10-Day Greece and Turkey Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Greece And Turkey tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineGreece and Turkey travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Turkey & Greece Itinerary, incl. Istanbul and Athens

  Turkish-Greek wonders from Istanbul's mosques to Athens' Acropolis fill this 10-day tour. Alexandroupoli's lighthouse, Thessaloniki's Byzantine sites, and Meteora's monasteries showcase regional diversity. Comfortable accommodations enhance cultural experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Istanbul

    Begin in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district. Get to the Hagia Sophia before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Visit the Blue Mosque right across the square but remember it closes during prayer times, particularly Friday noon. Plan your Grand Bazaar visit for late afternoon when it's cooler and vendors are more open to negotiation. A recent visitor shared: "The local coffee experience near Topkapi Palace was incredible - try the traditional method where they read your fortune in the coffee grounds!"

    
  • Day 3

    Istanbul to Alexandroupoli

    The Turkey-Greece border crossing typically takes 1-2 hours. Bring snacks and something to keep you occupied. You'll see beautiful countryside views through Turkey's Marmara region. Plan to reach Alexandroupoli in time to watch sunset at the lighthouse.

    
  • Day 4

    Northern Greece

    Pack in several stops on your way to Thessaloniki. Start your morning in Xanthi, about 1.5 hours from Alexandroupoli, to see its charming old town. When visiting the Philippi archaeological site, wear sturdy shoes since the ancient stones can be slippery. You'll reach Thessaloniki by evening.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Thessaloniki & Vergina

    Take a full day to explore Thessaloniki's Byzantine churches and Roman ruins. The next day, drive an hour to Vergina. Bring a light jacket for the Royal Tombs Museum - it's underground and cool. A visitor tip: "The tomb of Philip II is mind-blowing - the preservation of the gold artifacts is incredible. Go early before tour buses arrive."

    
  • Day 7

    Meteora

    Plan your monastery visits carefully. You'll need long pants and covered shoulders. Some monasteries require women to wear skirts. The climb to Varlaam Monastery requires effort but isn't too difficult. Take water breaks, especially in summer months.

    
  • Day 8

    Thermopylae to Athens

    The southern drive takes about 4 hours. Stop at Thermopylae to see the 300 Spartans memorial - morning light offers the best photos. You'll reach Athens with time to unpack before dinner in the Plaka area.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Athens

    Start at the Acropolis when it opens at 8 AM to beat crowds and heat. Watch your step on wet marble. Visit the Acropolis Museum in the afternoon after cruise tourists leave. Finish your trip with dinner in Psyrri, where you'll find authentic tavernas away from tourist spots.

    

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• 10 Day Greece Itinerary, incl. Athens and Santorini

  A 10-day Greek and Turkish adventure takes you through 11 destinations. Luxuriate at 4-star hotels like Brown Kubic Athens while cruising to Mykonos, Kusadasi, and Santorini. UNESCO sites include Athens' Acropolis and ancient Ephesus.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Athens

    Get to the Acropolis by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and intense heat. "Walking through Athens and seeing the Acropolis up close felt surreal." Spend your afternoon at the modern Acropolis Museum and stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood. Local tavernas serve excellent traditional food, and you'll find Greek cuisine offers more variety than you might expect.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ancient Olympia & Delphi

    Drive to Corinth Canal (1.5 hours from Athens) before heading to Olympia. The ancient Olympic grounds look beautiful in morning light. "When our guide explained how competitors wore olive wreaths after their victories, it really made us feel like we were stepping back in time." The next day takes you through Ilia's plains to Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world. Wear good shoes because you'll walk uphill on uneven ground.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Meteora & Return to Athens

    Visit the impressive Meteora monasteries perched on towering rocks. "Visit early in the day when the morning mist creates an otherworldly atmosphere." The 5-hour drive back to Athens puts you there late afternoon. Take your evening to check out Psyrri neighborhood's authentic Greek restaurants and local vibe.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Mykonos & Santorini

    Catch the morning ferry to Mykonos (3 hours). "The best time to explore the whitewashed alleys is during sunset when the crowds thin out." Next day, take the ferry to Santorini (2.5 hours). "Book a hotel in Fira for easier access to both ends of the island. The local buses are reliable but get crowded during peak season."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Kusadasi & Return to Athens

    Explore ancient Ephesus from Kusadasi port. Bring a hat and water since the archaeological site has minimal shade. Use your final day in Athens, and plan at least 2 hours for your airport transfer because traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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• 9 Day Balkans Itinerary, incl. Athens and Istanbul

  The wonders of Greece and Turkey unfold over 9 days, beginning at Athens' Acropolis and Parthenon. Delphi's Temple of Apollo and Meteora's monasteries lead to Thessaloniki's White Tower, followed by Istanbul's Bosphorus cruise past Dolmabahce Palace.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Athens

    Start with a private airport transfer to your central Athens hotel. Get to the Acropolis by 8 AM on your first morning to avoid crowds and heat. Wear good walking shoes since the marble steps can be slippery. Take an afternoon guided tour of the new Acropolis Museum and landmarks like the Panathenaic Stadium. Your evening is free to wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood.

    
  • Day 3

    Athens to Meteora via Delphi

    This is your longest travel day at 433km. Leave Athens early for the 3-hour drive to Delphi. Visit the Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins before the afternoon heat hits. Another 3.5 hours takes you to Kalabaka near Meteora. The mountain roads have beautiful views but can be tough if you get motion sick. Try to sit up front if that's the case.

    
  • Day 4

    Meteora to Thessaloniki

    Start at the cliff-top monasteries when morning light is best for photos. Follow the dress code: women need long skirts/dresses and covered shoulders, men must wear long pants. Take the monastery steps slowly in hot weather. It's about 3 hours to Thessaloniki where you can spend your free evening on the waterfront promenade.

    
  • Day 5

    Thessaloniki to Sofia

    Drive into Bulgaria to see the stunning Rila Monastery in the mountains, about 4 hours from Thessaloniki. Visit Sofia's highlights like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the afternoon or possibly next morning depending on arrival time.

    
  • Day 6

    Sofia to Bucharest

    Travel through Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's old capital, on your way to Bucharest. The full drive with stops is about 400km. Your evening is free to explore Bucharest's Old Town with its mix of art nouveau and communist architecture and busy cafe scene.

    
  • Day 7

    Transylvania Day Trip

    Take an optional day trip to Transylvania. Book the $120 tour early as spots fill up fast. The 377km journey includes Bran Castle (go early to avoid crowds), historic Brașov and beautiful Peles Castle. Bring extra layers since mountain weather changes quickly.

    
  • Day 8

    Bucharest to Istanbul

    See Bucharest's highlights in the morning including Revolution Square and the Palace of Parliament. Take your included afternoon flight to Istanbul. Start exploring in the evening around Sultanahmet where the Blue Mosque looks incredible lit up at night.

    
  • Day 9

    Istanbul

    Visit the Spice Bazaar first thing before tourist crowds arrive. Take a Bosphorus cruise to see both European and Asian shores. Women need headscarves for mosque visits but you can borrow these at entrances.

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