Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul
Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul
Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul
11 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Athens, Heraklion, Naxos, Paros, Istanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RNT-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey with the "Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul" tour, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Greece and Turkey. Begin in Athens, where you'll marvel at ancient wonders like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium. Travel to Crete for a taste of local culture and history, then ferry to the picturesque islands of Naxos and Paros, each offering unique traditions and breathtaking views. Conclude your adventure in Istanbul, where East meets West, with visits to iconic sites such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Enjoy guided tours, local delicacies, and ample free time to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of these historic destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Athens,Greece
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Stanley Hotel
At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Athens,Heraklion,Crete
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Later fly to the island of Crete.HERAKLION This evening enjoy 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 3: Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Meals Included: Breakfast
HERAKLION Cultural Capital HERAKLION Guided walking tour includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. [LF] Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE SIGHTS & BITES The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3000 years of history and multi-cultural influences. While walking along its narrow streets see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa one of the most popular Greek sweet treats.
Day 4: Heraklion,Naxos
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Naxos Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
HERAKLION–NAXOS Tempting Traditions Take a high-speed ferry to the island of NaxosNAXOS Guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. [LF] Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. A gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests, a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.
Day 5: Naxos
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Naxos Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
NAXOS Mediterranean Magic NAXOS Day at Leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!
Day 6: Naxos,Paros
Location: Paros
Accommodation Name: Narges
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
NAXOS–PAROS Sun, Sand & Sea Take a short ride on a high-speed ferry to the island of ParosPAROS Guided sightseeing of the highlights feature a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters.
Day 7: Paros,Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Stanley Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Athens by ferry. ATHENS Later today enjoy free time in the city.
Day 8: Athens,Istanbul,Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Titanic City Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
ATHENS–ISTANBUL, TURKEY East meets West ATHENS Fly to Istanbul.ISTANBUL Visit the Spice Market and taste authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire the view during a cruise on the Bosphorus River. (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 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Titanic City Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
ISTANBUL The City on Seven Hills ISTANBUL This morning your guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This afternoon and evening free time to explore more of this incredible city. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURAL WONDERSometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sofia hasn’t had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum.
Day 10: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Titanic City Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
ISTANBUL Inspired Istanbul ISTANBUL Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones,” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.
Day 11: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Titanic City Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Welcome Drink in Athens
Meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink on the first day in Athens.
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Guided Sightseeing in Athens
Includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium.
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Dinner in Heraklion
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Heraklion.
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Guided Walking Tour in Heraklion
Includes sights of the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus.
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Traditional Bougatsa Pastry Tasting
Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry in Heraklion.
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High-Speed Ferry to Naxos
Travel by high-speed ferry to the island of Naxos.
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Guided Sightseeing in Naxos
See the highlights of Naxos with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles.
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Citrus Spoon Dessert Tasting
Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (café) in Naxos.
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High-Speed Ferry to Paros
Take a short ride on a high-speed ferry to the island of Paros.
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Guided Sightseeing in Paros
Visit the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the 'Church of a Hundred Doors.'
What's Not Included
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Walking on Uneven Terrain
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.
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Luggage Management
Guests are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour.
Notes
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. Guest are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour. Services of the Tour Director end on day 8. Istanbul portion includes services of a local host.
UNESCO Sites
Acropolis Athens|Historic Centre of Istanbul
Accommodation
Athens: Stanley Hotel, Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel Iraklio, Naxos: Naxos Palace, Paros: Narges, Istanbul: Titanic City Taksim
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at the Stanley Hotel in Athens, Galaxy Hotel Iraklio in Heraklion, Naxos Palace in Naxos, Narges in Paros, and Titanic City Taksim in Istanbul.
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Are there any special activities or local experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special activities such as tasting a traditional bougatsa pastry in Heraklion, enjoying a citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio in Naxos, and tasting authentic Turkish Delight at the Spice Market in Istanbul.
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Will there be any free time to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time, including a day at leisure in Naxos, free time in Athens on Day 7, and free time in Istanbul on Days 9 and 10.
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What are some of the key historical sites we will visit?
You will visit the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus in Heraklion, the Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Paros, and the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes flights between Athens and Heraklion, and between Athens and Istanbul. High-speed ferries will be used to travel between the islands of Heraklion, Naxos, and Paros.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, several meals are included. Breakfast is provided daily, and some dinners are included, such as dinner at a local restaurant in Heraklion and Paros.
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What should I be aware of regarding the physical demands of the tour?
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. Guests are also required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of the tour.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Acropolis in Athens and the Historic Centre of Istanbul, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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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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