Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul

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Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul



Tour Description:

Two weeks, two incredible countries, and a journey through history, culture, and cuisine — this 14-day adventure from Greece to Turkey has it all. Marvel at the Acropolis and Parthenon, wander the charming streets of Nafplio, and stand on the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae, the inspiration behind the movie 300. Dive into Greek flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens and a meze tasting in Volos before crossing into the dynamic crossroads of East and West—Istanbul. From ancient ruins to vibrant cityscapes, breathtaking scenery to unforgettable meals, this trip is packed with epic moments and new friends to share them with.

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Dates & Pricing

Sunday 07 Sep 25 — Saturday 20 Sep 25Starting at $4,229Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 28 Sep 25 — Saturday 11 Oct 25Starting at $4,229Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 26 Oct 25 — Saturday 08 Nov 25Starting at $3,679Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 19 Apr 26 — Saturday 02 May 26Starting at $3,949Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 03 May 26 — Saturday 16 May 26Starting at $3,949Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 17 May 26 — Saturday 30 May 26Starting at $4,229Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 14 Jun 26 — Saturday 27 Jun 26Starting at $4,229Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 12 Jul 26 — Saturday 25 Jul 26Starting at $3,949Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 09 Aug 26 — Saturday 22 Aug 26Starting at $3,949Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 06 Sep 26 — Saturday 19 Sep 26Starting at $4,229Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 20 Sep 26 — Saturday 03 Oct 26Starting at $4,229Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 04 Oct 26 — Saturday 17 Oct 26Starting at $3,679Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 18 Oct 26 — Saturday 31 Oct 26Starting at $3,679Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 01 Nov 26 — Saturday 14 Nov 26Starting at $3,679Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Athens
Arrive at any time.

Athens
Explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home, along the way. Enjoy a free afternoon to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. Later in the evening attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations.

Athens/Meteora
Travel north from Athens by bus and train to Kalampaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora.

Meteora
Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide.

Meteora/Delphi
After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time.

Delphi/Náfplio
Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views.

Náfplio/Athens
Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night.

Athens/Vólos
Depart Athens in the morning for the drive to Volos, with a quick stop in Thermopylae on the way for a short visit. Once in Volos, set off on an orientation walk with your CEO, followed by some free time to settle into the hotel and relax. In the evening, meet up with a local guide and head out on a cultural walk to see some of the city's highlights, stopping at 2 different local taverns along the way for small plates of food called 'meze,' truly a local and delicious experience that will serve as a light dinner.

Vólos
Head out from Volos today on a day of exploration and cultural immersion, hopping village-to-village. Explore Milies and take a short hike to a cave, stop by a women's co-op in Vizitsa then visit the town of Pinakates and have beach time at Kato Gatzea before returning to Volos in the evening. Each stop provides a unique glance into the daily life in this beautiful corner of the world.

Vólos/Thessaloníki
Drive north from Volos, stopping at Mount Olympus National Park for a short walk near the mountain that was home to the gods in Greek mythology. Continue to the Polycentric Museum of Aigai to tour the tombs and see the archaeological artifacts before carrying to Thessaloniki. Join your CEO for an orientation walk and enjoy a free evening.

Thessaloníki
Take advantage of a free day to explore Thessaloniki. Discover historic landmarks like the Roman Forum, visit museums or take a walking food tour, sampling dishes like Greek 'meze' and other regional specialties. In the evening, head out for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots.

Thessaloníki/Kavala
Wave goodbye to Thessaloniki this morning and drive to the city of Kavala. Settle in and orient yourself with a CEO-led orientation walk of the old town with the option to walk up to the castle for great views of the city and of the sea. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax.

Kavala/Istanbul
Depart Kavala in the morning and drive east to the city of Alexandropoli. Take a short walk with the CEO to explore the area and have some time for lunch before continuing on to the Turkish border and onwards to Istanbul, arriving in the evening.

Istanbul
Depart at any time.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.