From Istanbul to Athens
From Istanbul to Athens
From Istanbul to Athens
10 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Istanbul, Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Athens, Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QY-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Istanbul to Athens, exploring the rich history and vibrant cultures of Turkey and Greece. Begin your adventure in Istanbul with guided tours of iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and savor a traditional Turkish coffee experience. Cross into Greece, visiting the charming town of Alexandroupoli, the colorful streets of Xanthi, and the ancient ruins of Philippi. Discover Thessaloniki's cultural treasures, including the Basilica of Saint Demetrious, and marvel at the unspoiled tomb of King Philipp II in Vergina. Experience the mystical monasteries of Meteora, the historic battle site of Thermopylae, and the timeless wonders of Athens, including the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium. Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner in Athens, celebrating the marvels and myths of this ancient land.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Istanbul,Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Titanic City Taksim
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Titanic City Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
ISTANBUL East meets West ISTANBUL A full day guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
Day 3: Istanbul,Alexandroupoli,Greece
Location: Alexandroupoli
Accommodation Name: Astir Egnatia Alexandroupoli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ISTANBUL–ALEXANDROUPOLI, GREECE Crossroads of the Ancient World MARMARA REGION Interesting drive through the region to the border and cross into Greece.ALEXANDROUPOLI During your orientation, see the lighthouse, the town’s landmark. (B,D) 193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC NAMES. Founded in the 19th century as a fishing village, Alexandroupoli was originally known as Dedeagach. Stories state that this name was given to the town in the honor of an Old Turkish wise man who spent a lot of his time sat in the shade of a tree and was eventually buried there. The city was renamed after King Alexander I of Greece when he visited in 1920.
Day 4: Alexandruopoli,Xanthi,Philippi,Thessaloniki
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ALEXANDRUOPOLI–XANTHI–PHILIPPI–THESSALONIKI Picture Perfect XANTHI Time to take a photo and stroll the streets of the “city of a thousand colors.”PHILIPPI Enjoy a guided walk of the archeological excavations.THESSALONIKI Free time this evening. (B,D) 208 mi / 335 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTPRIME LOCATION Thanks to its location, the ancient city of Philippi has had an important role to play. Originally founded due to its vicinity to the Mount Paggaio gold mines it became the location of King Philip II of Macedonia’s Royal Mint. Its importance continued to grow as it became an administrative center of the Roman Empire, being located on the Via Egnatia, the road connecting Rome to the East. Remnants of its importance can be seen during your guided visit of its archaeological site.
Day 5: Thessaloniki
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
THESSALONIKI Cultural Capital of Greece THESSALONIKI Guided sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights includes a visit to the Basilica of Saint Demetrious. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Greece’s second city has so much to offer that it is often nominated the cultural capital of Greece. The remnants of fascinating Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history are clear to see. During your guided sightseeing see the iconic 15th-century prison tower, standing 34-meters, pass Aristotelous Square, the Jewel of Thessaloniki on the sea front and visit the UNESCO listed Basilica of Saint Demetrius. Also famed for its gastronomic offerings there is plenty of chance to dine on delicious Greek specialties whilst strolling along the lively streets.
Day 6: Thessaloniki,Vergina,Kalambaka
Location: Thessaloniki
Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
THESSALONIKI–VERGINA–KALAMBAKA Unspoiled Treasures VERGINA Visit the Royal Tombs Museum under the tumulus to see the incredible unspoiled marble tomb of King Philipp II with all of its gold and silver treasures. (B,D)149mi / 240 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTFAMILY FOUNDATIONS Philipp II was the King of Macedonia, he is credited as great diplomat who also possessed a military prowess, increasing the number of soldiers in his army, whilst also improving their training and equipment. Bringing peace to his country and ruling much of Greece, he paved the way for his son, Alexander the Great, who, after Philipp’s assassination would go on to build one of the largest empires in the ancient world.
Day 7: Kalambaka. Excursion To Meteora
Location: Kalambaka
Accommodation Name: Amalia Kalambaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
KALAMBAKA. EXCURSION TO METEORA Monasteries in Magical Greece METEORA Guided visit of the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries.(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSACRED SITES Perched atop soaring huge cliffs are the monasteries of Meteora, of which six are still active. Visit the beautiful monasteries of Varlaam and St. Stephen’s to marvel at this serenely mystical landscape with breathtaking views from above. Long revered for the perfect monastic retreat from the world outside, Meteora’s spectacular array of massive sandstone cliffs create a surreal setting unlike any other.
Day 8: Kalambaka,Thermopylae,Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
KALAMBAKA–THERMOPYLAE–ATHENS Bravery in Battle THERMOPYLAE Stop at the battle site.ATHENS Free time late afternoon and evening.(B)217 mi / 350 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES The story of the Battle of Thermopylae is hard to beat for drama. You may recognize this tale of the heroic, yet doomed Spartans of 480 BC fighting against the Persian army, which is dramatized in the film “300.” Their brave battle endures as a valiant symbol of bravery and sacrifice for a patriotic cause.
Day 9: Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ATHENS Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Enjoy free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.
Day 10: Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Titanic City Taksim in Istanbul, Astir Egnatia Alexandroupoli in Alexandroupolis, Grand Hotel Palace in Thessaloniki, Amalia Kalambaka in Kalambaka, and Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens in Athens.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and several dinners are included throughout the tour.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided tours and sightseeing at various locations including Istanbul, Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki, Vergina, Meteora, and Athens.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various historical and cultural sites such as the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Acropolis.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and to various tour locations is included.
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Welcome and Farewell Dinners
A welcome dinner in Istanbul and a farewell dinner in Athens are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Mobility Assistance
This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Accommodation
Istanbul: Titanic City Taksim, Alexandroupolis: Astir Egnatia Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki: Grand Hotel Palace, Kalambaka: Amalia Kalambaka, Athens: Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes an interesting drive through the Marmara region, crossing into Greece, and guided sightseeing tours in various cities. Stops include historical and cultural landmarks.
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at first-class hotels in various cities. In Istanbul, you will stay at Titanic City Taksim; in Alexandroupolis, at Astir Egnatia Alexandroupoli; in Thessaloniki, at Grand Hotel Palace; in Kalambaka, at Amalia Kalambaka; and in Athens, at Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens.
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Are there any special activities included in Istanbul?
Yes, in Istanbul, you will have a full day of guided sightseeing that includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar. Additionally, you will enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster.
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What will we see in Alexandroupoli?
In Alexandroupoli, you will have an orientation tour where you will see the lighthouse, which is the town’s landmark.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Thessaloniki?
In Thessaloniki, you will have a guided sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the Basilica of Saint Demetrious. You will also see the iconic 15th-century prison tower, pass Aristotelous Square, and have free time to explore the city.
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What can I expect during the visit to Meteora?
In Meteora, you will have a guided visit to the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries, which are perched atop soaring cliffs and offer breathtaking views.
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Will there be any free time during the tour?
Yes, you will have free time in Thessaloniki on the evening of Day 4 and in Athens on the late afternoon and evening of Day 8.
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What historical sites will we visit in Athens?
In Athens, the guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. You will also have free time to explore the city before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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Is there any special note regarding the physical requirements of the tour?
Yes, the tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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