The Parallel Lives of Two Countries

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.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Athens Highlights Mythology Small 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

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Athens

   Indulge in Local Cuisine

   Savor the essence of Greek cuisine with key ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and feta, crafting the distinctive flavors that define this culinary tradition. Infused with fresh vegetables, honey, fish, lamb, and cheese, the vibrant tapestry of Greek flavors comes to life. Indulge in iconic dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki, gyros, dolmathakia, spanakopita, loukoumades, authentic Greek yogurt, and amygdalota at local cafes and restaurants. Elevate your culinary experience by exploring our carefully curated food tours, each offering a delectable journey into the heart of Greece's gastronomic delights.
   

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

   Are you looking for an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow our foodie-expert guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk, taste authentic Greek olive oil, and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? Wine tasting of indigenous Greek varieties!

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Delicious Athens Food Group Tour

   Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   The Great Eats and Streets Private Tour

   Athens came together through a mixture of cultures across the centuries, and there’s still a lot of that history around, in the food as well as in the city's neighborhoods. This tour explores the city's complex heritage, and its effects on contemporary Greek culture and cuisine. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

4. Day 4 Traveling to Ioannina by Private Transfer / Arrival in Ioannina

   

   Today you will leave Athens and travel to Ioannina. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you on a 4-hour journey to Ioannina. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.

   Small but charming, Ioannina's history is closely linked to Ali Pasha, the ruthless and divisive provincial leader who made Ioannina into a center of Greek culture in the late 18th century, at great cost. Ioannina's castle, a lakeside Byzantine fortress with earlier elements, was made into a palace by Ali Pasha, with generous green spaces and historical monuments, mosques, and museums covering the town's cosmopolitan past. Ioannina's modern museums cover topics from its Christian, Islamic, and Jewish past, to Byzantine history and art, and the town's famed silversmiths. Lake Pamvotis is home to tiny Ioannina Island, which somehow manages to fit seven monasteries, forming Greece's third largest monastic community. Here, you'll also find the Museum of Ali Pasha, in the monastery where he was assassinated at the end of a failed rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

   Upon arrival to Ioannina, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Pop by the Castle and Fethiye Mosque

   Enrich your visit in Ioannina with a relaxing walk through the Castle, a crossroads of cultures and religions. The castle and Fethiye Mosque are where the Byzantine and Ottoman heritage of the town is the clearest. Enter one of the castle's gates, and explore every corner, taking in signs of Ioannina's time as an intellectual center as you visit its citadels, museums, and tomb.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Ioannina

   

   Ioannina City & Island Culture Private Tour

   Explore the historic city of Ioannina, where traditional architecture meets vibrant modern culture. Walk through the castle’s narrow streets and visit landmarks like the Aslan Pasha Mosque and Fethiye Mosque. Take a scenic boat ride to the island of Ioannina and discover the Revolutionary Period Museum. Stroll through the island’s peaceful lanes, lined with traditional houses, local shops, and views of the tranquil lake.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Thessaloniki by Private Transfer / Arrival in Thessaloniki

   

   Today your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Ioannina and take you to Thessaloniki. The direct transfer takes around 3 hours. Please note this is a non guided transfer. For additional fee we can arrange a stop on the way. We highly recommend visiting the village of Metsovo, so called Greek Switzerland, Meteora or Royal Tomb of Phillip II, UNESCO listed site.

   Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, offers urban sophistication and cultural diversity. With its ancient roots, Thessaloniki, also known as Saloniki and Salonica, offers a delightful amalgam of historical, culinary, and cultural activities. Due to its prime location, this city has had many rulers, from the Venetians to the Saracens to the Ottomans. For centuries, Thessaloniki was Byzantium's second largest and wealthiest city, after Constantinople, and it even served as a "co-capital" at times. Thessaloniki was a haven for Sephardic Jews fleeing Spanish persecution, a group that for a time formed most of the city's population, and which is still visible in the city's diverse architecture, music, and cuisine. While compact in size, Thessaloniki is home to 15 UNESCO-listed monuments. The expansive harbor is its heart and soul, offering magnificent views of Thermaikos Bay. This urban waterfront is the center of many of Thessaloniki’s happenings, as well as the location of its iconic landmarks, such as the White Tower and the Monument of Alexander the Great. Its former warehouses now house the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, and the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum.

   Upon arrival to Thessaloniki, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Thessaloniki

   

   Thessaloniki Walking Half Day Private Tour

   Cosmopolitan Thessaloniki has been a crossroad of Greek, Jewish, Turkish, and Slavic cultures for millennia (indeed, in the late 19th century, it was even the only European city where Jews were in the majority). Let a local guide show you around, and help you discover why the city was a treasure fought over countless times, as you take in the White Tower, Galerius Arch, Rotunda monument, Old Town, and city walls, where you can take in a memorable view of the city!

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Thessaloniki

   

   A Thousand Years of Unique Architecture

   Thessaloniki offers many religious sights, especially its showy and well-preserved Byzantine churches, from as far back as the 8th century. One of the oldest churches in the country, Thessaloniki's UNESCO-listed Agia Sofia is also the city's largest church. The church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos is beloved for its frescoes, which cover the whole interior. One of the most valuable examples of Byzantine architecture is the church of Panagia Chalkeon, built near the city's ancient agora. During your visit in Thessaloniki, be sure to visit at least one Byzantine temple, to get to know the city's culture and history.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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

   

   To get from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, the best option is to book 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. Moreover, 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.

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Istanbul

    

    The Best of Istanbul in a Day

    Today, you are about to delve into the rich history of a city like no other, a city that sits at the crossroads of East and West, the enchanting Istanbul. During this full-day tour, you will visit top-rated attractions, such as the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Moreover, you will marvel at breathtaking views of the city from some of the best viewpoints in Istanbul. You will end the tour among locals in one of the world's most famous markets, the colorful and historic Grand Bazaar.

    • Activity Level : Strenuous
    • Duration : 7 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Istanbul

    Tasting Istanbul

    At the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and diverse cities. With influences from the many different people that co-existed within the Ottoman Empire for centuries on end, Turkish food is equally diverse. Apart from world-renowned savory and sweet specialties, such as kebabs or baklava, Turkish cuisine features countless other delicious dishes. Alternatively, join a small-group cooking class to learn how to prepare some staple Turkish specialties and bring your new skills back home with you, keeping Istanbul in your heart forever in the most delicious way.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    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 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

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Sweet Tooth of Istanbul Private Walking Tour

    Explore Istanbul's diverse culinary scene on a tour spanning its various districts, even venturing to the Asian side. Delight in authentic local flavors, particularly the rich variety of desserts. Led by an experienced guide, absorb the city's history, culture, and gastronomy as you stroll through its vibrant streets. Immerse yourself in the city's flavors, stories, and sights on this enriching excursion.

    • Activity Level : Strenuous
    • Duration : 6 hours

    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.

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

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

    

    Cappadocia Full Day Private Red Tour

    Your private tour begins at the Uçhisar Castle and viewpoint, where your guide will share the rich history of the area and its unique rock formations. You’ll then explore the Rose Valley, with an optional hike, and visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, where you'll learn about 10th-century frescoes in ancient cave churches. After lunch in Goreme, enjoy photo stops at Devrent's animal-shaped rocks and Monk's Valley's fairy chimneys. The day ends in Avanos, where you’ll see a pottery demonstration and try this 4,000-year-old craft before setting off back to your accommodations around 5:00 PM.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

14. Day 14 Your Second Full Day in Cappadocia

    

    Going Off-Road in Cappadocia

    Exploring the stunning scenery of Cappadocia from an open-top jeep is one of the most fascinating things to do while there, and this is why we recommend booking an off-road jeep safari during your trip to this unique region. With views of dramatic valleys and visits to traditional villages and impressive churches, Cappadocia offers the perfect setting for an off-road experience like no other.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

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

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.