Greece and Turkey Highlights
10 Days
Contact us for pricing
Highlights:
Greece
(Athens)
,
Turkey
(Istanbul, Cappadocia)
Trip Start/End:
Athens
/
Istanbul
Explore Greece and Turkey, a land where traces of the ancient history and mythology are still well-preserved. Start your tour with Athens, the Cradle of the European civilization and enjoy the panorama of the city center dominated by Acropolis. Continue discovering ancient Greece with a tour to Argolis region in Peloponnese. The tour starts with a drive along the sardonic Gulf to the Corinth Canal which connects Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. Visit Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides with Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls. Among many other attractions continue the tour with Epidavros and visit the sanctuary of Asclepius, the most brilliant centre of healing in the ancient world and the theatre. A tour to Delphi it is a “must” see. Also known as the “centre of the earth”, Delphi tour cannot be missed. The wild beauty and the inspiring landscape make this visit a unforgettable experience. Continue your tour with Istanbul epicenter of Turkey's hustle and bustle. A frenzy of business, nightclubs, entertainment and culture, the city is a haven for those who like all their senses stimulated. Absorb Istanbul's ancient structures, from its mosques to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire influenced architecture. Move forward with a visit to the Goreme National Park in Cappadocia, also referred to as "Valley of the Fairy Chimneys". The formations were created after three volcanoes erupted around 30 million years ago. The area is also known for the spectacular homes that had been carved in the rock.
This tour is only available from April to October.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Athens
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Afternoon at leisure
- Dinner (not included)
| Plaka (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Athens
| - Shared - 1/2 d City Tour with Acropolis - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional: Athens by night (with Dinner)
- Dinner (included)
| Plaka (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Athens
| - Shared - 1/2 d Sounion Tour - Coach/Guide
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Plaka (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Athens
| - Shared - Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus Tour (with Lunch) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Plaka (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Athens - Istanbul
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Flight (Not Included)
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Antik (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Istanbul
| - Shared - St. Sophia Church, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar Tour (with Lunch) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Antik (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Istanbul - Cappadocia
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Istanbul - Cappadocia [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Shared - Cappadocia Tour 1 (with Lunch) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Perissia (3*)
Standard (B,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Cappadocia
| - Shared - Cappadocia Tour 2 (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Perissia (3*)
Standard (B,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Cappadocia - Istanbul
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Cappadocia - Istanbul [Direct Flight] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Antik (3*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Istanbul
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Athens
Plaka Hotel
Day 1: Athens
Enjoy your private airport transfer today.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you relax at your hotel or enjoy the city sites.
Accommodation: Plaka (3*) Offering comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, the Plaka Hotel (3*) Athens is an excellent choice for a demanding client, in a terrific location. Situated in the heart of Athens, the Plaka Hotel is located close to the Syntagma square, Acropolis, museums, Parliament, shopping area of Plaka and Cathedral. The hotel has cozy guestrooms that are well furnished and equipped with a host of modern amenities. For dining pleasure there is a small restaurant onsite, which is attractively furnished and offers a variety of cuisine. Conference facilities are available for people travelling on business purposes. The minimalist decoration, the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the hotel are promising an unforgettable stay in Athens.
The main landmarks of Athens
Zea
Day 2: Athens
This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Expert guides take you to see the centre of the city, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the Parliament, The Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. On your way to the Acropolis you will see the Panathenaic Stadium (where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896), the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. At the Acropolis we visit the Museum and the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and, finally, the monument that 'puts order in the mind', The Parthenon.
This enchanting evening tour commences with a scenic drive to Piraeus, 'the place over the passage', inhabited since the 26th century BC. Visit its natural harbors, such as lively Zea with its busy yacht marina and tiny Mikrolimano, one of the most picturesque corners of Piraeus. Journey to Plaka, the charming historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. The ideal atmosphere for your traditional dinner, enjoy the rest of your evening in a vibrant Greek tavern alive with traditional folk music and dancers.
Accommodation: Plaka (3*) 
Temple of Poseidon
Day 3: Athens
Enjoy a half day tour to Sounion. Drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) to Cape Sounion where you will visit the 5th century B.C Temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands).
Accommodation: Plaka (3*) 
Mycenae, Lion's Gate
Day 4: Athens
Leave by the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, (short stop). Drive to Mycenae, the Homeric city of Atreides, the city “rich in gold” of the ancient poets. Visit the Lion’s Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, and the Royal Tombs e.t.c. Depart for Nauplion through the fertile plain of Argolis, the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress (short photo stop), leave for Epidauros, to visit the Theatre (4th century B.C.) famous for its astonishing acoustics. Return to Athens by the National road connecting Epidauros with Corinth. Lunch in Mycenae.
Accommodation: Plaka (3*) 
Istanbul
The Antik Hotel in Istanbul
Day 5: Athens - Istanbul
Enjoy your private airport transfer today.
Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Accommodation: Antik (3*) A theme hotel, the Antik (4*) features four floors each representing a different period of Istanbul's history. Each floor of the hotel carries a name of the city as it was known at different times throughout the ages. Floors and rooms were designed to reflect the culture and art of their named civilization while providing all modern ammenities expected of a fine hotel.
Hagia Sophia
Day 6: Istanbul
Enjoy a full day tour of Istanbul with other travellers and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. After lunch (included in the tour price) visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour). The tour ends at your hotel.
Accommodation: Antik (3*) 
Goreme
The Perissia Hotel exterior view
Day 7: Istanbul - Cappadocia
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Capadoccia. The flight duration is about 1 hour.
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Enjoy a full day tour in a group setting in Cappadocia. Drive to Devrent valley and then to Pasabagi valley, to see the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. From here you will be driven to Avanos, the famous pottery town, to have lunch. After lunch depart from Avanos to see the beautiful examples of Byzantine art in the churches of Goreme Open Air Museum. Then be driven to Uchisar castle, the highest point of the region, where we have a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia, finally a visit to the Pidgeon valley. The tour starts and ends in your hotel.
Accommodation: Perissia (3*) Perissia (3*) is located in a World Heritage Site and home to many natural wonders such as the Fairy Chimneys, underground cities and cave churches in this region of early Christianity. You can enjoy many activities such as Ballooning, Hiking, Rafting, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking as well as sightseeing during the day and join the lively nightlife while tasting the famous Cappadocian Wine in the evening.
Day 8: Cappadocia
Enjoy a full day tour in a group setting in Cappadocia and visit the Ortahisar a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then visit Subterrenean City of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several floor levels. Drive to Cavusin Valley to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until mid 20th century. After lunch a visit to the Red valley, finally a visit to a Winery, Cappadocia is famous for its fertile vineyards due to the mineral-laden volcanic soil of the area. The tour starts and ends at your hotel.
Accommodation: Perissia (3*) Day 9: Cappadocia - Istanbul
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Enjoy a direct flight from Kayseri airport to Istanbul. The flight duration is around 1 hour.
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Accommodation: Antik (3*) Day 10: Istanbul
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Plaka Hotel
Plaka Hotel
Plaka (3*) - Athens
Offering comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, the Plaka Hotel (3*) Athens is an excellent choice for a demanding client, in a terrific location. Situated in the heart of Athens, the Plaka Hotel is located close to the Syntagma square, Acropolis, museums, Parliament, shopping area of Plaka and Cathedral. The hotel has cozy guestrooms that are well furnished and equipped with a host of modern amenities. For dining pleasure there is a small restaurant onsite, which is attractively furnished and offers a variety of cuisine. Conference facilities are available for people travelling on business purposes. The minimalist decoration, the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the hotel are promising an unforgettable stay in Athens.
- The Antik Hotel in Istanbul
Antik (3*) - Istanbul
A theme hotel, the Antik (4*) features four floors each representing a different period of Istanbul's history. Each floor of the hotel carries a name of the city as it was known at different times throughout the ages. Floors and rooms were designed to reflect the culture and art of their named civilization while providing all modern ammenities expected of a fine hotel.
- The Perissia Hotel exterior view
Perissia (3*) - Cappadocia
Perissia (3*) is located in a World Heritage Site and home to many natural wonders such as the Fairy Chimneys, underground cities and cave churches in this region of early Christianity. You can enjoy many activities such as Ballooning, Hiking, Rafting, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking as well as sightseeing during the day and join the lively nightlife while tasting the famous Cappadocian Wine in the evening.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Greece
VISA/PASSPORT
Greece is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Greece for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/greece.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Athens.
Government: Republic.
Language: Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism and those of a younger generation will speak some English, French, German or Italian.
Religion: 98% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Telephone: Country code +30, (plus 210 for Athens, 2310 for Thessaloniki and 2810 for Heraklion)
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Cafes are available in the main cities, including Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands of Crete, Kos, Mykonos and Rhodes.
Travel tips of Turkey
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Currently, holders of all types of passports, if they are traveling as tourists, can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for approximately USD$20 cash. Visas san also be obtained prior to arrival for approximately $75. Processing generally takes 3 working days. Travelers arriving by cruise ship for a day trip to Turkey do not require a visa if they are not staying on shore overnight.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Turkey for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/turkey.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Ankara.
Government: Republic since 1923.
Language: Turkish. Kurdish is also spoken by a minority in the southeast. French, German and English are widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.
Religion: Muslim, mostly Sunni, with a very small Christian minority. Turkey is a secular state which guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +90.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is mostly good, but can be patchy in some rural areas in eastern Turkey.
Internet: Internet cafes exist in main urban areas. Some restaurants and hotels have Wi-Fi Internet access.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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