Cyclades jewels, Istanbul & Antalya Coast, 15 days

ATHENS

Arrival at Athens airport – Reception by our assistant, waiting for you and transfer by luxurious car to Athens center – Check-in at your hotel. Free afternoon.  For tonight we propose you an Athens by night (optional tour).  Your evening begins with a short panoramic drive through the city center and on the slopes of the sacred hill you will be able to see, admire and take photos of the illuminated Acropolis. Then a pleasant walk through the narrow picturesque streets of Plaka, the old city, will bring you at a Typical Greek Tavern where you will enjoy your dinner and live Greek music.

ATHENS

Departure for a half-day Athens Tour – Visit of the site of Acropolis and panoramic tour of the area by bus. This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city.  Our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (shortstop).  Continue and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).

Overnight in Athens.

 ATHENS – MYKONOS

Early morning transfer to the port of Athens to board the ferry for the island of Mykonos. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your selected hotel.  A day at leisure in Mykonos to enjoy this unique island. Mykonos island is a wonderful kaleidoscope of cosmopolitan shops, rocking bars, quaint windmills, great beaches, homey taverns and hidden churches all set against a brilliant blue backdrop. And it’s not just the water that sparkles in the sun on Mykonos, but also the marble streets and beautiful white cubist buildings that characterize the island’s architecture.

Overnight in Mykonos.

MYKONOS

A day at leisure in Mykonos to enjoy this unique island. Or join the following optional tour: 

1. Mykonos Island Tour:  We start with a unique experience of the countryside Mykonos Island. Our first stop will be the idyllic beach Agios Ioannis with the best view of Delos Island and we will see fishermen and their boats at the small pier, private chapel and houses built in typical Cycladic architectural style. At the village of Ano Mera, the most traditional place, you can also visit the monastery Panagia Tourliani built in the 16th century and then we will have enough free time for a stroll around the square, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a drink or an ouzo (not included) and wish with the local people “stin igia mas” (cheers) Next stop is Kalafatis beach where there is time to relax a little and have a coffee or a refreshment (not included in the price), before going back to town.  Exploring Mykonos port town by
   
   
   walking into the narrow cobblestone streets, passing by the traditional labyrinth of the old town. We will see the famous windmills and Little Venice and we will meet somewhere Petros the Pelican, the mascot of Mykonos. We will also visit, Paraportiani church and Saint Nicholas church. After the walking tour, you are free to continue your private exploration in town. Meeting point Fabrika Square, Mykonos town.
2. Delos tour: Uncover the myths and legends of ancient Greece on an educational tour of Delos from Mykonos. With an expert historian guide, discover ancient monuments like the Temple of Apollo and the Sacred Way. Enrich your historical knowledge at the Museum of Delos; marvel at the archaic Sanctuary of Artemis; and learn about the culture of the Greek empire from your expert guide

Overnight in Mykonos.

MYKONOS – SANTORINI 

At the indicated time you will be transferred to the port to board the ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel. A day at leisure in Santorini to enjoy this unique island. Santorini is a wonderful place 

with a magnificent view and cosmopolitan shops, rocking bars, homey taverns and hidden churches all set against a brilliant blue backdrop.

Overnight in Santorini.

SANTORINI & HALF DAY ISLAND TOUR

We will start with Akrotiri Archaeological site Guided visit (with professional licensed Guide) at one of the most important prehistoric settlements of Greece. Akrotiri is a Bronze Age settlement on the volcanic island of Santorini (Thera). The settlement was destroyed by a huge eruption during the 17th century BC and buried under the volcanic ash, which preserved the whole city in perfect conditions so as to be referred often as “Prehistoric Pompei” The settlement has been suggested as a possible inspiration for Plato’s story of Atlantis. The site has been excavated since 1967. (Guided Tour 1 & ½ h) Entrance Fees not included in the price. We will continue with Red Beach Free time for photos or for a walk at the famous beach, well known for the unique color of the sand and the hill behind it. Soaring red lava cliffs which drop right to the sandy shore and into the clear blue sea. (45m) .

We will continue with Perivolos black sand beach One of the longest beaches in the Cyclades & the best beach in Santorini, considered as the trendiest beach of the island. Offers a big variety of restaurants, taverns, cafes, beach bars & watersports. An ideal destination for those they want to combine relaxation, swimming & good food. time at leisure for lunch or swimming1 & ½ – 2 h ) Lunch not included in the price.    We will walk at  Megalochori (Walking Tour) at Megalochori, one of the most beautiful traditional villages of the island. Typical traditional Cycladic houses, neoclassic buildings, and small houses dug in the volcanic rock blend together with harmony. We find here also the typical small white churches with blue domes. (25 min)

Profitis Ilias mountain: The highest peak of the island (567 meters) is located between Pyrgos and Kamari. The Mountain’s name is Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah), coming from the Monastery with the same name located at the top. From this vantage point, you will enjoy a striking view of the entire island, from the patchwork agricultural plains to the hilltop village of Oia. ( Photo stop 20 min).

Wine Tasting – Santo Wines: Follow the whole wine making process, from the moment of the grape pressing up to bottling. Taste the distinctive wines of the island and learn about the unique in the world Santorini vineyard! Specialized enologists give away the wine’s hidden secrets, while the visitors may taste and get to know the various types of company’s famous wines. (45m).

Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the sun, the unforgettable view and the most romantic sunset in the world.

SANTORINI – ATHENS

At the indicated time you will be transferred to the port for your ferry to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be transferred to your selected hotel.

ATHENS – ISTANBUL

After your breakfast and depending on your departure time transfer to Athens airport to take your flight to Istanbul.
Following the arrival at Istanbul Airport  transfer your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL

Breakfast at hotel. Departure for half-day tour “BOSPHORUS”: We will go to the pier and embark the regular boat for Cruise on Bosphorus, a strait that separates two continents and joins the Black Sea with the Sea of ​​Marmara. From the boat we can admire the Dolmabahce Palace, the Mosque, the bohemian neighborhood of Ortakoy, the Rumeli and Anatolian Fortresses, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the typical “yali” wooden houses, etc. Next we will visit the Spice Bazaar, also called the Egyptian Bazaar, it is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul and one of the best places to buy typical products such as spices, sweets or nuts. 

The excursion ends here. 

Free afternoon to explore the city.

OR you can take the optional excursion “Topkapi Palace”. 

In the afternoon, visit the Hagia Irene; it was the first church in Constantinapolis and is located in the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace. It was built by Constantine V in the 8th century and was used as an armory during the Ottoman Empire period. Next visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries. See the pavilions, kitchens, audience chambers and kiosks built around a series of courtyards. Finally visit the Grand Bazaar, with more than 4,500 shops that are grouped in specialized areas in different products: jewelry, clothes

Overnight in Istanbul.

 ISTANBUL

Breakfast at hotel. Departure for half day tour “GOLDEN HORN”: We will start by visiting the famous café Pierre Loti which is on the top of the hill in the Eyup neighborhood and has a wonderful view of the Golden Horn. Free time to enjoy the view with the 

possibility of having a coffee or tea (at own expense). Then we will go to the Cathedral of St. George, it is the fifth church in Constantinople that houses the ecumenical patriarchate since the 15th century. Formerly a convent for Orthodox nuns, it was converted into patriarchal offices by Bishop Matthew II (1598-1601). On the way, we will see a part of the walls of Constantinople, once an impenetrable fortification, stretching for seven kilometers from the Sea of ​​Marmara to the Golden Horn. Next we will visit the Mosque of Soliman the magnificent, considered to be the most beautiful of the imperial mosques of Istanbul, which was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the famous architect of the Ottoman Golden Age. 

The excursion ends here. 

Free afternoon to explore the city 

OR you can take the optional “Classic” tour.

In the afternoon, visit the Hagia Sophia; it is unquestionably one of the most fantastic buildings of all time. It was built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters above the ground, with a diameter of 31 meters. During the Ottoman Empire it was converted into a mosque and with time the minarets were added. Continue by visiting the old Hippodrome that belongs to the Byzantine era, which was the center of civil activity in the country and where not only horse races and gladiatorial fights were held, but also celebrations in honor of the Emperor. Today it preserves the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Fountain of Emperor William. Next, visit Blue Mosque famous for its blue tiles and finally the Archaeological Museum, of world importance for the exclusivity and quantity of works that it contains in its buildings: the Museum of Antiquities with Greek, Roman, Byzantine pieces and the sarcophagi of the royal necropolis of Sidon; the Cinili Kosk (pavilion), exquisite pavilion of the s. XV that includes a collection of ceramics.

Overnight in Istanbul.

ISTANBUL – ANTALYA(BELEK)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Antalya. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in Belek.

Dinner at hotel and overnight. 

ANTALYA(BELEK)

Free days to enjoy the sun and the beach on the turquoise coast on ULTRA ALL INCLUSIVE basis. 

Overnight in Antalya(Belek).

ANTALYA Departure

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

15th Day