Lycian coast with Ephesus and Cyclades Jewels, 15 days

Breakfast at hotel. Free day with the possibility to visit the local beaches on your own or you can take the optional excursion: “Cruise around the islands”. Sail around Fethiye Bay on a full-day trip to the islands that dot the coast and enjoy a day sunbathing, swimming and exploring with lunch served on deck. You will see clear bays with sea caves, uninhabited islands and medieval ruins, observing dolphins and sea turtles throughout the day. Back to the hotel. 

Dinner at hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at hotel. Departure for the ancient city of Patara, it was a prosperous maritime and commercial city on the southwest coast of Lycia, formerly famous for its oracle of Apollo, second in importance after that of Delphi. The ruins of this ancient city are scattered along the path that leads to the beach. Columns Street is located in this city, considered the largest boulevard in the old city, which was surrounded by shops and ended at the Agora. In the surroundings there are also the Arch of Modesto, the necropolis, the lighthouse and the old port. City also known for being the birthplace of Saint Nicholas of Bari, who lived most of his life in the nearby city of Myra. Then we will go to the coast to take a small boat that will take us to Kekova bay. Through this coastline of turquoise blue waters, we will discover the submerged part of the ancient city of Simena. Disembark and continue to Antalya. 

Dinner at hotel and overnight. 

(Important note: Depending on the weather conditions, the boat tour to Kekova bay may be canceled and replaced by a visit to the old Myra and the Church of Saint Nicholas) 

Option to take a spectacular hot air balloon ride at sunrise. 

Breakfast at hotel. Departure to visit this fantastic region, where Saint George was born, with its fascinating and original landscape, formed 3 million years ago by lava thrown from the Erciyes and Hasan Volcanoes. Visit to the underground city of Ozkonak (or another similar one) built by the Christian communities to protect themselves from Arab attacks. We will make a stop at a carpet and kilim workshop. In the afternoon, visit the many monasteries and chapels of Goreme, dug out of the rocks and decorated with frescoes. We will also pass through the Guvercinlik valley (of the dovecotes) and admire a wonderful panoramic view of the Uchisar castle, located on top of a volcanic rock promontory pierced by tunnels and windows. At the end

we will make a stop at an artisan workshop of decoration, typical stones and Cappadocian jewelry.

Dinner at hotel and overnight. 

At night you can optionally join a Turkish folk dance show.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. 

Overnight in 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.

After your breakfast and depending on your departure time transfer to Istanbul airport to take your flight to 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.

Overnight in Athens.