Day 1: Istanbul
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.
Day 2: Istanbul
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.
Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara
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, in the Uskudar district, from where we’ll continue our journey to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara in time for dinner, which will be included.
Day 4: Ankara - Cappadocia
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. We’ll continue our journey to Cappadocia, making a stop at the Salt Lake for lunch, taking in its 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.
Day 5: Cappadocia
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.
Day 6: Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya
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.
Day 7: Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale
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.
Day 8: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi
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.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.
Day 9: Kusadasi - Bodrum - Marmaris
We’ll leave early to visit one of Turkey´s natural wonders, Lake Bafa, and take a moment to admire its serene beauty. Our journey will then continue to Bodrum, a stunning fortified city of Greek origin. Here, you can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. After lunch, we’ll proceed to Marmaris, another picturesque coastal tourist destination known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.
Day 10: Marmaris - Rhodes
Early in the morning, we’ll take an express ferry to Greece, with a crossing time of approximately one hour. After completing border procedures, we’ll arrive in Rhodes and have some free time to explore.Important note: The ferries connecting Marmaris to Rhodes frequently change schedules and do not operate daily, except during the summer months. If necessary, the itinerary may be adjusted.
Day 11: Rhodes - Ferry rodas athens
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 journey 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 opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. Later, we’ll reconvene at the port of Rhodes and board a ferry to Athens.
Day 12: Ferry rodas athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras
Arrival in Athens-Piraeus at 7:00 a.m. We’ll disembark and travel to the Peloponnese, making a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the late nineteenth century. Continuing through the mountains, we’ll reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, we’ll take a break, and you’ll have time for a stroll in the bustling Aeros Square with its cafes and restaurants. Our journey will then take us to Olympia, where we’ll visit the Archaeological Site with a local guide (ticket included). The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 B.C., attracting athletes from all over Greece and its colonies. Highlights of the site include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Next, we’ll proceed to Patras, the third largest city in Greece, with a remarkable medieval fortress and the largest cathedral in the country. Adjacent to the cathedral is the small church of St. Andrew, a significant place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.
Day 13: Patras - Nafpaktos - Mycenae - Corinth - Athens
After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, a spectacular cable-stayed bridge that connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. Our first stop is Nafpaktos, located 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. You’ll have free time to stroll around its picturesque harbor and explore the beautiful old town. Continuing along the Gulf of Corinth, we’ll reach Mycenae, a colossal citadel dating back to the 18th century BC, considered the cradle of European civilization (admission included). Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the site. Next, we’ll visit the imposing Fortress of Acrocorinth (tickets included), where the remains of an ancient temple of Aphrodite stand on the highest point of the settlement. We’ll then continue our journey, making a brief stop at the Corinth Canal. We’ll arrive in Athens in the evening.
Day 14: Athens
Enjoy a free day to take in the charm of this city, exploring and discovering its memorable places.
Day 15: Athens
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
