Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
-During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Istanbul

08:00 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a panoramic tour of this impressive city, a “bridge” between Europe and Asia, both geographically and culturally. Our tour includes a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque (the largest in Istanbul), and we’ll see the city walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia. The afternoon is free for you to explore this city that spans two continents.

07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.

Istanbul - Ankara

Total distance covered: 450 km.

07:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, famous for its stunning courtyards and pavilions (admission included).

Afterward, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture.

01:00 p.m. - We’ll disembark in the Uskudar district on the Asian side of Istanbul, and continue our journey toward the Anatolian Peninsula.
08:15 p.m. - Ankara. Dinner will be included.

Ankara - Hacibektas - Cappadocia

Total distance covered: 315 km.

Scenery: Dramatic lunar landscapes and stunning views of the Salt Lake.

Note: We’ll visit the mausoleum of Hacibektas, an intriguing pilgrimage site that few tourists get to see. Please wear appropriate clothing and show respect during the visit.

08:00 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll include a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We’ll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We’ll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. By late morning, we’ll stop at a large shopping mall where you can choose from a variety of dining options at the food court.

12:00 p.m. - Departure from Ankara. We’ll travel through the arid regions of central Turkey on our way to Cappadocia, with a stop at Salt Lake, where you will have time for lunch and to photograph this beautiful area.

04:00 p.m. - Arrival in Hacibektas, a key destination for religious tourism in Turkey. We’ll visit the mausoleum of Haci Bektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic from Anatolia who emphasized humanism in his teachings. The sanctuary’s architecture and interior design beautifully reflect the rituals and symbols of Bektashism.

06:30 p.m. - Departure from Hacibektas.
07:30 p.m. - Arrival in Nevsehir/Avanos. Dinner will be included.

Cappadocia

Total distance covered: 75 km.

Scenery: Spectacular landscapes and charming villages.

Note: Comfortable footwear is recommended for today’s visits. The guide may adjust the schedule to help you experience each site when it´s less crowded.

Start your day with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia region—a breathtaking experience offered at dawn.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from Avanos/Nevsehir. We’ll head to the Göreme Valley, where admission is included to visit the incredible open-air museum, which features over 30 rock-cut churches, some adorned with stunning frescoes. Next, we’ll visit Uchisar and take a stroll through this Cappadocian village, where you can marvel at the 60-meter rock filled with cave dwellings. From there, we’ll continue to Kaymacli to explore its impressive underground city, with tunnels and catacombs built to shelter up to thirty thousand people. We’ll break for lunch afterward.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, and wander through this spectacular natural site. We’ll also visit a traditional jewelry workshop featuring stones native to the Cappadocia region, such as Onyx and Turquoise, including pieces once favored by the sultans during the Ottoman Empire.

06:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel. In the summer months, you can relax by the pool or take a stroll through the pleasant commercial town of Avanos/Nevsehir. Dinner will be included.

Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya

Total distance covered: 290 km.

Scenery: We’ll continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, followed by arid and flat regions.

Note: Comfortable shoes are a must today as we continue exploring Cappadocia. In Konya, we’ll visit sites that are considered sacred by the Dervish order, so please wear appropriate clothing.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Nevsehir. We’ll travel along scenic, less-traveled roads, venturing into areas that aren’t as crowded with tourists.
09:45 a.m. - Ihlara canyon. We’ll enjoy the cooler air by the river as we explore churches carved into the canyon’s rocky walls.

11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ihlara canyon.
01:00 p.m. - Arrival at Sultanhan. Here, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful caravanserais, a magnificent structure that recalls the great camel caravans that once traveled these lands. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.

02:45 p.m. - Departure from Sultanhan. We’ll pass lands with large herds and arid plains.
04:15 p.m. - Konya. We’ll visit the Mevlana Mausoleum, a sacred place for the Dervish order, a Sufi fraternity known for its whirling "trance" dances. Afterward, you might want to take a stroll through the lively bazaar. Dinner will be included.

In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale

Total distance covered: 430 km.

Scenery: A mix of mountain landscapes and serene lakes, with a breathtaking view of the "cotton mountain" at the end of the day.

Notes: We recommend bringing shoes that are easy to take off and carry for walking in Pamukkale. If you’d like, pack a swimsuit to enjoy the thermal waters.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Konya. We’ll continue our journey through the heart of Turkey.
11:15 a.m. - Egridir. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in this charming town, nestled by a lake of the same name, with ancient walls and mosques.

01:30 p.m. – Departure from Egridir.
04:15 p.m. - Pamukkale. Admission included. At the "cotton mountain," our coach will drop you off at the summit, where you can explore Roman-era ruins before descending on foot through the natural hot springs and baths. The sunset colors are truly spectacular. Our coach will pick you up at the base. Later, you’ll have time to relax in the hotel’s thermal pools. Dinner included.

Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi

Total distance covered: 225 km.

Scenery: Varied, with coastal views as we approach the end of the day.

Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended for the Ephesus visit.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Pamukkale.
11:30 a.m. - Ephesus. We’ll explore an incredible complex of Roman ruins. Two thousand years ago, this city was home to a quarter of a million people. Our guided tour will include the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive Ephesus ancient city ruins (admission included). Free time for lunch after.

04:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue toward the Aegean coast.
04:30 p.m. - Kusadasi. Arrival in this lively coastal town, bustling with shops and a vibrant nightlife. We’ll visit a leather goods gallery to learn about the region’s renowned lambskin garments. You’ll have free time to explore the bazaars and visit the castle. Dinner will be included.

Note: During high season, from May through October, accommodations will be provided in Aydin instead of Kusadasi. In this case, after exploring Ephesus, we’ll make a stop in Kusadasi (4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), where we’ll include a panoramic tour of the city before continuing on to Aydin.

Kusadasi - Bodrum - Marmaris

Total distance covered: 320 km.

Scenery: Various beautiful sights over the Aegean Sea.

08:30 a.m. - Departure from Kusadasi.
10:00 a.m. - Lake Bafa. We’ll stop to take in its stunning natural beauty, rich history, mystical charm, and serene atmosphere. This is undoubtedly one of Turkey´s must-see natural wonders.

10:30 a.m.- Departure from Bafa Lake.
12:00 p.m. – Bodrum. Free time in this beautiful, fortified city of Greek origin. You can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. We’ll have some time for lunch.

03:00 p.m. – Departure from Bodrum.
05:30 p.m. - Marmaris. Arrival to another beautiful coastal tourist enclave, with its castle, pier and fountains. Dinner and accommodation.

Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.

Marmaris - Rhodes

Notes:
-On the ferry to Greece, you will need to carry your luggage and keep your passport handy.
-The ferries that connect Marmaris with Rhodes often have schedule modifications depending on the season and notify their dates and departure times only a few months in advance. Sometimes, the ferry may depart in the afternoon. The schedule and itinerary will be provided in “My Trip” approximately one month before your travel date. Depending on the number of passengers, your guide may not accompany you on the ferry ride. In that case, your new guide will be waiting for you upon arrival on the island.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel towards the port. Border procedures. We’ll take an express ferry with a scheduled departure (subject to change) at 09:15 a.m. The crossing will last one hour.
10:15 a.m. - Rhodes. Border entry procedures in Greece. Free time afterwards.

Rhodes - Night on Board

Total distance covered: 115 Km.

Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes, picturesque views over the sea.

Please note: Ferry schedules are subject to frequent changes. The departure time specified in this itinerary may vary. The journey to Athens may alternatively be made by plane.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Rhodes city. Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to explore the rest of the island of Rhodes (included).
09:30 a.m. – Filerimos. We’ll explore its small monastery, set amidst stunning landscapes atop a hill.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Filerimos.
11:30 a.m. – Lindos. We’ll arrive in this historic city boasting a medieval fortress and a Greek Acropolis overlooking the sea. We´ll take you by coach to St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition holds that the apostle arrived by sea in 51 A.D. to spread Christianity. This picturesque setting was also featured in the film "The Guns of Navarone." You can leisurely stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis.

03:00 p.m. – Departure from Lindos and return to Rhodes.
04:00 p.m. – Upon arrival at the port, we’ll board a modern ferry to Athens. The scheduled departure (confirmation pending for July and August) from Rhodes is at 05:00 p.m. Enjoy the Mediterranean views during the journey.

We’ll spend the night on board in cabins with private bathrooms. Please note that breakfast is not included.

Note: Depending on the number of passengers, your guide might not accompany you on the ferry.

Athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras

Total distance covered: 411 km.

Landscapes: Beautiful sea views. Fantastic landscapes of the Meteora.

07:30 a.m. - We’ll disembark in Athens and travel to the Peloponnese.
09:15 a.m. - Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the end of the nineteenth century that links the Isthmus of Corinth with the Aegean Sea, facilitating maritime transport.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from the Corinth Canal. Once on the Peloponnese Peninsula, we’ll continue travelling through the mountains.
10:45 a.m. - Tripoli. We’ll stop in the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region, with time for a stroll around Aeros Square with its cafes and restaurants.

11:45 a.m. - Departure from Tripoli.
01:45 p.m. - Olympia. We’ll have time for lunch and then we’ll visit the archaeological site (admission and guided tour included), the place where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C., with athletes from all over Greece and its colonies participating. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. After the visit, you’ll have free time. If you wish, you can visit the museum (not included).

04:45 p.m. - Departure from Olympia. We’ll enjoy mountain landscapes and pass through some picturesque villages on our route.
06:45 p.m. - Patras. We’ll arrive in the third-largest city in Greece, a lively port city with a remarkable medieval fortress. Its cathedral is the largest church in Greece, and next to it is the small church of St. Andrew, a place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.

Patras – Nafpaktos – Mycenae – Acrocorinth - Athens

Total distance covered: 325 km.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Patras. After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, a spectacular cable-stayed bridge which connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland.
09:15 a.m. - Nafpaktos - Free time to walk around Nafpaktos, a town on the Gulf of Corinth. Its Venetian fortress overlooking the city is a reminder of its historical significance as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets clashed in battle—a conflict during which the famous Cervantes lost his arm.

10:30 a.m. - Departure from Nafpaktos. We’ll resume our journey along the Gulf of Corinth.
01:00 p.m. - Mycenae. Arrival and free time to explore the colossal citadel from the 18th century BC, considered the cradle of European civilization (admission included).

03:30 p.m. - Departure from Mycenae after lunch.
04:15 p.m. - Acrocorinth. We’ll visit the immense fortress of Acrocorinth (tickets included). The foundations of an old temple of Aphrodite rest on the highest part of the settlement.

06:00 p.m. - Departure from Acrocorinth. We’ll continue our journey towards Athens with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive 19th-century engineering feat that connects the Isthmus of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, facilitating maritime trade.
07:30 p.m. - Athens - Arrival.

Enjoy a free day to take in the charm of this city, exploring and discovering its memorable places.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.