Turkey & Greece

Day 1-3: Australia/Singapore/Istanbul
Fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore and transfer to the hotel. Overnight. Next day free in Singapore with late check out. Evening departure transfer for flight to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, morning of Day 3, we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Rest of Day 3 at leisure

Day 4 :Istanbul
Today we enjoy a full day’s sightseeing in the ancient city of Istanbul including Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia Basilica, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Istanbul/Ankara
This morning we wander through Istanbul’s most colourful attraction, the 17th Century exotic and aromatic Spice Bazaar. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait where East meets the West. Afternoon we drive to the capital city of Ankara in central Anatolia. Overnight at hotel in Ankara.

Day 6: Ankara/Cappadocia
This morning we visit the Hittite artifacts at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations before proceeding to the Mausoleum of Ataturk. This afternoon we drive to Cappadocia where we check in to our hotel for 2 nights.

Day 7: Cappadocia
The Cappadocia landscape was originally shaped by wind and water but the interiors of the spires, knobs and ‘fairy chimneys’ were embellished by ancient artisans. Today we visit the Underground City of Kaymakli, the rockcut Byzantine chapels at Goreme, the abandoned monastic complex at Zelve and finally we enjoy views from the natural citadel at Uchisar. This evening we enjoy a performance by Whirling Dervishes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Cappadocia/Pumakkale
After breakfast, we drive to the famous mausoleum of the sufi philosopher Mevlana who founded the mystical sect of Sufism known as the Whirling Dervishes. This afternoon we continue on to Pamukkale where we stay for 1 night.

Day 9: Pamukkale/Ephesus/Kusadasi
Morning we visit the ancient necropolis at Hierapolis and tour the thermal pools of Pamukkale. This afternoon we drive to the Roman ruins of Ephesus and tour the Archaeological Museum, the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Overnight at hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 10: Kusadasi/Bergama/Canakkale
This morning we drive to the ancient city of Bergama (Pergamum) where we tour the Acropolis and its library, the Asclepion (medical centre), the Altar of Zeus and the steepest theatre in the world. In the afternoon, we drive to the legendary city of Troy to visit the famous wooden horse. Continue on to Canakkale where we stay for 1 night.

Day 11: Canakkale/Gallipoli/Istanbul
This morning we drive to Gallipoli Peninsula. Here we tour Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair and the Kabatepe War Museum. This afternoon, we return to Istanbul, crossing the Dardanelles Strait and enjoying views over the Sea of Marmara. Overnight at hotel in Istanbul.

Day 12: Istanbul/Athens
After breakfast, departure transfer to board flight to Athens. On arrival in Athens, we are welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights.

Day 13: Athens
This morning we visit some major sites in Athens including: Parliament; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Olympic Stadium; the Temple of Olympian Zeus; and the Acropolis. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Athens/Nafplion/Olympia
This morning we drive along the Saronic Gulf to Mycenae, stopping at Corinth Canal en route. In Mycenae we visit the Lion Gate and the citadel walls before proceeding to the romantic town of Nafplion. This afternoon we tour the Palamidi Fortress and the ruins of neighbouring Epidaurus. Drive to Olympia via Tripolis. Overnight at hotel in Olympia.

Day 15: Olympia/Delphi
Olympia is the ancient home of the Olympic Games. This morning we explore Ancient Olympia and the Archaeological Museum. Afterwards we drive to Rion via Patra on our way to the most sacred site of ancient Greece, Delphi Overnight at hotel in Delphi.

Day 16: Delphi/Kalambaka
Ancient Delphi was considered by ancient Greeks to be the centre of the world. The ruins here are found in a spectacular natural setting. This morning we visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Delphi Museum. This afternoon, we drive to Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora. Check into hotel for 1 night.

Day 17: Kalambaka/Thermopylae/Athens
This morning we drive to Meteora to explore the monasteries built into rock pinnacles shaped by wind and water, with exquisite examples of Byzantine art. This afternoon we continue on to Athens via Thermopylae, the site of an ancient battle led by Theonidas. Overnight at hotel in Athens.

Day 18: Athens/Santorini
After breakfast, departure transfer to port to board ferry to Santorini. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Santorini
This morning we visit the archaeological museum with collection from the Hellenistic and Roman period. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Santorini
Day at leisure to explore this volcanic island. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21: Santorini/Athens
After breakfast, departure transfer to port to board ferry back to Athens. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight.

Day 22: Athens
After breakfast, drive along the coastal road to Cape Sounion. Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Temple of Athena, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening we enjoy a scenic drive through the illuminated boulevards of Athens, visit Marina Zea and Mikrolimano. We return to the renowned Plaka for dinner and enjoy a show in a typical Greek taverna. Overnight at hotel.

Day 23-24: Athens/Singapore/Australia
After breakfast, departure transfer to airport to board flight to Australia via Singapore. Arrive home the following evening full of wonderful memories of Turkey and Greece.