Greco-Turkish Passion with Crete End Athens (2025)

1. nap

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.

2. nap

A sightseeing tour of the city awaits us. On our tour, we´ll enter the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, we´ll explore the ancient walls, the Golden Horn, the bustling fishing district and we´ll marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Our tour also includes tickets to visit the Topkapi Palace, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.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 see the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.

3. nap

Today, 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. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.

4. nap

We’ll leave early from Istanbul and continue our route through Turkey. Around lunch time, we’ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Two thousand years ago, it had a quarter of a million inhabitants. We’ll visit the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included). After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Ephesus, we’ll proceed to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant atmosphere, commercial life, and quaint castle. We’ll stay the night in Kusadasi, and dinner will be included.Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.

5. nap

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.

6. nap

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.

7. nap

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.

8. nap

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.

9. nap

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.

10. nap

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.

11. nap

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.

12. nap

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.

13. nap

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