Best of Turkey & Greece Cruise-Tour

Upon your arrival at Istanbul’s airport, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your five-star hotel in the city. Take time to settle in as you’ll be here for the next three nights. Afterward, you might do a little exploring as your hotel is located in the Karaköy neighborhood, a fun area with lots to see and do just a short stroll away. There are art galleries to browse, shops for picking up souvenirs or items you might need for your trip, along with many restaurants and bars. The Karaköy market is a fabulous place to wander through for a culinary treat.

Get to know exotic Istanbul more in-depth by joining your guide for a full-day private walking tour that features many of the popular landmarks, with a focus on the spectacular Old City. While the order may vary, some of the sites you can expect to see include the Blue Mosque, so-called for its incredible tiles that decorate the interior, although it’s magnificent inside and out. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, the political, religious, and artistic center during the Byzantine era, serving as both a mosque and church at various points in history. The Basilica Cistern and renowned Grand Bazaar are just two of the other likely highlights.

• Included Excursion: Private Walking Tour of Istanbul

Continue to explore Istanbul with another intriguing tour that includes a crossing of the famous Bosphorus Strait which forms part of the continental boundary between Asia and Europe. You might begin by exploring Topkapi Palace, an extensive Ottoman complex, and the colorful Spice Bazaar before meeting your private driver to head into more modern Istanbul. Discover Taksim Square and lively Istiklal street while enjoying picturesque views before crossing to the Asian side of the city. Your guide is likely to reveal more of your hotel’s neighborhood, which is renowned for its endless food and drink venues, including a fish and produce market.

• Included Excursion: Private Tour of Istanbul with Car & Driver

A big day lies ahead that begins by taking a private transfer to the Istanbul Airport to catch your flight to Nevsehir (Cappadocia). Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your four-star hotel where you can settle into a Classic Cave Room. Afterward, explore the fairytale-like landscapes with your private guide, visiting places like the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum with its ancient cave churches and remarkable biblical frescoes. You’ll travel to a pottery workshop in Avanos, discovering why the small town is renowned for its pottery, and perhaps conclude the day by hiking in the Rose Valley which features pink-hued rock formations.

• Included Excursion: Private Walking Tour of Cappadocia

While the ground-level views of the deep canyons and bizarrely shaped rocks of the Cappadocia landscapes are impressive, they’re even more so when seen from above. Early this morning, before sunrise, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view from a hot-air balloon. This is the calmest time of day, ideal for gazing down at the ethereal limestone spires and pillars, peppered with churches and other dwellings that are carved into the rock. After the 2.5-hour ride, your guide will bring you to panoramic spots for more mesmerizing views and perhaps to Uchisar Castle before heading to Kaymak, an underground city.

• Included Excursions: Private Hot-Air Balloon Ride & Tour of Cappadocia with Car & Driver

Returning to Nevsehir Airport by private transfer, this morning you’ll hop on a flight to Athens. Upon arrival to the Greek capital, widely regarded as the birthplace of western civilization, you’ll be met by your private driver for transfer to your 5-star hotel in the city that’s just steps from Syntagma Square. You might want to head to the fabulous roof terrace which features a pool where you can swim while surrounded by breathtaking city views that include the iconic Parthenon. There are many eateries nearby, although the property offers fine dining at its rooftop restaurant so you can continue to enjoy that jaw-dropping view.

Before embarking on your cruise, you’ll get a close-up look at the Acropolis and its monuments that date back to the 5th century BC, including the Parthenon, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike. You’ll enjoy a two-hour private guided tour followed by a walking tour through the colorful Plaka district, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. It sits beneath the Acropolis and features many landmarks of its own like the Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, and Hadrian’s Library. Afterward, take a private transfer to Marina Zeas where your ship awaits, departing for the small island of Poros in the Saronic Gulf, overnighting at sea.

• Included Excursion: Private Highlights of Athens Walking Tour

Having cruised throughout the night we’ll reach the largest uninhabited island in Greece this morning. Poliegos is known for its beaches edged by spectacularly clear blue waters that make it perfect for the first swim stop of your journey. Afterward, enjoy a Greek-style BBQ feast on board. Our next destination is the little island of Folegandros, wonderfully unspoiled with far fewer visitors than its famous neighbor Santorini. You’ll have time on your own for dinner this evening, with the cobbled streets of Chora not only enjoyable to stroll, but they host many excellent traditional tavernas serving authentic local fare.

Cruising into the port at Santorini, you’ll enjoy a dramatic view of the steep cliffs of the caldera rising above. You can explore Fira, the charming capital, on your own, or join an optional excursion. It includes two popular attractions, the archaeological site of Akrotiri which, similar to Pompeii, was blanketed with ash during a volcanic eruption some 3,700 years ago providing a fascinating glimpse of the past. Visiting Oia village, you’ll see its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches that spill down the caldera cliffs, with time to take in its world-famous sunset and enjoy an independent dinner with an awe-inspiring view.

This morning after your departure to Santorini, there will be a swim stop at Antiparos which boasts surreal clear blue waters. Upon arrival to the island of Paros, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps exploring the labyrinth of marble streets in the main port of Parikia lined with typical Cycladic homes with splashes of blue. Afterward, stroll the enticing alleyways in Naoussa village and then conclude with our Greek night that includes music and dancing. Show off your dance moves and be sure to bring a camera to capture photos of all the fun.

Today’s adventure brings us to the sacred island of Delos where you can take an optional tour of the archaeological site, with well-preserved ruins, some that date to the 5th century BC. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo, the Agora, and 2,500-year-old mosaic floors. Continuing to Mykonos, just a few miles away, you’ll enjoy a swim stop before we arrive in one of the magnificent, secluded bays. After disembarking, you’ll have the remainder of the day to do as you wish. You might visit one of the famous beaches, check out the upscale shops, dine in a world-class eatery, and sample the famous nightlife.

There will be time for a refreshing swim off the shores of Mykonos before continuing to our next destination, Syros Island. Enjoy the capital of the Cyclades on your own, with many fabulous beaches, including pebbly and sandy stretches. After soaking up the sun you might take in the architectural treasures with a stroll through town, visiting places like Miaouli Square which hosts Ermoupolis’ city hall and impressive neoclassical buildings. Enjoy dinner here too, with outstanding local tavernas that serve authentic traditional cuisine, including many dishes made with island-grown veggies and herbs that can be paired with tasty Greek wine.

As we make our way toward Kythnos, enjoy the final swim of your trip in Kolones Bay, surrounded by incredible natural beauty. With our last night just hours away, we’ll continue to Marina Keas, sailing by way of Cape Sounion. You’ll see the iconic Temple of Poseidon that sits atop the headland, surrounded on three sides by the turquoise Aegean, providing a great photo op. This evening is the perfect time to exchange photos and contact information with your fellow passengers that have become new friends and prepare for your disembarkation in the morning by getting your bags packed and ready.

This morning you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on board with time for farewells to the captain, crew, and your fellow passengers. When it’s time to disembark, you’ll be met by your private driver for a transfer to Athens International Airport to catch your flight home or your onward hotel. Of course, if you aren’t ready to go home just yet and don’t have plans made, our travel experts are happy to help and perhaps create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, we wish you a safe journey and hope to see you again on another unforgettable trip.