Anatolia, Ankara & Greek Odyssey

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the way. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture.

Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Inaugurated in 1953, it’s dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your journey to incredible Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations. Pass by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way.

Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. Head to a wonderful ceramic workshop where you’ll witness the traditional way of creating ceramic objects, from everyday artifacts to true works of art. Enjoy a visit to a precious stone shop and gain insight into the process of turning the raw material into stunning jewelry. Based on operative reasons this activities might be done the next day.

The remainder of the day is yours to begin discovering the landscapes of this magical region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To contemplate an unforgettable scene, we recommend our optional safari and sunset tour* for an adrenaline rush through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

*Optional Jeep safari and sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the magical Cappadocia valley landscape, enjoying the sunset as you do impressive, adrenaline-pumping dips, donuts, and tricks, in a 4X4 jeep.

Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Next, you have the chance to enjoy an optional visit to Kaimakli**, the incredible underground city*.

Mid-morning, discover the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia, formed by the erosion of layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes.

Explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the captivating "Fairy Chimneys" are located, followed by a visit to a local carpet workshop. Afterwards you can enjoy an optional Turkish night in Cappadocia***. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon flight: float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views, celebrate with a non-alcoholic beverage and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.

Please note: The hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.

**Optional visit to Kaimakli, the underground city: discover the maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 12 miles from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, it's the widest of the underground cities in the region.

***Optional Turkish night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Ready to discover the wonders of one of the greatest civilisations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens. 

Touch down in Athens and transfer to the hotel, in the heart of the city where you can soak up the hustle and bustle of the mega-metropolis. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant Athenian neighbourhoods and sampling delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy an Athens Sightseeing Tour including the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Begin in the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National library.

On-route to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and a quick stop at Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. During the Acropolis visit witness the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon.

Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. Return to your hotel with the remainder of your day at leisure. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head for Delphi. En route, discover the cities via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.

Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site of the 4th-century-B.C. This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the beautiful remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theater. Next, depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit the striking rock formation, Meteora, an incredibly unique scenery with ageless Monasteries protruding from the rocks. These priceless historical and religious treasures stand between sky and earth on the top of the cliffs. An incredible sight to behold.

In the afternoon return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men. 

Enjoy your early morning breakfast* and at indicated time transfer to the port for your ferry to Paros. This beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea is best known for its beaches and traditional villages. Upon arrival on transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure and discover this beautiful island. We recommend a stroll around Naoussa’s picture-perfect streets. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Paros.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at your own pace as today is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend heading to Kolymbithres Beach, famous for its unique granite formations and crystal clear waters, and a walk around picturesque Parikia Village brimming with cafés and restaurants. We have an exciting array of recommended optional* activities and excursions listed below. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Optional Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ): Discover the island of Antiparos with its untamed wild beauty. Take an unforgettable cruise around the island, discover Panteronissi where the turquoise waters resemble a natural swimming pool. Next, sail around the cliffs and view the wild morphology of the southeast coast surrounded by cliffs plunging into the sea forming a succession of caves, including the Mastihari cave. The itinerary is indicative as the captain will choose the best spots for each cruise according to weather conditions. In the evening enjoy a BBQ prepared by your captain!

Why not make the most of your time in the Greek Islands with our great value Island Experiences Pack of 2 Optional Excursions, available in the next step of the booking process. 

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival on the Island of Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure, we recommend a visit to admire the spectacular caldera with white washed houses perched on the edge, created by the eruption of the islands’ volcano. Overnight stay in Santorini.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini at your own pace. Why not relax in one of the cafe's while you watch the world go by or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island known worldwide as the 'island of romance'. To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, why not enjoy one of our recommended optional activities and excursions listed below.* Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer:

Traditional Santorini Bus Tour: During this exciting bus adventure, stop at the most prominent locations on the island. Explore Emporio Village and its medieval fortress, one of the oldest and most traditional villages of Santorini, built like a small labyrinth. Next, take a guided tour of Akrotiri aka “Prehistoric Pompei” or “Lost Atlantis”, buried and preserved by the volcanic ash of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history (17th century BC). You then enjoy some free time on Perissa Beach to have lunch and relax at one of the longest black sandy beaches in the Cyclades. Next, stop at Santorini winery for a tasting of Santorini's distinctive wines and learn about one of the oldest vineyards in Europe. Finish your tour with a short stop at the highest peak of Santorini to admire the island’s striking panoramic view. Finally, transfer to Oia, the most photographed village in Greece. Experience its legendary sunset at your leisure.

Optional Sunset On Board: Begin this beautiful journey at the volcano of Santorini in Nea Kameni Island, take photos of the active crater and walk on its rims. Next, stop at Palia Kameni where you can dive and swim in the hot springs created by the volcano. Sail above the underwater craters from Palia Kameni to Thirasia Island, the boat will anchor and you will have the time to savour some local wine. In the north cape of Santorini you will admire the magical view of Oia village with its famous white houses! The end of the excursion comes at sunset. The boat sets sail as the sun dives into the sea.

Optional Caldera – Oia Excursion (Volcano–Hot Springs–Thirassia–Oia–Sunset): An exciting and adventurous excursion that begins sailing with a traditional wooden boat, a kaiki, to the volcano. Climb for approximately 30 minutes to explore dramatic rocky scenery. Next, the boat will anchor at around 220 feet from the hot springs, so you can swim to and from the boat. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) and a swim  in Thirassia, Fisherman’s Island. After you’ve rested up at lunch, climb 200 steps to reach the top of Oia village, where you will enjoy the legendary sunset. Transfer back to the hotel.

Optional Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour: Treat yourself to a fun & informative Santorini cooking class and wine tasting tour including a culinary feast filled with Santorini flavors and classic Greek island dishes. During your food tour visit 2 traditional Santorini wineries to taste their vintages and then help a knowledgeable local chef prepare three of Santorini’s signature dishes at a traditional restaurant. Enjoy all your freshly-cooked creations at the end of your cooking lesson and taste wine the estate locally produces.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port for your ferry to Athens. It’s your last day in the Greek Capital so make the most of it and enjoy this vibrant city. Why not do some souvenir shopping and head to some of the many foodie neighborhoods to enjoy your final taste of the delicious greek gastronomy. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: APRIL-MAY-OCTOBER: the regular ferries which run and connect Santorini with Athens depart from Santorini in the afternoon and arrive at Athens in the night. The approximate duration is 7h 30 min. Therefore you can enjoy some free time in Santorini on this day but not in Athens.

JUNE-JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER the regular ferries which run and connect Santorini with Athens depart from Santorini early in the morning and arrive at Athens in the afternoon. The approximate duration is 7h 30 min. Therefore you can enjoy some free time in Athens on this day.