Turkey & Greece Itinerary

Day 1  Depart Australia

Day 2  Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. On our arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Tonight get to know your fellow travellers at our welcome dinner. [D]

Day 3  Istanbul
An action-packed day as we spend a full day touring the wonderful city of Istanbul. We start with the famous Hippodrome before continuing to the magnificent Basilica of Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s oldest standing churches, it has inspired architects and religious leaders for over fifteen hundred years. Constructed in the 6th century by Justinian, it has been a cathedral, a mosque, and is now a museum. We then visit the unique and iconic Blue Mosque, famed for its 6 minarets, and the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great sultans. This afternoon try your bargaining skills at the aromatic Spice Bazaar. [B]

Day 4  Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale
This is a special day as we make our way down to Gallipoli to pay homage to the great Australian spirit of the ANZAC. Here we visit Anzac Cove, Johnston’s Jolly and the Lone Pine Memorial. [B,D]

Day 5  Canakkale - Troy - Kusadasi
We start today with a visit to Troy, with its symbolic wooden Trojan Horse before continuing to the ancient city of Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great. [B,D]

Day 6  Ephesus
A wonderful day of antiquity as we visit Ephesus, a great place to get a feel for what life was like at the time of the Romans.  The largest city ever uncovered Ephesus was once home to more than 300,000 people and its enormous amphitheatre can still hold 24,000 spectators. We also visit a local municipality carpet co-op to learn about Turkish carpets, before visiting the Temple of Artemis, the Church of St John and the historic hill village of Sirince. [B]

Day 7  Kusadasi
This morning we visit the Sacred House of the Virgin Mary. We also visit the ancient sites of Miletus and Priene. At Miletus, the ruins lie on a hill near the Aegean Sea, there is an impressive ancient theater, built circa 4th century BC. The afternoon is at leisure. [B]

Day 8  Kusadasi - Samos
This morning we bid farewell to Turkey and take a short ferry ride to the Greek island of Samos. Samos is a relatively big island and according to mythology is the place where goddess Hera was born. Here the rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy this secluded Greek island. [B]

Day 9  Samos
Today we explore Samos. Our touring begins with the ancient Greek sites of Heraion and Efpalinion, home to the 1,000m-deep tunnel of Samos - one of the most impressive engineering accomplishments of the ancient world, and once used to transport water through the mountains. We then continue around this picturesque island and have the chance to taste local wines, herbs and honey. [B]

Day 10  Samos
The day is yours to relax and soak up the wonderful Aegean atmosphere of Samos. [B]

Day 11  Samos - Patmos
Today we take the short journey by hydrofoil to the beautiful island of Patmos. It’s one of the most religious Greek Islands because it is where Saint John the Divine had his revelation and wrote the Apocalypse. Here the rest of the day is free for you to relax. [B]

Day 12  Patmos
This morning we start to explore Patmos with its impressive Monastery of Saint John which dominates the island. We then continue on to the Cave of the Apocalypse which is believed to be the place where John the Divine received his visions that are recorded in the New Testament. We end our tour in the picturesque port town of Skala. [B]

Day 13  Patmos - Samos - Athens
We take the hydrofoil back to Samos today where we catch our flight to Athens. [B]

Day 14  Athens - Kalambaka
A scenic day as we cross the mountains of central Greece to the small town of Kalambaka where we'll see the amazing backdrop of the steep Meteora Rocks. [B]

Day 15  Kalambaka -  Delphi
Today we visit the impressive Meteora, translated from Greek Meteora means ‘suspended in the air’ –  these monasteries are as they sit perched perilously on the clifftops. They are truly unique. Later we continue to Delphi. [B]

Day 16  Delphi  - Athens 
Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world and the place where they were closest to the gods! Here we will have a guided tour of its archaeological delights and famous grand museum. [B]

Day 17  Athens - '3 Island Cruise'
We enjoy a relaxing cruise to the nearby islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Lunch and a live Greek show on board are included. [B,L]

Day 18  Athens 
A day of history as we explore the vibrant city of Athens including the Acropolis, the magnificent Parthenon, Erectheion Temple and the lively Plaka area. The area of Plaka is one of the most attractive districts of Athens with its neoclassical mansions and small winding roads. Tonight we enjoy a wonderful group farewell dinner. [B,D]

Day 19  Depart Athens
Today we begin our journey home. [B]

Day 20  Arrive in Australia

Turkey & Greece

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