Classical Turkey & the Greek Islands
Overview
Highlights
- Walk in the heated thermal waters of Pamukkale. These cotton-coloured calcium pools cascade down the cliffs overlooking the town of Pamukkale and are said to have remarkable healing powers
- Step back in time at Ephesus, where the Greco-Roman world still feels very much alive. This is one of the best preserved classical cities in all of Europe and yet to be completely excavated
- Spend some time reflecting on battles fought and lives lost in Gallipoli. This peaceful place has seen many atrocities due to its significant role in WWI
- With an included flight from Istanbul to Goreme you'll be able to quicly get to the heart of Cappadocia
- Visit the iconic 17th century Blue Mosque, with its unusual number of six minarets and striking collection of Iznik tiles
- Enjoy three nights of excellent Cretan hospitality at the Halepa Hotel in Hania. This gorgeous neoclassical building was used as the British Embassy in the 1800s
- Explore Vamos, a 12th-century hill village steeped in tradition and medieval history
- Take guided hikes through some of Greece most staggering landscapes, such as Santorini's famed caldera
- Discover the local history with included visits to the Thira Prehistoric Museum and the mythical archaeological site of Delos Island
- There's plenty of free time in Crete, Mykonos and Santorini to relax by the cool blue waters of the Mediterranean
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! If you arrive at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST), you will be met and transferred to your starting hotel. If you arrive at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) airport please make your own way to the hotel (unless you have booked a t...
Meet your local guide early this morning to journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler and conquer Istanbul in just a day. Head to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), where ancient empires based themselves and historical sites intertwine...
This region is honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people of the area lived on the land, but in times of war or persecution, they took to living underground. The first i...
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then go for a walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur (Red Valley). Here small valleys, cones, peaks and fairy chimneys blend harmoniously with fascinating cave chapels that date back to the early Christian period. In...
Relax over breakfast before regrouping and leaving the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia behind, driving to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu (approximately 45 minutes). Some of the dwellings here contain rooms expanding seven levels underground. You will ...
A five and a half hours drive through mountainous landscapes (approximately 3.5 hours) brings you to one of Turkey's most photographed sites, Pamukkale, which literally translates to “cotton castle”. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate c...
Get up early for a 2.5 hour drive to the traditional farming village of Selcuk. This will be your base for exploring the nearby ruins of Ephesus, the former capital of the East Roman Empire and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey. Then drive 1 more hour out to E...
Early this morning after breakfast, you will begin the drive to Çanakkale (approximately 5 hours), located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Bi...
Cross the Dardanelles and return to 'Europe' today, visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of immense significance for Australians and New Zealanders, and a spot of pilgrimage and reverence. Gallipoli was the site of the Anzac landings in 1915 and one of the Allies...
Today you’ll have a leisurely last morning in Istanbul before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Athens (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival in Greece’s lively capital, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located Athens hotel. After settling in...
Transfer to the airport and take a short flight to the island of Crete, the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Hania (Chania), your base for the next three nights. Your historic hotel (the feature stay of the trip)...
Depart early for the beautiful hill village of Agia Irini (approximately 1.5 hours). Here you will walk through the Agia Irini Gorge, through varied landscapes of spectacular mountain and forest scenery, all the way to the coastline (9 km; approximately 4–5 hours). Yo...
Today is free for you to explore Crete. If you are looking to embark on another great walk on the island, there’s the chance to join an excursion to hike the famous Samaria Gorge (17 km; approximately 4–6 hours, depending on fitness level). This is hike is optional. A...
Bid farewell to Crete and travel to spectacular Santorini, the southernmost island in the Cyclades group. Firstly you will leave the hotel in Hania and drive to the port city of Iraklio (approximately 2 hours). Here you will board a ferry and head across the Sea of Cr...
In the morning, embark on a walk along Santorini’s legendary caldera. The island you see today is what remains from a huge volcanic explosion that destroyed the early settlements and created a geographical caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is wha...
Today is free for you to explore Santorini as you please. You might like to simply relax on the beach, or take a boat tour to the hot water beaches and the summit of Nea Kameni (the still active but currently dormant volcano in the middle of the caldera). There is a l...
This morning you will be transported to Santorini’s port and board a ferry bound for the island of Mykonos. Mykonos, considered the most glamorous and cosmopolitan of the Cycladic islands, still holds on to its old-world charm and many locals maintain their peaceful i...
Enjoy a free day to discover Mykonos for yourself. You may wish to take an optional boat trip along the coast so you can witness some of the scenery further afield. Another great option is to make your way to one of the famous beaches on the island's north coast. Your...
Today you will make an excursion to the island of Delos, a short boat trip from Mykonos. Delos has a vast and interesting history and is one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. It's considered a sacred place. You will explore the site in depth and gain an...
After a leisurely morning, transfer to Mykonos port for your ferry across the sparkling Aegean Sea and back to Athens. Upon arrival at Pireaus port, usually at around 8 pm, you will be taken to your centrally located hotel in Athens. As tonight will be your last eveni...
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning. We are happy to book additional accommodation for those wishing to see more of the city, subject to availability, and if you are flying out, you may wish to book a departure transfer to take you to the airport...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings
Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews
Good impression overall
My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...
Ruth
Mar 2020
very reasonable
Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...
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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.
We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.
Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.
At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.
We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.
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