Classical Greece and Istanbul, 11days

After breakfast you will meet for the Athens Panoramic City Tour

• Panathenaic Stadium: Pass by this historic stadium (Kallimarmaro), the only one in the world built entirely of marble, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
  Hellenic Parliament: Drive past the Hellenic Parliament, the seat of Greece’s government, and see the changing of the guard at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Also pass by the Prime Minister's Residence, guarded by the traditionally dressed Euzones.
  Temple of Olympian Zeus: Admire the towering columns of this once-grand temple dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods.
• Hadrian’s Arch: Observe this impressive Roman-era arch, which once marked the boundary between ancient Athens and the Roman city.
• Academy, University & National Library: Pass by these neoclassical buildings, which
  represent Greece’s dedication to education and culture.
• Constitution Square (Syntagma): Drive through the central square of Athens, a hub of
  political and social activity surrounded by historical buildings.
• Acropolis: Stop at this legendary site and explore its iconic monuments, including the
  Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.
• Acropolis Museum: Stop to visit this modern museum showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis.

Free Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Athens on your own.

Embark on a memorable journey through the fertile plain of Boeotia, arriving at the legendary Delphi, known as the centre of the ancient world. Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and discover the ruins of the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the renowned Delphi Museum. Feast on delicious traditional Greek cuisine at a local tavern in Delphi. Continue your adventure towards Kalambaka, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Meteora Rocks. These towering cliffs are home to the largest and most significant group of monasteries in Greece. Prepare for a mesmerizing experience. Overnight in Kalambaka in anticipation of the next day’s visit to the remarkable Meteora.

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty and spirituality of Meteora. Marvel at the vertical cliffs that have been a site for spiritual elevation since early Christian times. Explore the monasteries perched atop these magnificent rocks, each with its own history, architecture, and artistic treasures. Let the serene and mystical atmosphere leave an indelible impression on your soul. In the early afternoon, we depart for Thessaloniki. Overnight.

After Breakfast, panoramic tour of Thessaloniki on the luxury buses of our company. We will visit Galerius Arch, Byzantine churches such as Rotonda and Saint Sofia, Egnatia and Aristotle’s Square. Our bus will ascend at the Byzantine Castles over the city where another world with endless beauty unfolds. We will visit the Byzantine Museum. We will visit the Church of St. Demetrios and its Crypt, finally we will visit the famous White Tower. In the afternoon we will continue our exploration of the city center and we will visit numerous monuments from the Byzantine period. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

In the morning you can finish the tour of the old city of Kavala. Explore the ancient site of Philippi, the ancient theater and the basilica churches before joining the city of Alexandroupolis. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast we depart for Istanbul. Check-in and rest for the day. Overnight in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the 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 the 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. 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.

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 stop will be a visit to 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. Free afternoon to explore the city. OR you can take the optional “Classical tour”: In the afternoon, visit the Hagia Sophia; it is unquestionably one of the most fantastic buildings of all time. It was built by the Justinian’s 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.

Enjoy a free day in Istanbul to explore at your own pace. You can visit more landmarks, shop at the Grand Bazaar, or indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine. Overnight in Istanbul.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.