From Istanbul to Athens

From Istanbul to Athens

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10 Days From

$2192

$2035

From Istanbul to Athens

10 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Istanbul, Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Athens, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

QY-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2192 $2035 Barrhead discount: -$157

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Visit the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

  • See the lighthouse in Alexandroupoli, Greece.

  • Stroll the streets of Xanthi, the "city of a thousand colors."

  • Enjoy a guided walk of the archaeological excavations in Philippi.

  • Visit the Basilica of Saint Demetrious in Thessaloniki.

  • Explore the Royal Tombs Museum in Vergina.

  • Visit the Varlaam and St. Stephen’s Monasteries in Meteora.

  • Guided sightseeing of the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

Places You'll See

Titanic City Taksim

Astir Egnatia Alexandroupoli

Grand Hotel Palace

Amalia Kalambaka

Wyndham Grand Hotel Athens

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and several dinners are included throughout the tour.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Guided tours and sightseeing at various locations including Istanbul, Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki, Vergina, Meteora, and Athens.

  • 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.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between cities and to various tour locations is included.

  • Welcome and Farewell Dinners

    A welcome dinner in Istanbul and a farewell dinner in Athens are included.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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