Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul and get transferred to your hotel, giving you time to drop off your bags and get oriented. Head to the information board at hotel reception in the afternoon to pick up details about tomorrow's tour and any logistics you need to know.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn)
- Day 2
Istanbul
This morning starts with a sightseeing tour hitting Istanbul's main sights, visiting Süleymaniye Mosque, the ancient walls, the Golden Horn waterway, and seeing the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After that, you'll check out Topkapi Palace with its courtyards and gardens. The afternoon is free to walk around on your own, then later you'll get transferred to Taksim for dinner and to see the old tram running through the streets. Galata Tower is optional if you want to add that in.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn)
Included Activities
- Sightseeing tour of Istanbul
- Visit Süleymaniye Mosque
- Explore ancient walls and Golden Horn
- Visit Topkapi Palace
Optional Activities
- Visit Galata Tower
Landmarks Süleymaniye Mosque Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Golden Horn Galata Tower 
- Day 3
Istanbul
A two-hour private boat trip on the Bosphorus takes you under both bridges that connect Europe and Asia, past the Sultan's former palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Once you're back in central Istanbul, the rest of the day is free for you to wander around and see what interests you.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn)
Included Activities
- Boat trip on the Bosphorus
Landmarks Bosphorus 
- Day 4
Istanbul to Kusadasi - Ephesus
You'll leave Istanbul early and drive through Turkey, reaching Ephesus around lunch time. Spend the afternoon walking through this well-preserved ancient city, seeing the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site itself. From there, continue on to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town where dinner is waiting. Note that during May through October, you might stay in nearby Aydin instead, though you'll still get a scenic stop in Kusadasi.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Le Bleu)
Included Activities
- Visit Basilica of St. John
- Visit House of the Virgin Mary
- Explore Ephesus archaeological site
Landmarks Basilica of St. John House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus 
- Day 5
Kusadasi to Marmaris - Bodrum
An early start takes you to Lake Bafa, one of Turkey's natural areas worth seeing. Then it's on to Bodrum, a fortified city where you can explore the castle, walk through busy streets, or check out the marina. After lunch, head to Marmaris, a coastal spot with its own castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner is included. Some nights you might stay in nearby Mugla instead of Marmaris depending on availability.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pasabey), Hotel (Tuna), Hotel (Yucelen)
Included Activities
- Visit Lake Bafa
- Explore Bodrum
Landmarks Lake Bafa Bodrum 
- Day 6
Marmaris to Rhodes
Early morning means heading to the ferry for Rhodes, about an hour's boat ride across to Greece. After clearing border procedures, a tour takes you through Rhodes' walled city and historic quarter with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian influences throughout. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Semiramis City)
Included Activities
- Sightseeing tour of Rhodes walled city and historic quarter
Landmarks Rhodes Old Town 
- Day 7
Rhodes
You'll spend the day seeing the rest of Rhodes island, starting with Filerimos on a hilltop where there's a monastery and nice views around it. Next is Lindos with its fortress and Acropolis overlooking the sea. Wander the whitewashed streets, relax on a beach, or try an optional donkey ride up to the Acropolis if that appeals to you. Later in the day, head to Rhodes port to catch the ferry heading to Athens.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ferry Rodas Atenas)
Included Activities
- Island excursion around Rhodes
- Visit Filerimos monastery
Optional Activities
- Traditional donkey ride to Lindos Acropolis
Landmarks Filerimos Lindos Acropolis Lindos 
- Day 8
Athens - Patras - Olympia
You'll arrive in Athens at Piraeus port at 7:00 a.m., then travel to the Peloponnese with a quick stop to see the Corinth Canal. After that, drive through the mountains to Tripoli, where there's time to sit at a café around Aeros Square. Continue to Olympia to tour the Archaeological Site with a local guide showing you the Temple of Zeus, Stadium, Gymnasium, and the ancient Arena where the first Olympic Games started in 776 BC. From there, head to Patras, Greece's third largest city, to see its medieval fortress and cathedral. Dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Moxy Patras Marina)
Included Activities
- Visit Olympia Archaeological Site with guided tour
- Explore Patras
Landmarks Corinth Canal Tripoli Olympia Archaeological Site Temple of Zeus 
- Day 9
Patras to Athens - Mycenae - Acrocorinth
After breakfast, you'll cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressive cable-stayed structure connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. Stop in Nafpaktos on the Gulf of Corinth to see its Venetian fortress and walk around the harbor and old town. Then it's on to Mycenae, an enormous citadel from the 18th century BC that's considered the cradle of European civilization, with time for lunch and looking around. Next stop is the Acrocorinth Fortress with its ancient temple of Aphrodite. You'll get a brief stop at the Corinth Canal before arriving in Athens by evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
Included Activities
- Visit Mycenae archaeological site
- Visit Acrocorinth Fortress
Landmarks Rio-Antirrio Bridge Nafpaktos Mycenae Acrocorinth Corinth Canal 
- Day 10
Athens
The day is completely yours in Athens. Explore the neighborhoods, find new spots, and let different corners of the city show you what interests you most.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
- Day 11
Athens
After breakfast, your tour ends, leaving you with memories from the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
