14 Days: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Kalambaka, Athens

Tour Oerview:
Experience the best of Greece and Turkey in 14 days with SITA! Start in Istanbul, a city that is both modern and historical and bridges the East and West. You then will visit the underground city in Cappadocia, the Greco Roman ruins in Ephesus, and the lime cascades of Pamukkale. Sail the beautiful Aegean Sea for 3 nights with stops in Patmos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Visit Athens, the heart of the Greek civilization and world renowned for its ancient monuments such as the Acropolis. Explore the Peloponnese with visits to Delphi and Meteora.

Day 01. Arrival / Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

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Day 02. Istanbul / Istanbul

This morning we will stroll through Sogukcesme Street with typical wooden houses which are now landmark buildings of ottoman architecture. We will then visit Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest of the remaining palaces where Ottoman Sultans used to live with its beautiful gardens, kitchens, the treasury and the terraces overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. We continue with a photo stop at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmet the 3rd before we visit Saint Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture dating back to the 6th century. We will enjoy our included lunch, and continue with our visit to the Blue Mosque covered by more than 20.000 Iznik tiles. On our exit we will see the Roman Hippodrome where the char races used to take place before arriving at the famous Grand Bazaar with its labyrinth tunnels with hundreds of little shops. Return to our hotel for the evening. (BL)

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Day 03. Istanbul / Cappadocia

In the morning, we will explore the Spice Market to feel the exotic atmosphere of the Orient. We will then enjoy a languorous boat trip along the European and Asian coasts of the Bosphorus. After our included sea-food lunch under the Galata Bridge with stunning views over the silhouette of the Old City, we will continue for our visit to the Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent, the masterpiece of architect Sinan dating back to 15th century. Our last visit for the day will be to the Church of Saint Savior in Chora to admire mosaics and frescoes displaying the most important scenes of Christianity. We will then be transferred to the airport for our flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Transfer to our hotel in Cappadicia for the evening. (BL)

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Day 04. Cappadocia / Cappadocia

In the early morning, possibility to enjoy an optional hot air balloon flight to admire the breathtaking moonlike landscape of Cappadocia over the Fairy Chimneys, orchards and vineyards. The day is dedicated to explore the natural beauty and the cultural depth of this unique region. We will see the frescoed interiors of Goreme’s cave churches dating from the 8th century, take a walk in Avcilar, Pasabagi and the red valley of Dervent where we will admire the chimney like volcanic formations and take brief photo stop at Uchisar, before returning back to our hotel. (BL)

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Day 05. Cappadocia – Izmir / Kusadasi

A more relaxing day today, as we will transfer to the local airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. From here we will be transferred to our hotel in Kusadasi. Rest of the day will be at leisure to enjoy the facilities of our hotel. (B)

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Day 06. Ephesus / Kusadasi

Today we will exploring one of the most important cities of antiquity, the unique Ephesus. We will walk along its 2,000 year old marble streets to such famous sites as the theatre and the library of Celsus. Our day continues with a visit to the house of Virgin Mary where it is said that she lived with John. After a photo stop at the place where one of the seven wonders of the world used to stand, the temple of Artemis, we will continue our drive back to our hotel in Kusadasi. (BL)

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Day 07. Pamukkale / Kusadasi

This morning we will be driving to Pamukkale, also known as the ‘cotton castle’. Immense tiers of white limestone cascading down a barren hillside, form a unique natural scenery. We will explore the terraces and continue to a local restaurant for our included lunch. In the afternoon, we will be visiting Hierapolis, including the magnificently preserved Necropolis, the main Street and Gates, the thermal Baths, the devil’s hole, and Masterpiece Theater. Return drive to our hotel in Kusadasi for the evening. (BL)

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Day 08. Patmos / on cruise

After our breakfast, we will be transferred to the port of Kusadasi to embark on “Celestyal Cruises” for a unique 3-night cruise to the Aegean. After a short sail we will arrive in the afternoon at the picturesque island of Patmos. Do no miss the optional excursion to the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse. (BLD)

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Day 09. Rhodes / on cruise.

Arrival in Rhodes early in the morning where the ship will be docked for the whole day. During your included “Medieval” tour, we will visit the Acropolis of Lindos and the citadel of the Knights (Rhodes’ old town). Return on board of the evening. (BLD)

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Day 10. Heraklion – Santorini / on cruise.

Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning. Possibility of an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos with the legendary Minotaur. In the afternoon we will arrive at the unique island of Santorini. You can choose to take the cable car up to Fira town or follow an optional excursion to “Spectacular Oia village perched on the caldera rim”. (BLD)

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Day 11. Athens city tour / Athens.

Early in the morning we will be arriving at the port of Piraeus. Breakfast on board and disembarkation. Transfer to your hotel. Early in the afternoon, you will be exploring the city of Athens. We begin with a panoramic tour to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann’s house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. Next we head for our guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheion. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

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Day 12. Delphi / Kalambaka.

After our breakfast we depart northwards towards Delphi, which used to be the most sacred place in the world and a pilgrimage center for many centuries in antiquity. You will admire the Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the Sacred way, and visit the temple of Apollo, home of Pythia (the oracle). In the afternoon, and after a short break for lunch (not included), we will be crossing the mountains of central Greece to arrive in Kalambaka for dinner and overnight. (BD)

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Day 13. Meteora / Athens.

This morning we will be visiting Meteora. Amazing rock formations, like towers of sandstone, stand ageless, and have provided sacred retreat for monks over the centuries. A number of monasteries are hidden on top of Meteora. The view over the plain is breathtaking. Meteora is considered among the most beautiful areas of mainland Greece and belongs to Unesco’s list of world heritage monuments. After our visit, we will take the road back to Athens. On the way, we will make a short stop at Thermopylae, to admire the statue of Leonidas king of Sparta. Overnight in Athens. (B)

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Day 14. Departure

Morning at leisure until the time to transfer to the airport for your international return flight home. (B)

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