Activities
DiscoveryCombined CountryExplorerHistoricalIn-depth CulturalReligiousSightseeingSolo TravelSee ItineraryTour Overview
Embark on a fascinating 12-day journey through Greece and Turkey, exploring some of the most iconic historical and cultural sites in both countries. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the vibrant city of Istanbul, this tour is a comprehensive experience filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and fascinating stories.
Highlights
- Discover Athens, the heart of ancient civilization. Visit the majestic Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and other iconic landmarks that shaped Western history. Ancient Corinth Tour: Explore the ancient city of Corinth, famous for its ruins such as the Temple of Apollo and Acrocorinth, offering views of the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the extraordinary Meteora rock formations in central Greece, home to a collection of stunning monasteries perched high above the ground. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Meteora is a place of natural beauty and spiritual significance.
- Visit Veria, a town with deep connections to the Apostle Paul, before heading to Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. Explore its Byzantine landmarks, including the White Tower and the Rotunda, and experience its vibrant culture.
- Explore the ancient site of Philippi, known for its archaeological ruins and its association with Saint Paul. Continue to Kavala, a coastal city rich in history, with highlights like the Roman Aqueduct and Kavala Castle.
- Cross into Turkey and visit the ancient city of Troy (Troia), famously immortalized in Homer's Iliad, and explore the ruins of the Trojan Horses. Continue to Canakkale, a city with its own important history, particularly related to the Gallipoli Campaign. Visit Pergamum, an ancient Greek city that once housed the Altar of Zeus and a renowned library. Continue to Thyatira, an ancient city mentioned in the Bible, before concluding your day in Izmir, a vibrant modern city on the Aegean coast.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the grand Ephesus Theater. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it’s believed she spent her final years, offering a serene and spiritual experience.
- Discover the ruins of Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia, and explore Philadelphia and Laodicea, two other cities mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, with fascinating archaeological sites.
- Visit the stunning Pamukkale hot springs, famous for its white terraces formed by calcite-rich waters. Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a spa city with well-preserved Roman baths, theaters, and temples.
- Conclude your journey with a full day exploring Istanbul, a city that straddles Europe and Asia. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Walk through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, offering a taste of the city’s vibrant culture.
Itinerary
(Dinner Included)
Arrival
at Athens airport meet assist transfer to the hotel for check-in (check-in the
/ time 14:00) In
the afternoon, transfer to the restaurant for dinner. Overnight
Athens
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast
at the hotel.
Departure
towards Ancient Corinthos (Acts 18.1-18), with a first stop, at Corinth Canal.
It
was in ancient Corinth where Paul came and worked, established a thriving
church and wrote two of the epistles, which are now part of the New Testament.
We will see all the sites that are associated with his ministry: the Agora, the
Temple of Apollo, the roman Odeon, the Bema and Gallio’s seat, the pillars,
stairs, and the place of public worship, where Paul preached. All these visits
will certainly enhance the understanding of Corinthians I and II. Before ending
the tour and returning to Athens, we will visit the ancient Greek port of
Cenchrea (Acts 18:18) where Paul was during his second missionary journey, and
the ruin of the early Christian 5th Century Basilica.
After
lunch return to Athens city for a Sightseeing tour.
Visit
the main points of interest in the city: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal
Palace, Pan-Athenian Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and visit the
world-famous Acropolis, as well as Mars’ Hill (Areopagus) where Paul preached
the truth to the Gentile Nation.
Tour
ends with dinner and transfer to hotel. Overnight
Athens
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After
breakfast meet with your guide and board the bus for a journey to northern
Greece!
Departure
to Kalambaka. After lunch we will visit the spectacular Meteora, the
UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, which is a mountainous region of stunning scenery.
You will see hundred-year-old Byzantine monasteries on top of huge rocks,
during the Middle Ages, first built in the 14th century by monks seeking
isolation and salvation. We will visit two of the most famous of them, Holly
Monastery of St Stephen(no stairs) and Holly Monastery of Varlaam (120 stairs)
or Grand Meteora (300 stairs). Dinner
and Overnight
Kalambaka
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast
and departure to Veria (Berea), another town evangelized by Paul (Acts
17.10-14). When Saint Paul visited this town in AD50, he came across a more
“noble” Jewish community where he preached and created an important Church.
This is where Paul met Sopatros, who would later become a valuable comrade who
followed him on his return journey to Asia. We will visit the ancient synagogue
where we will see the Byzantine mosaic in the monument commemorating his
preaching. According to tradition, it was at this place where he preached.
Depart for Thessaloniki continue with
city sightseeing tour.
Thessalonica is the city where Paul preached the gospel in the second and third missionary journey. For the early Christians of this city, he wrote epistles “To the Thessalonians.”. We will visit the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, the Protector Saint of the city, the Church of Saint Sofia, the great Church of Saint George which is hosted in a medieval building, the Byzantine temple of «Panagia Chalkeon», the historical Church of Prophet Elias, the White Tower and the Byzantine fortress of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting at the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire. dinner and Overnight Thessaloniki
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we depart for our one-day Philippi Christian tour. Philippi is the
town where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe, sowing the seeds of
Christianity. “And from there (He went) to Philippi, which is the leading city
of the district of Macedonia and a Roman Colony. We remained in this city some
days...” (Acts 16:12-18). Paul arrived here with Silas and Luke in the winter
of AD 49 to AD50. There the first Christian baptism was performed, of a woman
named Lydia. Although they were prosecuted and arrested, they received God’s
help to escape from prison (Acts 16: 11-23) where there was the conversion of
the jailer (Acts 16: 23-26). We will visit the Roman Theatre, the probable site
of the prison where Paul and Silas were arrested.
We
will continue towards the city of Kavala and the ancient city of Neapolis (Acts
16:11) where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. It was later
renamed Christoupolis, meaning the city of God, because it was the first
European city to accept Christianity. We will visit the Roman Aqueduct and the
ruins of the Acropolis.
Transfer
to your hotel for check-in and dinner. Overnight Kavala
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we depart to Kavala Greek boarders. Cross the boarders to Turkey and
transfer for lunch.
Visit
Trojan Horse and continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner. Overnight
Canakkale
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast
and departure for our land tour, to explore three of the cities that received
the letters of John: - Pergamum (Revelation 2: 12-17), now called Bergama, was
the rival city of Alexandria in the arts and letters. On a visit to this city,
we will see its Greco-Roman Theatre, the Temple of Trajan and the altar of
Zeus. The Pergamum church characterizes the church from the time of Constantine
(313-600 AD). At that time Christianity became the official religion of the
Roman state. In this way, the church began to spread around the world. -
Thyatira (Revelation 2: 18-29), which was an important trade center in ancient
times, is now called Akrisar meaning White Castle. A letter to this Church was
the longest of all the letters of the Apocalypse and the message it delivers is
also among the toughest. We will have lunch at a local restaurant, return in
the evening for dinner and spend the night there. - Izmir (Revelation 2: 8-11),
at the time it was called Smyrna, which means bitter. The origin of word Smyrna
derives from «myrrh», which was one of the components that served to embalm the
dead (John 19:39). In this city, we will enjoy a panoramic visit and then visit
the church of St. Polycarp. We will gather for dinner and spend the night
there.Overnight
Izmir
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast
and move to Ephesus. Ancient Ephesus was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and an
important center for Christianity from AD 50s. During AD52-54 Saint Paul lived
here working with the congregation and organizing his missionary activity and
teaching the Word of God (Acts 20:31) and this is where he wrote the Epistle to
Corinthians I. Additionally this was one of the seven cities found in the Book
of Revelation (Acts 2:1-7), indicating a strong church.
We
will visit the house of Virgin Mary where she lived with John, on the hill
behind the city. Then we will move to Kusadasi where we will enjoy dinner and
spend overnight. Overnight
Kusadasi
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast
and set off for the city of Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-6), whose ruins bear near
the present village of Sarte and Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13). There, we
will visit their respective churches. Philadelphia lies in a valley at the foot
of a mountain plateau. The location of the city is now occupied by a small
Turkish village name Shehr Allah, meaning “city of God”.We
will continue to Laodicea (Revelation 3: 14-22) which was located at the site
of the modern city of Denizli, where we will visit one of the seven churches.
Pamukkale
is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, stunning for its white
waterfalls and natural swimming pools, where will indulge in its beauty. The
day will conclude with dinner and we will stay Overnight
Pamukkale
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Breakfast
and visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis. The hot springs of Hierapolis,
mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:13), meaning “Holy
City”, a UNESCO world heritage site, classified for its hot springs and the
ruins of the ancient capital of Phrygia, where Saint Philip is buried and
Colossus (now known as the village of Honaz), whose church was mentioned in the
Epistle to the Colossians. The hot springs of Hierapolis helped in the
treatment of health problems, while the cold waters of Colossi were good to
drink.Transfer
to airport forDenizliairport flight to
Istanbul. Overnight
Istanbul
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Please Note: Please do not forget to carry headscarf with you for the visit of
religious places as Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast check
out from your hotel and transfer to Airport for your flight back to home. We
hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future
in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop
Booking.
Trip includes
Included
2 nights
hotel accommodation in Athens - Tiare Hotel
1 night
hotel accommodation in Kalambaka - Hotel Antoniadis & similar category
1-night
hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki - Holiday Inn Thessaloniki, an IHG Hotel
1
night hotel accommodation in Kavala - Lucy Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Canakkale -Troia Tusan Hotel
1-night
hotel accommodation in Izmir 4 star
Blanca Hotel
1-night
hotel accommodation in Kusadasi 4 Star
Odelia Resort Hotel
1-night
hotel accommodation in Pamukkale 5 Star
Pam Thermal Hotel
2-nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul 5 Star La
Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost
Professional English - speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
11
Open buffet breakfasts
10
Local lunches at restaurants during to tours
11
Dinners at the hotels (Not: Two Indian Dinner Istanbul)
All
Airport transfer mention in site the Itinerary
Transportation
in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
Guided
Athens Sightseeing tour & Ancient Corinth Tour
Guided
Kalambaka – Meteoramonasteries Tour
Guided Veria – Thessaloniki Tour
Guided Philippi – Kavala Tour
Guided Kavala – Cross Boarders – Troia Canakkale Tour
Guided Pergamo – Thyatira – Izmir Tour
Guided Ephesus (Virgin Marry House) Kusadasi Tour
Guided Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea Tour
Guided Pamukkale – Hierapolis Tour
Guided Istanbul City Tour
All
entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Turkey City Tax
Turkey Hotel room taxes
Good to Know:
Weather: Greece and Turkey have a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and light layers for evenings.
Currency:
Greece uses the Euro (€).
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Most major cities accept credit cards, but it’s helpful to carry cash for smaller purchases.
Language:
In Greece, the official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
In Turkey, Turkish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist locations.
Dress Code: For religious sites, both in Greece and Turkey, modest attire is recommended (covering shoulders and knees). Women may need to cover their heads when visiting mosques in Turkey.
Travel Tips:
Currency Exchange: It’s a good idea to have a mix of cash and cards, and exchange some money ahead of time for convenience.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Turks are known for their hospitality, and Greek culture emphasizes respect for history and tradition.
Health and Safety: Both Greece and Turkey are safe travel destinations. Ensure you have travel insurance and stay hydrated during long sightseeing days. Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
Visas: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Turkey. Check the specific visa requirements before traveling.
Excluded
Domestic flight from Izmir to Istanbul
Insurance:
All types
City Tax
Turkey entry visa
Greece Hotel room taxes
Greece
entry visa
Items of
a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any
others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section.
Greece Hotel room taxes
Tipping
Optinal land excursion
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