Itinerary
- Day 1
Athens
You'll arrive in Athens and get transferred to your hotel, then have the afternoon to get settled and rest. Stop by the front desk later to check the information boards for details about when your tour officially starts tomorrow.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
- Day 2
Athens
A local guide takes you through Athens starting with the Presidential Mansion and the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympics happened. You'll see the National Library, walk through bustling squares, and check out neighborhoods from after 2004. The city tour ends at the Acropolis (you'll pay extra for entry), then you head to historic Plaka for dinner at traditional Greek tavernas.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
Included Activities
- City tour of Athens including Presidential Mansion, Panathenaic Stadium, National Library, and city center squares
- Transfer to Plaka neighborhood
Optional Activities
- Acropolis admission
Landmarks Presidential Mansion Panathenaic Stadium National Library Acropolis Plaka 
- Day 3
Athens - Kamena Vourla - Thermopylae - Kalambaka
Early departure heading north through Greece, stopping at seaside Kamena Vourla to take in the coastal scenery. From there you'll reach Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the site of that famous ancient battle. Kastraki village comes next with panoramic views and free time for lunch. After that you're heading to the Meteora monasteries (UNESCO site) where one entrance is included. Dinner happens in Kalambaka.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Amalia Kalambaca), Hotel (Divani Meteora)
Included Activities
- Stop at Kamena Vourla
- Visit Thermopylae Mountain Pass
- Visit Kastraki village
- Admission to one Meteora monastery
Landmarks Kamena Vourla Thermopylae Mountain Pass Kastraki Meteora 
- Day 4
Kalambaka - Thessaloniki - Melnik - Sandanski
The drive through northern Greece takes you toward the Aegean Sea with mountain views along the way. You'll stop in Thessaloniki (Greece's second-largest city) for exploring and lunch. Then you cross into Bulgaria and head to Melnik, a charming museum town known for wine. The day ends in Sandanski, a spa town with historical significance. Dinner's included.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pirin Park Hotel)
Included Activities
- Stop in Thessaloniki
- Visit Melnik
Landmarks Thessaloniki Melnik Sandanski 
- Day 5
Sandanski - Rila - Sofia
You're visiting Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site with fortress-like architecture surrounded by forest. Then it's on to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, arriving by late morning. After lunch there's a guided city tour covering St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, the Mosque, and city squares showing Stalinist architecture. You'll have free time afterward to wander around on your own.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Sofia), Hotel (Novotel Sofia)
Included Activities
- Visit Rila Monastery
- City tour of Sofia including St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Russian Church, Mosque, and city squares
Landmarks Rila Monastery St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Russian Church 
- Day 6
Sofia to Istanbul
After breakfast you head to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul. Once you arrive, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring however you like. Your tour team will give you details in the afternoon or you can check the hotel reception boards.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn)
- Day 7
Istanbul
Istanbul sightseeing starts with the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in the city. You'll explore ancient walls, the Golden Horn, fishing districts, and see Hagia Sophia from outside. Topkapi Palace is next with your entry included, where you can wander the courtyards and pavilions of this former Ottoman administrative center. The afternoon is free to explore, then you'll transfer to Taksim (the commercial heart) for dinner at local restaurants and a look at the historic old tram, or you could visit Galata Tower instead.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn)
Included Activities
- Visit Süleymaniye Mosque
- Explore ancient walls
- Visit Golden Horn
- View Hagia Sophia exterior
- Admission and visit to Topkapi Palace
- Transfer to Taksim
Optional Activities
- Visit Galata Tower
Landmarks Süleymaniye Mosque Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Golden Horn Galata Tower Taksim 
- Day 8
Istanbul
A private boat trip on the Bosphorus (ticket included) takes about two hours and is just for your group. You'll travel through the strait connecting the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara while passing under two bridges that link Europe and Asia. Along the way you'll see Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. After returning to central Istanbul you have free time.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn)
Included Activities
- Bosphorus boat trip on private boat
Landmarks Bosphorus Strait 
- Day 9
Istanbul - Ephesus - Kusadasi
Early start heading through Turkey with an arrival around lunchtime at Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities from Asia Minor (it had around 250,000 residents two thousand years ago). You'll visit the Basilica of St. John, House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site with entry included. Then it's on to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town with a castle. Dinner's included. Note that May through October you might stay in Aydin instead, with a 4:30-7:00 p.m. stop in Kusadasi.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Le Bleu)
Included Activities
- Visit Basilica of St. John
- Visit House of the Virgin Mary
- Visit Ephesus archaeological site
Landmarks Basilica of St. John House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus Kusadasi 
- Day 10
Kusadasi - Lake Bafa - Bodrum - Marmaris
An early departure takes you to Lake Bafa, where you'll stop to take in the peaceful scenery. Bodrum comes next, a fortified city with Greek origins where you can see the castle, walk the lively tourist streets, or check out the marina. After lunch you continue to Marmaris, a coastal destination with a castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner's included. Some summers you might stay in nearby Mugla instead.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pasabey), Hotel (Tuna)
Included Activities
- Visit Lake Bafa
- Visit Bodrum
Landmarks Lake Bafa Bodrum Marmaris 
- Day 11
Marmaris to Rhodes
You're heading to Greece early and boarding an express ferry to Rhodes (about one hour). After standard border procedures at Rhodes, a tour takes you through the remarkable walled city with its historic quarter that blends Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian influences. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Semiramis City)
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing to Rhodes
- Tour of Rhodes walled city and historic quarter
Landmarks Rhodes Old Town 
- Day 12
Rhodes
An island excursion (included) starts with Filerimos, a hilltop location with a monastery surrounded by natural scenery. Next is Lindos where you can see the fortress and Acropolis with great sea views, walk the whitewashed streets, relax on beaches, or take a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. After lunch back in Rhodes city you'll have free time, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Crete and eventually to your Heraklion hotel. Note that direct Rhodes-Crete flights are limited and may go Friday morning or include an Athens stop.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Island excursion including Filerimos monastery
- Visit Lindos fortress and Acropolis
Optional Activities
- Traditional donkey ride to Acropolis
Landmarks Filerimos Lindos Fortress Lindos Acropolis 
- Day 13
Heraklion - Rethymno - Chania
You're traveling west along the coast to Rethymno, a picturesque Venetian city with a medieval castle. From there it's on to Chania, another captivating city with an impressive fortress and fine mansions that has passed through Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Genoese, Turkish, Egyptian, and Greek hands. The drive back to Heraklion wraps up the day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Visit Rethymno
- Visit Chania
Landmarks Rethymno Chania 
- Day 14
Heraklion
An excursion to the Palace of Knossos (admission and guided tour included) shows you the Minoan culture that shaped Greek civilization four thousand years ago. After that you're traveling through the island's mountains down to the Libyan Sea shore and Agia Galini, a picturesque town with winding streets, a fishing port, and crowded taverns. You'll have free time for lunch and optional swimming before returning to Heraklion. November through April, you'll visit Matala instead (known for its beach and cliff caves).
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Visit Palace of Knossos with admission and guided tour
Optional Activities
- Swim in Agia Galini
Landmarks Palace of Knossos Agia Galini Matala - Day 15
Heraklion - Kritsa - Agios Nikolaos - Elounda - Spinalonga
Heading east along the coast, you'll stop in the small town of Kritsa to see Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church with intricate frescoes (entry included). Then it's Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port where you can walk around and have lunch. Next comes Elounda, a beautiful tourist area with former city-state history. A boat ride takes you to Spinalonga Island and the Fortress of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress that later served as a leper colony. After the visit you'll return by boat to Heraklion.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Styles Heraklion)
Included Activities
- Visit Panagia Kera church
- Visit Agios Nikolaos
- Boat ride to Spinalonga Island
- Visit Fortress of Spinalonga
Landmarks Panagia Kera Church Agios Nikolaos Elounda Spinalonga Fortress - Day 16
Heraklion - Santorini - Athens
Early transfer to the port and a high-speed ferry to Santorini arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. By bus through beautiful landscapes you'll reach Oia, the island's most spectacular town with white streets, cliff views, castle remains, and windmills. Free time there for lunch and a leisurely walk, then you visit Fira (the island capital). Those interested can take a cable car or donkey down to the port to see cruise ships. Around 3:15 p.m. you board the high-speed ferry back to Athens, arriving around midnight. November through mid-April you'll fly from Heraklion to Athens instead since the ferry is suspended.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Novotel Athenes), Hotel (Skylark)
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing to Santorini
- Visit Oia
- Visit Fira
- Ferry crossing to Athens
Optional Activities
- Cable car descent in Fira
- Donkey ride descent in Fira
Landmarks Oia Fira 
- Day 17
Athens
After breakfast your tour ends here, leaving you with memories from your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
