17 Day Aegean Discovery
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Add return international airfares from $999 per person
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel through Greece
✓ Small group tour in Turkey, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including island hopping through stunning Mykonos, Santorini and Crete, then touring Turkey to discover Istanbul's grand icons, the mystical city of Troy, cliffs of Gallipoli and Pamukkale's white limestone thermal pools
✓ 16 nights in central, 3 and 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and 4 dinners
✓ Ferry and hydra boat transfers between Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete
✓ Flights from Crete to Istanbul and Pamukkale to Istanbul
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide in Turkey (days 10-17)
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout Turkey
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✓ Airport transfers included on the last day of tour
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Upon arrival in Athens, make your own way to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you will have the rest of the day to explore the streets of Athens at your own leisure.
After breakfast, make your own way down to Athens port to catch your ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival at Mykonos, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this cosmopolitan island, stroll down the whitewashed streets of Chora (the capital town), and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns or drinking a cocktail at one of the waterfront beach bars (own expense).
After breakfast, enjoy a full day to explore the famous island of Mykonos at your leisure. Pay a visit to the church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Townhall and the castle situated above the harbour, and don’t miss a visit to the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums to take in a little history as well.
Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of Chora. The most glamorous of all is Matoyanni Street, lined with brand name stores, charming cafés and stylish restaurants.
In the afternoon, while the sun is still out, why not continue to some of the most famous beaches of the island like Kalafatis, Agios Stefanos and Agios Giannis with the perfect view to Delos.
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, and then hop on the transfer to the port of Mykonos to catch the hydro boat to Santorini. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This evening is free at leisure on this amazing island of Santorini.
Explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer. Formed around an active volcano, the island is known for its steeped wall caldera giving stunning views from the whitewashed villages sitting above.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and start your day of exploring one of the world’s most famous islands. Start by visiting one of the hundreds of beaches including on the southern part of Santorini, the Red Beach. The contrasting colours of the red lava cliffs and the clear blue waters combine to make a perfect setting. While you’re there, visiting the White Beach in the nearby area is another must-do experience.
Don’t miss the chance to also pay a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, considered to be one of the main attractions of the island due to its association with the Minoan civilization.
Another glorious day of relaxation on Santorini! Today could be your day to see the sheer beauty of Santorini's sunset view, one of the best places on earth as far as sunset viewing is concerned.
Oia village (the best spot for sunset viewing) is situated on top of an impressive cliff and offers a spectacular view over the volcano and the island of Thirassia. As soon as the sun sets, there will be a variety of restaurants open nearby to enjoy the rest of your evening.
This morning, you will be transferred to the port of Santorini to catch the hydro boat to Heraklion. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure in Heraklion.
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Today is free to start discovering Heraklion city. Strolling around Heraklion town, you will come across Koules fortress, at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian fountains, Venetian buildings, the Venetian Loggia and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History.
If you are not a big fan of sightseeing, then head to the beautiful beaches! The northern and southern coasts of the Heraklion region are fringed with former hippies’ paradise beaches, Matala beach, Agia Pelagia and Malia.
Another day to discover Heraklion! Why not spend today exploring the most famous site on the island, the Minoan Palace of Knossos? The largest of all Minoan palatial structures, the palace is a wonder of colourful murals, imposing red columns and the glorious throne room will make you feel transported into the Minoan Era.
The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second most important Minoan site, after Knossos. It is located on the east side of Kastri hill, boasting a beautiful natural setting. In the evening, enjoy the many restaurants on offer.
After breakfast, a transfer will collect you to drive to Heraklion Airport where you will catch a flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a transfer will collect you to take you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have the evening to explore Istanbul from your centrally located hotel.
Today you will be joining a group tour of Turkey, so tonight you will also meet your tour guide and fellow travellers
Today, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene) and the Hippodrome.
In the afternoon, you will have some free time, so why not go inside one of the many famous markets of Istanbul including the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
Today, we depart the sprawling Istanbul eastward towards the coast of Turkey, a coast which has carried history from ancient times to the present day. A more recent part of its history was the strategic positioning of the Dardanelles strait on the Gallipoli peninsula, which saw a massive siege by Allied forces in World War I, significantly from the ANZACs.
Surely one of the most moving moments of your trip, you will visit the battlefields of Gallipoli, including Lone Pine, Chunuk Blair and ANZAC cove including seeing some original trenches and tunnels. A day you surely won’t forget.
Today, we leave some of the modern history of Turkey to its more classical origins. First stop is a visit to the mythical city of Troy. Still steeped in mystery, the city of Troy (and its famous siege from Achaeans in the Trojan Wars) is the source of some of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology.
Afterwards, we continue the classical journey to Pergamon, once a powerful Greek city in ancient times. You will see its impressive temples, library and amphitheatre from a stunning hilltop position with incredible views.
After breakfast, we continue absorbing in the ancient history of Turkey as we visit the most famous archeological site in the country, enjoy a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we will learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Take a dip amongst ancient columns in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Today you head back to Istanbul. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight and be back in Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in time for a bit of last minute shopping or exploring.
Your Aegean journey finishes after breakfast this morning.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
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Booking Process
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
|
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
|
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,758.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
20 Maximum people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Please note: Pre and Post Hotel can only be added at the time of your original booking request. Rates are on request and will be subject to availability at the time of booking.
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