Bridging cultures: from minarets to myths

Ready to discover the cultural treasures and incredible landscapes of Turkey and Greece? Arrive at your US departure airport ready to catch a flight to Istanbul.* Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Arrive in bustling Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey, a city brimming with history, culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled, and if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.Important note: Take advantage of our optional excursions package and save by adding several of the optional activities to your itinerary in one go. Click on each package to see what's included!

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the grandiose Suleymaniye Mosque. Located on the third hill of Istanbul, it boasts one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city.After the visit, choose to take the transfer back to your hotel, or, spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Istanbul at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant city life and eclectic architecture.To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend an optional full-day city tour of Istanbul*. Overnight stay in Istanbul.*Optional full-day Istanbul city tour: see Istanbul's most emblematic sights, from the incredible Topkapi Palace to Hagia Sophia. Enjoy included lunch, see the exterior of the iconic Blue Mosque and historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day at the aromatic Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans. Next, take a boat ride along the Bosphorus, enjoy views of old palaces and traditional houses as you sail through the heart of the city; the border between Europe and Asia.After disembarking, enjoy time exploring the city at your own pace (no included transfer back to the hotel). We recommend an optional excursion to the key attractions of the Anatolian side of the city to discover more of Istanbul* and/or an optional dinner show on the Bosphorus!** Overnight stay in Istanbul.*Optional half-day Anatolian Istanbul excursion with lunch: explore the Anatolian side, home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture, from the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets. Drive to Camlica Hill, in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. Enjoy lunch included.**Optional dinner show on the Bosphorus: the best way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner on an evening cruise down the Bosphorus! See the suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner and two drinks per person.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the way. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture.Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Inaugurated in 1953, it’s dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.Estimated distance and travel time: 280 miles, 6 hrs approx.The timing indication shows the effective time of driving, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your journey to incredible Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations. Pass by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way.Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. Head to a wonderful ceramic workshop where you’ll witness the traditional way of creating ceramic objects, from everyday artifacts to true works of art. Enjoy a visit to a precious stone shop and gain insight into the process of turning the raw material into stunning jewelry. Based on operative reasons this activities might be done the next day.The remainder of the day is yours to begin discovering the landscapes of this magical region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To contemplate an unforgettable scene, we recommend our optional safari and sunset tour* for an adrenaline rush through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.**Estimated distance and travel time: 190 miles, 5 hrs approx.The timing indication shows the effective time of driving, it doesn't consider the obligatory stops every 2 hours lasting an average of 15 minutes each.*Optional Jeep safari and sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the magical Cappadocia valley landscape, enjoying the sunset as you do impressive, adrenaline-pumping dips, donuts, and tricks, in a 4X4 jeep.**Optional upgrade to a cave hotel in Cappadocia: Upgrade to a cave-style hotel for the two nights in Cappadocia, subject to an additional fee. This unique experience lets you enjoy traditional accommodations carved into the rock, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort.

Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*, a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Next, you have the chance to enjoy an optional visit to Kaimakli**, the incredible underground city.*Mid-morning, discover the fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia, formed by the erosion of layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, a Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes.Explore the Valleys of Avcilar and Güvercinlik, where the captivating "Fairy Chimneys" are located, followed by a visit to a local carpet workshop. Afterwards you can enjoy an optional Turkish night in Cappadocia***. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.*Optional Hot Air Balloon flight: float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views, celebrate with a non-alcoholic beverage and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.Please note: The hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.**Optional visit to Kaimakli, the underground city: discover the maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 12 miles from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, it's the widest of the underground cities in the region.***Optional Turkish night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Turkey to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Athens, the Greek Capital. Arrive at Athens International Airport, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and enjoy your first glimpse of the Greek capital.Why not take a stroll through Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, nestled beneath the Acropolis? It's the only part of the city where you can truly step back in time and see Athens as it was a century ago. Alternatively, indulge in a spot of shopping along Ermou Street, or explore the chic boutiques of Kolonaki and Voukourestiou. Overnight stay in Athens.*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Athens, including a visit to the iconic Acropolis and the impressive Acropolis Museum. Begin in the heart of the city, passing Constitution Square (Syntagma), the Hellenic Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the National Library.En route to the Acropolis, you’ll see Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with a brief stop at the Panathenaic Stadium—the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. At the Acropolis, marvel at the architectural wonders of Athens’ Golden Age: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the world-renowned Parthenon.No visit to Athens is complete without exploring the Acropolis Museum—a striking contemporary building that houses some of the greatest treasures of classical antiquity. After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.* Overnight stay in Athens.Please note: The terrain at the Acropolis is uneven and includes several steps. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.*Return transfer to your hotel is included. However, once the tour ends, you may choose to remain in the city centre to continue exploring at your own pace.Additional information: This tour accommodates a maximum of 50 participants and includes audio guides for an enhanced experience.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site of Delphi. Travel through the fertile plains of Boeotia, passing the historic town of Thebes along the way.Arrive at Delphi, once considered the centre of the Ancient World, whose influence reached far beyond the borders of the Hellenic realm. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, this extraordinary site is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, including the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the fascinating museum, home to masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer and the celebrated athlete Aghias. Enjoy lunch in the modern village of Delphi before returning to Athens along the same scenic route. Overnight stay in Athens.Please note: The terrain at Delphi is uneven and includes steps and steep paths, which may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.Additional information: This tour accommodates up to 50 participants and includes audio guides to enhance your experience.

Breakfast at the hotel.* In the morning transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini.** Upon arrival on the Island of Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight stay in Santorini.*Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Santorini. However, you can request a "breakfast box" during check-in to take with you.**You can upgrade your transfer with a high speed ferry for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. It is not possible to upsell the upgrade during the journey, and it is only available up to 30 days before the travel date. Regular speed ferry: 7.30hs from Athens to Santorini High-Speed ferry: 5.30hs from Athens to Santorini

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini in your own way. Why not relax in one of the cafés while you watch the world go by, or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island, known worldwide as the ‘island of romance’? To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, we recommend joining one of our optional excursions, such as a full day exploring charming villages and relaxing on the famous black sand beach*; a full-day journey through Santorini’s authentic villages**; or a magical sunset cruise with volcano trekking.*** Overnight stay in Santorini.Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.*Optional Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia Island Tour: Cruise around Santorini's volcanic islands on a traditional Greek boat. First, sail to Nea Kameni lava islet. Enjoy a guided walking tour to the crater of the active volcano. Enjoy the view of Santorini from this spectacular angle. Continue to Palea Kameni and dive into green sulfur thermal waters. Finally, enjoy free time for lunch in Thirassia.**Santorini Winter Traditional Tour: Discover the best of Santorini on this full-day tour, visiting the charming traditional villages of Pyrgos and Emporeio with its medieval fortress. Enjoy free time at Perissa’s famous black sand beach, savour three local wines including the renowned sweet variety, and take in stunning views from Santorini’s highest point, Profitis Ilias. The day ends with free time to explore the picturesque village of Oia and experience its world-famous sunset, with your guide supporting you throughout. This optional activity is available during the off-season (November to March).***Optional Volcanic Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise: Sail towards the volcano and its sulfur waters on a traditional Greek boat. First, enjoy a guided walking tour to the crater of Santorini’s volcano. Take in the spectacular sights of the islands from above. Next, dive into the Aegean Sea, swim near the shores to find the volcanic sulfur waters to experience bathing in its warm therapeutic mud. As the sun sets over Oia, enjoy dinner and wine aboard the ship with the breathtaking views in the backdrop.

Breakfast at the hotel. You have another free day in Santorini to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend enhancing your experience with one of these optional activities, such as an unforgettable evening of wine, culture, and breathtaking sunset views*; a tour to discover Santorini’s volcanic wonders by boat**; or a compact yet rich experience of Santorini’s top sights.*** Overnight stay in Santorini.Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.*Optional Santorini Sunset Wine Tour: Learn about the island’s unique climate and volcanic soil at Gavalas Winery. Explore the beverage’s local history at Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos, and admire the epic sunset. Continue with a private session of tasting at a winery by the sea. End your tour at the best place to watch the sunset. Relax and enjoy your wine in this idyllic space, as you watch the sun dip into the sea.**Optional Full Day Santorini Traditional Bus Tour: Walk through the maze-like settlement of Emporio, enjoy free time for lunch at the best-known black sand Perissa Beach. Head up Profitis Ilias Mountain, Santorini’s highest peak, to the hilltop village of Oia. Enter a Greek orthodox chapel and end the day with the magnificent sunset. ***Santorini Winter Highlights Tour: Experience the best of Santorini on this half-day tour, starting at Prophet Elias Monastery with its stunning panoramic views from the island’s highest point. Explore Fira’s charming pedestrian streets and cliffside caldera vistas, then wander through Oia’s famous blue-domed churches and picturesque alleys, capturing the essence of Greece’s most photographed village. This optional activity is available during the off-season (November to March).

Breakfast at the hotel.* After an unforgettable journey through Greece’s ancient wonders and idyllic islands, it’s time to say farewell. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight. Arrive back in Canada** and end your extraordinary trip.*Please note: Depending on your flight schedule and hotel breakfast hours, the included breakfast may not be available on your final day.**Depending on your choice of flight, you may arrive in Canada the next day.