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From Istanbul To Athens

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Operated by Globus
Tripcode: QY
Overview
Destination:
Greece, 
Turkey, 
Start:Istanbul, Greece
Finish:Athens, Turkey
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 24)
Style:
Small group,
Travel Period
June 2025 - October 2026
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.
Standard inclusions
  • 9 breakfasts.
    5 dinners.
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Itinerary
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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)
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Travellers

Operator
Globus

At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way travel makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures you’ll want to re-live forever. Our story began more than 90 years ago, when a young Swiss Antonio Mantegazza began transporting tourists across Lake Lugano on his rowboat, sharing stories and revealing local secrets along the way. On that lake, Globus was born. Discovering a passion for tourism and a knack for business, Antonio’s services expanded beyond river transport to bus touring, from Switzerland to Europe and then, the world. After 90 years curating travel wonderment, our passion for curating the perfect trip remains. At Globus, we have the experience and local knowledge to craft immersive adventures that make you feel alive. Expect to see all the major sites, but then go deeper, to the beating heart of every new discovery. As they say, when you’re in the moment, it’s not what you know, but who you know, and you’ll quickly discover our Tour Directors know all the local secrets and insider tips. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination. It's time to tour with Globus.

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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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9 nights
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