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Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul 2026
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 28 May 26 — Monday 08 Jun 26 | Starting at $4,220 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 11 Jun 26 — Monday 22 Jun 26 | Starting at $4,220 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 25 Jun 26 — Monday 06 Jul 26 | Starting at $4,220 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 03 Sep 26 — Monday 14 Sep 26 | Starting at $4,220 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 17 Sep 26 — Monday 28 Sep 26 | Starting at $4,200 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 01 Oct 26 — Monday 12 Oct 26 | Starting at $3,920 | 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 Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice.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 & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis• Guided walking tour in Heraklion, Crete includes the main highlights and a [LF] bougatsa tasting (traditional pastry)• Guided sightseeing in Naxos includes complementary [LF] citrus spoon dessert • Guided sightseeing in Paros includes a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the “Church of a Hundred Doors)• Visit to Istanbul’s Spice Market plus Turkish Delight sampling• Scenic cruise on the Bosphorus River• Guided sightseeing in Istanbul includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Grand Bazaar• Flight from Athens to Crete, and from Athens to Istanbul• Ferry crossing between Crete and Naxos, plus Naxos and Athens
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. Guests 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. Guests 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 Wake-up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athens’ main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Later, board your flight to the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, and enjoy dinner in your hotel. (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
Saints & Sweets Start your Cretian discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along the 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 This morning, board a high-speed ferry for a ride across the Aegean to the island of Naxos. Enjoy guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos town with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Then, a really sweet treat! [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore more of the island. (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 Enjoy a full day at leisure on this idyllic island, why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield. (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 Today, hop on a high-speed ferry to reach the island of Paros. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, during a guided sightseeing tour which features a visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” Enjoy some free time to browse. This evening, enjoy some authentic tastes with 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 Today, take a ferry back to Athens. Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening, perhaps
visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music. (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 This morning, bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight to the unique and fascinating city of Istanbul. Your first introduction to Istanbul is a visit to the Spice Market, marvel at the vibrant colors of the spices and local produce whilst admiring the stunning architecture. Get a taste for local specialties when you sample some authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire Istanbul from a different perspective when you take a cruise on the Bosphorus River, dividing the city and straddling two continents – Europe and Asia. This evening, enjoy free time to try some typical dishes for dinner. (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 This morning, continue your discovery of 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 under the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, and enter 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! This afternoon and evening enjoy some free time to explore more. (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 Enjoy a free day in Istanbul, there’s still plenty to discover. Absorb more history and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try an authentic Turkish coffee experience accompanied by a delicious baklava. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” an 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.
