Essential Turkey and Greece Tour
A combination of historical and scenic attractions in Turkey and Greece, this tour travels to the majestic former Byzantium, and Constantinople, the exotic centre of the illustrious Ottoman Empire. Also included is Athens, the home of ancient philosophers but the scenic views will also delight you from the picturesque town of Santorini to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia and the perfection of the white cotton castle called Pamukkale.
Tour Itinerary
Pick up from the airport (or cruise ship port) and transfer to the hotel by private car. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Visit Haghia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (harem not included.) Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Early transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Join your Ephesus tour on arrival. Visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Then visit Ephesus Ancient City, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Explore the Agora, Odeon, Celsius Library, Hadrian Temple, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre & Marble Street. After a lunch break, visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she is thought to have spent her final years. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Morning drive to Pamukkale, then lunch. In the afternoon, tour the 'Cotton Castle.' Pamukkale is an extraordinary natural wonder. The calcium waters rise from the round at a temperature of 35 C and tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 meters, forming a myriad of pools. Cream-colored stalactites are formed as the water overflows from the pools, creating a breathtaking sight unequalled in the world. Bring swimwear as you may have time to swim in the Antique Pool (extra fee applies.) Also visit the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis with its basilica, theatre, Roman Bath and Necropolis. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Morning flight to Cappadocia (via Istanbul.) Free afternoon exploring the cave town of Goreme. Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
05:00 Hot air balloon flight. Drive to the take-off site and have a quick snack and safety briefing while watching the balloon inflate. Then you're off! Soaring over fairy chimneys, and dipping low to skim cave dwellings. This may be your favourite part of your Turkey trip - it will certainly be unforgettable. Celebrate a soft landing with a quick drink, and return to your hotel for breakfast around 8.30am. 09:30 Full Day Cappadocia Tour. Visit Zelve open air museum, which once housed one of the largest communities in the region. Visit Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabag (Monks Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum and the natural Castle at Uchisar. After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Mykonos (via Athens). Overnight in Mykonos.
Free day soaking up the sun and wandering the local villages. Overnight in Mykonos.
Take a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos and enjoy this spectacular island. Overnight in Santorini.
Free day. Consider taking a local trip around the caldera, or just wander through the beautiful town of Thira. Make sure you’re in the tiny town of Oia for the sunset! Overnight in Santorini.
Morning flight to Athens, arriving around lunchtime. Transfer to hotel in the Plaka area and free afternoon exploring this charming neighbourhood. Overnight in Athens.
Half day old city tour of Constitutional Square, the Presidential Palace, Omonia Square and of course, the Acropolis and Parthenon. Overnight in Athens.
Take a day trip through the pretty Greek countryside to the stunning ancient city of Delphi. Marvel at the beautiful cliff-top location, and see where the famous oracle gave her advice. Enjoy lunch with a view in the adjacent village, and return to Athens. Overnight in Athens.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
You can customise this trip with additional days! Slow the pace with rest days in locations of your choice, or add additional sightseeing days along the route.
Tour Details
Hotels
Departure Date
Daily departures from April to October.
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Start DateFinish DateDay / Days / Every Day
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Start Date: 01.04.2026Finish Date: 31.10.2026Day / Days / Every Day: Every Day
Price List
Please contact us for pricing.
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StartFinishSingleDouble/Twin PPTriple PP
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Start: 01.04.2026Finish: 31.10.2026Single: -Double/Twin PP: -Triple PP: -
Book Now / Enquiry
If you are traveling with children, please send us an enquiry through the below form for costing and further information.
Reviews
Sally Sawyer
USA
Michael Thank you so much for all hour help. We had a great time on our trip and will recommend you company to others. Thanks, Sally
Read MoreMerv McNamara
Australia
We would just like to thank you and you team for the excellent service provided during our recent trip to Turkey and Greece.
The transfers and accommodation where very well received by both of us.
The drivers were very friendly and helpful. The English speaking guides were excellent,very knowledgeable and made our understand of the history and stories of Turkey well worth the experience.
Your company's assistance reorganising our trip at short notice was spot on and done with little fuse showing the professional attributes of the company.
I would have no issues with recommending you company to other travellers.
Regards
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Andrew mcKinnon
Australia
Hello Michael Just a note to say that the trip went very well indeed and that the organisation was excellent. Cappadocia was amazing as was Istanbul, except perhaps for the airport connections. Santorin and Naxos were an interesting contrast and beautiful. The hotel in Santorin was a highlight. Our guides were excellent but a special word for the guide and driver who took us to Ephesus. My wife lost of her wallet there and they were outstanding in their help. Luckily a Russian lady's children found it under some rubble, without the cash but with all cards etc, and sent it back to our home after contacting us. Amazing and so appreciated. And just a word for the Opera Hotel. I had read some negative comments online but it was a highlight, a beautiful room with a view that was perfect. All the best for the future and I am so glad that I persisted in my attempt to get to Turkey and the islands.
Read MoreJudith and George
Australia
Hello Michael,
We thought you would like to hear a brief comment on our recent Best of Turkey Tour.
It far exceeded our expectations. What we experienced could not have been achieved as independent travellers. Guides in all areas were excellent..in some cases we had a private tour experience.
To be in Gallipoli prior to Anzac Day was due to your suggestion and variation to the tour. Hotels were in great locations but our favourite was Sokullu Pasa in Istanbul. All staff there gave every assistance to any enquiry we had. A very friendly team made our stay there a highlight. Meals were excellent in all locations.
Information boards at the bus station similar to a railway station where bay changes can be seen would mean we would not have to ask the very busy staff. There were young backpackers also having a few problems locating their bus bay.
Other than that. The bus travel is excellent, regular stops, pleasant friendly staff on board and in the rest stops. Finally, we are very pleased we chose your company and hope you can pass on to the various agencies along the way our thanks for their efforts and professionalism. TJ ,s in Eceabat, and special thanks to our guide on day 2 Cappadocia who sought medical attention for me after a slight cut to my head. We are seniors in our seventies and feel very fortunate to have seen Turkey with your company. Thanks so much for all the e mail replies.
Regards
Manuela VEDDOVI
Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan
We had a fabulous time in Turkey, over and beyond our expectations. Thanks Michael for organizing our Best of Turkey tour, including accommodation and transport. We adored Istanbul, the hotel both there and in Cappadocia were delightful. I was impressed by the state of all the attractions we saw as they are amazingly well maintained and the guides obviously knew their history well.
Of Ephesus, Pamulkale and Cappadocia, "Kapadokya" won our hearts. What a delightful place and we are looking forward to seeing it again some day.
Travelling with a 14 year old is not always a delight, but our son was thrilled with variety of places we saw and it made learning historical facts so much more interesting for him. We were delighted that like us, he too enjoyed it so much.
Looking forward to seeing all those other gorgeous places we did not make it to this time in the near future.
Thanks again for the wonderful experience, we have been singing the praises of Turkey and your travel centre since we've returned home.
Fond Regards
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