Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Greece 15 Nights 16 Days
|16 Days, 14 Destinations |Starts from İstanbul
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Duration
16 days

Max Group Size
40

Departure Type
Scheduled

Tour Operator
Travel Shop Booking

Age Requirement
11 - 99 Ages

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Operated In

Physical level
easy

Tour route map

İstanbul

Pickup Time:

17:15

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Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos

Dropoff Time:

17:20

Tour Overview

DiscoveryFamilyHistoricalPhotographySolo TravelIn-depth CulturalExplorer

Embark on a remarkable journey through the Cradle of the Holy Lands, a captivating tour that takes you through the sacred and historic sites of Turkey and Greece. This 16-day adventure combines the ancient wonders of two of the most influential civilizations in history, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of saints, kings, and philosophers. From the Byzantine marvels of Istanbul to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus, and from the legendary Athens to the mystic Meteora monasteries, this tour offers a profound exploration of sacred, cultural, and architectural heritage.

Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where East meets West, with visits to iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. Then, journey through Turkey’s ancient cities, including Izmir, Pergamon, and Ephesus, which are rich in biblical and Hellenistic history. Afterward, cruise through the turquoise Aegean Sea to Greece, where you will explore the birthplace of Western civilization with stops in Athens, Delphi, and Kalambaka, home to the famous Meteora rock formations.

This tour offers a deep connection to the roots of Christianity, from the House of the Virgin Mary to St. Paul’s preaching grounds, while also delving into the rich legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to explore some of the most iconic sites in the world, this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

Istanbul's Iconic Landmarks: Discover the architectural wonders of Istanbul, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of Ottoman sultans. Experience the ancient Hippodrome and the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. Biblical & Ancient Sites in Turkey: Visit Ephesus, home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the spectacular ruins of the ancient city. Explore Pergamon's Asklepieion, one of the most renowned healing centers of antiquity, and Laodicea, a city mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Sacred Island of Patmos: Embark on a cruise to the sacred island of Patmos, where St. John the Evangelist wrote the Apocalypse. Experience the island's serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere. The Historical Acropolis of Athens: Stand in awe before the ancient Parthenon and visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis Museum, and Ancient Agora in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Explore Corinth, where St. Paul preached, and admire the Temple of Apollo and the ancient ruins of this once powerful city. Santorini's Scenic Beauty: Sail to the enchanting island of Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed houses, and panoramic views. Visit the town of Fira and stroll through its narrow streets filled with charming boutiques and cafes. Meteora Monasteries: Explore the awe-inspiring Meteora in Kalambaka, where ancient monasteries are perched atop towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views and a profound sense of spirituality. Classical Greece - Delphi: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, home to the ancient Oracle of Delphi. Wander through the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and visit the museum that houses treasures from the site

Itinerary

Arrive in Istanbul. Our transferman will be ready to meet you at Istanbul Airport upon your Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Istanbularrival. After we meet you at the airport, you will be transfered to your hotel. Time at leisure, stay overnight in Istanbul. Including: Breakfast

We will spend an entire day visiting the highlights of Istanbul.First a visit to Hagia Sophia where the mind rises sublime to commune with God, feeling that He can not be far off. Also visit to Hippodrome is the largest in the ancient world.Then the Blue Mosque one of the architectural marvels of the world. continue our tour at Underground Cistern. Visit Grand Bazaar; it was built at the command of Fatih Mehmet shortly after the Conquest. It contains 4399 shops, 2195 workshops, 497 stalls and 18 fountains. After the tour, transfer back to the hotel, time at leisure. Stay overnight in Istanbul. Included: Breakfast

After breakfast visit to Topkapi Palace , As the administrative center, for nearly 400 years, for the Ottoman Empire, which was one of the greatest empires of the world, Topkapi Palace is certainly the most important historical site to be visited in Istanbul. In 1461, less than ten years after the Conquest, Fatih Mehmet ordered the construction of Topkapi Sarayi a palace that would be known as Dar-s Saadet, the "House of Felicity". Topkapi Sarayi remained the seat of the Ottoman Sultans until 1868, when Abdlmecit I moved to the European-style Dolmabahce Palace farther up the Bosporus. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Izmir. Arrive in Izmir and tCradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Pergamumtransfer to your hotel.Stay overnight in Izmir. Included: Breakfast

Early depart from hotel for Pergamon. Visit to the Asklepieion, one of the major healing centres of antiqity, Acropol where the monumental buildings or heroons donated by the kings of Pergamon during the Hellenistic period. The Temple of Serapis, built for the Egyptian Gods in the 2nd c. AD. and called as the Red Courtyard and dedicated to St John. Depart for Izmir. We will visit St. Polycarp Church at Izmir (Smyrna). Stay overnight in Izmir. Included: Breakfast

After breakfast drive to Thyatira whose remains include a temple and large church. Visit Philadelphia with its famous church of Philadelphia which was an important place for the spreading of the Christian faith. Continue on to Sardes, the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and one of the most amazing sites in Turkey. After our visits at Sardes, we will head tCradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Laodiceao Pamukkale, where we will spend this night. Stay overnight in Pamukkale. Included Breakfast

After breakfast visit to the remains of the Ancient City of Hierapolis and the travertens. Drive to Laodicea which is mentioned in Revelations by St. John and in ancient times was known as "The City of Compromise". After visiting Laodicea, drive to Kusadasi. Stay overnight in Kusadasi. Included: Breakfast

We will spend an entire day visiting the spectacular city of Ephesus. First we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Mountain. A pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. Then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. Visit the Basilica of St. John, and the museum. Stay overnight in Kusadasi. Included: Breakfast

Free time in the morning then you will be transferred to Kusadasi port to embark on cruise. Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - PatmosCruise to the sacred island of Patmos, an island with an austere physiognomy, where St John the Evangelist wrote the Apocalypse.

Overnight on board.

P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the package rate.

Arrive in the island of Rhodes, Known as the Flower Island , truly a crossroad of civilizations where the Orient meets the Occident. Visit the acropolis of Lindos and in the old city the Grand Master's Palace and the Street of the Knights.

Overnight on board.

P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the package rate.Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Santorini

Begin the day in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands; visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the famous archeological museum of Heraklion. 16.30 to 21.00 arrival Santorini, the most enchanting of the Greek islands. Santorini offers a panoramic view; white washed houses, narrow streets, open air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep hills. Overnight on board.

P.S. Shore Excursions on this day are not included in the package rate.Cradle of the Holy lands Turkey - Athens

Arrival in Pireaus Port; Athens. Transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we will depart for a half day afternoon tour of Ancient Corinth. The Canal of Corinth opened at the end of the 19th Century to connect the Ionian with the Aegean sea. Ancient Corinth was a great naval power and of strategic importance. At the same time it became a cultural centre which you will see when visiting some of the archaeological sites. Later, it was invaded by the Knights of Malta and afterwards was passed on to the Venetians. We visit the Temple of Apollo, the huge Ancient Agora, the Bema where St. Paul preached as well as the Odeon. The Archaeological Museum of Corinth contains objects found in prehistoric sites of the region. Overnight at Athens. Included: Breakfast

Depart from our hotel for a half day sightseeing tour of Athens. Depart for Temple of Olympian Zeus (visit). Proceed to Panathinaiko Stadium cradle of the first Olympic Games took place in 1896 (short stop). Pass by the Prime's Ministers residence, Ex Royal Palace, (guarded by colourful Evzones) Zappion (Conference and Exhibition Hall), National Garden, Hadrian's Arc, St. Paul's Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schlieman's House (Nomismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square ,Russian Orthodox Church, Acropolis (visit Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion and Museum of the Acropolis ). Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at Athens. Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we depart from Athens for our Classical Greece Tour. Drive to Delphi through Levadia and Arachova. Visit the archaeological sites and the Museum. After visits, drive to the hotel in Delphi. Check-in hotel. Overnight in Delphi. Included: Breakfast

After Breakfast at the hotel, check-out the hotel, drive through Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka. After a lovely scenic travel arrive Kalambaka, check-in hotel. Free time to Discover the city. Overnight in Kalambaka. Included: Breakfast.

After breakfast, visit the breathtaking Meteora. After visiting the sites, drive back to Athens through Thermopylae and Kamena Vourla. We have stops at those cities to have short visits. Arrive Athens early in the evening. Check-in our hotel, overnight at Athens. Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Athens Airport, the end of our services.

Trip includes

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