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15 Day Classical Greece & Turkey

A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

Pace
Moderate Pace

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

Group Size
Small Group
280 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Add return international airfares from $299
✓ Small group tour in Turkey, up to 20 guests only
✓ Guided travel in Greece (days 3–6) with the flexibility of free days to explore Athens independently
✓ Incredible sightseeing including marble masterpieces on the Acropolis in Athens, UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures of Delphi and Mycenae, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Meteora's monasteries, vibrant Turkey's grand icons like the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the dreamy landscapes of Cappadocia,Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo and Ephesus
✓ 7 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodation in Greece
✓ 7 nights in 4-star boutique and hotel accommodation in Turkey
✓ Breakfast daily, 8 dinners
Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking tour guides in Turkey (days 8–15) and Greece (days 3–6)
✓ Flights from Athens to Istanbul and Izmir to Istanbul
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transport in air-conditioned vehicles
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

What we love about this 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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Hotel Arion or Similar

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to your hotel in the comfort of an air-conditioned car or bus. Once you have checked in to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore the streets of Athens at your leisure.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city. With your guide, you will see the city centre, Constitution Square, House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. 

Afterwards, we head to classical Athens as we take in Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Then we arrive at the centrepiece of ancient Athens, the Acropolis. There visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the famous Parthenon. Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where, at last, the statues have found their home. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day to explore Athens at your own pace.   

Hotel
Hotel Olympic Village or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

You will begin touring with a guide today, until your return to Athens on Day 6.

We depart Athens in the morning, and drive the coastal route to the Corinth Canal, where you will make a short stop to take a look at the feat of man made engineering before driving on and seeing the ancient Theatre of Epidauros. After that, to the town of Nafplion before continuing onto Mycanae where we will visit the archeological site as well as the Tomb of Agememnon. Once we arrive in Olympia, the cradle of the Olympic Games, enjoy an included dinner and evening at leisure.

Hotel
Hotel Hermes or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today breakfast in the hotel is followed by a visit to the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. You will have time to explore the museum before our scenic drive to Delphi, a city once regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world, and it was in this location that they met. The sanctuary of Delphi is set within the most spectacular landscape. Dinner is included tonight at your hotel.

Hotel
Hotel Orfeas or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Wake up to breakfast in the hotel and then head out to explore the Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi, where amongst other archaeological treasures you can contemplate the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos. Perched high on the mountain tops, Delphi is truly a magical place to visit. Then depart for Kalambaka, a small town located at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, an almost alien landscape filled with gigantic rock formations. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at your hotel.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, you can set out to explore the striking scenery and monasteries of Meteora. Perched on top of enormous pillars of rock that seem almost suspended in mid-air, stand a series of ancient monasteries showcasing a wonderful collection of Byzantine art. You will ascend to two of the monasteries to marvel at their beautiful contents before beginning the drive back to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, and Thermopylae, where you’ll make a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

Hotel
Hotel Arion or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

A full day to explore Athens at your own leisure. 

Athens, home to beautiful ruins and ancient delights, is the perfect place to begin exploring this fascinating land of rich history. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world.

Hotel
Port Bosphorus Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Take your included transfer to Athens airport, to make your flight to Istanbul where upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Today, you will be joining a group tour where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers to enjoy a city tour of one of the most important cities to grace history. Sitting on both the continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has had a vital influence on world culture and religion. Today, visit the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Hagia Sofia.

Hotel
Gamirasu Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

We depart Istanbul after breakfast, drive eastwards towards the nation’s capital, Ankara. An ancient city itself, Ankara was made capital of modern Turkey after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, at the end of World War I. Here, we visit the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. We continue further into the country to arrive at the striking landscapes of Cappadocia.

Hotel
Gamirasu Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.

Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready!

Hotel
Anemon Hotel Konya or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

We drive south from Cappadocia this morning, towards Konya, along the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival in Konya, we tour the city including the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and the Alaeddin Mosque.

Hotel
Anemon Hotel Konya or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head for Pamukkale and its calcium travertines. Along the way we visit the ancient site of Sagalassos. Conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC, earthquakes and plague saw its demise in 541-2. Today it is one of the best preserved sites in Turkey and is an UNESCO listed heritage site.

Hotel
Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.

This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods. We depart Pamukkale in the early afternoon to drive to the coastal town of Kuşadası.

Hotel
Port Bosphorus Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

We depart Kuşadası to one of the most important archeological sites in the country, Ephesus. Included will be a visit to 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 learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. We then fly back to Istanbul in the afternoon.

Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, your journey across ancient Greece and Turkey concludes.

Inclusions

  • Small group tour in Turkey, up to 20 guests only
  • Guided in Greece (days 3–6) with tour guide with the flexibility of free days to explore Athens independently
  • Incredible sightseeing including marble masterpieces on the Acropolis in Athens, UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures of Delphi and Mycenae, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Meteora's monasteries, vibrant Turkey's grand icons like the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the dreamy landscapes of Cappadocia,Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo and Ephesus
  • 7 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodation in Greece, 7 nights in 4-star boutique and hotel accommodation in Turkey
  • Breakfast daily, 8 dinners
  • Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking tour guides in Turkey (days 8–15) and Greece (days 3–6)
  • Flights from Athens to Istanbul and Izmir to Istanbul
  • Comfortable, dedicated transport in air-conditioned vehicles
  • In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • Athens - Entrance into the Acropolis and plenty of time to explore the city.
  • Epidaurus - Explore the Epidaurus archeological site, the birthplace of Apollo's son and an ancient place of healing.
  • Mycenae - See ancient Greek remains and the tomb of Agamemnon.
  • Olympia - Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
  • Delphi - Tour the ancient sanctuary considered the second-most important archaeological site in Greece (after the Acropolis in Athens) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Meteora - See the towering 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site monasteries perched on mountain tops.
  • Istanbul - Discover historical delights, like the old Roman Hippodrome and iconic Hagia Sophia
  • Cappadocia - Marvel at the lunar landscape of this mountainous region.
  • Pamukkale - Experience this magical landscape, with its famous white travertines, white-coated step-like terraced basins and healing mineral pools.
  • Pamukkale - Visit the ancient ruins of the great city of Hierapolis and the ancient Roman baths that are said to date back to 190 AD.
  • Ephesus - Tour the archeological site including the Temple of Artemis.

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $1,958.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $696.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

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:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. 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 purchases to make your request. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
  • In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

 

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:

  • Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
  • Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
  • Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
  • Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
  • Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

  • Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
  • One way flights
  • Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
  • Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
  • Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
  • Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

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.

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”

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.

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 $1,404.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

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.

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://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Group Size
Maximum of  20 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: 

  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

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 Tour Accommodation - $137 per room, per night for double/twin/single

Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.

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 Greece.

Click HERE for more information on weather in Turkey.

  • International airfares
  • Airport Transfer
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
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