Athens to Istanbul Tour Tour

Join us on this fascinating tour through Greece and Turkey. We have time to explore the volcanic island of Santorini and relax on the beaches of Paros. There is also a chance to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus and the beautiful town of Bergama. We finish with a visit to the memorials of Gallipoli and time to explore exotic and mesmerising Istanbul.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 18
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader
Transport: Inter-island ferries, private air-conditioned coach / intercity public bus
Activities: Swimming and walking
Accommodation: 2 nights overnight ferries (deck class), 14 nights simple hotels
Meals: Breakfast included on some days. For other meals allow EUR6-15 (US$8-18) per day in Greece and EUR5-10 (US$6-12) per day in Turkey
Arrival Transfer: Not included
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow approx. EUR50 (US$60) for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Please Note: Itinerary subject to change due to ferry schedules.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Opportunity to visit the Acropolis
• The dramatic landscapes and colourful beaches of Santorini
• The Tavernas and secluded beaches of Paros
• Relax on Naxos, the most beautiful island of the Cyclades
• Opportunity to visit ancient Ephesus
• Explore the lovely small town of Selcuk
• Gallipoli's war memorials
• Haggle in the bazaars of Istanbul
• Enjoy the delicious Greek and Turkish cuisine

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, ATHENS: Check in to your hotel. No meals.

Day 2, ATHENS: Free day to explore the Acropolis & the charming old "Plaka" district of Athens. Transfer to Pireas and board the overnight ferry to Santorini. (B)

Day 3, SANTORINI: The volcanic island of Santorini is thought by many to be the Atlantis of legend. Dramatic black cliffs of the volcano's caldera rise from the sea, white washed walls and blue domed churches decorate the rim. Free day to explore by foot or small boat.

Day 4, SANTORINI - PAROS: Enjoy the beaches of Santorini, visit Akrotiri or take a trip to the Black Island at the centre of the volcano. Evening ferry to Paros.

Day 5, PAROS: This island has everything you would expect of an island of the Cyclades small villages, lovely beaches, and rocky landscapes.

Day 6, PAROS: A day to relax or shop.

Days 7-8, NAXOS: Naxos is the largest and possibly most beautiful island of the Cyclades. Overnight ferry to Samos.

Day 9, SAMOS: An opportunity for a picnic excursion by Caique day boat to swim in remote coves.

Day 10, SAMOS: If weather permits, you can make a day excursion by hydrofoil to the Holy Island of Patmos.

Day 11, SAMOS - SELCUK: Free morning in Samos before taking a ferry to Kusadasi in Turkey. A short drive then brings us to Selcuk.

Day 12, SELCUK - EPHESUS: Free day in Selcuk to explore the ancient site of Ephesus or the charming town. (B)

Day 13, CANAKKALE: Today we drive north to the small town of Canakkale. (B)

Day 14, CANAKKALE - GALLIPOLI - TROY: Free day in Cannakale. There is the opportunity to visit Legendary Troy or the poignant Anzac memorials of Gallipoli. (B)

Day 15, GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL: We cross the Dardanelles and drive to Istanbul. (B)

Day 16, ISTANBUL: A full free day to visit the highlights of the old city of Istanbul. (B)

Day 17, ISTANBUL: Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love the sometimes tough but ultimately rewarding nature of adventure travel and you want to spend more time enjoying every experience rather than wasting time on travel arrangements.

Maximum Group Size - 18: You love the whole concept of travel. Getting there is as much fun as being there and you love using public transport, local restaurants and small family run hotels where you get the best chance to really get under the skin of a destination. You love the sometimes tough but ultimately rewarding nature of adventure travel and you love spending more time enjoying every experience rather than wasting time on travel arrangements.
Included: All accommodation (usually twin share but occasionally multi share), transportation
Not included: Most meals, entrance fees
Single Supplement: Not available. [Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]