Discover the perfect blend of culture, history, landscapes, and Mediterranean charm. Explore fascinating Istanbul, marvel at Turkey’s treasures, and let yourself be captivated by the turquoise waters, whitewashed villages, and sunsets of the Greek islands.
A journey that combines the best of two unforgettable destinations: the magic of Turkey and the paradise of Greece.
General Information
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- 1 night in Ankara in 4/5-star hotels
- 1 night in the Kusadasi area in 4/5-star hotels
- 1 night in Pamukkale in 4/5-star hotels
- 2 nights in Cappadocia in 4/5-star hotels
- 3-night cruise in Category IA cabin (interior cabin)
- 3 nights in Istanbul in 4-star hotels
- 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners (excluding drinks)
- Full board on the cruise
- Transfers throughout the tour
- Sightseeing as per itinerary, excluding entrance fees (*)
- Airfare not included. (Ask us for the price)
- Cruise cancellation charges apply starting 120 days prior to arrival.
- The order of visits may vary depending on the departure day, while the scheduled visits themselves remain unchanged.
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory gratuities: $50 USD per person (payable at the destination)
- Cruise port fees: $199 USD net per passenger (payable at the time of booking)
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Any service not explicitly listed
- A local fee of €10 per person, per island, payable directly to local Greek authorities, will come into effect soon.
- Optional tours and activities during free time
ITINERARY
DAY 01 THE AMERICAS – ISTANBUL
Departure on an international flight bound for Istanbul. Overnight on board.
DAY 02 ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul Airport. Meet and greet by our team and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest or pursue personal activities. Overnight stay.
DAY 03 ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Early departure to begin exploring the fascinating city of Istanbul, which bridges two continents: Europe and Asia. During our tour, we will view some of this unique metropolis’s historical and cultural gems, such as the Walls of Constantinople and the bustling Yeni Cami Square. Crossing the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, we will enjoy a panoramic view allowing us to admire the imposing minarets of the mosques. Finally, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant Beyoğlu district, where we can experience the atmosphere of a modern metropolis featuring classical European architectural influences at the gateway to the Middle East. The rest of the day is at leisure; we recommend considering optional excursions to make the most of your visit. Overnight stay.
DAY 04 ISTANBUL – KUZGUNCUK – ANKARA
Breakfast. Departure for the Asian side of Istanbul—crossing via the intercontinental bridge or ferry—to reach Kuzguncuk, a neighborhood famous as a filming location for Turkish soap operas. Enjoy free time in this charming district, known for its traditional architecture, cultural diversity, excellent cuisine, and Bosphorus-side location. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and an authentic experience away from the tourist crowds. Continue to Ankara, passing through the Bolu Mountains. Arrival in the capital of the Republic and visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 05 ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast. Early departure for Cappadocia. En route, we will view Turkey’s second-largest lake, the Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü), where we will stop to photograph this spectacular site. After the visit, we continue to the underground city of Özkonak or Saratli (*), carved out by early Christian communities. We arrive in the magnificent region of Cappadocia, a blend of nature’s whims and human artistry. Before reaching our hotel, we stop to watch the sunset from the “Three Beauties” fairy chimney viewpoint. Dinner and overnight stay. Optional: In the evening, you may attend a folk dance performance in a traditional cave venue.
DAY 06 CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast. We begin the day by visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum (*), where we will admire rock-cut churches adorned with frescoes. We will make stops in the beautiful valleys of Avcilar, Güvercinlik, and Love Valley, witnessing a stunning lunar landscape and viewing the region’s most unique rock formations. Afterward, we continue our tour to Çavusin, a typical local village known for its houses reflecting diverse cultural influences. We will make a brief stop at Uçhisar Valley to enjoy views of the ancient rock-carved fortress. To conclude the day, we will visit a center showcasing Cappadocia’s characteristic jewelry and gemstones, as well as a carpet workshop to learn about the weaving process. Dinner and overnight stay. Optional: At sunrise, there is an opportunity for a hot-air balloon excursion over Cappadocia. At sunset, you can take a Jeep Safari—a highlight activity for venturing deep into the valleys of this magical region.
DAY 07 CAPPADOCIA – SULTANHANI – PAMUKKALE
Breakfast and departure for Sultanhani (*), a historic 13th-century caravanserai (inn) once used by Silk Road merchants. We continue our journey across the province of Konya, home to the Whirling Dervishes. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Pamukkale—known as the “Cotton Castle”—a site featuring white limestone cascades formed by mineral springs. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 08 PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS – KUŞADASI AREA
Breakfast and a visit to the magnificent white travertines of Pamukkale (*) and the ruins of the nearby Greek city of Hierapolis, founded by the second king of Pergamon in 190 BC. Travel to Ephesus (*), which served as the capital of Asia Minor during the Roman era. Visit notable sites such as the Library of Celsus, the Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. Next, we will head to the House of the Virgin Mary, considered the final resting place of the mother of Jesus Christ. To conclude the day, you will have the opportunity to watch a fashion show at a regional leather export center. Dinner and overnight stay. Optional: At sunrise, you will have the chance to take a hot air balloon ride in Pamukkale.
DAY 09 KUSADASI AREA – PATMOS (CRUISE)
Breakfast, followed by a morning transfer to the port to board the cruise ship, where full-board accommodation (with limited drinks included) awaits for the coming days. At the scheduled time, we set sail for the small island of Patmos, a pilgrimage site—particularly for Orthodox Christians. We will go ashore via tender boats (weather permitting). We recommend visiting the Monastery-Fortress of Saint John, the Library, the Archive, and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Alternatively, you may simply enjoy the beach. Return to the ship. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 10 CRETE (HERAKLION) – SANTORINI (CRUISE)
Full board on board. Arrival at the island of Crete at 07:00. Disembarkation in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, with time to stroll through its streets. There is an optional visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the most important sites of the Minoan civilization. Return to the pier. We set sail for the beautiful island of Santorini. Disembarkation via tender boats (weather permitting). Time to wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the breathtaking views. Return to the ship at the scheduled time. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 11 ATHENS – MYKONOS (CRUISE)
Full board on board. Arrival and disembarkation in Athens. There is an optional panoramic tour taking in the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament, and the Panathenaic Stadium—site of the first modern Olympic Games. We continue to the Parthenon, a classic architectural icon built entirely of white marble in honor of the goddess Athena. Return to the pier. Re-boarding and departure for the famous island of Mykonos, renowned as the ultimate capital of fun. Time to stroll through the streets, enjoy the local cuisine, and take photos. Return to the ship at the scheduled time. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 12 KUSADASI – BURSA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast, disembarkation in Kusadasi at 07:00. Departure for Bursa, the first Ottoman capital. Visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, and take a walk through the Silk Bazaar. Afterward, continue to Istanbul, crossing the Gulf of Izmit either by ferry or via the new bridge connecting the shores of the Sea of Marmara. Arrival at the hotel. Overnight stay. If there is an insufficient number of passengers, the journey between Kusadasi and Istanbul will be made by plane; in this case, the visit to Bursa will not be possible.
DAY 13 ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport at the scheduled time.
LOCATION
GALLERY
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