- 4.9/5 499 Latest reviews
- Destination: Turkey, Greece
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This Turkey Greece Tour is a perfectly curated 12-day journey that blends two of the world’s most legendary civilizations into one unforgettable experience. Starting in Istanbul, where East meets West, this private and bespoke tour takes you through Turkey’s iconic landmarks, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and onward to the mythological heart of Athens and the romantic island of Santorini. Designed for travelers who value culture, history, cuisine, and comfort, this classic Turkey Greece Tour offers expert-guided sightseeing, immersive culinary experiences, scenic ferry crossings, and hand-picked accommodations. From ancient empires and UNESCO World Heritage sites to breathtaking sunsets and authentic local flavors, this journey delivers a seamless and enriching exploration of Turkey and Greece in one exceptional itinerary.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Suleymaniye Mosque, Cooking Class, Hippodrome of Constantinople, Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
4 - 5
Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, Pigeon Valley, Devrent Valley, Pasabagi Valley, Cavusin Valley, Uchisar Castle, Red Valley
6 - 7
Athens
Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Syntagma Square, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium
8 - 10
Santorini
Free Day With Optional Activities
11 - 12
Athens
Athens Culinary Discovery, Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – Gateway of Two Continents
Arrive in Istanbul, the cultural heart of Turkey and the starting point of your Turkey Greece Tour. Upon arrival, enjoy a private meet-and-greet service followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or take a gentle walk through nearby neighborhoods, soaking in your first impressions of this historic city where Europe and Asia meet.
Highlights: Private airport transfer, leisure time, Bosphorus views
- Istanbul
- Day 2: Istanbul Historical City Tour
Discover Istanbul’s imperial heritage on a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Visit Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, followed by the architectural masterpiece of Hagia Sophia. Descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, then walk through the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the social center of Byzantine life. End the day at the colorful Spice Bazaar and the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, offering panoramic city views.
Highlights: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Spice Bazaar
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- Istanbul
- Day 3: Contemporary Istanbul & Culinary Experience
Explore the modern soul of Istanbul with a visit to Galata Tower, offering sweeping views of the Bosphorus. Continue to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art to experience Turkey’s contemporary creativity. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on Turkish cooking class, learning traditional recipes and culinary techniques from local chefs. Optional evening activities include a Bosphorus cruise or a Whirling Dervishes ceremony.
Highlights: Galata Tower, Modern Art Museum, Turkish cooking class
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- Istanbul
- Day 4: Istanbul – Cappadocia | Fairy Chimneys & Valleys
Fly to Kayseri and continue to the magical region of Cappadocia. Begin exploring with a visit to Avanos, famous for its pottery heritage, then marvel at the unique rock formations of Devrent Valley and Pasabagi Valley. Continue through Cavusin Valley, home to ancient cave dwellings and abandoned churches. Settle into your atmospheric cave hotel for the night.
Highlights: Avanos, Pasabagi Valley, Devrent Valley, cave hotel stay
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- Cappadocia
- Day 5: Cappadocia Castles, Open-Air Museum & Red Valley
Start the day at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Walk through Pigeon Valley before exploring the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, famous for its rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes. In the afternoon, hike through the stunning Red Valley, ending with a magical sunset over the rose-colored landscape.
Highlights: Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Red Valley sunset
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- Cappadocia
- Day 6: Cappadocia – Istanbul – Athens
Bid farewell to Turkey as you fly from Cappadocia via Istanbul to Athens, the historic capital of Greece. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring the charming streets of Plaka or enjoying authentic Greek cuisine at a traditional taverna.
Highlights: International flight, Athens leisure time
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- Athens
- Day 7: Ancient Athens City Tour
Step into the world of classical civilization with a guided tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis Museum, followed by the iconic Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. Stop at Syntagma Square to witness the Changing of the Guard, then explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the historic Panathenaic Stadium, birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.
Highlights: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium
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- Athens
- Day 8: Athens – Santorini by Ferry
Travel by scenic ferry to Santorini, the crown jewel of the Aegean Sea. Famous for its whitewashed villages and dramatic caldera views, Santorini is the romantic finale of your Turkey Greece Tour. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Highlights: Ferry journey, Santorini island arrival
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- Santorini
- Day 9: Santorini Free Day & Optional Caldera Cruise
Enjoy a free day to explore Santorini at your own pace. Wander through charming villages, relax on volcanic beaches, or swim in the Aegean Sea. Optional activities include a Santorini caldera cruise, visiting hot springs, enjoying a BBQ dinner onboard, and witnessing a spectacular sunset over the sea.
Highlights: Free day, optional caldera & sunset cruise
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- Santorini
- Day 10: Santorini Leisure or Jeep Safari Adventure
Another day to relax or enhance your island experience. Optional Santorini Jeep Safari takes you off the beaten path to hidden beaches, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints. Swim, explore, and enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in the countryside.
Highlights: Optional jeep safari, hidden beaches, local dinner
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- Santorini
- Day 11: Santorini – Athens | Culinary Discovery
Return to Athens by ferry and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, join an optional Athens food tour, sampling Greek specialties such as olive oil, baklava, cheeses, seafood, and pastries while learning about the culinary traditions that shape Greek culture.
Highlights: Greek food tour, local markets
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- Athens
- Day 12: Departure from Athens
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Athens before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. Your Turkey Greece Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.
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