An 18-day Greece and Turkey Mediterranean Interlude
Tour the legendary Istanbul City of the Sultans
and the Greek Isles of Santorini and Mykonos
This is the perfect Mediterranean getaway. Your days are filled with exotic sights, sounds, scenes and scents. We’ll even provide you with the Lonely Planet guide to Greece and Turkey so that you can explore on your own, as you like, in your free time! Arrive ANY DAY! Apr – Oct, This is the perfect add on to your Crystal Cruises, Oceanic Cruise, Princess Cruise or other Mediterranean cruise. Extensions are available to Cappadocia. The romance of the Greek isles. What’s better than a journey with a cherished companion to one of these prized destination? This is a trip tailored to make the most of that special company and unique occasion, be it an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a singular chance to be alone and away. Add Rhodes and Marmaris
Day 1 – Istanbul – Choose your own arrival day. Arrive any day: April – Oct
Arrive at Istanbul Airport. Our driver meets you at the exit gate of Istanbul Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest of the day on your own. Overnight at a boutique style hotel in the old district of Sultan Ahmet such as Blue House Hotel or similar or an ultra modern hotel in Istanbul, please let’s know at the time of booking. Private Transfers. Private air conditioned Vehicle.
Day 2 – (BLD) – Istanbul
We first stroll to the great square which was once the Byzantine Hippodrome. Now it is a great park like area surrounded by the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Underground Cistern, commonly called the Basilica Cistern. After lunch at a local restaurant, retracing our steps we walk to the Topkapi Palace, more than a palace, it is an assemblage of museums, containing the collections amassed by the Sultans over almost five centuries. After Topkapi Palace, we finish the day with Grand Bazaar visit, world’s largest covered market. Shops selling the same kind of merchandise congregate in the same area and there are 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops in the entire complex. Dinner is included this evening at a charming local restaurant, transfers are always included.
Day 3 – (BL) – Istanbul
We start our second day in Istanbul with a walk to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, then we visit the Dolmabahçe Palace; overlooking the Bosphorus, it is definitely incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for its interior decoration, its priceless paintings, furniture, a rich collection of Bohemian crystal in addition to its famous Harem section. Right after Dolmabahçe Palace, we have lunch at a local restaurant and get on board and take a leisurely Bosphorus Cruise from Eminonu, to the still unspoiled village of Sariyer. We end the day with a visit to Chora Church, with its 14th century mosaics and frescoes of almost supernatural beauty. The most important features of the church are the frescoes and mosaics demonstrating the finest Byzantine art forms and parallel, in time, developments in Italian renaissance art.
Day 4 – (B) – Izmir – Selcuk or Kusadasi
Our local rep meets you at the hotel and transfers you to Istanbul Airport for the morning flight to Izmir, flights in Turkey are in business class if/when available at the time of your booking. Upon arrival to Izmir Airport, our local rep and driver meet you and head for Seljuk (Selcuk) or Kusadasi as you wish. Overnight at Kismet Hotel in Selcuk, or Korumar Hotel – sea view room in Kusadasi for deluxe hotel category. Private Transfers. Private air conditioned Vehicle.
Day 5 – (BL) – Ephesus
Today we first drive to the Virgin Mary’s House; after that we visit Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians. Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we will witness the perfection of the Greco-Roman Art. Later in the afternoon we will visit St. John’s Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ’s beloved disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey Mosque. Overnight at Kalehan Hotel in Selcuk or similar. Private Transfers. Private Guide. Private air conditioned Vehicle.
Day 6 – (BD) – Day At Leisure
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach be it at the sleepy town of Seljuk or the not-so-sleepy town of Kusadasi by the sea. Dinner is included this evening at one of the unique Turkish Mediterranean local restaurants.
Day 7 – (BD) – Bodrum
Meet your driver in the morning, and set out for Bodrum, through the fertile, rolling countryside of southern Turkey. Remainder of the day at leisure, later in the day your driver will call on you for your dinner this evening at one of the local restaurants.
DAYS 8 -Bodrum (B)
For guests booking the deluxe hotels category, then you may wish to consider Baia hotel:
Luxuriating on the Mediterranean coast at the Hotel Baia in Bodrum or similar (all meals while at the Baia Hotel in Bodrum). Nestled along the sheltered blue waters of the bay, it’s a tranquil oasis where you can participate in the full range of included activities, or simply relax away from it all. Swim at indoor and outdoor pools, or at the beach. Use any of the sporting equipment, including canoes, wind surfers, and pedal boats. The Baia also has tennis and basketball courts, and a range of organized activities every day, including beach games, and music and entertainment in the evening. Best of all, everything is included at no extra charge, including all meals in the main restaurant, soft drinks, and even snacks at the pool bar, beach, and lobby bar.
DAYS 9 -Bodrum (B)
In Bodrum you will sample the sights and pleasures of Turkey and the Mediterranean Riviera on this charming beach and in this enchanted town by the sea offering some of the most lovely beach resorts, yes… here in Mediterranean Bodrum. It’s just the right blend of the best of Turkey, with all details seen to by us and our local reps.
DAY 10 -Bodrum -Istanbul – Athens (B)
We’ll arrange to escort you from the hotel to Bodrum’s airport, where you’ll catch your flight for Istanbul and connect onward to Athens and your hotel. The Divani Acropolis or Hilton Athens. Air fare is included in our rate in economy class: Bodrum-Istanbul-Athens. All transfer as always are on a private basis.
DAY 11 – Athens – Private Tour (BL)
A private half-day city tour will orient you to the high points of Athens. You’ll visit the Acropolis Museum, Syntagma Square, at the very heart of the city; the Parliament; Hadrian’s Arch; and culminate with the Acropolis. Your afternoon is for a guided walking visit to the Plaka. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant.
DAY 12 – Athens – Santorini (B)
Do your last-minute shopping this morning, or just linger deliciously in bed. Then we’ll call for you and see you to the airport for your flight to Santorini, where our local rep. will be waiting for you: Private Transfers. Private air conditioned Vehicle.
DAY 13 – Santorini- Own Activities (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your lovely hotel (or Villa), or venture out to explore ON YOUR OWN.
Some suggestion that you may wish to consider (on your own):
Akrotiri, reputedly the site of fabled Atlantis. Then on to Athinios port to take a boat across to eh dormant volcano, and ascend through a crater-pocked moonscape to the crater. Visit Thirassia Island and watch sunset in Oia. Return to your hotel/villa early evening, the decision is totally yours.
DAY 14- Santorini- Own activities (B)
To stay in your lovely hotel and enjoy the beach, the service, and the amenities, or to venture out to explore some of the dramatic cliffs, coves, and villages… that is the question! No doubt, you’ll mix a bit of both; Relax, and revisit a favorite café or shop,sip an ouzo or retsina at a waterside café, discover a beach or two, pick up a loaf of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you look out to sailboats at sea. Your days will be filled.
DAY 15 – Santorini, Mykonos (B)
We’ll rendezvous in time to take you to your ferry (business class if/when available at the time of booking) to Mykonos and your hotel. Private Transfers. Private air conditioned Vehicle.
DAY 16 – MYKONOS (B)
The day is totally yours. There’s no need to venture beyond the grounds of your lovely hotel. But on the other hand, there’s plenty of reason to do so, starting with 350 whitewashed churches and chapels, dramatic cliffs, blue seas, and secluded beaches. Private Transfers. Private air conditioned Vehicle.
DAY 17 – MYKONOS (B)
Reserve some time to stroll the cobbled lanes of Mykonos, to sip an ouzo or a retsina at a waterside cafe, to discover a beach or two, to pick up a loaf of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you look out to sailboats at sea.
DAY 18 – Departure – Athens (B)
After breakfast, we’ll rendezvous in time to take you to your flight for Athens, where you proceed onward to connect on your own with your international flight.
If your flight out of Athens today leaves very very early AM, then we will fly back to Athens on Day 17. We’ll book for you the Sofitel Hotel at Athens Airport. Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage.
| Rate in USD $- per person in double occupancy: | ||
| RATE in US $ per person |
First Class (4 stars) |
Deluxe (5 stars) |
| Triple occupancy | $ 8050.00 | $ 9290.00 |
| Double Occupancy | $ 8170.00 | $ 9365.00 |
| Single Occupancy | $ 9595.00 | $ 10,955.00 |
Rate Includes:
- Domestic flight tickets in Turkey in business class if/when available at the time of booking.
- Domestic flight tickets in Greece – economy class, tax included
- All regional air fare between Turkey and Greece in business class if/when available at the time of booking.
- Hotel accommodation at the mentioned hotels or similar.
- Air conditioned minivan with driver for all the tours and transfers.
- Professional upscale guiding.
- Breakfast (B), Lunches (L) and Dinners (D) as indicated in the itinerary.
- All admission fees to the museums and sights as per itinerary.
- Local Taxes.
- Private touring as per itinerary, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur.
Rate doesn’t include:
- International air fare.
- Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
- Tips
- Optional excursions, such as tours on Santorini, sailing, cruising
- Any meal not specifically mentioned
- Beverages, and personal expenses
- Gratuities for local personnel
- Travel insurance
- Airport taxes.
Istanbul:
Special Category Ottoman Mansion: Arena Hotel, Blue House Hotel, Armada Hotel, Yesil Ev, Blue House Hotel
The Marmara Pera Palace. The Madison Hotel, Aygun Plaza Hotel, Yasmak Sultan Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
Çanakkale: Tusan Hotel, Idakale, Akolor similar (local 4 star)
Izmir: Princess Hotel, Konak Hotel, Kaya Prestige or similar (local 4 star)
Kusadasi: Pine Marina Hotel, Kismet Hotel, Grand Onder Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
Pamukkale: Lycus River Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
Konya: Ozkaymak Hotel, Dundar Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
Cappadocia: Perissia Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
Antalya: Khan Hotel, Golden Ring Hotel or similar (local 4 star)
ISTANBUL: The Marmara Istanbul, Ceylan Intercontinental, Divan Hotel
CANAKKALE: Kolin Hotel
IZMIR: Hilton Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel
KUSADASI: Korumar Hotel, Charisma Hotel
PAMUKKALE: There is no 5 stars, must use 4 stars: Richmond Hotel, Lycus River Hotel
ANTALYA: Sheraton Voyager Hotel, Antalya Tuvana Hotel
KONYA: Rixos Hotel
CAPPADOCIA: 4 stars Lykia Lodge Hotel, and special category Cave Cappadocia Cave Suits
Our story started during the first half of 18th. Century.The buildings that constitute HOTEL TUVANA were designed and built by Abdi Efendi, one of the glorious officers of the Ottoman Empire.Abdi Efendi was to welcome important guests in these houses, and that’s way he employed the best craftsmen in the construction of these buildings, which were one of the beauties of that period’s architecture. Later on, one thousand and one nights tales were lived in these houses.Various guests from the Empire, Ambassadors etc. have lived unforgettable days and nights here.Later, Emine Haným, the daughter of Abdi Efendi got married to Mehmet Bey, one of the well-known cotton dealers of Antalya. They carried on the family tradition and Ottoman life style, preserving the original beauty of the buildings until the current date.
We will provide the best vehicles available for our valued VIP guests
For Deluxe rates: Nikos Villas in Oia, Dana Villas with a view of the Caldera & the sea (Firostefani)
First Class accommodation: “Sun Rocks in Firostefani”, “Astra Apartments”, “On The Rocks” or Chromata Apartments with a view of the caldera & the sea (Imerovigli.) “Grotto Villas” in Firostefani. Or Rose Bay on Kamari Beach Hotel.
For Katikies Villas & Pantheon, please add 20 % supplement to the deluxe rate.
Sample Hotels in Mykonos – Greece:
Four Stars: Pelican Hotel Mykonos or similar.
Five Stars: Royal Mykonian, Mykonos Grand Hotel or similar.
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