From Istanbul to Athens ( QY)

10 days from Istanbul to Athens

2025 Tour Details 2026 Tour Details »

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.

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 DESTINATIONS & SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing:

10 days from Istanbul to Athens

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.

Transportation:

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.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Itinerary

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.
Dinner Dinner

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.
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.

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.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
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 honor 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 colors.”
PHILIPPI Enjoy a guided walk of the archeological excavations.
THESSALONIKI Free time this evening.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
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 center 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.
Breakfast Breakfast

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.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner
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.

Breakfast Breakfast

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.

Breakfast Breakfast
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.
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.

Day 10

ATHENS Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Breakfast

 Accommodations

ISTANBUL

TITANIC CITY TAKSIM

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

ALEXANDROUPOLIS

ASTIR EGNATIA ALEXANDROUPOLI

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

THESSALONIKI

GRAND HOTEL PALACE

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

KALAMBAKA

AMALIA KALAMBAKA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

ATHENS

WYNDHAM GRAND HOTEL ATHENS

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-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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