Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul ( RNT)

11 days from Athens to Istanbul

2025 Tour Details 2026 Tour Details »

Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own. Your tour of Greece and Turkey continues to Istanbul to behold 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 & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

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 DESTINATIONS & SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing:

11 days from Athens to Istanbul

Notes:

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. Guests are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour.

Transportation:

Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began, the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own. Your tour of Greece and Turkey continues to Istanbul to behold 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 & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2

ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Later fly to the island of Crete.
HERAKLION This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

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.

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Day 3

HERAKLION Cultural Capital HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. LF Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry.
Breakfast Breakfast

LOCAL FAVORITE
SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa one of the most popular Greek sweet treats.

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Day 4

HERAKLION–NAXOS Tempting Traditions Take a high-speed ferry to the island of Naxos
NAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. LF Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè).
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.

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Day 5

NAXOS Mediterranean Magic NAXOS Day at Leisure.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!

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Day 6

NAXOS–PAROS Sun, Sand & Sea Take a short ride on a high-speed ferry to the island of Paros
PAROS Guided sightseeing of the highlights feature a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters.

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Day 7

PAROS–ATHENS Back to Future of Civilization Return to Athens by ferry.
ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.

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Day 8

ATHENS–ISTANBUL, TURKEY East meets West ATHENS Fly to Istanbul.
ISTANBUL Visit the Spice Market and taste authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire the view during a cruise on the Bosphorus River.
Breakfast Breakfast

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.


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Day 9

ISTANBUL The City on Seven Hills ISTANBUL This morning your guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This afternoon and evening free time to explore more of this incredible city.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sofia hasn’t had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum.

Day 10

ISTANBUL Inspired Istanbul ISTANBUL Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones,” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.

Day 11

ISTANBUL Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Breakfast

 Accommodations

ATHENS

STANLEY HOTEL

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

HERAKLION

GALAXY HOTEL IRAKLIO

Hotel as shown or similar
Deluxe
  Free Wifi

NAXOS

NAXOS PALACE

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

PAROS

NARGES

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

ISTANBUL

TITANIC CITY TAKSIM

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
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