Athens to Istanbul - Overland Trip

2 ½ weeks: Athens to Istanbul (IMT-TAAI)

Intro

Join us on this fascinating tour through Greece and Turkey. We have time to explore the volcanic island of Santorini and relax on the beaches of Paros. There is also a chance to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus and the beautiful town of Bergama. We finish with a visit to the memorials of Gallipoli and time to explore exotic and mesmerising Istanbul.

Maximum Group Size

18

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader

Transport

Inter-island ferries, private air-conditioned coach / intercity public bus

Activitie

Swimming and walking

Accommodation

2 nights overnight ferries (deck class), 14 nights simple hotels

Meals

Breakfast included on some days. For other meals allow EUR6-15 (US$8-18) per day in Greece and EUR5-10 (US$6-12) per day in Turkey

Please Note:

Itinerary subject to change due to ferry schedules.

Itineraries

Day 1,ATHENS

Check in to your hotel. No meals.

Day 2,ATHENS

Free day to explore the Acropolis & the charming old "Plaka" district of Athens. Transfer to Pireas and board the overnight ferry to Santorini. (B)

Day 3,SANTORINI

The volcanic island of Santorini is thought by many to be the Atlantis of legend. Dramatic black cliffs of the volcano's caldera rise from the sea, white washed walls and blue domed churches decorate the rim. Free day to explore by foot or small boat.

Day 4,SANTORINI - PAROS

Enjoy the beaches of Santorini, visit Akrotiri or take a trip to the Black Island at the centre of the volcano. Evening ferry to Paros.

Day 5,PAROS

This island has everything you would expect of an island of the Cyclades small villages, lovely beaches, and rocky landscapes.

Day 6,PAROS

A day to relax or shop.

Day 7 to Day 8,NAXOS

Naxos is the largest and possibly most beautiful island of the Cyclades. Overnight ferry to Samos.

Day 9 to Day 10,SAMOS

An opportunity for a picnic excursion by Caique day boat to swim in remote coves.

Day 11,SAMOS - SELCUK

Free morning in Samos before taking a ferry to Kusadasi in Turkey. A short drive then brings us to Selcuk.

Day 12,SELCUK - EPHESUS

Free day in Selcuk to explore the ancient site of Ephesus or the charming town. (B)

Day 13,CANAKKALE

Today we drive north to the small town of Canakkale. (B)

Day 14,CANAKKALE - GALLIPOLI - TROY

Free day in Cannakale. There is the opportunity to visit Legendary Troy or the poignant Anzac memorials of Gallipoli. (B) Half day visit to Galipoli (70 TL) or tour of Troy (60 TL)

Day 15,GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL

We cross the Dardanelles and drive to Istanbul. (B)

Day 16,ISTANBUL

A full free day to visit the highlights of the old city of Istanbul. (B)

Day 17,ISTANBUL

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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