Myth, Marble & Magic: Aegean Isles to Anatolian Skies

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Athens

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

   

   Love at First Sight

   Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Athens Highlights Mythology Group Tour

   Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

   Seeking an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow an expert food guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? A wine tasting focused on indigenous local varieties (plus ouzo!)

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Traveling to Naxos by Ferry / Arrival in Naxos

   

   Naxos awaits you today! A driver will pick you up from from your accommodations and take you to the port of Piraeus, where you'll catch your ferry to Naxos. The duration of the journey is around 3 hours 30 minutes/5 hours 30 minutes based on your preferred departure time.

   The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos frequently appears lists of the most authentic Greek islands and for good reason, as it is large enough to not rely solely on tourism. Gracefully lying in the heart of the Aegean, this dazzling Greek jewel is an ideal destination for those who wish to indulge in life's simple pleasures, great food, and gorgeous sandy beaches. What visitors love most about Naxos is the genuine rural charm found in the island’s picturesque mountainous villages, which dot the rugged landscape. Naxos has been the source of quality marble for centuries, and its ancient marble quarries, and their products, are some of the island's many highlights. Naxian marble was used to create the extraordinary sculptures that can be admired on the island of Delos and the archaeological site of Delphi. At sunset, enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor of Chora (Naxos' old town) towards the island's most imposing landmark: the Portara. This massive marble doorway dates back to 530 B.C. and was built to honor the god of light, Apollo, although it was never fully completed. The myths and legends surrounding the island of Naxos are worth the trip alone. After sunset, head to one of the local tavernas found inside the fortified walls of the Venetian castle, the Kastro.

   Upon arriving at the port, you'll be taken to your accommodations in Naxos.

   

   Portara, the Great Door of Naxos

   Portara is the symbol of the island. If you come to Naxos by ferry, it is one of the first things you see as you approach the island. This marvelous, massive marble door frame is what’s left of a portal to an Ionic temple devoted to Apollo, which started in the 6th century BC but was never finished. It's located on a small promontory overlooking the island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is a memorable location, and we find it incredibly photogenic at sunset, so we recommend visiting after your first dinner on the island.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Naxos

   

   Naxos Through the Ages

   Today, you will get an introduction to the island's history, enhanced by amazing views. This immersive walking tour will take you back in time, from the remains of the Homeric Greeks at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos to the ancient gods, from the Dukes and the walled fortresses of the Middle Ages to the contemporary sustainable character of the island. You will experience many sensations every step of the way in Old Town. You will marvel at the narrow, winding streets where every corner and every coat of arms has a story to tell. You will discover the Catholic Cathedral with its 11th-century Byzantine icon and be fascinated by the outstanding art collection of prehistoric Cycladic figurines at the temporary exhibition housed inside the historical building of the 18th-century former Ursuline School.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Your Second Full Day in Naxos

   

   Delos and Mykonos Group Cruise

   Explore two of the most famous Cycladic islands, Delos and Mykonos, by mini cruise boat. Cruise from Naxos on the azure Aegean to Delos, where you can visit its UNESCO-listed archeological site and enjoy some free time. You'll continue on to Mykonos, where you can taste traditional Greek dishes and discover the must-see sights of its eponymous Mykonos, such as the "Little Venice" district.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Santorini by Ferry / Arrival in Santorini

   

   Today you will travel from Naxos to Santorini by ferry. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you to the port. Then you will take the ferry to Santorini, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes / 3 hours based on your preferred departure time.

   “Intelligent adults come here and turn into infants,” Craig Walzer, owner of the Atlantis Bookstore. Santorini is every traveler's dream. The whitewashed houses and blue domed churches perched atop of soaring cliffs, the narrow cobblestone streets and unsurpassed views of crystal-clear blue waters -- these all greet you as you step foot on this fairytale land. Intertwining myth and reality, Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the countless postcards, magazine covers, and Instagram photos claim. The village of Oia is world-famous for its sunset, where thousands of spectators line up every evening to witness the magic as the sun bids farewell to the sky and the canvas lights up in fierce hues. Fortunately, the sunset can be enjoyed from much of the rest of this crescent-shaped island. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, the Greek take on Pompeii. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this city was built up by the Minoans, a seafaring civilization that predated the ancient Greeks, only to be destroyed in the catastrophic eruption that shaped Santorini, which forms part of a massive volcanic caldera. Covered in ashes for millennia, Akrotiri is still being uncovered. We suggest visiting the neighboring center of the caldera, where you can enjoy hot springs, visit the volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning views of Santorini itself. Santorini’s unique ecology, climate and volcanic ash soil paved the way for a flourishing wine industry. Its indigenous varietals will make your stay even more enjoyable.

   Upon arrival to Santorini's port, you'll be taken to your hotel in Fira.

   

   Blindingly White

   Santorini's characteristic yposkafa houses dug straight into volcanic rock and resembling caves on the inside, are one of the island's most romantic features. The history behind this architecture is a bit less charming, however. Due to harsh winter winds, the need for protection from raids, and the high costs of living above a cliff, many poor ended up burrowing along the caldera's cliffs. The houses are generally white, both to cool homes otherwise basking in the sun and due to a law from the 1930s that once required citizens to use whitewash to fight the epidemics that once ravaged Santorini and its neighbors. Explore this unique architecture by visiting the Folklore Museum of Santorini, followed by a walk through Fira or Oia.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Santorini

   

   Premium Group Catamaran Cruise

   Santorini’s volcanic landscape is best explored from the water, so set sail on this top-rated catamaran cruise, which will bring you to the island’s best beaches, viewpoints, and even directly inside the caldera, with a small group of fellow travelers. Along the way, you'll soak in natural hot springs, swim and snorkel off the Red Beach, and take in views of nearby Cyclades islands. An open bar and buffet lunch served right onboard keep you refreshed and energized throughout the voyage.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Santorini

   

   Santorini Sunset Group Food Adventure

   The best way to get to know a place is through its food and you will be taken on an unforgettable tasty journey through the scenic footpaths perched at the Caldera’s cliffs from Firostefani to Fira. On this Santorini tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the yummy local culinary culture, admire some of the island’s best sights, visit a mix of famous spots, historic haunts, and hidden gems.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Istanbul by Airplane / Arrival in Istanbul

   

   From Santorini to Istanbul the best option will be to take a flight on a low-cost airline. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations and bring you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival: Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   Istanbul is a sprawling city of 15+ million people that contains two continents and a wealth of history. From the Byzantines to the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic, Istanbul has seen the churn of history throughout the centuries, and the remains of all these eras live alongside the ever-changing face of contemporary Turkey. The Hagia Sophia, formerly a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a Republic-era museum, before reverting recently to a mosque, is Istanbul’s most significant site, located in the heart of Sultanahmet. The hip districts of Beyoglu, Besiktas, and Kadikoy overflow with restaurants and cafes, and the central boulevard Istiklal Caddesi serves as the main artery for shopping, food, and nightlife in this buzzing city.

   After your flight arrives at Istanbul Airport, a driver will meet you at the airport to bring you to your accommodation. The drive from the airport lasts around 50 minutes.

   

   Take in the View from Galata Tower

   Start off your time in Istanbul with a panorama of the whole city. A ticket to the Galata Tower in the Beyoğlu district gives you access to its viewing balcony at the top, which offers a 360-degree view of Istanbul, including the Old City in Sultanahmet and the Asian side of the city. If you can time it correctly, you get a terrific view of the sunset from the top of Galata Tower. Afterward, wander around the lively Galata neighborhood, which is full of restaurants and charming cafes.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Istanbul

    

    Highlights of Istanbul Full-Day Private Walking Tour

    Embark on a daily walking tour where your guide explains stories of a city where two big empires dwell in for centuries, live through the history and feel the atmosphere of past centuries. Vısıt the famous landmark of the old city where such as Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia that is inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO and East meets West in the most fascinating way, As Napoleon Bonaparte once said "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital."

    • Activity Level : Strenuous
    • Duration : 7 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Istanbul

    

    Istanbul Small Group Cooking Class

    It’s time to roll up your sleeves and tie on a cooking apron. During this 3-hour cooking class, you will learn how to prepare five delicious authentic Turkish recipes and then enjoy them for lunch or dinner in a traditional restaurant with a glass or two of local wine. This is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling cultural experiences you can enjoy in Istanbul.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Take a Bosphorous Boat Tour

    In order to understand the full scope of Istanbul, you should see it by water. Public Bosphorus tour boats leave regularly, heading up and back down the Bosphorus Strait and making regular stops in certain neighborhoods along the way. Istanbul is a city that was built and grew around the water, and the Bosphorus is the heart of the city. Floating up the Bosphorus lets you admire the wooden summer houses (called “yalı”) and the beautiful neighborhoods that line the water.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

12. Day 12 Traveling to Cappadocia by Airplane / Arrival in Cappadocia

    

    To get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, the best option is to take a flight on a low-cost airline. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:

    
    

    Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. If you prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flight is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

    With a name drawn from the region’s ancient Christian history, Cappadocia combines stunning natural landscapes with a complex and still-visible history. Cave churches throughout the region boast still-colorful frescos and a shady respite from the Cappadocia sunshine. In Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, underground cities twist and turn in a knot of hidden hallways, preserved throughout hundreds of years. Above ground, the volcanic landscape seems to change every few miles, curling into stunning new rock formations and undulating hillsides around every turn. This is a perfect place to be in nature, with the quiet sounds of birdsong and wind filling the big open sky.

    Upon your arrival at Kayseri Airport, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation. The drive lasts about one hour.

    

    Get to know Goreme

    Goreme is the central city in the Cappadocia region, and because of that, most of the notable restaurants and bars are clustered around its center. Take time to stroll the charming streets and check out the different restaurants and shops in Cappadocia’s busiest area. Once you get out of Goreme and begin to explore the region, you will be struck by the calm and quiet of the area. In Goreme, though, everything is bustling.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Your First Full Day in Cappadocia

    

    Hot Air Balloon Group Tour

    A magical hot air balloon flight is an incredible experience to cherish for life. If you've always dreamt of peacefully gliding over the otherworldly scenery of Cappadocia at sunrise, this group tour is what you need to render your trip to Turkey all the more memorable.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 -3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

14. Day 14 Your Second Full Day in Cappadocia

    

    Cappadocia Small Group Red Tour

    This small group tour begins at Pigeon Valley viewpoint, where you’ll take in panoramic views and learn about Cappadocia’s history and rock formations. Next, explore Monk’s Valley, known for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and St. Simeon’s monk cell. Continue to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, an ancient cave town featuring rock-cut dwellings, monasteries, and churches, including the Church with the Deer and Church with Grapes. After a photo stop at Devrent’s animal-shaped rocks, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to a pottery workshop for a demonstration and hands-on experience. The final stop is Kaymakli Underground City, where you’ll explore its tunnels and chambers before returning to your accommodations around 5:00 PM.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

15. Day 15 Departure Day

    Sadly your time in Turkey draws to a close, but you'll have left on a high note! We'll arrange for a driver to transfer you to Kayseri Airport for the first leg of your journey home.