Jewels of Aegean Turkey & Greece Tour
Grand Journeys

Jewels of Aegean Turkey & Greece Tour

A 21-day exploration of the ancient wonders and beautiful landscapes of Turkey and Greece, from Istanbul to Santorini.

Duration 21 Days · 20 Nights
Tour Theme Historical
Overview

21 Days Across Two Countries

Experience the ancient wonders and beautiful landscapes of Turkey and Greece on this 21-day tour. Begin in Istanbul with visits to iconic sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Continue to Cappadocia for hot air balloon rides and underground city tours. Explore Antalya's historic sites and the Turquoise Coast, including Perge, Aspendos, and Kas. Discover Ephesus and Kusadasi before heading to Greece. Enjoy Mykonos and Santorini's picturesque beaches, a catamaran cruise, and Athens' rich history, including the Acropolis.

Highlights

What Makes This Tour Unforgettable

Imperial Istanbul to Cappadocia
Byzantine landmarks followed by an optional sunrise hot air balloon flight
The Turquoise Coast
Antalya's ancient theaters, Kekova's sunken city, Kas, Fethiye and the turtle beach of Dalyan
Island-Hopping Greece
A ferry route from Samos to Mykonos and Santorini, with a Caldera catamaran sunset cruise
Classical Athens
The Acropolis, the Parthenon, Plaka, and the historic Panathenaic Stadium
Day by Day

Your Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2
Ottoman & Byzantine Relics Tour / Istanbul

Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar, then Topkapi Palace. Return to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3
Dolmabahce Palace, Asian Side, Golden Horn & Bosphorus Cruise Tour / Istanbul

Visit Dolmabahce Palace, cross the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill, tour the Golden Horn and the City Walls, then take a Bosphorus cruise with lunch on the boat. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4
Flight to Kayseri / Transfer to Cappadocia / North Cappadocia Tour

Fly to Kayseri, transfer to Cappadocia, and hike through orchards and volcanic rock formations, visiting the old Christian Village of Cavusin, Pigeon Valley, the Goreme Open-Air Museum, and Uchisar. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5
Hot Air Balloon Tour / South Cappadocia Tour

An optional Hot Air Balloon Tour is available today. Visit Rose Valley, the Church of St. John the Baptist, Kaymakli Underground City, and Ortahisar. Overnight stay in Göreme.

Day 6
Flight from Cappadocia to Antalya

Fly to Antalya for a half-day tour, including Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Palm Street, Old Town, and Republican Square. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Day 7
Side / Perge / Aspendos / Antalya

We follow the Mediterranean coastline, visiting Perge, Aspendos (with its 7,000-seat theater), the Manavgat Waterfalls and Side. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Day 8
Demre / Myra / Kekova / Kas

We visit the tomb of Saint Nicholas and the Myra rock-cut tombs, then Kekova's partly sunken ruins via glass-bottom boat, and Kalekoy fishing village. Overnight stay in Kas.

Day 9
Kas

A free day for leisure or a self-guided tour, with diving available. Overnight stay in Kas.

Day 10
Kas / Fethiye

A free day, optionally spent in Fethiye, one hour away. Overnight stay in Fethiye.

Day 11
Fethiye

A free day, with an optional full-day private boat ride from Oludeniz Beach including the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, and the island of St. Nicholas. Overnight stay in Fethiye.

Day 12
Dalyan and Iztuzu Tour / Drive to Kusadasi

We visit Iztuzu "Turtle Beach," the ancient site of Lycia, and the city of Caunos, then enjoy the famous mud baths before driving to Kusadasi.

Day 13
Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus

We visit Ephesus, the Ephesus Open Air Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Artemis Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 14
Free Day in Kusadasi and Ferry to Samos

A free day in Kusadasi, followed by a 50-minute ferry ride to Samos, Greece. Overnight stay in Samos.

Day 15
Ferry to Mykonos

We transfer to Samos Port to catch the ferry to Mykonos via Paros. Overnight stay in Mykonos.

Day 16
Free Day in Mykonos

A free day at leisure to explore Mykonos's villages, white-washed houses, and turquoise waters.

Day 17
Ferry to Santorini

A high-speed morning ferry takes us to Santorini; transfer to your hotel in Fira on the cliffs overlooking the Caldera.

Day 18
Caldera Catamaran Cruise with Sunset / Santorini

A free morning, followed by an afternoon catamaran cruise to the Red and White beaches, volcanic hot springs, a Greek barbecue, and a sunset view from below Oia.

Day 19
Flight from Santorini to Athens

After a day at leisure in Santorini, we take a flight to Athens.

Day 20
Discover Athens

We tour Syntagma Square, the National Gardens, the Presidential Residence, the Panathenaic Stadium, Zappeion Hall, and Plaka, near the Acropolis, Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaia and Nike Temple.

Day 21
Departure from Athens

After checking out, we have a transfer available to Athens Airport for the return flight.

What's Included

Your Journey Covers

  • Hotel accommodation in the category of your choice
  • Domestic flight tickets inc. taxes
  • International and domestic ferry tickets
  • Sightseeing tours on a regular group basis (private basis on request)
  • Licensed tour guide assistance during the sightseeing tours
  • Main entrance fees to all sites visited as per the itinerary
  • Fast-track entries to the museums and natural parks
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for tours and airport transfers
  • Domestic land transport between each destination
  • Taxes and handling service
  • 24/7 support during your trip
Questions

Frequently Asked

How are Turkey and Greece connected on this route?
By ferry — guests sail from Kusadasi to Samos, then island-hop via Paros to Mykonos and on to Santorini, before flying from Santorini to Athens.
Is the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia included?
The hot air balloon ride on Day 5 is offered as an optional experience at an additional cost.
Is the Santorini catamaran cruise included?
Yes, the Caldera catamaran cruise with a Greek barbecue and sunset viewing is included as part of the Day 18 itinerary.
How many free/leisure days does this 21-day tour include?
Several free days are built in (Kas, Fethiye, Kusadasi, Mykonos, part of Santorini) to balance sightseeing with relaxation.
Private Design Service

Not exactly the journey you had in mind?

Tell us your travel style, dates, pace and wish list. We'll design a private journey around what you actually want to experience.