ISTANBUL 10ºC - 13ºC

Welcome to your tour with 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.

ISTANBUL 10ºC - 13ºC

We’ll start with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring this unique metropolis that spans two continents. Our tour includes a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, as well as stops at the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia.

As the afternoon draws to a close, we’ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city’s most vibrant commercial district. There, you´ll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and hop on the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.

ISTANBUL 10ºC - 13ºC - ANKARA 4ºC - 6ºC

We’ll begin our day with a 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. We’ll then disembark on the Asian side for a leisurely walk through the Uskudar district, known for its impressive mosques like Yeni Valide and the Maiden’s Tower, as well as its tranquil streets. After some free time for lunch, we’ll continue our journey to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara in time for dinner, which will be included.

ANKARA 4ºC - 6ºC - CAPPADOCIA -2ºC - -2ºC

After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with 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. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Cappadocia, making a stop at the Salt Lake, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. We’ll also visit Hacibektas, a revered pilgrimage site. Please be mindful of the dress code and maintain silence during our visit, as this sanctuary houses the mausoleum of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic. We’ll then proceed to Nevsehir, arriving in time for dinner, which will be included.

CAPPADOCIA -2ºC - -2ºC

We’ll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our adventure will begin in the Göreme Valley, where we’ll visit the open-air museum and marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Next, we’ll visit Uchisar, home to a natural fortress, followed by a visit to Kaymacli, an underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. On our way back to Avanos, we’ll stop at Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, where we’ll take a walk in this breathtaking natural area. You’ll have some free time before we wrap up the day. Dinner will be included.

CAPPADOCIA -2ºC - -2ºC - IHLARA 5ºC - 5ºC - KONYA 4ºC - 4ºC

At the far edge of Cappadocia, we’ll visit the Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters and its rock-cut churches and villages. Our itinerary includes visits to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya, where we’ll learn about the Dervish order. Dinner will be included. In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

KONYA 4ºC - 4ºC - EGRIDIR - PAMUKKALE 11ºC - 11ºC

We’ll journey along a scenic route between the lakes, arriving at Egridir, a charming town by a large lake, known for its historic walls and mosques. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch here. Next, we’ll continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner will be included.

PAMUKKALE 11ºC - 11ºC - EPHESUS 35ºC - 35ºC - KUSADASI 14ºC - 14ºC

We’ll make our way to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, which was home to a quarter million people 2,000 years ago. We’ll explore the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive Ephesus ancient city ruins (admission included). Next, we’ll head to Kusadasi, a bustling coastal town known for its lively atmosphere, thriving shops, and small castle. Dinner will be included.

KUSADASI 14ºC - 14ºC - BODRUM 16ºC - 16ºC - MARMARIS 15ºC - 15ºC

We’ll start our day with an early visit to one of Turkey’s natural treasures, Lake Bafa. From there, we’ll continue to Bodrum, a breathtaking fortified city of Greek origin. You’ll have the chance to explore its castle, stroll through its bustling streets, or visit the marina. After lunch, we’ll head to Marmaris, a tourist coastal town known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.

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

MARMARIS 15ºC - 15ºC - RHODES 24ºC - 24ºC

We’ll set off towards Greece early in the morning and board the express ferry to Rhodes. The journey will last about an hour. We’ll undergo standard border-crossing procedures. Once in Rhodes, we’ll embark on a tour of its remarkable walled city and historic quarter, which reflect a rich tapestry of cultural influences—from Greek and Roman to Byzantine, Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure.

Please note: The ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris is subject to frequent changes and does not operate daily (except during summer months). Accordingly, this part of the itinerary may need to be adjusted.

RHODES 24ºC - 24ºC - HERAKLION 13ºC - 15ºC

Today, we’ll depart from Rhodes city for an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included). Our first stop will be Filerimos, situated atop a hill, where you can visit its monastery amidst stunning landscapes. From there, we’ll continue to Lindos to explore its fortress and Acropolis, offering breathtaking views of the sea. You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or even opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. After lunch, we’ll return to Rhodes city, and you’ll have some free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for a flight to the island of Crete. Later, we’ll transfer to the hotel in Heraklion.

Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.

HERAKLION 13ºC - 15ºC

In the morning, we’ll journey along the coast towards the west of the island. Rethymno, a picturesque coastal city of Venetian origin, known for its medieval castle, will be our first stop. Then, we’ll continue to Chania, a captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. We’ll return to Heraklion at the end of the day.

HERAKLION 13ºC - 15ºC

Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to the Palace of Knossos, where we´ll delve into the Minoan culture that laid the foundation for Greek civilization four thousand years ago (admission and guided tour included). After our visit, we’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains and journey southward to the shores of the Libyan Sea, arriving at Agia Galini—a picturesque town with winding streets, a charming fishing port, and crowded taverns. You’ll have time for lunch and, if you wish, a swim in the sea. We´ll return to the capital of Crete at day’s end.

Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.

HERAKLION 13ºC - 15ºC

We’ll travel along the coast towards the east of the island. Our first stop will be in the small town of Kritsa to visit Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church renowned for its exquisite frescoes (admission included). Afterward, we’ll arrive at Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll continue to Elounda, a former city-state turned into a beautiful tourist enclave. Here, we’ll embark on a boat ride to Spinalonga Island to visit the Fortress of Spinalonga, an ancient Venetian fortress later used as a leper colony for many years. After the visit, we’ll return by boat and head back to Heraklion for accommodation.

HERAKLION 13ºC - 15ºC - SANTORINI 16ºC - 16ºC - ATHENS 13ºC - 15ºC

Early in the morning, we’ll transfer to the port and board a high-speed ferry to Santorini, arriving between 09:00 and 10:00 a.m. From there, we’ll journey by bus through stunning landscapes to Oia, undoubtedly the most spectacular town on the island: vibrant white streets, beautiful cliff views, remnants of a castle, and windmills. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Later, we’ll visit Fira, the island’s capital. Those interested can descend to the port by cable car or donkey and admire the cruise ships. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to the port to board a high-speed ferry departing around 03:15 p.m. Arrival in Athens expected around midnight.

Important Note:

From November to mid-April, the high-speed ferry service from Heraklion to Santorini is suspended. During these months, we will travel from Heraklion to Athens by plane instead.

ATHENS 13ºC - 15ºC

In the morning, we´ll embark on a panoramic tour of Athens. We´ll get to know the modern city, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Royal Palace. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore on your own.

ATHENS 13ºC - 15ºC

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