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Highlights of Northern Greece & Turkey

13 Days Athens to Istanbul
Highlights of Northern Greece & Turkey
Highlights of Northern Greece & Turkey
Highlights of Northern Greece & Turkey
New Release Adventure Small Group

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 13 Day Highlights of Northern Greece & Turkey. Journey through the legends of Greece and Turkey on this unforgettable 13-day adventure where history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes collide. Step onto ancient battlegrounds at Thermopylae, savour a meze tasting on a cultural stroll through Volos, and stand before the Royal Tomb of King Phillip in Vergina.

Then, cross into Turkey to wander the ruins of Troy and Ephesus, descend into the hidden world of Kaymakli’s underground city, and soak in the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia. read more From mythic tales to mouthwatering flavours, this trip promises a full camera roll, a happy heart, and stories you’ll be telling for years to come.
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Our Price From
US$2,885 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $614 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

13 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

EGVI

Itinerary

Thermopylae is an ancient battlefield where Greek (mainly Spartan) soldiers held off the Persian army for three days. A battle which acted as inspiration for the movie 300. Stay: Magnes Hotel Volos (D)

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: Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (B)

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly. Stay: Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale (B)

Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cöp(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selçuk for the next couple of nights. Stay: Vinifera Ephesus Hotel (B)

Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selçuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train. (B/L)

Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area. Stay: Goreme Inn Hotel (B)

Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region. Stay: Goreme Inn Hotel (B/D)

Continue on to İstanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping. Stay: Golden Horn Sirkeci Istanbul (B)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit a women-run agricultural co-op in Vizitsa and learn about their local traditions.
  • Explore the breathtaking national park beneath the towering Mt. Olympus.
  • Stroll through ancient cities and uncover the ruins of Ephesus and Troy.
  • Take in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.

  • Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık
  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates, Vólos
  • Your Foodie Moment: Pide Demonstration and Lunch, Selçuk
  • Your Local Living Moment: Dinner with Local Family, Çavuşin
  • 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
  • Istanbul evening orientation walk
  • Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
  • Troy entrance and guided visit
  • Ephesus entrance and visit
  • Orientation walk in the old Kemeralti bazaar in Izmir
  • Tour the Mevlana Museum
  • Tea at sunset from a viewpoint over Cappadocia
  • Hike through the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia
  • Kaymakli underground city exploration
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (12 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 guide

  • 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

  • Private vehicle, ferry, train, plane, 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 26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 26 Athens
Friday 08 May 2026 08 May 26 Istanbul
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,499
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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