DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7:30 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Morning City Tour of Istanbul
Embark this morning on a tour* of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Your tour includes the newly restored Blue Mosque, showcasing an impressive combination of blue Iznik tiles and intricate stonework. Then, visit St. Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This great Byzantine Basilica was built in the 6th century, and was later converted to a mosque. Afterward head to the Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Conclude with a visit to Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years*Due to traffic congestion the order of sightseeing may change
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Monday - Spice Market, Troy, Drive to Canakkale
This morning, head to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Afterward, depart Istanbul and drive towards the city of Canakkale. Proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad. Arrive and check into the hotel with free time before dinner
Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Pergamum, Travel to Izmir
This morning, drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Have lunch in a local village. In the afternoon, travel to Izmir, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer. Arrive, and check into the hotel with free time to settle in before dinner
Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Full Day in Izmir
Spend a full day at leisure in Izmir. Or, join the optional tour to Ancient Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," once stood. Walk along the 2000 year old marble streets; see the Great Theater, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence
Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with Lunch
Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Necropolis & Hierapolis at Pamukkale
Today, depart in the early morning from Izmir and drive to Pamukkale en route to Antalya where you will arrive in the evening. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hierapolis "Holy City," situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs, which together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C., primarily for the ailing and elderly, many of whom have retired here
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Full Day in Antalya
Spend the day at leisure in Antalya. Founded by King Attalos of Pergamum as "Heaven on Earth," Antalya is an international resort city that has become a prime destination in Turkey. Join the optional Cruise by Wooden Boat & Antalya Archaeological Museum. Board a charming wooden boat and cruise along the beautiful coast. Take in the magnificent views of the rugged cliffs, hidden coves and golden sandy beaches. After disembarkation, visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum with its artifacts dating back over 2500 years. Take a city tour of Antalya that includes Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower, city walls dating back to the 2nd century
Optional: Cruise by Wooden Boat & Antalya Archaeological Museum
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Visit Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route to Cappadocia
Depart for Cappadocia, visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route. Continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a carpet atelier and watch a demonstration of carpet weaving. After, check into your hotel with free time before dinner. Tonight, attend the optional Whirling Dervish performance. The captivating dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture
Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Full Day in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is home to rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities, and unparalleled landscapes. Spend the day at leisure or join the optional full day Cappadocia tour. Visit the Open-Air Museum in the Goreme Valley to see the early Christian churches and the Ozkonak Underground City. Afterward, visit a carpet atelier and watch a demonstration of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. The tour ends at the village of Avanos, famous for its pottery-making tradition. Return to the hotel with free time before dinner tonight
Optional: Full Day Cappadocia
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Travel to Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk
This morning, depart for Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The museum, exhibits Anatolian archaeological artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present time
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Tuesday - Return to Istanbul
Depart for Istanbul, arriving in early afternoon. Leisure time to explore on your own on this last day in Turkey. Perhaps, embark on the optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. Afterwards, visit the Grand Bazaar, where bargaining is an art. Tonight during dinner, bid farewell to your Turkish Tour Manager
Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Grand Bazaar (PM)
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Wednesday - Depart for Athens, Flight to Heraklion
Depart Istanbul and transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Arrive and meet our representative to connect to your domestic flight to Heraklion, capital city of Crete. Upon arrival, check into your hotel with time to settle in before a reception tonight
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Thursday - Heraklion Walking Tour
Embark on a walking tour of Heraklion. View the harbor, the Venetian fortress of Koules, the Byzantine Church of Saint Titus and Lions Square, with its Morosini fountain. Later, visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, boasting a magnificent collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization including finds from Knossos, dating back to the Bronze Age. Walk through exhibits covering over 5,000 years of Crete's history. Spend the afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Friday - Excursion to Rethymnon, Monastery of Agia Irini
This morning, travel west through the scenic Cretan countryside to the historic town of Rethymnon. Begin the tour at the heart of Rethymnon's Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets and Venetian architecture. View the imposing Fortezza, a 16th century fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the sea and the Rimondi Fountain, a symbol of the town's Venetian heritage. During the tour, learn about the city's history from its Venetian and Ottoman influences to its vibrant Greek culture. Next, visit the workshop of Giorgos Hatziparaschos a traditional phyllo master, renowned for making ultra-thin phyllo dough by hand. Observe a demonstration and admire the precision and skill of the artisan. Conclude with tasting freshly baked phyllo dough pastries. Later head to the Monastery of Agia Irini, set amidst the rugged landscapes of Crete. Meet the nuns and learn about monastic life. Proceed to Melidoni Cave (available Apr-Oct) a geological wonder steeped in myth and legend. Admire the rock formations and underground chambers and later return to your hotel
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16, Saturday - Full Day in Heraklion or Optional Santorini Full Day Tour (Apr - Sept) or Optional Full Day Avgeniki & Gergeri (Oct - Mar)
Today is free to explore Heraklion at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Full Day Santorini Tour. This morning, board a ferry to Santorini, a stunning Aegean Island! Begin with a visit to the beautiful blue dome church of Firostefani. Continue to the south end of Santorini for a visit to the lighthouse of Akrotiri and the famous Red Beach. Pass by Pyrgos, the picturesque former capital and head up to Prophet Elias Monastery, located at nearly 2,000 ft, the highest point of the island, for stunning views of the area. Try the local products and wine produced by the monks. Finally, visit the famous clifftop village of Oia. Stroll around the picturesque narrow alleys, and marvel at its blue-domed churches, white-washed cave-like houses, and astonishing views. Board the ferry back to Crete. Or the optional Full Day Avgeniki & Gergeri. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Crete to the village of Avgeniki where you will uncover the secrets of local winemaking during a tour of a winery. Taste some of their finest wines and continue to Gergeri Village to visit the Women's Pastry Cooperation. Sample freshly baked sweets with coffee. Next, venture to Zaros Village, located on the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. Explore the village known for its trout farms and pristine Lake Zaros. Spend free time to soak in the ambience of Zaros and have lunch at one of the tavernas. Afterward, return to the hotel
Optional: Full Day Santorini Tour (Apr - Oct)
Optional: Full Day Avgeniki & Gergeri (Nov- Mar)
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 17, Sunday - Palace of Knossos, Archanes Village
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, the ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. As you wander through the labyrinthine ruins, view the original throne of 'Minos," the mystifying sanctuaries, the luxurious domestic quarters of the royal family. Continue to the picturesque village of Archanes, located on the slopes of Mt. Giouchtas. The village is famous for its typical Cretan architecture. Return to Heraklion, and enjoy your free time this afternoon, relaxing on one of the sandy beaches along the vivid blue Mediterranean Sea
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 18, Monday - Full Day in Heraklion or Optional Spinalonga Boat Tour
Spend the day at leisure or participate in the optional Spinalonga Boat Tour. Begin the day with a boat ride to the island of Spinalonga, with its 16th century Venetian fortress. Tour the island with its remains of a leper colony. Afterward, head to Elounda, a former fishing village, located at the Gulf of Mirabello for lunch and exploration. In the afternoon, travel to Agios Nikolaos. View Lake Voulismeni and take a walking tour of the town, before returning to Heraklion
Optional: Spinalonga Boat Tour
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 19, Tuesday - Full Day in Heraklion or Optional Heraklion Tour & Kotsanas Museum
On your last day at leisure in Heraklion, choose the optional Heraklion tour & Kotsanas Museum. Begin the tour with a visit to the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Step back in time as you discover inventions crafted by ancient Greek engineers. Learn the history and mechanics of these inventions through the interactive exhibits. Next, visit a dance school and learn the steps of traditional Cretan dances. Gain insight into the cultural significance of Cretan dance. After the lesson, interact with the instructors and enjoy a glass of raki. Tonight, at dinner bid farewell to your Greek Tour Manager
Optional: Heraklion Tour & Kotsanas Museum
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 20, Wednesday - Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Athens, and connect to your international departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.