Feeling blue takes on a different meaning on this tour of Greece and Turkey. The striking contrast of whitewashed walls beside the blue Aegean Sea is sure to lift the spirit by mythic proportions! On this tour of Athens, the Greek Isles, and Istanbul, you will explore the ancient city of gold, silver, and bronze before setting sail for the iconic blue and white island gems of Santorini and Mykonos. Enjoy Santorini’s picture-perfect vistas, pristine beaches, chic boutiques, waterfront cafes, and the heart-pumping nightlife of magical Mykonos. Your tour 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.
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 Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice.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.
We’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 Athens to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Santorini, a cruise on the Bosphorus, and flights from Santorini to Athens 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 10. Istanbul portion includes services of a local host.
Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink
Day 2 ATHENS
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. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
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
Day 3 ATHENS–PIRAEUS/RAFINA–MYKONOS
Sweet Luck PIRAEUS Take a scenic ferry crossing to Mykonos.
MYKONOS Walking tour includes the Church of Agia Kiriaki and [LF] an Amygdalota (traditional Mykonos dessert) tasting. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It’s our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos BreakfastDinner
Day 4 MYKONOS
Aegean Gem MYKONOS Enjoy a free day on Mykonos. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above Breakfast
Day 5 MYKONOS
Mediterranean Magic MYKONOS Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited Breakfast
Day 6 MYKONOS–SANTORINI
Sights & Sips MYKONOS High-speed express ferry to Santorini.
SANTORINI Walking tour includes a picture stop at the cathedral and a [LF] glass of ouzo. Free time this evening. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It’s wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece! BreakfastDinner
Day 7 SANTORINI
Sun, Sand & Sea SANTORINI Free time to explore. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways Breakfast
Day 8 SANTORINI
Bright & Beautiful SANTORINI Spend a free day exploring. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT There’s lots of ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini Breakfast
Day 9 SANTORINI–ATHENS
Aloft to Athens SANTORINI Fly to Athens.
ATHENS Enjoy free time in Athens this afternoon and evening. (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
Day 10 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
Day 11 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
Day 12 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
Day 13 ISTANBUL
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Athens
Athens
Mykonos
Santorini
Istanbul
Zafolia First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
87-89 Alexandras Avenue Athens Greece
Attractive 7-story Hotel situated near museums, 1 km from Larisis train station & 35 km from El. Venizelos Airport.
Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Michalacopoulou Street 50 Athens Greece
The Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre is a modern 193 room property, in the heart of Athens' commercial district offering Free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a choice of dining options including the roof garden restaurant where during summer months, guests can dine under starry skies whilst enjoying a spectacular view of Lycabettus hill. The perfect place to unwind is at the roof-top bar where snacks and drinks can be taken al-fresco in the summer by the refreshing outdoor dipping pool. The lively lobby bar serves drinks and fruity cocktails year round and other leisure facilities include a gym and sauna.
San Antonio Summerland Hotel Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Mykonos Island Mykonos Greece
This charming Cycladic-style 50-room hotel overlooks the new port of Mykonos and the beautiful Aegean sea. All air-conditioned guestrooms feature a luxurious stylish décor and have private balconies, satellite LCD TV, coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. There is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with bar service, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a gym. The Mykonos Archeological Museum is within walking distance and the stunningly picturesque town center is just a 10-minute drive away from the hotel.
El Greco Resort & Spa First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Fira Santorini Santorini Greece
A gorgeous property with traditional architecture boasting four swimming pools, a spa with fitness center, a cafe and elegant restaurant with beautiful outdoor veranda. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
Occidental Taksim First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Kocatepe, Topçu Cd. No:19 Istanbul Turkey
Occidental Taksim is a stylish and modern hotel ideally situated just steps from Istanbul¿s lively Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue - placing guests at the heart of the city¿s shopping, dining, and cultural scene.. The hotel features 149 contemporary guest rooms, each equipped with Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, and premium bedding for a comfortable stay. Guests can relax in the wellness area featuring an indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzi, and spa services, or stay active at the fitness center. Dining options include a Mediterranean restaurant and a varied buffet breakfast served daily.
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.