From Turkish treasures to Grecian delights, this tour takes you from the magical monuments and mosques of Istanbul to the mysteries and mythologies of Athens! Your tour of Turkey and Greece begins in the incredible city of Istanbul in a country of two continents. The bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Embark on your journey to Greece through Turkey’s northwest region of Marmara. Marvel at the archaeological remnants of Kings in Philippi and Vergina. Explore Thessaloniki the cultural capital of Greece with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. Be amazed by the floating monasteries of Meteora, and the heroic tales of Spartan battles on your way to Athens, where history comes to life as you discover the city that was at the heart of Ancient Greece.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing tour in Istanbul includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar; plus, a complimentary [LF] traditional Turkish coffee experience• Visit to Alexandroupoli• Visit to Xanthi• Scenic drive through the Marmara region• Guided walk through the archaeological excavations in Philippi• Guided sightseeing in Thessaloniki includes a visit to the Basilica of Saint Demetrious.• Visit to the Royal Tombs Museum in Vergina • Guided visit to the monasteries of Varlaam and St Stephen’s in Meteora• Visit to the site of the Battle of Thermopylae• Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis
Notes: This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) Dinner
Day 2 ISTANBUL
East meets West Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there, marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior, stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan’s lived, and discover a shopper’s paradise at the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. This evening, make the most of some free time to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history Breakfast
Day 3 ISTANBUL–ALEXANDROUPOLI, GREECE
Crossroads of the Ancient World Today, depart Istanbul and take a scenic drive through the Marmaris region. Cross the border into Greece and continue to the city of Alexandroupoli for an orientation drive that includes views of the lighthouse and other landmarks. (B,D)
193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC NAMES. Founded in the 19th century as a fishing village, Alexandroupoli was originally known as Dedeagach. Stories state that this name was given to the town in the honor of an Old Turkish wise man who spent a lot of his time sat in the shade of a tree and was eventually buried there. The city was renamed after King Alexander I of Greece when he visited in 1920 BreakfastDinner
Day 4 ALEXANDRUOPOLI–XANTHI–PHILIPPI–THESSALONIKI
Picture Perfect This morning, make a leisurely stop in Xanthi, a charming city with a multi-cultural identity. Stroll the cobblestone streets and snap some photos of the “city of a thousand colors.” Continue to Philippi, once an important city of the Roman Empire, and enjoy a guided walking tour of the archaeological excavations. Reach Thessaloniki and enjoy some free time to start getting acquainted with the coastal city. (B,D)
208 mi / 335 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PRIME LOCATION Thanks to its location, the ancient city of Philippi has had an important role to play. Originally founded due to its vicinity to the Mount Paggaio gold mines it became the location of King Philip II of Macedonia’s Royal Mint. Its importance continued to grow as it became an administrative center of the Roman Empire for its location on the Via Egnatia, the road connecting Rome to the East. Remnants of its importance can be seen during your guided visit to its archaeological site BreakfastDinner
Day 5 THESSALONIKI
Cultural Capital of Greece A whole day to discover the wonderful city of Thessaloniki. This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour covering the main monuments and including a visit to the Basilica of Saint Demetrious. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. A UNESCO “City of Gastronomy,” Thessaloniki offers plenty of opportunities to sample local delicacies. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Greece’s second city has so much to offer that it is often nominated the cultural capital of Greece. The remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history are clear to see. During your guided sightseeing see the iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters, pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessaloniki on the sea front and visit the UNESCO listed Basilica of Saint Demetrius. Also famed for its gastronomic offerings there is plenty of chance to dine on delicious Greek specialties whilst strolling along the lively streets Breakfast
Day 6 THESSALONIKI–VERGINA–KALAMBAKA
Unspoiled Treasures A real treat is in store when you stop in Vergina to visit the Royal Tombs Museum. Located under the tumulus you will see the incredible unspoiled marble tomb of King Philipp II with all of its gold and silver treasures. Later today, reach Kalambaka, a small town in the heart of Greece, at the feet of Meteora. (B,D)
149mi / 240 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS Philipp II was the King of Macedonia, he is credited as a great diplomat who also possessed military prowess, increasing the number of soldiers in his army, whilst also improving their training and equipment. Bringing peace to his country and ruling much of Greece, he paved the way for his son, Alexander the Great, who, after Philipp’s assassination would go on to build one of the largest empires in the ancient world BreakfastDinner
Day 7 KALAMBAKA. EXCURSION TO METEORA
Monasteries in Magical Greece Get ready for a wonderful experience with an excursion into Meteora, which can be translated as “suspended in the air.” Prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking views afforded by this UNESCO-listed area. Enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen and the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, perched atop the vertical rock formations. Later, enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs creates a surreal setting unlike any other Breakfast
Day 8 KALAMBAKA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS
Bravery in Battle This morning, sit back and relax for a scenic drive. Stop at Thermopylae, learn about the famous battle and see the statue of the Spartan King, Leonidas. Continue to Athens and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring. (B)
217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause Breakfast
Day 9 ATHENS
Marvels & Myths This morning, guided sightseeing features an orientation drive to see Athen’s main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore more before joining your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games BreakfastDinner
Day 10 ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Istanbul
Alexandroupolis
Thessaloniki
Kalambaka
Athens
Titanic City Taksim Superior Tourist-Class
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Lamartin Cad. 47 Istanbul Turkey
Just a 5-minute walk from Taksim Square, this Hotel has 202 modern and air-conditioned rooms fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a minibar, Coffee Maker, desk, a safe and a private bathroom equipped with hairdryer, free toiletries and slippers. The high-quality breakfast includes a wide range of options, including salads, eggs, a selection of cheeses, ham, and fresh fruit. The Alesta restaurant serves international delicacies and the café offers a selection of hot drinks, light snack alternatives, desserts and cakes.
Astir Egnatia Alexandroupoli Superior Tourist-Class
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Egnatia Park Alexandropoulis Greece
In the beautiful city of Alexandroupolis, where the business and cultural worlds meet, nestled within the timeless landscape and surrounded by the sea. The hotel combines the comforts of a modern city hotel with charming scenery of a lush pine forest while being right on Alexandroupolis sandy beach. Within walking distance from downtown, it is an ideal base for exploring the magical forest of Dadia and the Evros Delta.
Grand Hotel Palace Superior First-Class
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305-307 Monastiriou Street Thessalonika Greece
Located just 1.6 miles from the center of Thessalonika and not far from the well-known Aristotelous Square, this 253-room property is housed in an impressive neoclassical-inspired building. All guestrooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed with free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea making facilities, organic linens, and luxury bathrobes and slippers. Other amenities include a well equipped fitness center and a heated indoor swimming pool with SPA facilities. The gourmet restaurant offers both Mediterranean and International dishes and there is a luxurious lounge bar serving an array of cocktails, drinks, and delicious snacks.
Amalia Kalambaka First-Class
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National Road Kalambaka Greece
Amalia Hotel is a beautiful setting just minutes away from the town of Kalambaka. The hotel is embedded on 14 acres of greenery and has been built with traditional materials to match its surroundings.
Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens Superior First-Class
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Megalou Alexandrou Athens Greece
This sleek, contemporary 276-room hotel in the heart of Athens boasts an amazing roof terrace with outdoor swimming pool and bar-restaurant with panoramic views over the iconic Acropolis. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property and there is also a sauna and gym.