Essential Greece and Istanbul
Essential Greece and Istanbul
Essential Greece and Istanbul
8 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Meteora
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 22
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Essential Greece and Istanbul" tour, where you'll explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Greece and Turkey. Begin your adventure in Athens, marveling at the iconic Acropolis and the Parthenon, before delving into the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. Experience the awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop the Meteora cliffs and enjoy a special dinner in Kalambaka. Transition to the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll visit the majestic Blue Mosque, the opulent Topkapi Palace, and the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty, ensuring a memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens Arrival
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival at the international airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the hotels and attractions in the area.
Overnight in Athens
Day 2: Athens City Tour (B/-/-)
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, leave the hotel for a half-day city tour of Athens. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium — the unique marble stadium built on the site of a simple racecourse by the Athenian Statesman Lykourgos. The first Olympic Games of modern times were held here in 1896. Continue your journey and pass by the Prime Minister's Residence (the ex-Royal Palace) which you can find guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniforms. Discover the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch (constructed in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as part of a wall to separate the old and new cities of Athens), the Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the Constitution Square. Explore the Athens Acropolis, situated on top of a hill, which boasts remains of numerous ancient buildings of architectural and historical significance. Discover the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and finally \"the harmony between material and spirit\" — the monument that \"puts order in the mind\" — the Parthenon. Visit the new Acropolis Museum where you will admire the wonders of the classical era. Return to your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Athens
Day 3: Athens — Delphi — Kalambaka (B/-/D)
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning you will drive to Delphi, situated between the two towering rocks of Mount Parnassus, known as the Phaidriades (Shining) Rocks. This magnificent city is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, famous for the Ancient Oracle. The city was also seen as the center of the Earth and Oracle for ancient Greeks and was a sacred place where people had the power to make accurate predictions for the future. Later in the day, you will travel to Kalambaka. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you pass by charming villages and Greek towns. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and unwind as you get ready for your onward journey to Meteora in the morning.
Overnight in Kalambaka
Day 4: Kalambaka — Meteora — Athens (B/-/-)
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive through the breathtaking landscapes en route to Meteora. This city is defined by a series of large pillars of rocks with beautiful rock formations. What makes Meteora particularly special is that on these cliffs of many rocks, you can see monasteries constructed. It was once said that there were 24 monasteries — but now the number has decreased and only 6 continue to be active. You may purchase traditional items such as hand-painted religious icons, embroidered fabrics, and leather sandals. Return to Athens for overnight stay..
Overnight in Athens
Day 5: Athens (B/-/-)
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast, you will spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may go out to explore the city on your own, taste traditional Greek dishes, or shop for fascinating mementos.
Overnight in Athens
Day 6: Athens – Istanbul (Flight) (B/-/-)
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will depart for Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our representative will greet and assist you with your transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul
Day 7: Istanbul City Tour (B/-/-)
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will head on a tour to explore Istanbul. Visit the Topkapi Palace, home to generations of sultans and their wives who were closeted in the famous harem. Marvel over the Blue Mosque, known as the historical mosque of Istanbul. This monument is well-known due to its blue tiles surrounding the walls and is also famous for its six minarets. Continue to visit Hagia Sofia — an architectural marvel. Finally, visit the Spice Market where you will discover colorful views. There you may purchase and taste traditional foods of Turkish cuisine. After the tour, you will transfer back to the hotel with dinner. Pack your bags full of unforgettable memories!
Overnight in Istanbul
Day 8: Istanbul (B/-/-)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, complete your check-out formalities and say goodbye to Istanbul — the City of Saga. You will be dropped off at the airport and board your flight back home.
What's Included
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07 nights accommodation on a Twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable accommodation for 7 nights on a twin-sharing basis at the listed hotels or similar.
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Daily buffet breakfast
Start your day with a delicious daily buffet breakfast.
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01 Special Dinner in Kalambaka
Savor a special dinner in Kalambaka.
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Arrival and departure airport transfers
Convenient airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
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All Transportation in a deluxe AC vehicle
Travel comfortably in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle.
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All Sightseeing as per the itinerary
Experience all the sightseeing activities as per the itinerary.
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Services of English-speaking local Guides during sightseeing
Benefit from the services of English-speaking local guides during sightseeing.
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Regional Flights Athens - Istanbul
Enjoy regional flights from Athens to Istanbul.
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All local and applicable taxes
All local and applicable taxes are included.
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included in the package.
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Visa fees, if applicable
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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Arrival and departure transfers for the land-only option
Arrival and departure transfers are not included for the land-only option.
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City Taxes in Greece – EUR 5 per room/per night
City taxes in Greece, EUR 5 per room per night, are collected by hotels directly at reception on arrival.
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Items not mentioned as included
Any items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is provided in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle, including arrival and departure airport transfers and regional flights from Athens to Istanbul.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, with daily buffet breakfast and a special dinner in Kalambaka.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Daily buffet breakfast is included, along with one special dinner in Kalambaka.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, all transportation is provided in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Will there be a guide during the sightseeing tours?
Yes, the services of English-speaking local guides during sightseeing are included.
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Are flights between Athens and Istanbul included?
Yes, regional flights from Athens to Istanbul are included.
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What can I expect to see in Delphi?
In Delphi, you will see the ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the God Apollo, which was considered the center of the Earth and Oracle for ancient Greeks.
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What makes Meteora special?
Meteora is known for its large pillars of rocks with beautiful rock formations and monasteries constructed on these cliffs. Originally, there were 24 monasteries, but now only 6 remain active.
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What are the main attractions in Istanbul included in the tour?
In Istanbul, you will visit the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Market.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, items of personal nature, tips, gratuities, optional tours, visa fees (if applicable), arrival and departure transfers for the land-only option, and city taxes in Greece (EUR 5 per room per night) are not included.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.