OTTOMAN

At the hotel, our assistant will help with the check-in. The rest of the day will be for relaxation and starting to enjoy the stunning city.

Greca Tip: Find the best tips to maximize your trip in the following article: Everything you need to know about Turkey.

After your breakfast, at the agreed time, we will pick you up from your hotel, or the nearest pick-up point, to begin a full-day tour of this magnificent city. It includes an official English-speaking guide, tickets, lunch at a central city restaurant and a visit to the most resplendent monuments that the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires have handed down to future generations: Hagia Sophia, Constantinople Racecourse, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, which houses more than 4000 stores.

At the end of the visit, you may linger some more in the old city, enjoying the amazing atmosphere, and finally you will make your own way to your hotel.

Greca Tip: Visit Camlica Hill on the Asian side of Istanbul and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

In the morning, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting to take us to Istanbul Airport to board our flight to the capital of Turkey, Ankara.

In Ankara, we will visit the important Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, the hero and first president of the Republic of Turkey. At noon, we will continue to the magical and surprising region of Cappadocia, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: Ask your tour guide about the possibility of taking the famous hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia during the following days (subject to weather conditions).

On this day, you will focus on exploring the beautiful region of Cappadocia. After a satisfying breakfast, your first stop will be the Göreme Valley. Here, you can visit the open-air museum and witness the ancient villages where cave dwellers lived in prehistoric times. You will also have the opportunity to explore the underground cities.

The Göreme Valley holds historical significance as it is where St. Basil the Great and his Christian brothers brought together the ideas of Christianity. You can explore the various churches, chapels, and monasteries in the area, which feature ancient frescoes painted on their walls.

Next, you will head to the Troglodyte Village of Uçhisar and the Avcilar Valley, which offer breathtaking landscapes. The unique rock formations in these areas will leave you in awe.

Continuing your journey, you will pass through the Devrent Valley, also known as the Imaginary Valley. Here, you will encounter peculiar rock formations that resemble mushrooms and other animal shapes.

To complete your day, you will visit local artisan workshops, including carpet-making and jewelry shops that specialize in translucent onyx stones, which are highly sought after.

After a fulfilling day of exploration, you will return to your hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Greca Tip: While in Cappadocia, a hot-air balloon ride over the historic cave dwellings of Goreme Town is simply a must!

After breakfast, we will visit Hierapolis, an ancient Hellenistic city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will explore the ruins of the Necropolis and the ancient Roman baths, as well as the natural park known as the "Cotton Castle," which, due to its natural beauty and the properties of its thermal waters, has been attracting visitors since pre-Christian times.

Later, we will enjoy some free time for lunch, and then we will head to Meryemana, where we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the supposed last residence of the mother of Jesus.

We will continue to Ephesus, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor, where Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and the Apostle Saint Paul walked. In Ephesus, we will visit the ruins of the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Library of Celsus, the Greco-Roman Theatre, as well as the Agora and the Basilica of Saint John.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive at the hotel for check-in and dinner.

Greca Tip: The word Kusadasi means "Island of the Birds." Although cruises dominate the scene!

Early in the morning, after a wonderful breakfast, we will continue to Izmir to fly back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we will be transfered to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Greca Tip: Don´t miss a traditional Turkish dinner with a "baklava" for dessert!

When it's time, we'll make sure you reach Istanbul International Airport smoothly for your flight to Athens.

Upon your arrival in this historic European capital, we'll arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel using one of our private vehicles.

To help you settle in, your friendly English-speaking assistant will warmly welcome you and provide a quick overview of the city and its vibrant daily life. They'll also share all the important details about your trip and gladly address any questions.

The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore this renowned city at your own pace.

Greca Tip: Want a breathtaking view of Athens that stretches to the coastline? Hop on the funicular railway to Lycabettus Hill and treat yourself to a panoramic vista that's sure to leave you in awe.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace—sleep in, explore nearby areas, or simply unwind—before meeting your assistant at Syntagma Square at 15:40 to witness the Changing of the Guards in front of the Hellenic Parliament at 16:00.

Shortly after, we will board our vehicle together and begin a panoramic city tour, offering a comprehensive introduction to Athens and its most important landmarks. During the tour, we will see:

The Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University of Athens, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Residence, the Kallimarmaro Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the Zappeion, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, while making short stops to take in the beauty of these landmarks and capture memorable photos.

Our tour will come to an end at the top of Philopappou Hill, offering stunning views of the city. Here, our assistant will provide recommendations for those who wish to continue exploring independently, whether visiting the Acropolis, discovering Monastiraki, or enjoying a meal in Plaka.

This tour is conveniently designed to finish at around 19:30, allowing you some time to rest before making your way to Mornastiraki to join the Athens by Night Walking Tour, and see another side of the city under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: If you wish to visit the Acropolis, you can do so at your own pace, in the morning or after the afternoon tour, keeping in mind that the site closes at sunset. You can purchase your tickets for the Acropolis in step 2 of your reservation.

Embark on an exciting journey as we transfer you to the Port of Piraeus. From there, you'll set sail on a ferry bound for the famous island of Mykonos. Bask in the perfect timing of the crossing, enjoying the sun-drenched deck and immersing yourself in the captivating shades of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos, known as the "heap of stones" or the "rocky place," holds a rich history. According to legend, it was named after Mykonos, the heroic son of King Anius of Delos. As you arrive on this cosmopolitan island, our friendly English-speaking representative will warmly welcome you. They'll assist with your hotel transfer and introduce you to the enchanting charms of Mykonos.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and embrace the laid-back island lifestyle. Immerse yourself in the unhurried pace embraced by the locals, allowing yourself to truly relax and soak in the beauty of Mykonos.

Greca Tip: For a swifter journey, consider selecting a fast ferry during the reservation process.

Free day to savor the wonders of this magnificent island. Mykonos is renowned as a hotspot for the international "jet set," boasting breathtaking beaches, vibrant shops, and a thriving nightlife.

Indulge in the island's delectable Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh vegetables, olive oil, and a variety of spices like oregano and basil take center stage. Delight in the abundance of fish and seafood dishes that grace the menus, reflecting the rich coastal heritage.

A short ferry ride away lies the historic island of Delos, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis according to Greek mythology. This small island has been inhabited since 3000 B.C. and holds significant cultural significance as one of the most prominent centers of antiquity.

Greca Tip: To fully immerse yourself in the local customs and experience life as a Mykonian, we recommend renting a car or motorcycle to explore the island at your own pace. It's a wonderful way to uncover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.

Having enjoyed a tasty breakfast, our representative will pick you up at the agreed time, in one of our private vehicles, to drive you to the port, where you will continue to your next destination, the island which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, Santorini.

Approaching the island, you will have the opportunity to admire the capital city of Fira, with its white houses perched on the cliffside and facing the volcano.

Upon your arrival, one of our English-speaking representatives will be waiting for you at the port to welcome you, escort you to your hotel, and comment a little more on the attractions of this picturesque island. The rest of the day is free to wander through the narrow streets and become part of this amazing world.

Greca Tip: Sit back and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world from one of the coffee shops in glamorous Oia.

Today, we have a free day to discover the wonders of this mystical island, Santorini, often referred to as the lost continent of Atlantis. Take your time to immerse yourself in its captivating beauty and embrace the sense of adventure.

Optionally, you can embark on an unforgettable sailboat tour that will transport you to the breathtaking Nea and Palea Kameni islands within the caldera. Discover the natural hot springs with their mesmerizing green and yellow waters. Throughout the tour, the splendid capital city of Fira will serve as a picturesque backdrop, adding to the charm of the experience.

Greca Tip: For a more comprehensive exploration of the island, we recommend renting a car. This will allow us to discover hidden gems, indulge in the island's renowned wine, and savor the exceptional local cuisine. It's the perfect way to fully embrace the essence of this remarkable destination.

As the time arrives, we will transfer you to Santorini Airport for your return flight to Athens. Rest assured that your arrival at the airport will align conveniently with your international flight, ideally scheduled for departure after 12:30 PM.

It has been a pleasure hosting you during these wonderful days with Greca, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back in the future to create more extraordinary moments that will forever hold a special place in your heart.

Wishing you a pleasant journey! Or, as the Greeks say: "Kalo taksidi!"

If you wish to extend your stay in Santorini, feel free to add more nights during the reservation process.

Greca Tip: Consider purchasing the classic Assyrtiko wine or the sweet Vinsanto from Santorini. You can find them at local shops or take advantage of the duty-free selection at Athens Airport, which offers a delightful array of Greek wines and spirits.