From Istanbul To Athens
10 Days
Tour Description
From Turkish treasures to Grecian delights, this tour takes you from the magical monuments and mosques of Istanbul to the mysteries and mythologies of Athens! Your tour of Turkey and Greece begins in the incredible city of Istanbul in a country of two continents. The bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee and Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Embark on your journey to Greece through Turkey’s northwest region of Marmara. Marvel at the archaeological remnants of Kings in Philippi and Vergina. Explore Thessaloniki the cultural capital of Greece with its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. Be amazed by the floating monasteries of Meteora, and the heroic tales of Spartan battles on your way to Athens, where history comes to life as you discover the city that was at the heart of Ancient Greece.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Traveller Notes
- We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Priced From:
$ 3799pp *
Start Location: Istanbul, Greece
End Location: Athens, Turkey
Major Destinations: Acropolis of Athens ,Basilica of Saint Demetrious,Turkish Coffee
Breakfast Meals Included:
9
Lunch Meals Included:
0
Dinner Meals Included:
5
Itinerary
Day
1
ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Welcome to Istanbul!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day
2
ISTANBUL
East meets West
ISTANBUL A full day guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
Day
3
ISTANBUL-ALEXANDROUPOLI, GREECE
Crossroads of the Ancient World
MARMARA REGION Interesting drive through the region to the border and cross into Greece.
ALEXANDROUPOLI During your orientation, see the lighthouse, the town's landmark. (B,D) 193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC NAMES. Founded in the 19th century as a fishing village, Alexandroupoli was originally known as Dedeagach. Stories state that this name was given to the town in the honour of an Old Turkish wise man who spent a lot of his time sat in the shade of a tree and was eventually buried there. The city was renamed after King Alexander I of Greece when he visited in 1920.
Day
4
ALEXANDRUOPOLI - XANTHI - PHILIPPI - THESSALONIKI
Picture Perfect
XANTHI Time to take a photo and stroll the streets of the "city of a thousand colours."
PHILIPPI Enjoy a guided walk of the archaeological excavations.
THESSALONIKI Free time this evening. (B,D) 208 mi / 335 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PRIME LOCATION Thanks to its location, the ancient city of Philippi has had an important role to play. Originally founded due to its vicinity to the Mount Paggaio gold mines it became the location of King Philip II of Macedonia's Royal Mint. Its importance continued to grow as it became an administrative centre of the Roman Empire, being located on the Via Egnatia, the road connecting Rome to the East. Remnants of its importance can be seen during your guided visit of its archaeological site.
Day
5
THESSALONIKI
Cultural Capital of Greece
THESSALONIKI Guided sightseeing tour of the city's highlights includes a visit to the Basilica of Saint Demetrious. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Greece's second city has so much to offer that it is often nominated the cultural capital of Greece. The remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history are clear to see. During your guided sightseeing see the iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters, pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessaloniki on the sea front and visit the UNESCO listed Basilica of Saint Demetrius. Also famed for its gastronomic offerings there is plenty of chance to dine on delicious Greek specialties whilst strolling along the lively streets.
Day
6
THESSALONIKI - VERGINA - KALAMBAKA
Unspoiled Treasures
VERGINA Visit the Royal Tombs Museum under the tumulus to see the incredible unspoiled marble tomb of King Philipp II with all of its gold and silver treasures. (B,D) 149mi / 240 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FAMILY FOUNDATIONS Philipp II was the King of Macedonia, he is credited as great diplomat who also possessed a military prowess, increasing the number of soldiers in his army, whilst also improving their training and equipment. Bringing peace to his country and ruling much of Greece, he paved the way for his son, Alexander the Great, who, after Philipp's assassination would go on to build one of the largest empires in the ancient world.
Day
7
KALAMBAKA. EXCURSION TO METEORA
Monasteries in Magical Greece
METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen's Monasteries. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen's to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora's spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
Day
8
KALAMBAKA - THERMOPYLAE - ATHENS
Bravery in Battle
THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.
ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 217 mi / 350 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film "300." Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
Day
9
ATHENS
Marvels & Myths
ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Enjoy free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Day
10
ATHENS
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2025-10-03
Return Date :
2025-10-12
Single :
5359 NZD
Triple :
3799 NZD
Twin :
4079 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-09-19
Return Date :
2025-09-28
Single :
6369 NZD
Triple :
4759 NZD
Twin :
5059 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-09-05
Return Date :
2025-09-14
Single :
6369 NZD
Triple :
4759 NZD
Twin :
5059 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-06-27
Return Date :
2025-07-06
Single :
6369 NZD
Triple :
4759 NZD
Twin :
5059 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2025-06-13
Return Date :
2025-06-22
Single :
6369 NZD
Triple :
4759 NZD
Twin :
5059 NZD
Open