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Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul 2025
11 days from Athens to Istanbul
Tour Description:
Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own. Your tour of Greece and Turkey continues to Istanbul to behold 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 & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Thursday 25 Sep 25 — Monday 06 Oct 25 | Starting at $3,838 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 02 Oct 25 — Monday 13 Oct 25 | Starting at $3,578 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
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 Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice.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.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingWe’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach; plus ferry crossings from Heraklion to Naxos, Naxos to Paros and Paros to Athens, a cruise on the Bosphorus, and flights from Athens to Heraklion and Athens to Istanbul. Wi-Fi where available. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
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. Guest are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour. Services of the Tour Director end on day 8. Istanbul portion includes services of a local host.
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. Guest are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour. Services of the Tour Director end on day 8. Istanbul portion includes services of a local host.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE
Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the Acropolis. Later fly to the island of Crete.
HERAKLION This evening enjoy 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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 3 HERAKLION
Cultural Capital HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa one of the most popular Greek sweet treats
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4 HERAKLION–NAXOS
Tempting Traditions Take a high-speed ferry to the island of Naxos
NAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 NAXOS
Mediterranean Magic NAXOS Day at Leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 6 NAXOS–PAROS
Sun, Sand & Sea Take a short ride on a high-speed ferry to the island of Paros
PAROS Guided sightseeing of the highlights feature a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 7 PAROS–ATHENS
Back to Future of Civilization Return to Athens by ferry.
ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 ATHENS–ISTANBUL, TURKEY
East meets West ATHENS Fly to Istanbul.
ISTANBUL Visit the Spice Market and taste authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire the view during a cruise on the Bosphorus River. (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
BreakfastDay 9 ISTANBUL
The City on Seven Hills ISTANBUL This morning your guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This afternoon and evening free time to explore more of this incredible city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sofia hasn’t had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 10 ISTANBUL
Inspired Istanbul ISTANBUL Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones,” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 11 ISTANBUL
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Athens | Heraklion | Naxos | Paros | Istanbul |
Stanley Hotel
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1 Odysseos St, at Karaiskaki Square Athens Greece
Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf. Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1 Odysseos St, at Karaiskaki Square Athens Greece
Located in Athens city center and just few steps away from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, this hotel offers 380 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a balcony. The hotel features a roof garden with a nice pool area, an open-air lounge bar and a restaurant, from where guests can also enjoy lovely views of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf. Among its amenities you can also find a well-equipped fitness center and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
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.
