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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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11 days from Athens to Istanbul
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.
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.
ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink.ATHENS-STREET-SCENE.jpg
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 DinnerTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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.CRETE.jpg
HERAKLION Cultural Capital HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry.
BreakfastLOCAL 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.HERAKLION-HARBOR.jpg
HERAKLION–NAXOS Tempting Traditions Take a high-speed ferry to the island of NaxosNAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè).
Breakfast DinnerLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL 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.NAXOS.jpg
NAXOS Mediterranean Magic NAXOS Day at Leisure.
BreakfastENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE 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!NAXOS-OLIVES.jpg
NAXOS–PAROS Sun, Sand & Sea Take a short ride on a high-speed ferry to the island of ParosPAROS 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 Dinner TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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.PAROS.jpg
PAROS–ATHENS Back to Future of Civilization Return to Athens by ferry. ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city.
BreakfastENHANCED 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.ATHENS-CARYATUD-PORCH.jpg
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.
BreakfastTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & 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.ATHENS-CAFE.jpg
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.
BreakfastTOUR HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURAL WONDERSometimes 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.
ISTANBUL Inspired Istanbul ISTANBUL Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul.
BreakfastENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE 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.
ISTANBUL Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast