| Starts | Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey, Turkey |
|---|---|
| Ends | Athens, Attica, Greece, Greece |
| Region | Europe |
| Duration | 21 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Istanbul & Finishing: Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! If you arrive at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST), you will be met and transferred to your starting hotel. If you arrive at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) airport please make your own way to the hotel (unless you have booked a transfer). Today is an arrival day and you are free to arrive at the joining point hotel at any time before 6pm. This evening, meet your leader and fellow travel companions at a welcome meeting at 6pm (details will be posted on the hotel noticeboard). Until then, head out and get your first taste of this metropolis that so many civilisations have called home. Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, so it will come as no surprise that it is home to a beguiling mix of different cultures and traditions, blending the influences of both east and west. In the streets and laneways, discover the cosmopolitan modern world that thrives between the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
Day 2 - Starting: Istanbul - Cappadocia & Finishing: Istanbul - Cappadocia
Meet your local guide early this morning to journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler and conquer Istanbul in just a day. Head to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), where ancient empires based themselves and historical sites intertwine with backstreets filled with hidden gems. Gaze upon the beauty of the cascading domes of the Blue Mosque, so called for the blue tiles found on its interior walls, and maybe gain a deeper insight into Islam from your guide. When not erecting splendid buildings the Byzantine Emperors loved a bit of entertainment, and the hippodrome was their stadium. Inspect some of the decorative statues and obelisks that remain from a time when this now tree-lined land would hold thousands of chariot racing fans. In the afternoon, drive to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia (approximately 75 minutes). In the heart of Cappadocia, the town of Goreme lies in a fantastic region of cones, needles and columns, fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. You’ll drive here after landing, and have Goreme as your base for the next two nights.
Day 3 - Starting: Cappadocia & Finishing: Cappadocia
This region is honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people of the area lived on the land, but in times of war or persecution, they took to living underground. The first included activity for the day is a visit to the World Heritage-listed Goreme Open Air Museum. It’s a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings, and one of the earliest centres for religious education. There are at least 10 churches and chapels in the museum area, dating between AD900 and 1200, each one named after a prominent attribute by the local villagers, who were exploring these caves long before there was an entrance fee. See stunning examples of Byzantine art in the Christian sanctuary and colourful frescoes from 1,000 years ago. In the afternoon, go to a carpet workshop to see how this beautiful handicraft is made, and learn about its connection to the nomadic origins of the Turkish people. Later, take a short walk through 'Love Valley', a strange landscape of phallic rock formations (don’t forget to pack sturdy, well worn-in walking shoes or boots and a comfortable daypack for this trip). Afterwards, head back to your hotel, where it will not take much to convince you to take an optional Turkish bath to unwind after a long day. Notes: Without a doubt, one of the most amazing memories of this journey is a hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscape to see this otherworldly scene at sunrise. Those who are interested in this optional extra will have a truly awe-inspiring experience. The cost of this activity varies depending on what type of flight you choose. This activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this.
Day 4 - Starting: Cappadocia & Finishing: Cappadocia
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then go for a walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur (Red Valley). Here small valleys, cones, peaks and fairy chimneys blend harmoniously with fascinating cave chapels that date back to the early Christian period. In the afternoon you will drive to the unique Pasabaglari Valley, where multiple fairy chimneys hewn from the earth and shaped by centuries of erosion lend a moon-like landscape and atmosphere to the valley. You'll see a chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and a hermit's shelter built into a three-headed fairy chimney. You will walk today for a total of about three hours, and the path may be slippery, so make sure you bring appropriate walking shoes. Later, discover the local handicraft of pottery before returning to Goreme for the night. Tonight you may have the opportunity to attend a folk dance performance or witness an original Whirling Dervish performance.
Day 5 - Starting: Cappadocia - Konya & Finishing: Cappadocia - Konya
Relax over breakfast before regrouping and leaving the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia behind, driving to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu (approximately 45 minutes). Some of the dwellings here contain rooms expanding seven levels underground. You will then continue to Asikli Hoyuk, where an ancient Neolithic settlement has revealed fascinating details of the lives of the people who lived in this area 11,000 years ago. Continue on to Konya (approximately 2.5 hours), your stop for the night. This ancient city was important in Roman times, and was the capital of the Seljuk Empire between the 12th and 13th centuries. Konya is the perfect opportunity to sample a traditional Turkish city where mainstream tourism is yet to arrive. The city is closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi (or Mevlana), considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Tonight perhaps enjoy a refreshing tea in one of the many tea gardens, and try some central Anatolian cuisine. Notes: Konya is a very religious town, so to be respectful remember to dress conservatively.
Day 6 - Starting: Konya - Pamukkale & Finishing: Konya - Pamukkale
A five and a half hours drive through mountainous landscapes (approximately 3.5 hours) brings you to one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale, which literally translates to “cotton castle”. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving bright white deposit terraces (the ‘cotton’). It's been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. Though you won't be able to bathe in these travertines, you can take a walk through them (after removing your shoes), and these pools are said to fix up any circulation and digestion problems. Take some time to visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis and take a dip in what used to be Celopatras’s old pool – the transparent water-filled pool, sculpted as a gift from Marc to Cleo, is stunning. You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, vast necropolis and strange tombs, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed. Spend the night in a hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 7 - Starting: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Selçuk & Finishing: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Selçuk
Get up early for a 2.5 hour drive to the traditional farming village of Selcuk. This will be your base for exploring the nearby ruins of Ephesus, the former capital of the East Roman Empire and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. Then drive 1 more hour out to Ephesus. The city has a fascinating history that really comes alive with a local guide to enhance the experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory 2,000 years ago. You will be awed by the sophistication of this ancient city, which had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that takes most people's breath away. Also not to be missed are the tomb of the Seven Sleepers, Marble Street, and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Return to Selcuk, a culturally rich town that retains many Turkish traditions. Its relatively undisturbed nature means this is an opportunity to experience the ‘real’ Turkey. Take an orientation walk of this a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient fortress on Ayasoluk Hill. Those who wish can take an optional visit to the last home of the Virgin Mary, who legend says came here accompanied by St John, and lived out her days in this beautiful spot, You will spend the night in a hotel in Selcuk and have the chance to reflect and fully comprehend the history and splendour of the day's discoveries.
Day 8 - Starting: Selçuk - Çanakkale & Finishing: Selçuk - Çanakkale
Early this morning after breakfast, you will begin the drive to Çanakkale (approximately 5 hours), located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula). On the way, you will visit the ruins of Troy, the heritage-listed site of the mythic Trojan War made famous by Homer's the ‘Iliad’. The city was long thought to exist in legend only after all traces of the city appeared to have vanished. The city was gradually overshadowed by eponymous neighbouring cities like Alexander the Great’s Alexandria Troas and Constantine’s Constantinople, and then disappeared under centuries of dust. However, working from a tip off, ruins of the city were uncovered in the 1870s by amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Despite his shoddy excavating work, Schliemann did mange to uncover nine different layers of settlement, dating back over 4,500 years. Now you will explore the ruins of the Troy, including a city thought to have been destroyed by an earthquake around 1275BC, and a city rebuild during the powerful days of the Roman Empire. See the Trojan Horse monument, learn about Homer’s tale of the city and its war, and decide for yourself how much of it was true. Arriving in Çanakkale, you will have the remainder of the day free to wander around this vibrant waterfront town that has a great range of dinner and nightlife options, not to mention medieval ruins to explore.
Day 9 - Starting: Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul & Finishing: Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul
Cross the Dardanelles and return to 'Europe' today, visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of immense significance for Australians and New Zealanders, and a spot of pilgrimage and reverence. Gallipoli was the site of the Anzac landings in 1915 and one of the Allies' great disasters in the First World War. Gallipoli was the plan created by Winston Churchill to end the war early by creating a new front that the Central Powers could not cope with. You’ll see the battlefields of Nek and Lone Pine, and be amazed at how this now serene coastline once saw such brutal scenes of war. Look down upon the rough and barren hills and gullies that sadly became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. Tour the former battlefields and encounter remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Hear stories of the heroism and camaraderie that unfolded among the tragedies, and take the time to read moving inscriptions etched onto a sea of gravestones. Drive back to where your adventure began, Istanbul (approximately 4.5 hours). You'll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening and have the remainder of the evening free. Maybe gather together your travel companions and head for Istiklal Caddesi for an celebratory dinner, and take advantage of the late night entertainment as the Turkey section of your adventure comes to an end.
Day 10 - Starting: Athens & Finishing: Athens
Today you’ll have a leisurely last morning in Istanbul before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Athens (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival in Greece’s lively capital, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located Athens hotel. After settling in, enjoy some free time before a welcome meeting with your Greek leader. This meeting will be held at approximately 6pm at the hotel (but check the hotel notice board for exact time). Before the meeting, you might have time to see some of the city’s ancient sights like the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, or get an overview at the excellent archaeological museum. This evening you’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in the vibrant Psiri neighbourhood of Athens.
Day 11 - Starting: Athens - Hania, Crete & Finishing: Athens - Hania, Crete
Transfer to the airport and take a short flight to the island of Crete, the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Hania (Chania), your base for the next three nights. Your historic hotel (the feature stay of the trip) is located a short distance from Hania's town centre, in a quieter part of town. After settling in you will take a walk into the old town. Firstly, stop at the agora (municipal market), then pass a number of historical churches. Stroll on and discover the remains of a Venetian monastery and wander through the charming Old Harbour area, with its two Venetian shipyards and Great Arsenal building. Heading deep into the narrow cobblestone alleys of the Venetian town, discover a beautiful array of Venetian and Turkish architecture in the former aristocratic area. Afterwards, enjoy some free time before driving to the traditional village of Vamos. This area is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Here you will take a short walk around the historical centre or the old neighbourhood with traditional old houses, ruins, ancient stone roads and secret nooks. Perhaps enjoy a local taverna dinner with your fellow travellers to complete the day.
Day 12 - Starting: Agia Irini – Sougia - Hania, Crete & Finishing: Agia Irini – Sougia - Hania, Crete
Depart early for the beautiful hill village of Agia Irini (approximately 1.5 hours). Here you will walk through the Agia Irini Gorge, through varied landscapes of spectacular mountain and forest scenery, all the way to the coastline (9 km; approximately 4–5 hours). You will walk on rocky riverbeds, along the steep sides of mountains and through rich vegetation of trachea pine, Mediterranean cypress, beech, carob tree and kermes oak. Take in the aromas of native wildflowers and herbs as you walk. In the rocks there are a number of herb varieties, including the medicinal Greek herb Dittany (Dictamo). Keep an eye out for the partridge, golden eagle and the endangered bearded vulture. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the Kri-kri goat (Cretan ibex) which is now found only on Crete and three smaller neighbouring islands. Your walk culminates in the small coastal village of Sougia, on the southern side of Crete. This is a great place to relax after a day’s walk and you can enjoy a swim as well as an optional lunch and refreshing drink in one of the traditional seaside tavernas. At the end of the day you will take the scenic drive back to Hania (approximately 2 hours). Notes: Today's walk is graded as easy to moderate, with some challenging sections. Good walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. For those with mobility issues or who would rather not partake in the walk, it is possible to opt out.
Day 13 - Starting: Hania, Crete & Finishing: Hania, Crete
Today is free for you to explore Crete. If you are looking to embark on another great walk on the island, there’s the chance to join an excursion to hike the famous Samaria Gorge (17 km; approximately 4–6 hours, depending on fitness level). This is hike is optional. Alternatively you can relax on one of Hania’s city beaches. Nea Hora is a sandy beach west of the Venetian walls – it's decked out with sun beds and is close to restaurants. If you walk to the west of this beach you will come across quieter beaches. Another option is to take a local bus to Elafonissi Lagoon on the west coast. Elafonissi is considered Crete’s prettiest beach, and a daily bus goes there from Hania in the morning and returns in the late afternoon. There is also the possibility of taking an optional guided excursion to the ruins of Knossos, once the capital of Minoan Crete. Alternatively you may wish to spend your day experiencing more of the township of Hania. Your leader will be able to assist you with all the options available on your free day.
Day 14 - Starting: Hania, Crete - Oia, Santorini & Finishing: Hania, Crete - Oia, Santorini
Bid farewell to Crete and travel to spectacular Santorini, the southernmost island in the Cyclades group. Firstly you will leave the hotel in Hania and drive to the port city of Iraklio (approximately 2 hours). Here you will board a ferry and head across the Sea of Crete to Santorini (approximately 2 hours). This is a great way to travel between the islands. Upon arrival in Santorini's capital, Fira, you will be met and transferred to the hotel in Oia (pronounced ‘eeah’). Oia was built on a steep slope inside Santorini’s incredible volcanic caldera and is a quieter part of the island than Fira. Enjoy a free afternoon to absorb this veritable paradise. Your leader will be able to offer suggestions on what to see and do. In the late afternoon you will view Oia's world-famous sunset, which has been immortalised in many photos and works of art. This evening there's the option of dining as a group in one of the lovely tavernas in Oia and enjoying sumptuous seafood and other local cuisine against the spectacular backdrop.
Day 15 - Starting: Fira - Oia, Santorini & Finishing: Fira - Oia, Santorini
In the morning, embark on a walk along Santorini’s legendary caldera. The island you see today is what remains from a huge volcanic explosion that destroyed the early settlements and created a geographical caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Your walk begins in Oia and you will walk along the north-western rim of the caldera, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way (approximately 2.5–3 hours of walking). The walk ends in the town of Fira (Thira) where you will visit the fascinating Prehistoric Museum of Thira and learn more about the incredible history of this unique island, as well as see masterpieces from the prehistoric Aegean age. The rest of the afternoon is free, so perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries. The vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. The Santos Winery, a co-operative and the largest winery on the island, offers tours as well as wine tasting. It's also idyllically located, with marvellous views over the island and the sea – a lovely spot for a tipple.
Day 16 - Starting: Oia, Santorini & Finishing: Oia, Santorini
Today is free for you to explore Santorini as you please. You might like to simply relax on the beach, or take a boat tour to the hot water beaches and the summit of Nea Kameni (the still active but currently dormant volcano in the middle of the caldera). There is a lot to do on the island and your leader will be on hand to offer suggestions. Art Space, a local gallery, boasts wine caverns replete with an excellent collection of modern Greek painting and sculpture. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera is also well worth a visit – look out for its fossilised olive tree leaves that came from the caldera 60,000 years ago.
Day 17 - Starting: Oia, Santorini - Mykonos & Finishing: Oia, Santorini - Mykonos
This morning you will be transported to Santorini’s port and board a ferry bound for the island of Mykonos. Mykonos, considered the most glamorous and cosmopolitan of the Cycladic islands, still holds on to its old-world charm and many locals maintain their peaceful island existence amongst the many foreigners who grace their shores. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the area of Tourlos, where the hotel is located. After settling in, you'll take a walking tour of Mykonos’ charming Old Town, a captivating labyrinth of stone-paved laneways, traditional whitewashed houses and windmills. This evening you will make your way to the village of Ano Mera for a delicious dinner at a local taverna that's well known for its seafood. The rest of the night is free for you to step out into the lively Mykonos street scene.
Day 18 - Starting: Mykonos & Finishing: Mykonos
Enjoy a free day to discover Mykonos for yourself. You may wish to take an optional boat trip along the coast so you can witness some of the scenery further afield. Another great option is to make your way to one of the famous beaches on the island's north coast. Your leader will be able to assist you with this. Alternatively, simply stay in town to stroll around and admire the traditional Cycladic houses or head to one of the seaside eateries for a leisurely lunch. Other interesting areas to explore in and around Mykonos are the Little Venice and Ano Mera villages. At the latter you will find an impressive monastery.
Day 19 - Starting: Delos - Mykonos & Finishing: Delos - Mykonos
Today you will make an excursion to the island of Delos, a short boat trip from Mykonos. Delos has a vast and interesting history and is one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. It's considered a sacred place. You will explore the site in depth and gain an insight into the island’s intriguing history. New discoveries of the ancient world are still made here from time to time. Delos is acclaimed as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and has been inhabited since around 3000 BC. The earliest shrines and temples were built around the 8th century BC. When the Romans set their sights on the island in 167 BC it became a free trading port and home to a flourishing slave trade market, with thousands of slaves being traded daily. In the afternoon you will take a return ferry back to Mykonos for another night on this lively island.
Day 20 - Starting: Mykonos - Athens & Finishing: Mykonos - Athens
After a leisurely morning, transfer to Mykonos port for your ferry across the sparkling Aegean Sea and back to Athens. Upon arrival at Pireaus port, usually at around 8 pm, you will be taken to your centrally located hotel in Athens. As tonight will be your last evening with the group, you might like to join them for a final dinner. Your leader will be able to offer suggestions on the best places to dine in Athens.
Day 21 - Starting: Athens & Finishing: Athens
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. We are happy to book additional accommodation for those wishing to see more of the city, subject to availability, and if you are flying out, you may wish to book a departure transfer to take you to the airport. Please enquire at the time of booking. Alternatively you may want to consider joining our 'Highlights of Greece' trip – an adventure exploring Greece's mainland.
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