Ancient Empires of Greece & Turkey

Begin your journey in Athens, where a world of ancient myths and intriguing culture awaits. Join your Tour Director for a welcome drink, before settling in for your two night stay.

Please book your flight to arrive into Athens prior to 03:00 PM.

This morning, discover the bustling Greek capital with a guided city tour. Explore the city’s mix of ancient and contemporary with your local guide, including a visit to the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the impressive Panathenaiko Stadium. You’ll also visit many of the city’s ancient wonders, such as the World Heritage-listed Acropolis, the Propylaea, and the Parthenon, just to name a few.

Freechoice: Visit the Acropolis Museum, situated overlooking the famed Acropolis offering stunning 360-degree views of the city. Alternatively, take a walking tour through Plaka, the oldest district in Athens, and discover everything this charming neighbourhood has to offer, including a workshop on local handicraft.

Tonight, enjoy a delicious included dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)

Today travel towards Nafplion, Greece’s historic first capital. You’ll have the opportunity to stop and admire the 23-metre wide Corinth Canal, before continuing to the small village of Epidaurus, where you’ll visit the renowned Great Theatre of Epidaurus, dating back to 4th century BC. This afternoon, arrive in the charming town of Nafplion and discover this picturesque seaside port with a guided city tour. Notice the many Venetian and Ottoman influences that make this city unique, as your guide takes you through the narrow streets of the Old Town, finishing your tour at the imposing Palamidi Fortress. Relax tonight at your hotel. (B)

This morning begins with a visit to the important archaeological site of Mycenae. Learn about the legendary Agamemnon, as you marvel at the fortified ruins where once stood the most powerful kingdom in Greece. As we continue towards Olympia, stop at local winery Palyvos Estate for a wine tasting. Then join a cooking class followed by a delicious lunch in the traditional village of Vytina. Continue to the small ancient town of Olympia, renowned as the site of the first Olympic Games held over 2,800 years ago. Here we’ll visit the Olympia Archaeological site, home to many extraordinary monuments such as the Temples of Hera and Zeus, and the ancient stadium where the torch of the modern Olympic Games is still lit today. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum, which proudly displays relics dating back to prehistoric times. Enjoy an overnight stay. (B/L/D)

Depart today for the mountainside town of Delphi, considered by Zeus to be the centre of the world. Explore significant historical sites such as the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. As we head towards Itea for our overnight stay, stop at local honey farm for a tour and olive tasting. (B)

Continue today to the World Heritage-listed site of Meteora. See the natural wonders of 60 million year old rock formations, with incredible Byzantine monasteries dating back to the 14th century balanced high on the rock pillars above. Freechoice: Take a panoramic drive through the mountains for breathtaking views of this remarkable site and visit a local monastery, or follow the old footpaths monks have walked for centuries on a guided hike. Tonight you’ll be treated to a home hosted dinner, before your overnight stay. (B/D)

Today we journey back to Athens, as we make our way to the city centre’s highest point, Lycabettus Hill. Take an enjoyable ride on the funicular railway to the peak, and be rewarded with spectacular views across the city. At the top is the setting for our unforgettable farewell dinner. Return tonight to your hotel in Athens. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, transfer to Athens airport for your included flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of this amazing city. See magnificent Hagia Sophia and visit the stunning Blue Mosque, the remains of the Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with views overlooking the mighty Bosphorus. (B/D)

This morning your local guide will show you around the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world before continuing towards Canakkale for your two night stay. (B/L)

Today travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI landings by allied forces including ANZAC troops on the morning of April 25, 1915. Visit many of the landmark sites such as the Cape Hellas Memorial, ANZAC Cove, the ominously named Shrapnel Valley, Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. (B/L/D)

Journey today to the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, where you will visit the site of Asclepion, the famed ancient medical centre dating back to 4th century BC. Then see the magnificent Acropolis containing the ruins of Pergamon’s acclaimed 200,000 volume library. See monuments such as the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Athena, and the Theatre, before enjoying authentic Turkish cuisine at a home hosted lunch in a local village. Then depart for Izmir, with an overnight stay. (B/L)

Tour Izmir, starting at the heart of the city, Konak Square. From here you’ll see the ruins of Agora and the Old Market Place. After visiting a local winery for a tasting of their delicious produce continue to Kusadasi for a two stay. (B/D)

Visit Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city that once housed the Temple of Artemis. Walk the Marble Road, the construction of which started in the 1st century AD and see many preserved buildings such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus and the Great Ampitheatre. Then venture behind the Ephesus hills to where the House of Virgin Mary once stood. (B)

Freechoice: Visit the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, admired for its breathtaking views of terraced calcium pools, then explore the ancient Necropolis site. Alternatively, swim in the Antique Pool of Cleopatra, and experience the legendary healing properties as you soak in the warm waters.

At the end of the day be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B/D)

Today we visit Antalya, situated on a cliff over the Mediterranean and surrounded by mountains, the city has been home to multiple civilisations including the Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans. Visit the large archaeological museum rich in Classical, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk artefacts before continuing to Aspendos. Highlights include its Roman Theatre that is said to be the best-preserved in the world. Your base for tonight is Antalya. (B)

This morning drive to Konya, a traditional caravan stop and home of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the Mevlana Museum, former monastery of the Dervishes which contains the tomb of the groups’ 13th century spiritual leader before an overnight stay. (B/D)

This morning we travel towards the moon-like landscapes of Cappadocia. Enroute you will have the opportunity to visit a 13th century Caravanserai, built to house merchants and their animals travelling the famed Silk road that connected the East and West. Afterwards, experience what life is like in a traditional Cappadocian village during a visit to a traditional stone house accompanied by a hearty yet delicious lunch. This afternoon stop in Kaymakli Underground city, an underground settlement built to protect the early Christians living in this region from invaders. Continue to your hotel in Cappadocia for a two night stay. (B/L)

Freechoice: This morning choose to take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride (weather permitting) over the valleys of Cappadocia, or enjoy a special breakfast in a spectacular location.

Then visit the main sights of this amazing region, including a tour of the Monastic Centre of Goreme. Founded in the 4th century, the centre now serves as an open-air museum featuring rock-cut churches with beautifully well-preserved frescoes inside. (B/D)

This morning take a short flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Spice Market and be immersed in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. This afternoon is yours to explore, before dinner at one of Istanbul’s finest restaurants on the shores of the Bosphorus. Enjoy a two night stay. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning relax and rejuvenate at a Turkish Bath, or learn about traditional Turkish cuisine during a cooking class.

Relax on the waters of the Bosphorus aboard your private cruise. (B)

Transfer to Istanbul airport after breakfast.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. (B)