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From Istanbul to Athens 2027 - 10 days from Istanbul to Athens

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From Istanbul to Athens 2027

10 days from Istanbul to Athens



Tour Description:

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.

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Dates & Pricing

Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner

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Thursday 29 Apr 27 — Sunday 09 May 27Starting at $3,339 Get a Quote
Thursday 13 May 27 — Sunday 23 May 27
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $3,899 Get a Quote
Thursday 27 May 27 — Sunday 06 Jun 27Starting at $3,449 Get a Quote
Thursday 10 Jun 27 — Sunday 20 Jun 27Starting at $3,449 Get a Quote
Thursday 24 Jun 27 — Sunday 04 Jul 27Starting at $3,449 Get a Quote
Thursday 08 Jul 27 — Sunday 18 Jul 27
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $3,879 Get a Quote
Thursday 19 Aug 27 — Sunday 29 Aug 27
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $3,879 Get a Quote
Thursday 02 Sep 27 — Sunday 12 Sep 27Starting at $3,449 Get a Quote
Thursday 16 Sep 27 — Sunday 26 Sep 27Starting at $3,449 Get a Quote
Thursday 30 Sep 27 — Sunday 10 Oct 27Starting at $2,879 Get a Quote


Destination & Sightseeing

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.

MEALS

ITINERARY

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Day 10 ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Accommodations

IstanbulAlexandroupolisThessalonikiKalambakaAthens
Titanic City Taksim
Superior Tourist-Class

Hotels as shown or similar

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.