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Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul

14 Days Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul
New Release Adventure Small Group

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul. Two weeks, two incredible countries, and a journey through history, culture, and cuisine — this 14-day adventure from Greece to Turkey has it all. Marvel at the Acropolis and Parthenon, wander the charming streets of Nafplio, and stand on the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae, the inspiration behind the movie 300. Dive into Greek flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens and a meze tasting in Volos before crossing into the dynamic crossroads of East and West—Istanbul. From ancient read more ruins to vibrant cityscapes, breathtaking scenery to unforgettable meals, this trip is packed with epic moments and new friends to share them with.
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US$3,383 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Trip Length

14 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Athens

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Istanbul

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Trip Style

Classic

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

6-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

16

Pace
Pace

Leisurely

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

EGHI

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. Stay: Parnon Hotel Athens

Explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home, along the way. Enjoy a free afternoon to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. Later in the evening attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations. Stay: Parnon Hotel Athens (B/D)

Travel north from Athens by bus and train to Kalampaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora. Stay: Hotel Kosta Famissi (B)

Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide. Stay: Hotel Kosta Famissi (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time. Stay: Hotel Acropole Delphi (B)

Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views. Stay: Park Hotel Nafplio (B)

Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night. Stay: Parnon Hotel Athens (B)

Depart Athens in the morning for the drive to Volos, with a quick stop in Thermopylae on the way for a short visit. Once in Volos, set off on an orientation walk with your CEO, followed by some free time to settle into the hotel and relax. In the evening, meet up with a local guide and head out on a cultural walk to see some of the city's highlights, stopping at 2 different local taverns along the way for small plates of food called 'meze,' truly a local and delicious experience that will serve as a light dinner. Stay: Magnes Hotel Volos (B)

Head out from Volos today on a day of exploration and cultural immersion, hopping village-to-village. Explore Milies and take a short hike to a cave, stop by a women's co-op in Vizitsa then visit the town of Pinakates and have beach time at Kato Gatzea before returning to Volos in the evening. Each stop provides a unique glance into the daily life in this beautiful corner of the world. Stay: Magnes Hotel Volos (B)

Drive north from Volos, stopping at Mount Olympus National Park for a short walk near the mountain that was home to the gods in Greek mythology. Continue to the Polycentric Museum of Aigai to tour the tombs and see the archaeological artifacts before carrying to Thessaloniki. Join your CEO for an orientation walk and enjoy a free evening. Stay: Queen Olga Hotel (B)

Take advantage of a free day to explore Thessaloniki. Discover historic landmarks like the Roman Forum, visit museums or take a walking food tour, sampling dishes like Greek 'meze' and other regional specialties. In the evening, head out for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots. Stay: Queen Olga Hotel (B)

Wave goodbye to Thessaloniki this morning and drive to the city of Kavala. Settle in and orient yourself with a CEO-led orientation walk of the old town with the option to walk up to the castle for great views of the city and of the sea. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax. Stay: Nefeli Hotel Kavala (B)

Depart Kavala in the morning and drive east to the city of Alexandropoli. Take a short walk with the CEO to explore the area and have some time for lunch before continuing on to the Turkish border and onwards to Istanbul, arriving in the evening. Stay: Hotel Centrum Istanbul (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Step back in time at the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon.
  • Walk the legendary Thermopylae battlefield—the origin of the movie 300.
  • Master Mediterranean flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens.
  • Sink your toes into the golden sands of the beach at Kato Gatzea.

  • Your G for Good Moment: Tour of Shedia Home and a Beverage, Athens
  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class Athens, Athens
  • Your Foodie Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates, Vólos
  • Athens orientation walk
  • Guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon
  • Acropolis and Parthenon entrance fees
  • Visit the site of Thermopylae Information Centre
  • Guided tour of Ancient Delphi
  • Visit the Corinth Canal
  • Visit Thermopylae Battleground Site and Information Centre
  • Volos Orientation Walk
  • Full-day village-hopping tour from Vilos
  • Hike to centaur cave from Milies, Visit a women's coop in Vizitsa
  • Visit Pinakates, Agios Georgios and beach time at Kato Gatzea
  • Walk in Mount Olympus National Park
  • Polycentric Museum of Aigai
  • Thessaloniki Orientation Walk
  • Walking exploration of Kavala's old town
  • Alexandroupoli orientation walk
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (13 Nights)
  • On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
  • Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

  • 13 breakfasts, 1 dinner

  • Taxi, private bus, train, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

G Adventures
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Sunday 19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 26 Athens
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,949
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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