Flavours of Turkey and Greece -I-

Stroll through Sogukcesme Street with typical wooden house which are now landmark buildings of ottoman architecture. Arrive to Topkapi Palace (HAREM section included), the largest and oldest of the remaining palaces where Ottoman Sultans used to live; admire the gardens, kitchens, the treasury section as well as  terraces overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.  Photo stop at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet the 3rd  and explore Saint Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture dating back to the VIth century (from outside). Lunch. Visit the Blue Mosque covered by more than 20.000 Iznik tiles and continue with the Roman Hippodrome where the char races used to take place. Discover the handcrafts of Anatolia and shop in the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar. 

(** No transfer back to hotels**)

Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Walk along the Golden Horn, the estuary that divides the European part of Istanbul. Free time in the Egyptian Bazaar, a lively market full of aromas and bustle, whose streets give off all the flavor of the East. Then boat trip along the Bosphorus, which connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea. During the crossing you will be able to admire the beautiful European and Asian shores of Istanbul with its palaces, fortresses, beautiful wooden residences.

(**This excursion concludes in Taksim Square and Sultanahmet Square; no transfer back to hotels**)

Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight.

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Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast 

Early pick-up from your hotel and breakfast on road. One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, is the objective of our day. We will  visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels. Crossing the Dardanelles by ferry-boat and photo-stop at the wooden Trojan Horse used in the movie Troy

Overnight Çanakkale - 4**** Büyük Truva  or similar - Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning, step back in time as we visit Troy Antique City , home of the famous Trojan Horse and then tour the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum's Acropolis which has  impressive temples and library made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Continuation to Kuşadası.

Overnight Kuşadası Carina, Neopol  or similar  4**** hotel- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Visiting Ephesus should be on every traveller’s  itinerary because a walk through Ephesus is an incredible journey and a glimpse into life centuries ago. After more than 150 years of excavation, the city’s reclaimed and restored structures have made Ephesus Europe's  most complete ancient city. a walk through Ephesus is an incredible journey and a glimpse into life centuries ago.You will visit ancient Agoras, Temples, Streets and Houses in almost perfect conditions.  You will find one of the most grandiose surviving Roman theaters.

The Famous Celsius LibraryThe Temple of Artemis in Selçuk city which was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

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At the end of the day transfer to Izmir International airport for a flight to Athens. Upon arrival to Athens airport meet and greet with our assistant to transfer you to your hotel  in the city center area with minibus or taxi. Rest of the day is free. 

Overnight Athens Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we meet you at your hotel or close by, in order to start the morning Half Day Athens Sightseeing Tour. Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast

Detailed Itinerary:

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first Olympic Games of the modern era, where we will make a short stop. As we continue our trip, we will pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace), guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy of Athens, the University, the National Library and the Constitution Square (Syntagma). One cannot take a tour of Athens without visiting the Acropolis, one of the world's most prominent sites and a symbol for democracy in the Western world! It is there that you will explore architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles. From the Propylaea, to the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and of course the Parthenon, a place where 'there is harmony between material and spirit', a the monument that 'restores order in the mind', as ancient Greeks used to say. Your last stop will be the modern Acropolis Museum, with nearly 4,000 exhibits of Hellenism housed inside.

Departure approximately at 08:45 - Return approximately at 13:30

Pick up at 07.30 a.m. Transfer by motor coach from Athens center to Piraeus Port to embark on the cruise ship in order to start the full day cruise to the 3 beautiful Islands of Hydra-Poros-Aegina, which are nearby Athens (lunch on board is included). Return to Piraeus port at 7.15 p.m. and transfer back to your hotel in Athens.

Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on board

The cruise itinerary can be cancelled due to bad weather. In this case we will organize another land excursion. 

Detailed Itinerary

Departure is at approximately 08.00 a.m. heading to the three beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf. After departure, our guide and the hostesses will ask you to assemble in one of the main lounges of the ship to get acquainted and give you all the information concerning the ship, the program of the cruise and the islands. The order of the island visits may be changed with no prior notice.

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You will be met by our assistant at your hotel and transferred to the airport by our minibus or taxi driver for your departure flight. End of our services

Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast