GREECE, HERAKLION and TURKEY HIGHLIGHTS (Tailor Made)

Athens Sightseeing with Acropolis Museum :

From Tuesday to Sunday, all year round - Dep: 08:30 - Ret: 13:30

From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour you'll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens on this comprehensive morning tour. Offering a perfect overview of the modern city, this guided halfday tour will help you get your bearings if this is your first visit to Athens. The Athens half-day tour depart for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium whe-re the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, and finally ACROPOLIS (visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens). Continue the expert guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, artifacts of every day life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.  

Free afternoon to stroll the “Plaka” (old town) area.

After dinner, transfer to Piraeus whe-re we will embark the overnight ferry to Heraklion, Crete.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits (such as its own poetry, and music). Crete was once the centre of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), which is currently regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe.

Visit to Knossos and the Archaeology Museum: We'll start the tour in the morning with a visit to Knossos and its famous palace, a major city of the Minoan civilization 4,000 years ago. The palace is a few kilometers from Heraklion and covers more than 20,000 sq. meters (24,000 sq yd). We'll continue with a visit of the town of Heraklion, with time for lunch and a short walk through its shopping center. In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which contains some of the most important artifacts of the Minoan civilization and is considered to be one of the five most important museums in Greece.

Overnight in Herakleion

More excursion possibilities from Herakleion:

Unknown Crete :

This tour will be an unforgettable journey through the countryside of Crete, to the unspoiled village of Zaros. After a short walk through the Zaros gorge, along a unique path full of trees, flowers, and herbs, and accompanied by singing birds, we will arrive at the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, with the remarkable and well-known hospitality of its nuns. Lunch will be a delightful surprise, with fresh fish from a local fishery, served with Cretan specialties and unlimited house wine.

Southeast Crete :

This unforgettable tour of southeast Crete begins with a drive along the Gulf of Mirabello and then across the narrowest part of Crete, arriving at Ierapetra whe-re we stop for a coffee break. We continue across the mountains to Sitia, a small and quiet town, and a short drive from there takes us to one of the most beautiful and renowned beaches of Crete, the palm tree beach of Vai. On the way back, we'll visit the extraordinary Monastery of Toplou. It looks li-kea cas-tle in the desert, and is well known for the paintings of Kornaros. Some of the most important Cretan icons are found here.

The Samaria Gorges :

The famous Samaria Gorge is again open to nature lovers, after being closed for many months due to a landslide. For an unforgettable experience of the true, unspoiled natural beauty of Crete, there is nothing that can compare with a hike through the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. The entire trek takes about 5 hours of hiking. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the world! At the end of the gorge, you reach Agia Roumeli, a small fishing village. There, you can swim and enjoy the food in one of the local tavernas. In the afternoon, you'll travel by boat along the south coast to Chora Sfakion, whe-re you will board the bus for the trip back to your hotel.

Overnight in Heraklion

In the morning, transfer to the port of Herakleion whe-re will take the ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini, transfer to your hotel. Free time and overnight. Santorini:

Also classically known as “Thera” and officially as Thira, the island of Santorini is located in the southern Aegean Sea about 200km (120Mi) southeast from Greece’s mainland.

It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It is the most southern island of the Cyclades group of islands with a population of around 14.000. 

Day at leisure in Santorini and overnight

The Must Do’s in Santorini :

Go up the Caldera on a mule ride :

One of the most authentic experiences is going up from the Old Harbor (or Ammoudi) on a mule. These friendly animals carry you through the 587-step winding path on the steep slope that designates the shortcut to Thira. The itinerary begins in a relaxing way with the orders given in the mule drivers’ language but soon enough, when the distance from the sea level becomes higher and higher and, the donkey gets closer and closer to the edge of the cliff, the adventure is on!

Dive into the sunset :

The Caldera, generously embracing the Aegean, is the spot whe-re the silence of the East meets the serenity of the West and creat-es a divine melody of colors nativing so harmoniously as if overflown from the palette of the volcano. You don’t need to go till Oia : whe-rever you are in the Caldera, the sunset is magical !

Try the local cuisine :

Looking at the volcano, escaping in the Caldera. What is the importance of all this if you cannot feel it deeply inside yourself ? And how is it possible to feel the power of this land, unless you sense its aromas through the products of its earth, cooked by a chef who really loves it ? And, of course, by accompanying them with a bottle of “Santorini”, the Assyrtiko wine of the island with its metallic

Stay in a “Yposkafo” :

The architecture of Santorini is unique. The “yposkafa”, i.e. the plain dwellings the local islanders used to build within the rocks in order to protect themselves from the winds are one of a kind ! Nowadays, in Santorini they have been handed over to renowned architects who converted them into wonderful places to stay. It is worth experiencing even for one night the claustrophobic feeling of the yposkafo, the characteristic smell of the rock, the immediate closeness with the Caldera...

Overnight in Santorini

Transfer to the airport for flight to Rhodes via Athenstransfer to the port for a direct ferry to Rhodes (These ferries are running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and time at leisure.

If your time allows, you may wish to already stroll through the streets of the cas-tle and enjoy the Middle-Age atmosphere. Rhodes : No trip to the island is complete without a visit of the wonderfully preserved Rhodes Town, a medieval centre (cas-tle of the Templers) complete with fortified walls and charming cobbled streets - a UNESCO world cultural heritage site.

Take a trip to the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Colossus..

Overnight in Rhodes

Today you will enjoy a complete day in Rhodes.

You may want to rent a car and drive along the coast till Lindos, the first settlement of the island. Or make a tour in the protected site of the Butterfly Valley.

Lindos :

This picturesque village, ancient in history, located on the south east coast of the island. It is one of the most popular travel locations in Greece and the Mediterranean, because of the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly local inhabitants, and the pristine condition in which you find the town itself, and its well-kept beaches. The old town itself is a maze of picturesque narrow streets with most of the small shops openly displaying wares from unique clothes and jewelry, to pottery, custom made sandals and leather goods, and regional crafts. It’s as shopaholics dream and you can spend hours browsing through the shopstaking a break in the villages many restaurants and ethnic bars.

The Butterflies Valley : 

In the western side of the island of Rhodes, approximately five kilometers south east of the village of Theologos (or Tholos), lies the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes). This is one of the most attractive destinations on the island. During August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia (species Quadripunctaria Poda) overwhelm the valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the Butterflies in the caterpillar stage remain in the Mediterranean thicket (arbutus, myrtle and rush) feeding on the foliage. As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly in all her perfection makes her appearance in the form recognizable to us all. They move constantly towards areas of highest humidity is greatest, always following the water ways, as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley.

Overnight in Rhodes.

In the morning, we take the ferry to Marmaris (Turkey) and drive immediately to Pamukkale for overnight (by local busRental car).

Pamukkale & Hierapolis : After a trip of about 2,5 hours through the wild landscapes and cotton fields, we will reach Pamukkale, meaning cotton cas-tle in Turkish. This natural site and attraction in south-western Turkey enjoys a temperate climate over the greater part of the year. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white cas-tle which is in total about 2700 meters long and 160m high. After a tour on the travertines and a swim in one of the numerous thermal pools, we will continue our tour with the visit of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the 2nd century B.C. great baths were constructed with huge stone blocks without the use of cement, and consisted of various closedopen sections linked together. There are deep niches in the inner section of the bath, library, gymnasium and other closedopen locations. The complex, constructed in the 2nd century, was visited by people who came to soothe their ailings here. Many of them retired and died here which explains the origin of the large necropolis filled with sarcophagi.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

We depart for Kusadasi.

En-route, you have the option to visit either of the archaeological sites :

Aphrodisias :

The ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty, Love and Fertility. Aphrodisias, a small city in Caria, Asia Minor, was built near a marble quarry which was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and sculptors in marble from Aphrodisias became famous in the Roman world. Many examples of statuary have been unearthed in Aphrodisias, and some representations of the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias also survive from other parts of the Roman world, as far afield as Portugal. We will visit the stadium, which is the best preserved in Anatolia, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the Theatre and finish our tour with a visit of the museum, an exhibition of the most beautiful artifacts of ancient times.

Or Laodikea :

One of the seven churches of the Revelation, Laodicea is situated on the long spur of a hill between the narrow valleys of the small rivers Asopus and Caprus, which discharge their waters into the Lycus. It was approximately 10 km south of Hierapolis and, according to Strabo, it was on a major road. The existing remains attest its former greatness. The ruins near Denizli are well preserved and are being substantially renovated (2012). Its many buildings include stadium, baths, temples, gymnasium, theatres, bouleuterion, etc… On the east the line of the ancient wall may be distinctly traced, with the remains of the Ephesus gate; there are streets traversing the town, flanked by colonnades and numerous pedestals. North of the town, towards the Lycus, are many sarcophagi, with their covers lying near them, partly imbedded in the ground, and all having been long since rifled.

Arrival in Kusadasi for overnight.

a morning (only Ephesus archaeological site)full day tour to Ephesus (also includes the Shrine of Virgin Mary and the Archaeology Museumthe Isabey Mosque)

You also have the option to have a private tour to Ephesus.

Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and later the home of St. John. As you arrive at Ephesus, enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate, follow your guide as you discover the monuments such as the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scholastica and the Great Theatre, built in the Greek era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still remarkable for its acoustics. Observe the symbols and ancient Greek inscriptions all around which can still be read. As your guided tour comes to an end, leave Ephesus along the Arcadian Way, whe-re once Mark Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession. Driving back to Kusadasi, just outside Ephesus , you will notice the Basilica of St. John, erected over the grave of St John in the 6th Century AD by the Emperor Justinian. Just downhill, lays the site of the famous Temple of Artemis, today in ruins. Meet at your hotel with your tour guide and driver and depart for the Shrine of Virgin Mary.

After a short visit of this site, we will proceed to the upper gate of Ephesus. The visit of this site is expected to take between 1,5 and 2 hours.

If you wish, you may consider visiting the Terraces Houses (instead of the Shrine of Virgin Mary), an exhibit of several antique mansions representing lifestyle and decoration of the Antique period.

In the afternoon, we propose two natives :

Overnight in Kusadasi

Excursion to Priene, Miletos and Didyma (only possible with Groups on Wednesdays) :

Priene : One of the first Ionian cities to have been built around 350 B.C. and fortified according to the plans of Hippodamus (square angled streets on a North-South axis to ensure agreeable aeration). Priene has in fact never played an important role. By the with-drawing of the sea, she lost all of her small importance. Though, during the Byzantine era, she became an important Diocesan (religious) center.

Miletos : As first but also most important Ionian city, Miletos used to count four harbors. As for Priene, the distance between town and sea becoming bigger due to the drying out of the Meander river, Miletos lost of its commercial interest. The site is today visited for its amphitheater, nymphaeum, thermae and a well-preserved Selçuk mosque. N.B. : The Miletos alphabet is nothing more that the grandfather of our current Latin alphabet.

Didyma : The Sacred Road starting in Miletos was following the coast till Didyma and was lounged by lion statues. The temple counted 112 columns and is the third biggest temple dedicated to Apollo.

In the evening, transfer to Izmir and flight to Istanbul for overnight.

Today we will visit the capital of three empires, the only city spread over two continents, bridge between East and West... a metropolis full of surprizes !

The highlights of this city, the must do’s are the Ayasofya Museum, the Topkapi Palace, the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the Hippodrome… !

To better feel, live Istanbul, we propose a walking tour (max. 2km – 1,5Mi) : Our visits will start at the Saint Sophia, a basilica built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. Once the symbol of the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul and reconverted to a mosque, the Saint Sophia is today a museum and one of the architectural marvels of all times. Just opposite the Saint Sophia, the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque : this building of the 16th century is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. The Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races in the Byzantine times. The three monuments in the middle, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine column and the Column of Constantine, are relics of these glorious times. After lunch, we continue with the visit of the Topkapi Palace, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for about 5 centuries which today houses a marvelous collection of crystal, silver and Chinaware, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the imperial jewels, miniatures. Except from these you will also enjoy wandering in the gardens entering imperial rooms and salons.

The Saint Sophia museum is closed on Mondays, official and religious holidays. This tour does not include the visit of the Harem.

The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, official and religious holidays.

Overnight in Istanbul.

The Bazaars and the Bosphorus :

For those who want to enjoy there time in Istanbul other than by visiting, we propose a tour of the famous Istanbul covered and Egyptian bazaars. The Covered bazaar is a labyrinth of streets and passages counting more than 4000 shops whe-re each trade has its own area : goldsmiths, carpet sellers, arts and crafts such as ceramic plates, copperware, brassware, onyx ware and meerschaum pipes. While wandering in this historical shopping mall, enjoy also shopping.

The covered bazaar is closed on Sundays, official and religious holidays. At the end of the Covered Bazaar, you will enter the Egyptian Bazaar also known as the Spice Bazaar.

After lunch, we will head for the Eminönü pier whe-re we will embark a 2 hours cruise on the Bosphorus sailing up along the European shore and back along the Asian shore. The unique view of the Yalis (wooden mansions along the water), the Rumeli Fortress are among the attractions of this cruise.

Overnight in Istanbul.

After a last night and breakfast in Turkey, the time to return to the airport has come. For international flights the departure from your hotel will be 3 hours prior to expected take-off.

Yet, you may be lucky and only need to depart in the afternoon. This may be an opportunity to visit the Museum of Archaeology and /the Museum of Ottoman and Islamic Arts.