Classical Turkey & the Greek Islands

18 days
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Small Group Tour
Combine the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, classic cities of antiquity and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia with an island hopping adventure across the Greek Aegean Sea. This is a wonderful Mediterranean mix of antiquity, culture and some of the best cuisine you’ve ever tasted!

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Delve into one the greatest cities on earth as you explore the back streets and alleys of old istanbul then spend the night in the classic legacy ottoman hotel; designed in 1911 styled as first turkish national architecture, also called ottoman revivalism (your feature stay hotel in turkey)
    • Visit two of the ancient wonders of the world; the last column of the temple of artemis and the mausoleum of halicarnassus
    • Explore turkeys most elegant beachside resort town; bodrum with its white plastered walls and stylish café culture it is the place to see and be seen.
    • 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
    • Wander through the valleys of the surreal landscape of cappadocia and visit an underground city
    • Step back in time as you explore vamos, a 12th-century hill village steeped in tradition and medieval history
    • Enjoy a sunset picnic overlooking the caldera away from the crowds. indulge in local cheese, ham and bread, all complimented by a local grape variety and a world-class view.
    • Take part in an athenian feast in the pulsing psiri neighbourhood in greece's capital.
    • Enjoy three nights of excellent cretan hospitality at the halepa hotel in chania. this gorgeous neoclassical building was used as the british embassy in the 1800s
    • Take guided hikes through some of greece most staggering landscapes, such as santorini's famed caldera

What's this trip about?

    Combine the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, classic cities of antiquity and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia with an island hopping adventure across the Greek Aegean Sea. This is a wonderful Mediterranean mix of antiquity, culture and some of the best cuisine you’ve ever tasted!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityIstanbul
End CityChania

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. Your welcome meeting will take place at 1 pm today, after which the group'll head out to explore the Old City of Istanbul, visiting the Blue...

Day 2 Bodrum

Transfer to the airport after breakfast for a one-hour flight to Bodrum, a modern resort town that was once the ancient city of Halicarnassus. Here, along the southern end of Turkey's Aegean coast, lies the original Mauosoluem, which the group will visit during an aft...

Day 3 Bodrum

There's a reason Bodrum is considered a boating paradise. Spend a day sailing off the beautiful peninsula on a gulet, a traditional wooden sailing vessel originating in this area. Sit back on the deck and soak up some sun as the boat sails down the coast with stops to...

Day 4 Selcuk

Drive to Selcuk (3 hours) this morning after breakfast. Check into the hotel then take a walk through this sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient fortress on Ayasoluk Hill. Visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis and the 14th-century Isabey M...

Day 5 Selcuk / Overnight Train

Wake up early this morning to beat the crowds and head to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Med and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Tour around the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra a...

Day 6 Konya / Cappadocia

Arrive early in Konya, an important ancient-Roman city, and tuck into a full Turkish kahvalti (breakfast). Konya is the home of the mystic Sufi practice of whirling and after breakfast you'll visit the mausoleum of Mevlana, a famous mystic, as well as the museum housi...

Day 7 Cappadocia

As previously mentioned, there's an option of taking a hot-air balloon over the Cappadocian landscape this morning. Even if you don't choose to take a flight, it's worth getting up just to see the balloons rising with the sun. Have a relaxing breakfast from your terra...

Day 8 Istanbul

Drive to the airport after breakfast for a 1.5 hour flight back to Istanbul, where you'll be transferred to your hotel on arrival. Enjoy a free afternoon then jump on a ferry early in the evening and head to Kadikoy, on Istanbul's Asian shore. Take a walk around this lively area, perhaps finding a harbourside spot for dinner with your travelling companions.

Day 9 Athens

This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Please check with your tour leader for details of this time and other important information for continuing your tour. Your Leader will supply with a PNR number for flight check ...

Day 10 Cape Sounion / Athens

This morning travel to the town of Cape Sounion and visit the ruins of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea in classical mythology. The remnants are perched on the headland and surrounded on three sides by the sea, creating spectacular views of the Greek...

Day 11 Mykonos

This morning you will be transported to Athens' port at Piraeus and board a ferry bound for the island of Mykonos (often also spelled Mikonos). Ferries are a great way to travel between the islands and are the life blood of many remote islands in Greece's multitude of...

Day 12 Delos / Mykonos

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...

Day 13 Santorini

Bid farewell to Mykonos and travel by ferry to spectacular Santorini, the southernmost island in the Cyclades group. Upon arrival in Santorini's capital, Fira (often also spelled Thira), you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to absorb t...

Day 14 Santorini

In the morning, embark on a hike 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...

Day 15 Santorini / Heraklion, Crete

The morning is free for you to explore Santorini as you please. You might like to simply relax on the beach, or perhaps 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)...

Day 16 Knossos / Chania, Crete

Leave Heraklion behind and head to the famous ruins and archaeological site of Knossos (approximately 15 minutes), the former capital of Minoan Crete that is considered to be Europe's oldest city. Once home to 100,000 inhabitants the city was first established during ...

Day 17 Chania, Crete

Today is a free day for you to explore Western Crete. If you are looking to embark on a great walk on the island, there’s the chance to join an optional excursion to hike the famous Samaria Gorge (17 km; approximately 4–6 hours, depending on fitness level). Alternativ...

Day 18 Chania, Crete

All good things must come to an end, and your Greek adventure wraps up this morning. You may wish to stay longer and explore other parts of Western Crete or head further afield. Your leader will be able to assist you with suggestions on how to get around. Alternativel...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,705
Price per day$428
Last Updated: 12/29/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

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.

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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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Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (14 nights),Feature Stay (4 nights)

Transportation & Flights

Aircon bus,Boat,Ferry,Plane,Private vehicle and Overnight Train,

Transportation & flights

Aircon bus,Boat,Ferry,Plane,Private vehicle and Overnight Train
Guides
Tour leaders: You will farewell your Turkey tour leader in Istanbul and meet your Greek tour leader on Day 10 in Athens
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. TURKEY: Australia: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Belgium: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Canada: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Germany: No - not required Ireland: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Netherlands: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go New Zealand: No - not required South Africa: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Switzerland: No - not required United Kingdom: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go USA: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas must be obtained through the e-Visa system. To apply for an e-visa, please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least two weeks before you arrive in Turkey. This multiple entry e-Visa costs USD60 as is valid for 90 days. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. Some countries do not require a visa at all. This includes passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland for stays up to three months. We recommend all nationalities check with their local consulate o embassy as this information can change. Entry Requirements – Passport Validity: Foreigners entering Turkey must carry a passport with at least 60 days validity beyond the expiry date of their visa. A visa is not required for Greece for a stay of up to 3 months for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian and EU passport holders. All other nationalities should check their visa requirements with the relevant consulate.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's travel alerts page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. FREE TIME: Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. SAFETY IN TURKEY: We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our safety page (link above). The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Halepa
  • El. Venizelou 164
  • Chania
  • GREECE
  • Phone: +30 28210 28440
Trip ID
peregrine-PEGGC

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