Intrepid Travel
Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
Highlights of Turkey & the Greek Islands
If you’re looking for world-famous ruins, postcard-perfect beaches, epic history and a healthy dose of mouth-watering cuisine, a Greek holiday is probably high on your list, but did you know all of these treasures can be found in Turkey too? You’d be missing out if you visited one and not the other, so we created the perfect two-week adventure for you. Glimpse Turkey and Greece’s glorious past on visits to Ephesus and the island of Delos. Compare Turkey’s version of beach life with that found on the Greek Islands. And debate which country serves up the tastiest cuisine. Balancing traditional towns with tourist hotspots, unique cultural experiences with bucket-list items, and free time with planned excursion, this trip to Turkey and Greece has all the makings of an unforgettable adventure.
Activities
- Istanbul – Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
- Gallipoli – Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards
- Sirince – Village visit and fruit wine tasting
- Troy – Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk – Leader-led orientation walk
- Ephesus – Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk – Artemis Temple Visit
- Selcuk – Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
- Cappadocia – Kaymakli Underground City
- Konya – Mevlana Museum
- Cappadocia – Valley walk
- Cappadocia – Dinner at Local Family Home
- Syros – Loukoumia Workshop Visit
- Syros – Ano Syros Walk
- Syros – Sunset Dinner
- Delos – Day Trip to the Island of Delos
- Delos – Archaeological Site
- Santorini – Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
Highlights
- Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
- Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.
- Travel and stay a little differently – and come home with memories to last a lifetime – from taking local buses and trains, to staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.
- Get a birds-eye view of Cappadocia’s caves, fairy chimneys and honeycomb terrain with an optional balloon ride over this other-worldly landscape.
- Uncover thousands of years of civilisation in Athens with a visit to the world-famous Acropolis and the ancient Agora.
- Wander through the charming villages of Syros. When night falls, indulge in delicious seafood dinners in traditional tavernas as Rembetika music floats around you.
- With its boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife, the chic isle of Mykonos invites you to embrace your hedonistic side.
- The sight of a Santorini sunset can turn even the most hardened of souls into a romantic. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through picturesque white villages that cling to plunging cliffs.
| Day 1 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 2 |
The city of Canakkale lies at the narrow, 1,200 meter entrance to the Canakkale Strait that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. To honor the 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives at Gelibolu (Gallipoli), the peninsula was made into Gelibou Historical National Park.
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| Day 3 |
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| Day 4 |
Once the commercial center of the ancient world, Ephesus is an archaeological splendor and an essential stop on any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage support its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates back to the third century B.C. The city's ruins include a theater, a gymnasium, an agora, and baths, as well as the iconic Library of Celsus. |
| Day 5 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 6 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 7 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 8 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 9 |
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| Day 10 |
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| Day 11 |
This gorgeous, breezy island is a lively paradise without equal. A celebratory atmosphere will be found here, from dance clubs and DJs to summer tourists simply reveling in the good life. It is said that Mykonos is Greece's answer to Ibiza.
Mykonos, part of the Cyclades archipelago, has azure waters and a cosmopolitan flair. Visitors and locals alike lounge on the beach, find quiet on its country roads and enjoy a thriving culinary scene. Tourists should see the famous Mykonos windmills and the island's Archaeological Museum to further appreciate this idyllic destination. |
| Day 12 |
This gorgeous, breezy island is a lively paradise without equal. A celebratory atmosphere will be found here, from dance clubs and DJs to summer tourists simply reveling in the good life. It is said that Mykonos is Greece's answer to Ibiza.
Mykonos, part of the Cyclades archipelago, has azure waters and a cosmopolitan flair. Visitors and locals alike lounge on the beach, find quiet on its country roads and enjoy a thriving culinary scene. Tourists should see the famous Mykonos windmills and the island's Archaeological Museum to further appreciate this idyllic destination. |
| Day 13 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. |
| Day 14 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. |
| Day 15 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/10/25 - 05/24/25 |
Starting At $5,450 |
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|
05/31/25 - 06/14/25 |
Starting At $5,580 |
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|
06/07/25 - 06/21/25 |
Starting At $5,800 |
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|
06/14/25 - 06/28/25 |
Starting At $5,700 |
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|
06/21/25 - 07/05/25 |
Starting At $5,030 |
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|
07/05/25 - 07/19/25 |
Starting At $5,185 |
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|
07/12/25 - 07/26/25 |
Starting At $5,165 |
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|
07/19/25 - 08/02/25 |
Starting At $4,915 |
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|
07/26/25 - 08/09/25 |
Starting At $4,725 |
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|
08/02/25 - 08/16/25 |
Starting At $4,780 |
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|
08/09/25 - 08/23/25 |
Starting At $4,665 |
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|
08/16/25 - 08/30/25 |
Starting At $4,725 |
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|
08/23/25 - 09/06/25 |
Starting At $5,255 |
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|
08/30/25 - 09/13/25 |
Starting At $4,980 |
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|
09/06/25 - 09/20/25 |
Starting At $6,025 |
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|
09/13/25 - 09/27/25 |
Starting At $6,160 |
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|
09/20/25 - 10/04/25 |
Starting At $5,570 |
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|
09/24/25 - 10/08/25 |
Starting At $5,345 |
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|
09/27/25 - 10/11/25 |
Starting At $5,565 |
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|
10/04/25 - 10/18/25 |
Starting At $5,010 |
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|
03/28/26 - 04/25/26 |
Starting At $4,870 |
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|
05/02/26 - 05/09/26 |
Starting At $5,065 |
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|
05/16/26 - 06/13/26 |
Starting At $5,260 |
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|
06/20/26 - 06/27/26 |
Starting At $5,065 |
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|
07/04/26 - 08/15/26 |
Starting At $4,870 |
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|
08/22/26 - 09/05/26 |
Starting At $5,065 |
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|
08/29/26 - 09/12/26 |
Starting At $4,870 |
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|
09/03/26 - 09/30/26 |
Starting At $5,350 |
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|
10/03/26 - 10/10/26 |
Starting At $4,870 |
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|
03/27/27 - 08/28/27 |
Starting At $4,640 |
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|
09/02/27 - 09/29/27 |
Starting At $5,095 |
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10/02/27 - 10/09/27 |
Starting At $4,640 |
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