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Istanbul
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Athens
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Airplane & Bus
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English
This 10-day guided tour visits Istanbul (3 nights), Cappadocia (1 night) and Athens (3 nights). Prices start from $2,160 USD per person, based on two travelers sharing. Operated by One Nation Travel, a TÜRSAB-licensed (No. A-6073) local tour operator founded in Istanbul in 2008.
Overview
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, and Athens’ Acropolis: 10-Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece Tour: From Istanbul to Athens is a 10-day, 9-night route from Istanbul to Athens, traveling by domestic flight and road between stops. International flights are not included and are not offered as a paid add-on. You must arrange and purchase these flights independently.
You begin in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, and the Grand Bazaar. In Cappadocia, you see fairy chimneys and cave dwellings before returning to Istanbul. The Greek portion includes the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, followed by a road journey through mainland Greece before your return to Athens.
One Nation Travel has been a licensed local tour operator in Istanbul since 2008 (TURSAB A-6073) and coordinates the trip. This pace suits you if you want guided visits and several travel days across Turkey and Greece, with free time in Istanbul and Athens.
Highlights
- Explore Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar
- Discover Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and underground cities
- Walk through the Acropolis and marvel at the Parthenon in Athens
- Visit ancient sites like Epidaurus, Mycenae & the Tomb of Agamemnon
- Experience the birthplace of the Olympics and the Oracle of Delphi
Route: Istanbul (3 nights) → Cappadocia (1 night) → Istanbul → Athens (3 nights) · Day trips: Delphi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be greeted at the international arrivals exit by our representative, holding a sign with your name or agency code for easy identification. After a brief meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace.
Optional Experience: For a memorable evening, you may choose to join the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show (available at an extra cost). Enjoy a scenic night on the Bosphorus with traditional entertainment and a delicious meal. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.
The tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a marvel of architecture that has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum, reflecting centuries of religious and cultural heritage.
Next, you’ll explore the stunning Blue Mosque, named for the exquisite blue İznik tiles adorning its interior. This mosque, with its six elegant minarets and grand central dome, remains one of Istanbul’s most recognized symbols.
Continue to the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social and political life. Here, you’ll see historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
Afterward, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon will take you to the opulent Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its elaborate courtyards, priceless artifacts, and optionally visit the Harem section (entrance ticket not included).
Your final stop will be the lively and colorful Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Wander through its labyrinth of over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and carpets to spices and souvenirs.
After the tour ends around 4:30 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your early morning flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir (flight time between 6:00 – 7:30 AM). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Cappadocia to begin your full-day tour of North Cappadocia.
Your day begins at Devrent Valley, famous for its imaginative rock formations and fairy chimneys. Next, explore the surreal landscapes of Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), known for its mushroom-shaped pinnacles.
Continue to Avanos, a charming town set along the Kızılırmak River, celebrated for its rich tradition in pottery-making. Here, you may witness a live pottery demonstration using ancient techniques.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, once a thriving monastic retreat. Wander through its historic cave churches and dwellings carved directly into the soft volcanic rock.
Before the tour concludes, enjoy a brief photo stop at Uchisar Castle from the outside. Though entry into the castle is restricted, its base offers panoramic views of the region’s breathtaking landscape.
After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
For extra activities, you may choose one of the following options to enhance your day (available at an additional cost): enjoy traditional music and folk dances at the Turkish Night Show with Dinner, take an adventurous ATV Tour (2 hours), explore scenic trails on a Horseback Riding Tour (2 hours), or witness the spiritual Whirling Dervish Show (1 hour). Please note: only one activity can be booked per day..
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, or Zula Cave House.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
For an optional extra, you may book a Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape (additional cost applies).
After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia. Your first stop is the Red Valley, where you’ll explore rock-cut churches and hike about 5 km through the scenic Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi).
Next, visit Çavuşin Village, known for its abandoned stone houses and historic churches once used by Christian monks. Around noon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), admired for its panoramic vistas and dovecotes carved into the cliffs. In the afternoon, explore one of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities—either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City—where early Christians sought refuge from persecution.
After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel by 12:00 PM and transfer to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight schedule. Board your international flight to Athens, Greece, where our representative will greet you upon arrival and provide a transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or begin exploring Athens at your own pace. Overnight in Athens.
Please note: International flight tickets from Istanbul to Athens are not included in the tour package. Guests are responsible for arranging their own flights.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Athens: Titania Hotel, Electra Palace, or Athens Gate Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 08:45 AM. The tour begins with a panoramic drive through Athens, a modern city full of ancient landmarks and neoclassical buildings.
Our first stop will be the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, and host of the first modern Olympic Games. After a short photo stop and introduction to its history, we continue driving past important sites including the former Royal Palace (now the Prime Minister’s residence), the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guarded by the Evzones.
We’ll also pass by the Academy of Athens, University of Athens, and National Library, all fine examples of neoclassical architecture.
The highlight of the tour is the Acropolis, where you’ll visit iconic monuments such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea—masterpieces of classical architecture.
Finally, you’ll visit the Acropolis Museum, home to nearly 4,000 artifacts, including the original Caryatids. The tour ends around 1:30 PM with a return to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Athens.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Athens: Titania Hotel, Electra Palace, or Athens Gate Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 08:45 AM. Departing Athens, we drive along the scenic coastal road towards the Peloponnese. Our first short stop is at the Corinth Canal, a narrow waterway connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
We then continue to the Sanctuary of Asklepios to visit the Theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and classical design. Next, we drive to Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, where we take a brief photo stop to admire the charming town.
In the afternoon, we proceed to Mycenae, one of the major centers of Greek civilization. Highlights include the Lion Gate and the Tomb of Agamemnon (Treasury of Atreus). Later, we drive through the scenic central Peloponnese region, passing Tripolis and Megalopolis, and arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Olympia.
After breakfast, we visit the ancient site of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Your guided tour will include the Temple of Zeus, the Gymnasium, the Palaestra, and the ancient Stadium. Learn about the significance of the Games in Greek culture.
We also visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which houses important artifacts from the site. In the afternoon, we drive through the regions of Ilia and Achaia, cross the impressive Rio-Antirio Bridge, and continue through Nafpaktos and Itea before reaching Delphi.
Evening is at leisure to explore Delphi on your own. Overnight in Delphi.
After breakfast, we visit the archaeological site of Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek religion. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo, the Treasuries, the Stadium, and the Priestess’ House.
Next, we explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to significant exhibits including the famous Charioteer of Delphi.
In the afternoon, we return to Athens via Arachova, Levadia, and Thebes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Athens: Titania Hotel, Electra Palace, or Athens Gate Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Athens (check-out time is before 11:00 AM). You will then be transferred to Athens International Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your tour and our services.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- All transfers within Turkey and Greece.
- Domestic flight ticket from Istanbul to Kayseri.
- 9 nights hotel accommodation.
- English-speaking guide during the tours.
- Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Entrance fees to the museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Local taxes and service charges.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets.
- Flight ticket from Istanbul to Athens.
- Entry visas for Turkey and Greece.
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
- Stayover hotel tax in Greece (to be paid directly to hotels; approx. $3 per room, per night).
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
- Optional tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Important Notes
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
- This is a shared group tour with local guides, but if requested, at additional cost, it can be provided as a private tour.
- The shared group tour with local guides has shopping stops included in the tour.
- Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
- For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
- For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
- For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
- For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
- For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
- Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. On tours operated on Fridays, you will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area. No visitation inside the Blue Mosque is allowed for tourists on Fridays.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı).
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
- During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After reviewing the detailed tour itinerary, you can make an online reservation by following these steps:
- Select Your Tour Details:
- Go to the tour itinerary page.
- On the right side of the page, find the online booking form.
- Select the number of travelers and your desired tour start date.
- Choose Extra Options (Add-Ons):
- Proceed to the next step to view available add-ons.
- Choose any extra options you wish to include in your tour package.
- Provide Your Information & Passenger Details:
- Continue to the checkout page.
- Fill in the required personal details (name, email, phone number, etc.).
- Enter the passenger information using valid passport details.
- Click “Place Order” to submit the form and complete your reservation request.
- Enter Your Visa or MasterCard Credit Card Information
- Please enter a valid Visa or MasterCard to complete your booking.
- The credit card used for payment must belong to one of the travelers who will be participating in the tour. This is required for verification and security purposes.
- Once the required 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your tour reservation will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
- The remaining 70% balance must be paid in cash to our representative on the day you arrive in Istanbul. You will receive a receipt upon payment. If you prefer to pay the remaining balance by credit card, a 5% bank processing fee will be added to cover transaction costs.
The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.
Once your online reservation is received and the specified 50% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.
Cappadocia offers a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience, all available at an additional cost:
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
- ATV Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden trails on an exciting ATV (quad bike) tour. It’s a thrilling way to discover the area’s natural beauty off the beaten path.
- Horseback Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the valleys and hills of Cappadocia. Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” this activity offers a unique perspective of the region.
- Whirling Dervish Show: In the evening, immerse yourself in Turkish culture by attending a traditional Whirling Dervish Show. Witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, a spiritual dance that has been performed for centuries.
- Turkish Night Show with Dinner: Experience an authentic Turkish Night Show featuring traditional music, folk dances, and belly dancing performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
- Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath, a unique experience that combines steam, massage, and cleansing rituals.
These activities can be arranged upon request and are not included in the standard tour package. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.
On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.
Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.
Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.
Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.
Featured Hotels
Hotel options associated with this itinerary; the selected tour page and written confirmation control the included hotel and category.
View Featured Hotels (9)- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel for an additional cost, which is added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Hotels are subject to availability; alternatives of an equal standard may be provided.
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