ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport, and assist you to your private transfer, that will take you to your five-star hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul.
DAY 2
Istanbul – Istanbul Classics Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of the classical sites of Istanbul. Begin at the magnificent Hagia Sophia. This marvelous Byzantine basilica was built in the sixth century and is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. Continue to the 17th-century Ottoman Blue Mosque, a great example of classical Turkish architecture, famed for being the only in the world, with six minarets. You will also visit the Hippodrome, the former center of sporting and political activities in Constantinople. During the visit, you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Wilhelm II. Your tour will end at the historical Grand Bazaar, a very tempting shopping experience, full of a rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.
DAY 3
Istanbul – Bosphorous Cruise
Enjoy a fun-filled day with a tour of the Bosphorous, a waterway separating the two continents of Europe and Asia. The tour begins with a visit to the 17th century Egyptian Spice Bazaar, full of mystical aromas from various spices, with colorful shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, and fish. Next, you will board the Bosphorus Cruise boat, with views of the extravagant Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, two baroque palaces of the Ottoman sultans. You will have the opportunity to see the Besiktas commercial district, Rumeli Fortress, the Ortakoy area, known for handcrafts and night life, and lastly, the famous Kizkulesi light house.
DAY 4
Istanbul, Kusadasi/Izmir/Sirince
In the morning, you will take a transfer to the airport, to catch a flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in either Izmir or Kusadasi, enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure.
DAY 5
Kusadasi/Izmir/Sirince – Ephesus Tour
After breakfast, your private full-day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus will begin. Ephesus is among the best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Your first stop will be at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. Following the archeological site, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary. In the afternoon, you can return to your hotel for relaxation.
DAY 6
Kusadasi/Izmir/Sirince, Athens
In the morning you will take a transfer to the airport, to catch a flight to Athens. Upon Arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, enjoying the remainder of your day at leisure or by opting into an orientation or themed walking tour.
DAY 7
Athens - Full Day Athens & Cape Sounion Discovery Tour
Begin the first full day of your day in Greece with a tour at the new Acropolis Museum, with nearly 4,000 artifacts on display, providing a remarkable insight into the everyday life of ancient Greeks. Walk to the top of the Acropolis hill, entering through the gates of the Propylaea, just like the ancient Greeks, as you stand in awe at the magnificent Parthenon. Learn about its construction and changes throughout the centuries, from a treasury to a church, and later a mosque. From the top of this towering citadel, which overlooks Athens, you can see remnants of other ancient ruins, dotted between Byzantine churches, neoclassical houses, and modern buildings. Descend through the Old Town and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of the historical Plaka neighborhood, where you can enjoy an authentic Greek lunch.
Your adventure will continue to Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, and home to the world-renowned archeological site of the Temple of Poseidon, which lays in ruins, surrounded by the sea. The temple, built in the 5th century, is perched on the headline, almost sixty meters above the blue sea, overlooking the Sounion Bay, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and stunning views of at least seven islands, on a clear day.
DAY 8
Athens Private Full Day Argolis Experience
Take a leisurely drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf on your way to the Corinth Canal, with a short stop to see the narrow waterway, before proceeding to Mycenae, an archaeological site of great interest. Here, you will see the Lion's Gate, which was erected during the 13th century BC, and is the only remaining monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture. Marvel at the stunning examples of Cyclopean masonry, founded in the walls of Mycenae and the Grave Circle A, which is a 16th-century BC royal gravesite, notable for a series of excavated gold death masks, arms, and gold and silver cups. Take a break to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local tavern.
Continue your journey to the picturesque seaport town of Nafplion, once known as the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and Kingdom of Greece. To conclude your fun-filled day, on your return to Athens, take a half hour drive to the great Theater of Epidaurus. Although it was built in 340 BC, it has been so well-preserved, that it is still used today for dramatic theatrical performances and concerts.
DAY 9
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Athens airport, to catch your departure flight home.
