What would be an example itinerary for a tour from Athens to Istanbul?

A comprehensive Athens to Istanbul journey typically spans 12-14 days. Begin with 2-3 days in Athens to see the Acropolis and key archaeological sites. The route continues to Delphi and the Meteora monasteries before taking a ferry to Rhodes for a 2-day stay. After crossing into Turkey at Marmaris the journey includes 2 days in Cappadocia exploring underground cities and churches carved into rock. The route then leads to Pamukkale's calcium terraces and the ruins of Ephesus near Kusadasi. The trip concludes with 3 days in Istanbul where you'll visit the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The itinerary provided a perfect blend of historical sites natural wonders and cultural experiences though some days were quite packed with activities."

What are the most common destinations visited between Athens and Istanbul?

The route between these two cities includes several key stops. Most tours pass through Rhodes Marmaris Antalya Cappadocia Pamukkale and Kusadasi. The path typically follows the coastline from Greece into Turkey with significant time at Ephesus and the white terraces of Pamukkale. Cappadocia serves as a central highlight where visitors explore distinctive rock formations and underground settlements. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The variety of stops was excellent - from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia each destination offered something unique."

What unique experiences can I expect on an Athens to Istanbul tour?

These cross-country adventures offer a mix of historical and natural experiences. Visitors spend time among Athens' ancient ruins take ferry rides across the Aegean Sea and visit the mountaintop monasteries of Meteora. In Cappadocia they explore underground cities that date back centuries. Many tours include sunrise balloon flights over Cappadocia's valleys and evening boat trips on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The hot air balloon experience over Cappadocia at sunrise was breathtaking and the traditional dinner at Hotel Dinler followed by exploring Istanbul's Grand Bazaar created unforgettable memories."

What is the average price range for Athens to Istanbul tours?

Prices for these cross-border tours range from $1900 to $5100 with most falling between $2500-3500. Daily costs average $136-340 based on included services and hotel quality. A typical 16-day tour with standard hotels guided visits and some meals costs around $2177. More upscale options like a 15-day tour with extra activities and premium hotels run about $3899. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The tour offered good value considering the number of sites visited and quality of accommodations at places like the Ramada Cappadocia and Elite World Business Istanbul."

What mode of transportation is typically used between Athens and Istanbul?

Tours use various transport methods to cover this route. Most combine bus travel ferry crossings to Greek islands and flights between major cities. Many tours include air travel from Athens to Ankara or Istanbul then continue by coach within Turkey. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The transfers were seamless - from comfortable coaches to smooth ferry rides through the Greek islands. Having flights included between major cities really helped maximize our sightseeing time."

What are the average tour lengths for trips from Athens to Istanbul?

These cross-border tours usually last between 7-19 days though most popular options run 11-15 days. The Classical Greece and Turkey tour offers an 11-day experience covering Athens Mykonos Santorini Cappadocia and Istanbul. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The 11-day itinerary was perfectly paced giving us time to explore iconic places in both Greece and Turkey without feeling rushed. Cappadocia and the Greek islands were especially memorable."

Athens to Istanbul Tours

Find adventures that start in Athens and then finish in Istanbul. Trips from Athens to Istanbul are most popular in June, with the most tours doing this route then.

10 best Athens to Istanbul tour packages

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In-depth Cultural
Best of Greece and Turkey with 3-day Cruise (Small Group)
4.7 (70 traveler reviews)
"Everything went very smoothly and eskapas was constantly communicating with us through whatsapp which made us feel comfortable."
Noah, traveled in October
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, Santorini,Istanbul,Ankara,Lake Tuz,Nevsehir,Cappadocia,Urgup,Avanos,Goreme,Uchisar,Pasabag,Sultanhani,Pamukkale,Selcuk,Izmir,Pergamum,Troy,Gallipoli+17 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Eskapas
3% Off
From $3,950
US$3,832per person
+$205 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Classical Greece and Turkey with 3-Day Cruise (Small Group)
4.8 (52 traveler reviews)
"The sights and sounds were thoroughly enjoyed with the smooth connections from one experience to another."
Ann, traveled in May
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, Santorini,Istanbul,Ankara,Lake Tuz,Urgup,Cappadocia,Avanos,Uchisar,Goreme,Pasabag,Nevsehir+10 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Eskapas
7% Off
From $3,800
US$3,534per person
+$205 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Colours of Mediterranean Tour
4.3 (2 traveler reviews)
"Kismet from Fez Travel was brilliant and was responded with any questions super quick."
Polly, traveled in August
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Samos Island, Selcuk, Kusadasi,Pamukkale,Konya,Cappadocia,Goreme,Ankara,Istanbul+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Fez Travel
7% Off
From
US$4,485per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Athens, Peloponnese and Amazing Turkey (18 destinations)
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Tripoli, Olympia, Patras, Nafpaktos, Mycenae, Rhodes,Marmaris,Dalyan,Antalya,Aspendos,Side,Karaman,Nigde,Cappadocia,Safranbolu,Eregli,Istanbul+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
CappadociaPeloponnese Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
7% Off
From
US$2,534per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Islands & Turkey Express - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Kusadasi, Izmir, Istanbul,Ankara,Cappadocia+2 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From $5,565
US$4,174per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Athens, Greek Islands & Turkey - 14 days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Kusadasi, Izmir, Istanbul,Ankara,Cappadocia,Pamukkale,Ephesus Archaeological Museum,Çanakkale,Eceabat,Gallipoli+7 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From $5,870
US$4,403per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Metéora, Thermopylae, Delphi, Corinth Canal,Nafplion,Volos,Thessaloniki,Kavala,Istanbul+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Mainland Greece
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $3,679
US$3,311per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
10 Day Athens, cruise to the Greek Islands and the Turkish Riviera from Athens, Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Lavrion, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Crete, Santorini,Istanbul,Cappadocia+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
10% Off
From $3,599
US$3,239per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Athens, Crete, Heraklion, Naxos, Paros, Istanbul
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek Islands
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
10% Off
From
US$4,519per person
+$599 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
The Best of Greece & Turkey
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Athens, Metéora, Delphi, Nafplion, Istanbul, Çanakkale,Ayvalik,Selcuk,Pamukkale+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $3,499
US$3,149per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Athens to Cappadocia thru Bucharest and Istanbul - 3 FLIGHTS INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"The highlights were the Acropolis in Athens, the stunning Meteora monasteries, and the enchanting streets of Istanbul."
Linda, traveled in May
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Greece Bulgaria Romania Turkey
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Ajdinis
20% Off
From $4,362
US$3,490per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Athens to Istanbul thru Bucharest - Discovering Ancient Wonders 1 FLIGHT INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Greece Bulgaria Romania Turkey
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Ajdinis
20% Off
From $3,791
US$3,033per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greece, Bulgaria, and Istanbul
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Greece Turkey Bulgaria
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern GreeceAthens Santorini & Mykonos+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
20% Off
From
US$4,491per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Island Hopper with Istanbul
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Greece Bulgaria Turkey
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
From
US$5,169per person
+$735 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Greece & Turkey Adventure: Athens to Istanbul
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Thessaloniki, Xanthi, Alexandroupoli, Edirne,Istanbul+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Northern GreeceMainland Greece+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,795per person
+$53 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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