a visit to the shrine of the Virgin Mary, an extremely important pilgrimage site for Catholics. After the tour tranfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 09

HALF DAY IZMIR TOUR AND TAKE FLIGHT TO ATHENS       

After breakfast proceed to Izmir for a fascinating city tour and visits to Clock Tower, Konak, Kordon and Kemeralti Bazaar..

Then we drive to Izmir airport for your flight to Athens, Greece departing at 19:35. On arrival private transfer to your hotel in Athens. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 10

FULL DAY ATHENS CITY TOUR                   

The establishment of Athens as a city dates back to mythological times. Today’s capital is a result of integration of ancient and medieval history into the contemporary era. Ancient Athens monuments can be found all around the city center, side by side with contemporary construction such as buildings, roads and train stations. Our expert guide will help you to explore the treasures of Athens during your morning sightseeing tour. Beginning with the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic games of modern times where held in 1896 and continue passing by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian´s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library and Constitution Square (Syntagma) you will be amazed by the rich heritage and how Athens combines the old and the neoclassical in an astonishing way. Your tour will be followed by a visit to the Acropolis, the ancient fortified town of Athens, dating back to the Late Bronze Age, the most famous landmark of entire Greece, the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration. You will also be impressed by the Parthenon one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Erectheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 11

FULL DAY SARONIC ISLAND CRUISE          

After the breakfast we will pick you up at 06:45 am and drive to port to embark the cruise ship for the full day cruise at the islands of the Saronic Golf. During our two hours stay in Hydra   you can walk along the waterfront, the heart of the town which encounters monuments, churches, canons, museums, old mansions, statues of famous heroes, the old gunpowder store, shops and cafes, while picturesque winding streets lead you to neighborhoods located at the upper part of the town, as well as to the old neighborhood of Kiafas. You will be amazed by the island’s traditional “vehicle” the saddled donkeys. Arriving in our second destination Poros you can visit the famous clock from where you can enjoy the view of the entire island. Enjoy the lunch on board and get ready to explore the largest of the three islands, Aegina. On our way back a traditional Greek folk show with singers and dancers will entertain you up to the final moment as the ship arrives in Athens filling this day with unforgettable moments.

Day 12

ATHENS/SANTORINI                  

Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Santorini. Upon arrival transfer at your selected hotel.Lunch at selected restaurant. Balance the day at leisure.

Day 13

SANTORINI     

Island Tour for 8 Hours. Drive through the traditional village of Pyrgos in order to reach mountain of Prophetes Elias, short stop for panoramic photos near the monastery. Lunch at selected restaurant. We will drive north passing the village of Firostefani and Imerovigli, in order to visit the traditional village of Oia. Free time for coffee or shopping.  Return and drop off to your hotel on Fira Town. We will drive through the traditional village of  Pyrgos in order to reach  the mountain of Prophetes Elias, short stop for panoramic photos near the monastery. Next stop for wine tasting at the heart of the island  in a local winery. We will drive north passing the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli, in order to visit the traditional village of Oia. Return and Drop off at  Fira town.

Day 14

DEPARTURE FROM SANTORINI        

Breakfast, check-out and per your international flight departure time transfer at Santorini airport (Pick up time from hotel will be advised). Departure flight from Santorini arriving in Athens.Athens to Mumbai