Duration
18 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Istanbul
Available
April 2025 / October 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
-During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
07:00 a.m. – Departure from Istanbul in the early morning.
02:00 p.m. - We´ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, which had a population of a quarter of a million two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included).
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue towards the Aegean Coast.
06:30 p.m. – Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant commercial life, bazaars and quaint castle. You’ll have free time in the center and then we’ll head to the hotel, where 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.
Scenery: Various beautiful sights over the Aegean Sea.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from Kusadasi.
10:00 a.m. - Lake Bafa. We’ll stop to take in its stunning natural beauty, rich history, mystical charm, and serene atmosphere. This is undoubtedly one of Turkey´s must-see natural wonders.
10:30 a.m.- Departure from Bafa Lake.
12:00 p.m. – Bodrum. Free time in this beautiful, fortified city of Greek origin. You can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. We’ll have some time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Bodrum.
05:30 p.m. - Marmaris. Arrival to another beautiful coastal tourist enclave, with its castle, pier and fountains. Dinner and accommodation.
Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.
-Remember that we’ll be entering Greece. On the ferry, please ensure you have your luggage and passport readily accessible.
-The ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris is subject to frequent changes and does not operate daily (except during summer months). Therefore, this part of the itinerary may require adjustments.
-For groups of fewer than 10 people, visits to Rhodes may be conducted on a regular service with an alternative schedule, shared with passengers from other companies.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel to the ferry port. Border procedures.
09:15 a.m. – Departure on the fast ferry. The trip will last approximately one hour. Please note that the schedule may be subject to changes as per the above note.
10:15 a.m. – Rhodes. Border procedures to enter Greece. We’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the remarkable walled city of Rhodes and its historic quarter, which reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences—from Greek and Roman to Byzantine, Knights of Malta, Ottoman, and Italian. The guided tour will last approximately two hours with a local guide. Following the tour, we’ll transfer you to the hotel.
Free afternoon. We recommend enjoying the beaches or exploring this beautiful city at your leisure.
Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes and picturesque views over the sea.
Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Rhodes city. Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included).
09:30 a.m. – Filerimos. We’ll explore its small monastery, set amidst stunning landscapes atop a hill.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Filerimos.
11:30 a.m. – Lindos. We’ll arrive in this historic city boasting a medieval fortress and a Greek Acropolis overlooking the sea. We´ll take you by coach to St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition holds that the apostle arrived by sea in 51 A.D. to spread Christianity. This picturesque setting was also featured in the film "The Guns of Navarone." You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Lindos and return to Rhodes. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule. Direct flight or flight with a stopover in Athens to the island of Crete. Arrival in Heraklion and transfer to the hotel.
Scenery: Beautiful Mediterranean landscapes with views of mountains and the sea.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. Our route will follow the coastline, offering stunning sea views.
11:00 a.m. - Rethymno. Arrival in this beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin characterized by its medieval castle. You’ll have time to stroll through its historic center and enjoy lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Rethymno.
03:30 p.m. - Chania. Arrival in this captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. Our guide will highlight the most beautiful points of interest, and you’ll have free time to explore the city.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Chania and return to Heraklion.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Heraklion.
09:30 a.m. - Knossos. Our visit includes a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, offering insights into the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek civilization four thousand years ago.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Knossos. We’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains, heading south towards the Libyan Sea.
01:30 p.m. - Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine alleys, a charming fishing port, and bustling taverns. Enjoy free time to explore, have lunch, and perhaps take a swim in the sea.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Agia Galini. Return journey to the capital of Crete.
08:00 p.m. - Heraklion. We recommend strolling through its lively historic center, brimming with activity and small restaurants.
Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. We’ll journey to the east of the island, passing through coastal and mountainous landscapes.
11:00 a.m. - Panagia Kera. Located in a small village amidst a rich agricultural plain, we’ll visit the 13th-century church renowned for some of the best frescoes in Crete (admission included).
12:00 p.m. - Departure from Panagia Kera.
12:15 p.m. - Arrival in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agios Nikolaos.
03:00 p.m. - Arrival in Elounda, once a city-state and now a beautiful tourist enclave. Enjoy some leisure time for a stroll. Here, we’ll include a boat trip (either from Elounda or nearby port of Plaka) and admission to the Fortress of Spinalonga. This ancient Venetian fortress later served as a leprosarium for many years. The boat trip takes about 15 minutes each way, with time to explore the fortress before returning by boat. Afterwards, we´ll visit the picturesque coastal town of Plaka for coffee and a stroll.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Plaka.
07:30 p.m. - Heraklion.
Note: Ferry schedules and frequencies vary depending on the time of year. Please check "My Trip" for the specific schedules that apply to your departure.
In the early morning, we´ll transfer to the port. Our ferry usually departs at 07:00 or 08:00 a.m. We’ll travel on a very fast, modern ferry and arrive on the island of Santorini in less than two hours.
Santorini - Arrival is scheduled for 08:50 a.m. if your ferry departs at 07:00 a.m., or 09:50 a.m. if it departed at 08:00 a.m. By bus, we´ll journey through stunning landscapes to Oia, undoubtedly the most picturesque town on the island. Enjoy its lively white streets, breathtaking cliffside views, castle ruins, and windmills. You´ll have time to stroll around and have lunch.
Afterward, we will visit Fira, the capital of the island. If you wish, you can take the cable car or ride a donkey down to the port, where cruise ships are stationed. Alternatively, you can sail to the hot springs and watch the sunset from an old, classic Mediterranean boat.
Note: Depending on the number of passengers, your guide may not accompany you on the ferry. In that case, a new guide will meet you upon arrival on the island.
Scenery: Beautiful sea views. Fantastic landscapes of the Meteora.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Athens. We’ll travel to the Peloponnese region.
09:15 a.m. - Stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the end of the nineteenth century that links the Isthmus of Corinth with the Aegean Sea, facilitating maritime transport.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from the Corinth Canal. Once on the Peloponnese Peninsula, we’ll continue travelling through the mountains.
10:45 a.m. - Tripoli. We’ll stop in the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region, with time for a stroll around Aeros Square with its cafes and restaurants.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Tripoli.
01:45 p.m. - Olympia. We’ll have time for lunch and then we’ll visit the archaeological site (admission and guided tour included), the place where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C., with athletes from all over Greece and its colonies participating. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. After the visit, you’ll have free time. If you wish, you can visit the museum (not included).
04:45 p.m. - Departure from Olympia. We’ll enjoy mountain landscapes and pass through some picturesque villages on our route.
06:45 p.m. - Patras. We’ll arrive in the third-largest city in Greece, a lively port city with a remarkable medieval fortress. Its cathedral is the largest church in Greece, and next to it is the small church of St. Andrew, a place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Patras. After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, a spectacular cable-stayed bridge which connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland.
09:15 a.m. - Nafpaktos - Free time to walk around Nafpaktos, a town on the Gulf of Corinth. Its Venetian fortress overlooking the city is a reminder of its historical significance as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets clashed in battle—a conflict during which the famous Cervantes lost his arm.
10:30 a.m. - Departure from Nafpaktos. We’ll resume our journey along the Gulf of Corinth.
01:00 p.m. - Mycenae. Arrival and free time to explore the colossal citadel from the 18th century BC, considered the cradle of European civilization (admission included).
03:30 p.m. - Departure from Mycenae after lunch.
04:15 p.m. - Acrocorinth. We’ll visit the immense fortress of Acrocorinth (tickets included). The foundations of an old temple of Aphrodite rest on the highest part of the settlement.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Acrocorinth. We’ll continue our journey towards Athens with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive 19th-century engineering feat that connects the Isthmus of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, facilitating maritime trade.
07:30 p.m. - Athens - Arrival.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.