Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! Transfer you to the hotel and free time. You will receive information in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board located at the hotel reception.
Day 2: Istanbul
We’ll start with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring this unique metropolis that spans two continents. Our tour includes a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, as well as stops at the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia.As the afternoon draws to a close, we’ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city’s most vibrant commercial district. There, you´ll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and hop on the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.
Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara
We’ll begin our day with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, famous for its stunning courtyards and pavilions (admission included). Afterward, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. We’ll then disembark on the Asian side, in the Uskudar district, from where we’ll continue our journey to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara in time for dinner, which will be included.
Half board dinner includes: MENU
CENA TIPO BUFFET
Day 4: Ankara - Cappadocia
After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We’ll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We’ll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. We’ll continue our journey to Cappadocia, making a stop at the Salt Lake for lunch, taking in its its breathtaking landscapes. We’ll also visit Hacibektas, a revered pilgrimage site. Please be mindful of the dress code and maintain silence during our visit, as this sanctuary houses the mausoleum of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic. We’ll then proceed to Nevsehir, arriving in time for dinner, which will be included.
Half board dinner includes: BUFFET
Day 5: Cappadocia
We’ll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our adventure will begin in the Göreme Valley, where we’ll visit the open-air museum and marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Next, we’ll visit Uchisar, home to a natural fortress, followed by a visit to Kaymacli, an underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. On our way back to Avanos, we’ll stop at Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, where we’ll take a walk in this breathtaking natural area. You’ll have some free time before we wrap up the day. Dinner will be included.
Half board dinner includes: Buffet.
Day 6: Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya
At the far edge of Cappadocia, we’ll visit the Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters and its rock-cut churches and villages. Our itinerary includes visits to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya, where we’ll learn about the Dervish order. Dinner will be included. In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.
Half board dinner includes: Buffet
Day 7: Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale
We’ll journey along a scenic route between the lakes, arriving at Egridir, a charming town by a large lake, known for its historic walls and mosques. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch here. Next, we’ll continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner will be included.
Half board dinner includes: Buffet
Day 8: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi
We’ll make our way to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, which was home to a quarter million people 2,000 years ago. We’ll explore the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive Ephesus ancient city ruins (admission included). Next, we’ll head to Kusadasi, a bustling coastal town known for its lively atmosphere, thriving shops, and small castle. Dinner will be included.Note: During high season, from May through October, accommodations will be provided in Aydin instead of Kusadasi. In this case, after exploring Ephesus, we’ll make a stop in Kusadasi (4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), where we’ll include a panoramic tour of the city before continuing on to Aydin.
Half board dinner includes: BUFFET
Day 9: Kusadasi - Bodrum - Marmaris
We’ll leave early to visit one of Turkey´s natural wonders, Lake Bafa, and take a moment to admire its serene beauty. Our journey will then continue to Bodrum, a stunning fortified city of Greek origin. Here, you can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. After lunch, we’ll proceed to Marmaris, another picturesque coastal tourist destination known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.
Half board dinner includes: Menú: buffet
Day 10: Marmaris - Dalyan - Antalya
We’ll set off for Dalyan, a picturesque spot along a beautiful navigable river. A one-hour boat ride is included, where we’ll visit the Lycian Rock Tombs. There will also be time to enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants. Next, we’ll head to Antalya to get to know this vibrant coastal city of over a million residents. Highlights include Hadrian’s Gate, the Ottoman district, and its breathtaking waterfall that cascades directly into the sea. Dinner will be included.
Half board dinner includes: BUFFET
Day 11: Antalya - Aspendos - Side - Karaman - Nigde
We’ll leave Antalya and head to Aspendos to visit its Roman theater, often regarded as the best-preserved in the world. Afterward, we’ll continue to Side, where you’ll have the chance to admire the Temple of Apollo by the sea. There will be time to stroll through its bustling port and lively streets. As we travel through stunning landscapes, we’ll cross the Taurus Mountains, with peaks that rise over 3,500 meters and remain snow-covered for most of the year. We’ll stop in Karaman to see its fortress from the outside before continuing to the Cappadocia region. Dinner will be included in Nigde.
Half board dinner includes: Soup, Salad, Main course, Rice and Dessert
Day 12: Nigde - Cappadocia
We’ll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. We’ll begin with a visit to Gumusler, a fascinating 7th-century underground monastery featuring some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in Turkey. In Kaymacli, we’ll explore the underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. Then, we’ll visit Uchisar, a natural fortress offering breathtaking views. After lunch, we’ll discover the Göreme Valley, home to an open-air museum where we can marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Our accommodation will be in Avanos and dinner will be included.
Day 13: Cappadocia - Safranbolu
We’ll enjoy a fantastic day traveling through the heart of Anatolia, heading north where the landscapes turn lush and green. We’ll arrive in Safranbolu by early afternoon, a delightful small city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a key stop on ancient caravan routes. In the courtyard of a beautifully preserved caravanserai, you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish tea. Dinner will be included.
Half board dinner includes: Soup, Salad, Chicken chop and Dessert
Day 14: Safranbolu - Gökgöl Magrasi - Eregli - Istanbul
Today, we’ll journey along the Black Sea coast, taking in the region’s lush green landscapes. Our first stop will be Gökgöl Magrasi. Admission is included to explore this magnificent cave with an underground river and vibrant colors. In Eregli, a coastal town on the Black Sea, you’ll have time for lunch, and later, we’ll visit the impressive Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, rich in mythology. We’ll arrive in Istanbul by the end of the day.
Day 15: Istanbul - Athens
At the time informed by the guide, we will make a transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight included in your trip. On arrival at destination we will give you another hotel transfer. Your guide will contact you at the end of the afternoon or you can consult the information in your hotel reception. Note: remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.
Day 16: Athens - Kamena Vourla - Kalambaka
We’ll depart early in the morning towards northern Greece, stopping at Kamena Vourla, a charming seaside tourist hub surrounded by stunning landscapes. We´ll then proceed north, stopping at the Thermopylae Mountain Pass, the historic site of the famous battle. Next, we´ll visit Kastraki, a picturesque village with beautiful views of the entire valley, where you´ll have free time for lunch. Afterward, we´ll explore the Meteora, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission to one of its renowned monasteries is included. Dinner will be provided in Kalabaka.
Half board dinner includes: Buffet
Day 17: Kalambaka - Delphi - Patras
We depart from Kalambaka and travel south through the region of Thessaly. Scenic landscapes lead us to DELPHI, one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Greece, considered in antiquity to be the center of the Hellenic world. Admission in included to the archaeological site, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus with majestic views over the Gulf of Corinth. You will have time for lunch. We then continue to PATRAS, Greece´s third-largest city and a major port on the Gulf of Patras. Its medieval fortress overlooks the city, while its cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew, is the largest church in Greece and a major Orthodox pilgrimage site. Dinner included.
Half board dinner includes: ..
Day 18: Patras - Olympia - Mycenae - Nafplio
After breakfast, we continue our journey toward OLYMPIA (admission and guided tour with a local guide included). We will explore the archaeological site where the first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC, featuring athletes from all over Greece and its colonies. Temple of Zeus, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the palaestra, stand out.We then head to MYCENAE (admission included), a colossal 18th-century BC citadel and the birthplace of Europe´s first civilization. You will have time for lunch and to explore the site. Afterwad, we continue to NAFPLIO, a charming coastal town dominated by its citadel and Venetian fortress; free time for a stroll. Dinner included.
Day 19: Nafplio - Epidaurus - Poros - Acrocorinth - Athens
After breakfast, we will travel through the Peloponnese scenery to EPIDAURUS (admission included), an extraordinary theater and one of the greatest masterpieces of Greek architecture. Built over 2,400 years ago, it is famous for its magnificent acoustics. We then continue to the port of Galatas, where a short ferry ride takes us to the picturesque island of POROS, known for its hillside houses, lively harbor, and Mediterranean atmosphere. Time to stroll around and enjoy lunch. Upon returning to the mainland, we will visit the imposing fortress of ACROCORINTH, which overlooks the isthmus from above. Before reaching Athens, we will make a stop at the spectacular Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian seas between towering rock walls. Arrival in ATHENS in the late afternoon.
Half board dinner includes: Menu: FREE BUFFET
Day 20: Athens
In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of Athens, cradle of Western civilization, visiting landmarks such as the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Royal Palace, and the grand avenues and neoclassical buildings that mark the personality of the Greek capital. Free time. In the evening, we provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, one of the most charming spots in the city, where you can stroll among its lively streets, traditional stores and Greek tavernas to immerse yourself in the rich folklore and gastronomy of this country.
Day 21: Athens
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
