13 Day Turkey & Greek Islands
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
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.
Make the most of your cruise and travel independently, with everything organised for you. Your international flights, pre-cruise stay, and cruise are organised so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time at sea. Of course, there is the option of extending your tour if you don’t want to head straight to the airport upon disembarkation.
✓ Add Return International airfares from only $999 per person
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Istanbul's grand icons, the battlefields of Gallipoli, ancient Troy and Ephesus, and a cruise to the stunning Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes
✓ 8 nights in deluxe 4 and 5-star accommodation
✓ 4 night cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises – including drinks with meals, US$80 shore excursion credit and gratuities
✓ Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Internal flight from Izmir to Istanbul
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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.
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. You will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel, enjoying your first glimpses of this fascinating city during the journey, where the continents of Asia and Europe collide. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
After breakfast, your fantastic day of sightseeing begins with a tour of Istanbul.
Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the sporting and social centre of Constantinople and the capital of the Byzantine Empire. A few fragments of the original structure still survive today, known locally as Sultanahmet Meydanı (Sultan Ahmed Square). Your next stop will be the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque because of the vivid blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior, built during the rule of Ahmed I from 1609 to 1616.
You’ll then take a short walk to the magnificent Hagia Sophia Complex, which is considered one of the eight wonders of the world. It was formerly an Orthodox patriarchal basilica that was later converted into a mosque. From the date of its dedication in 360 to 1453, it had served as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral and the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect designed and built the Hurrem in the 16th century. Taking a Turkish Hamam includes relaxing in a hot dry air room (the ilikik) before moving on to an even hotter room (the hararet) before cooling down with cold water. Finally, after a wonderfully relaxing massage, guests retreat to the cooling room for relaxation and refreshments. A perfect way to spend your afternoon and enjoy some traditional pampering.
After breakfast, enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, a truly wonderful experience by private boat. You’ll cruise up Istanbul’s winding straits and relax while admiring the shoreline filled with beautiful mosques, lavish palaces, and decadent yalıs. You’ll see Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ottoman summer mansions, the Ortaköy Mosque, the Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the world’s largest suspension bridges. All this while passing fishing boats, yachts, huge cargo ships and tankers.
We will end the tour with a visit to the extravagant Spice Market. Built in 1664, this large, old stone building includes a wide range of shops and a historical restaurant. The Egyptian Spice Market has always specialized in the sale of exotic spices and today these lovely small shops continue to sell spices plus dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and other delicious edibles.
Our next stop is the massive compound of the Topkapi Palace. Begun in 1472 by Sultan Mahmet the Conqueror, Topkapi is built around four courtyards that lead into one another. We view the many treasures of the Ottoman sultans including fine porcelains, gem encrusted objects d’art, traditional armor and imperial costumes, stunning tile work and sacred relics of the Christian and Islamic faiths.
Enjoy an included dinner with your group this evening.
Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect designed and built the Hurrem in the 16th century. Taking a Turkish Hamam includes relaxing in a hot dry air room (the ilikik) before moving on to an even hotter room (the hararet) before cooling down with cold water. Finally, after a wonderfully relaxing massage, guests retreat to the cooling room for relaxation and refreshments. A perfect way to spend your afternoon and enjoy some traditional pampering.
Enjoy a wonderful visit to Cukurcuma, the Istanbul neighbourhood famous for its many incredible antique stores. After some enjoyable time browsing the antiques you will then visit the “Museum Of Innocence” created by famed Turkish novelist and Nobel prize author Orthan Pamuk. The museum is based on his outstanding novel of the same name and inside you will experience up close evocative displays of the every day life and culture of Istanbul during the period in which the novel was set from the 1970’s through to the early 2000’s.
After breakfast you will begin our scenic ride to Gallipoli, through the European lands of Turkey and cross the second strategic waterway, the Dardanelles Strait by ferry.
We'll visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove and from there, head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Spend a moment in quiet contemplation, looking down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. We’ll also tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers.
This afternoon we will have a lovely sunset wine experience at Canakkale overlooking the Dardanelles, a wonderful way to spend your evening.
After breakfast, we visit ancient Troy where we will see its legendary walls and the replica of the wooden Trojan Horse. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to Pergamon. On the 365 metre high Acropolis, you will see the steepest sloped theatre of the ancient world, the Temple of Trajan, and the library. You will continue the tour with a visit of the Asklepion, which was one of the three famous hospitals in the ancient world.
We’ll also partake in a special lunch, hosted at the typical village houses close to Pergamon with family members. The group will be divided into 4 to 5 small groups and it will be a real chance to try a Turkish home-cooked meal and interact with the friendly locals.
After breakfast today we visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Marvel at the vast amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and wander through the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus.
After Ephesus, we drive to Sirince village to join a very special wine tasting. Sirince stands at the end of a valley with impressive vineyards, peach trees, and beautiful views. It is an old Greek village most famous for its local wine and olive oil. Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture, and the architecture displays a good example of 19th century Anatolian style where the houses are rather well preserved.
This morning we drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. We will visit Hierapolis and travertines. The Travertine phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-colored stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems.
Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath center. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis.
Afterwards we return to Kusadasi for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kusadasi port to embark on your magical 3 night Cruise of the Aegean Islands. Your first stop in the cruise will be Patmos, Greece. The island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury.
Today you will wake up in Rhodes. The picturesque island of Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, majestic fortified ruins and its glorious year-round sunshine. Perched high on the clifftop that dramatically rises up from the crystalline waters is the island’s crowning glory: the Acropolis at Lindos. Enjoy a guided tour which also includes a chance to discover the island’s enchanting old town.
As we pull into Heraklion, you have the chance to snap the imposing 16th Century walls of Koules Fortress. Here you can enjoy the calm of the stunning waterfront, explore the Cretan countryside or discover the Palace of Knossos. This spellbinding tour invites you to listen to tales of intrigue and learn about Europe's first civilisation in the Knossos museum. Was the Minotaur half-man or myth? You're about to find out! Continue sailing on to Santorini.
The spectacular sweeping scenery of Santorini will simply take your breath away. The romantic Island is dotted with traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches that are clustered over the striking cliffs. It is instantly recognisable as one of the world's most photographed picture-postcard landscapes. The charming villages provide beguiling oasis of tranquility and beauty that will exceed all your expectations.
We arrive in Piraeus, the port city of Athens. The cradle of democracy and birthplace of Western Civilization, Athens is a vibrant city where old and new co-exist. The majestic Parthenon rises above the city, its ancient glory still visible in the time-worn Stone. The last island of the cruise will be Mykonos. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and white-washed island with its beautiful windmills. Be sure to find a table on the waterfront and bask in the serenity of sunset over its picturesque harbor.
We arrive at Kusadasi at 07:00. From here, we will proceed to the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy your final evening at leisure in Istanbul.
After breakfast today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Turkey and Greece.
Celestyal Cruises
This cruise is operated by our partners Celestyal Cruises on board their Celestyal Olympia ship. Life onboard the Olympia is more than a cruise – it’s an experience that invites you to indulge in our Hellenic heritage. Relax with a refreshing drink in the ambient lounges, indulge in sumptuous authentic cuisine or take advantage of our excellent onboard facilities, you will never be lost for something to do. With ample facilities combined with distinctive Greek hospitality and personalized service, our friendly team aboard the Celestyal Olympia ensure your time with us is enjoyable, memorable and exciting. More information on the Celestyal Olympia can be found HERE.
Cabin Inclusion & Upgrades
Interior Stateroom (IA) - Included
Interior Staterooms at deck 2 and 3 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box and TV.
Exterior Stateroom (XA) - Additional fees apply - refer to Upgrade Options upon checkout.
Exterior Staterooms at deck 2 and 3 (~11 sqm) can accommodate up to 4 persons with 2 lower beds, 3rd/4th berth, bathroom with shower, air condition, telephone, hair dryer, safety deposit box, TV and a porthole on deck 2 or a window on deck 3.
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.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase.
Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?
This depends on the package you are booking.
Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.
We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):
When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance.
Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare.
The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked.
Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:
If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.
How to book my flights through the flight portal:
As the travel industry moves towards providing customers with more self-service options, we are excited that our customers will have the opportunity to book their flights through our flight portal. If this option is available to you, you will be notified once flights are available to book for your selected departure date. Flights may be booked by Inspiring Vacations at any time.
Please visit our FAQ for more information.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
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. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
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 $2,465.00 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
Maximum of 40 guests.
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:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Turkey.
Pack your bags and clear your palate; Turkey will satisfy your mind, soul and stomach. Turkey is Muslim...ish Although most citizens identify as Muslim, Turkey is fairly open-minded compared to Morocco or Egypt. It is officially a secular State and no Islamic norms are enforced. Alcohol and tobacco are readily availa...
Partake in this age-old bathing ritual for a full Turkish immersion Few cultural experiences remain as close to its authentic roots the way a Turkish hamam does. Known as a Turkish steam bath, its origin dates back to when the Ottomans took Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) from the Romans in 1450, bringing with...
From cave churches to grand mosques and subterranean cities, Turkey’s sights above and below ground will leave you with something to write home about A fascinating country that needs little introduction, Turkey’s charms are plentiful. From its rich history dating back to the 3rd millennium, 18 UNESCO heritage sites a...
From the moment you arrive, Istanbul pulls you in with its layered skyline, where minarets and domes compete for attention. A city shaped by centuries of empires, it's home to some of the most remarkable vantage points in the world. Whether you're snapping that perfect shot for your photo album or soaking up sunset vie...
Straddling two continents, Turkey is the perfect example of east meets west. But, when is the best time to go? Turkey's fusion of vibrant, age-old cultures, incredible architecture and natural wonders have been wowing travellers for ages. The grand city of Istanbul is like no other – with imposing mosques, palaces...
With more than 40 different kebabs to sample and a vast array of natural ingredients, spices and flavours, it’s no wonder Turkish cuisine is among the best in the world With a culinary history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, Turkish cuisine is not an easy one to summarise. With its endless variety of dishes –...
New Zealand
United States
Canada
India
