| Countries Visited:
Turkey Greece |
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 15 Days (14 Nights)
From: Istanbul to Athens
Tour Code: QRL
Operator: Globus |
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 Click Map To Enlarge Tour Description
Enjoy this fascinating country and visit the main highlights. Start in Istanbul, where a welcome dinner is included as well as guided sightseeing with visits to Topkapi Seraglio, the Blue Mosque, and more. See the Anzac Cemetery, cross the Dardanelles by ferry, and visit the archaeological sites of Troy and Ephesus. In Pergamum, visit its museum and the Asclepion. In Pamukkale, visit the Hierapolis; in Bursa, visit the Great Mosque; and in Iznik, a visit to the St. Sophia Church is included. Return to Istanbul in style by a leisurely private cruise on the Bosporus, and embark your 6-night cruise. Sail from Istanbul to Izmir, then the Greek islands of Patmos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini (weather permitting). Disembark in Piraeus, Athens' harbor, and enjoy an overnight stay in Athens as well as guided sightseeing of the city, including a visit to the Acropolis.
Included Features
- Istanbul Welcome dinner and a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, including visits to Topkapi Seraglio, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar
- DARDANELLES: Ferry crossing of the Straits.
- ANZAC: Take pictures of the cemetery.
- TROY: Guided visit of the archaeological site.
- PERGAMUM: Guided visit of the Pergamum Museum and Asclepion.
- EPHESUS: Guided visit of the archaeological site.
- PAMUKKALE: Guided visit of the Hierapolis.
- BURSA: Guided sightseeing including visit to the Great Mosque.
- IZNIK: Visit St. Sophia Church; .
- BOSPORUS: Cruise
- CRUISING: 6-night cruise to Izmir, Patmos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini.(INSIDE CABIN)
- ATHENS: Guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis.
- Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Tour Meals
- Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner and a special farewell dinner with wine in Istanbul; full a-la-carte breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (B,L,D) while cruising.
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Day
1 |
Arrive In Istanbul, Turkey.
After arrival at Ataturk Airport, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel. (D)
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Day
2 |
Istanbul.
Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in 330 AD when Constantine the Great elected it the capital of the Roman Empire, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian world, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent history. Guided sightseeing starts at TOPKAPI PALACE, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Admire its exquisite collection of Chinese porcelain and the Imperial Treasury, including the stunning "Spoonmaker's Diamond." Then, visit Sultan Ahmet's BLUE MOSQUE followed by the ROMAN HIPPODROME, and tour the HAGIA SOPHIA and the SPICE BAZAAR with its 4,000 tiny shops. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. For a taste of Turkish nightlife, join our optional dinner outing and discover the fascination of belly dancing. (B)
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Day
3 |
Istanbul - Troy Area.
Visit the colorful GRAND BAZAAR before setting out on your discovery tour of a country with the population of Britain and more than three times its size. Drive along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara and head westward through sunflower and olive groves to the Dardanelles. Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the ANZAC CEMETERY and the LONE PINE MEMORIAL. Travel by ferry across the Dardanelles to the Troy area for your first overnight in Asia on the Aegean coast. (B/D)
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Day
4 |
Troy Area - Kusadasi.
Call at TROY, the perfect place to brush up on Homer's Trojan War hollow wooden horse and all! Vistas of the Greek isle of Lesbos greet you as you follow the shores of the Bay of Edremit. Continue south to Pergamum, an ancient center of learning and the arts, and visit its MUSEUM. After lunch, visit the ASCLEPION, a shrine to the Greek god of medicine. Drive to Kusadasi for an overnight. (B/D)
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Day
5 |
Kusadasi - Ephesus - Pamukkale.
Today, visit Ephesus, home of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and later, the capital of Roman Asia Minor. Visit the SITE OF ANCIENT RUINS and the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM with its famous statue of Artemis, goddess of fertility and destiny. Then, travel along the Silk Road, and through the lush valley of the meandering Menderes River. Focus on APHRODISIAS, in Roman times a prosperous centre dedicated to the cult of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. See the impressive and well-preserved elliptic STADIUM, which held up to 30,000 spectators, and visit the MUSEUM. Next Pamukkale. The name means "Cotton Castle" and refers to the spectacular white lime cascades formed by its hot springs. At your hotel tonight, maybe a leisurely bath in a pool of hot thermal water might be just the way to relax after a busy touring day. (B/D)
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Day
6 |
Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Bursa.
This morning, visit the fascinating archaeological site of HIERAPOLIS, the thermal resort founded by a Pergamene king in 190 BC and greatly enlarged and embellished by the Romans. Then, enjoy the ever-changing cultivated landscapes and timeless scenes of rural life on your way to Bursa. Spot farmers working their fields or transporting produce in traditional horse-drawn carts. Bursa lies in the shade of the Uludag-also called Mount Olympus of Mysia-a 2,347 metres (7,700 foot-high) ski mountain surrounded by lovely orchards and tobacco fields. Founded by the Greeks, like most ancient cities in this part of the world, and hotly contested during the Crusades, Bursa had its heyday as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, visit the GREAT MOSQUE (Ulu Camii). Also on the agenda, of course, the ANCIENT COVERED BAZAAR and the Silk Market. (B/D)
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Day
7 |
Bursa - Iznik - Istanbul.
Visit Iznik, site of the first Ecumenical Council. See its ancient city walls before visiting ST. SOPHIA CHURCH and the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Later, return to Istanbul in style. Enjoy a leisurely private CRUISE on the Bosporus, the narrow strait that links the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, and separates Asia from Europe. Take pictures of exquisite private residences along the scenic shoreline, and of strategically located castles that once protected the approaches of the city. Tonight, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant celebrates the success of your Turkish adventure. (B/D)
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Day
8 |
Istanbul (embarkation).
This morning, plenty of time at leisure before embarkation. (B/D)
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Day
9 |
Istanbul.
Full day at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion in this fascinating gateway between Orient and Occident, the Christian and the Islamic world. Sail from Istanbul in the early evening. (B/L/D)
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Day
10 |
Cruising: Izmir.
Cruise towards Izmir, situated in western Anatolia, and the second largest port in Turkey. Enjoy an optional half-day sightseeing tour of Izmir. (B/L/D)
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Day
11 |
Cruising: Pat Mos - Mykonos.
Two ports of call today. First the tiny Greek island of Patmos, where St. John the Divine wrote the Revelation. The 11th-century monastery with its valuable manuscript collection is well worth a visit. Next, discover the mountainous island of Mykonos with its characteristic windmills and dazzling white houses. Time to wander at whim through narrow paved streets lined with trendy boutiques and shady tavernas before returning on board. (B/L/D)
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Day
12 |
Cruising: Rhodes.
All day is dedicated to the island of Rhodes. Explore the sights in the historic Old City with its ramparts and palaces built by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades. Another possibility - join an optional excursion to Lindos and Athena's fabulous temple. And if sightseeing is not your thing, Rhodes' sundrenched public beaches and colourful shopping districts are within easy walking distance of the port. Sail from Rhodes around dinner time. (B/L/D)
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Day
13 |
Cruising: Crete And Santorini.
Early arrival in Heraklion on Crete. A few kilometres away is Knossos, the centre of the 3000 BC Minoan civilization, and an optional excursion can be booked. This afternoon, call at Santorini (weather permitting), the "Black Pearl of the Aegean." The optional shore excursion here takes you up to the cliff-top village of Thera for one of the world's most breathtaking panoramas. (B/L/D)
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Day
14 |
Piraeus (disembarkation) - Athens.
After breakfast on board, disembark at Piraeus and head for Athens. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the Parthenon atop the ACROPOLIS, an enduring symbol of ancient Greece and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. Also visit the Erechtheum with its Porch of Maidens, the beautifully preserved Theseum, Roman temple of Zeus, theatre of Dionysus, and the Agora where Socrates taught. Vistas of the government buildings and elegant homes in the modern city provide a striking contrast to the remains of the glorious past. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional dinner in a romantic restaurant. (B)
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Day
15 |
Athens.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Globus Sale! Save up to $530 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Price) |
BROCHURE
(Single) | OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 19 May 2012 |
02 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 26 May 2012 |
09 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 02 Jun 2012 |
16 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 09 Jun 2012 |
23 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 16 Jun 2012 |
30 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 23 Jun 2012 |
07 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 30 Jun 2012 |
14 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 07 Jul 2012 |
21 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 14 Jul 2012 |
28 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 21 Jul 2012 |
04 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 28 Jul 2012 |
11 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 04 Aug 2012 |
18 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 11 Aug 2012 |
25 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 18 Aug 2012 |
01 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 25 Aug 2012 |
08 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 01 Sep 2012 |
15 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
| 08 Sep 2012 |
22 Sep 2012 |
AU $3,089 |
AU $4,004 |
Save $265 |
AU $2,824 |
| 15 Sep 2012 |
29 Sep 2012 |
AU $3,089 |
AU $4,004 |
Save $265 |
AU $2,824 |
| 22 Sep 2012 |
06 Oct 2012 |
AU $3,089 |
AU $4,004 |
Save $265 |
AU $2,824 |
| 29 Sep 2012 |
13 Oct 2012 |
AU $3,089 |
AU $4,004 |
Save $265 |
AU $2,824 |
| 06 Oct 2012 |
20 Oct 2012 |
AU $3,089 |
AU $4,004 |
Save $265 |
AU $2,824 |
| 13 Oct 2012 |
27 Oct 2012 |
AU $3,089 |
AU $4,004 |
Save $265 |
AU $2,824 |
| 20 Oct 2012 |
03 Nov 2012 |
AU $2,999 |
AU $3,914 |
Save $255 |
AU $2,744 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Globus Tours
 The combination of popular and innovative destinations, flawless service, and integrity, have earned Globus an enviable record in the travel industry. Customer loyalty is such that seven out of ten Globus customers have travelled with Globus before or have been recommended by past travellers - a notable achievement in a highly competitive industry. When it comes to escorted touring, Globus offers the finest first class tours throughout Europe, North America, South America and Asia.
Tour Type: Regional
 These in-depth escorted holidays go beyond the expected to enable you to experience the character, personality, and stories of a specific country - or a carefully selected combination of countires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Globus vacations are designed to offer you flexibility, choice, and a pace that best fits the way you want to travel. Globus offers MORE included features, MORE quality hotels, and MORE experience with over 80 years of taking travelers on unforgettable journeys. In addition, Globus offers MORE value with an average price less per day than our nearest competitor. The safety of our travelers and the richness of our vacations is a priority and it is what has made Globus the worldwide leader in travel and name you can trust.
Travel documents, including any paper tickets or e-ticket itineraries and other information, are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure from your home country, provided full payment has been received.
The average number of people on a Globus tour is 38, and we limit the number of tour members on our tours to a maximum of 44. This ensures smaller groups giving you more space, comfort and legroom.
 If there is ever a time you'll appreciate choosing Globus, it's when you board our luxury coaches. In Europe for instance, we limit our group size to just 44 people with the average group size being 38, this means fewer seats providing extra legroom for greater comfort. With panoramic windows, air-conditioning, state-of-the-art sound system and reclining seats, you'll journey in style when travelling from one superb destination to the other. Our Platinum Collection tours carry a maximum of 40 passengers. We offer daily rotation of seating, which gives everyone a variety of views.
Your tour director will accompany you from the start to the end of your tour, educating you on the places and the history of the destination. Local guides are included in many cities to give you in-depth information on the culture, history and attractions of the city. Both Tour Director and Local Guides have a passion for travel, people and the destination and look forward to sharing their passion with you. If you chose to book either a "pre" or "post" - vacation extension, please note that your Tour Director may not escort you during this part of your vacation. However, in such cases, a Local Host will be available should you require any assistance.
It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international vacations and these are not included in your quote. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible however. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and driver or Cruise Director and ship's crew at the end of the vacation.
Yes, Globus offers over 200 tours worldwide and it is not possible to include these all in our brochures. All tours are featured on this site and it has been designed to make it easy for you to find the right tour by simply search via the destination to which you want to travel.
Have you considered pre or post tour accommodation? We offer fantastic rates hard to find elsewhere and this may enable you to select sequential tours with minimal disruption to your intended travel plans.
Globus do not take reservations on a "share" basis. Sidestep the single room supplement by travelling with a friend if you can.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Globus including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
Globus tour members may reserve our airport transfer service at AU$ 25 per person one way on the tour start and end date of the tour and are available for flights arriving/departing, within the following times. Please see travel documents for full details regarding set pick-up times at designated airport locations.
For very early departures, please note that breakfast cannot be included.
| Athens |
24 hours |
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Cairo |
24 hours |
| Budapest |
6am - 3pm |
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Istanbul |
24 hours |
Note: Airport transfers can be arranged when you purchase extra nights before or after the tour - airport transfer tarriffs will be outlined in your quote.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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