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12 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece - Monday Departure

From Istanbul to Athens
Operator
Gate1
Days
12
From
USD $2,899
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Dates & Prices

Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

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Monday,
Jun 02, 2025
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Friday,
Jun 13, 2025
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Jun 23, 2025
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Jul 04, 2025
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Sep 01, 2025
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Sep 12, 2025
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Sep 08, 2025
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Sep 19, 2025
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Sep 15, 2025
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Sep 26, 2025
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Sep 22, 2025
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Oct 03, 2025
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Sep 29, 2025
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Oct 10, 2025
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Oct 20, 2025
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Oct 31, 2025
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Oct 27, 2025
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Nov 07, 2025
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Nov 10, 2025
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Nov 21, 2025
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Nov 17, 2025
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Nov 28, 2025
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Tour Itinerary

Countries Visited

Greece Turkey

The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7:30 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Istanbul City Tour
Embark on a city tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Begin with a visit to the Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Continue on to the newly renovated Blue Mosque, showcasing an impressive combination of blue Iznik tiles and intricate stonework. Afterward, head to Basilica Cistern, an extensive underground cistern commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. Then, tour St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday - Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market
Begin with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries, including the Harem section. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Continue to the Grand Bazaar in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. Following a carpet weaving demonstration, wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewelry, leather goods, carpets and more. Afterwards, explore the Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Explore Edirne
Depart Istanbul early this morning and travel to Edirne, an important gateway between Europe and the East. On arrival, visit Üç Serefeli Mosque with its four strikingly unique minarets. Explore the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum, Grand Synagogue of Edirne and browse the shops at Ali Pasa Covered Bazaar. Later, check into the hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Edirne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Border Crossing to Greece, Kavala
This morning, leave Edirne behind and cross into Greece, stopping along the way for lunch. After border formalities, continue on to the city of Kavala, built on a hillside along the coast of the Aegean Sea. Arrive and check into the hotel
Overnight: Kavala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Sunday - Archaeological Site of Philippi, Thessaloniki
Begin the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient site and view monuments representing Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian periods. Highlights include the acropolis, Hellenistic theater, agora, octagonal church, dedicated to St Paul and Roman cistern, where Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Later, travel through the scenic Greek countryside, past charming villages to Thessaloniki. On arrival, check into the hotel and spend leisure time before dinner tonight
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Thessaloniki Walking Food Tour
Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors and historic landmarks. Learn about the regional cuisine and sample Greek meze dishes and freshly baked goods. Visit the open-air market, with its charming paved alleys, stalls filled with fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, dairy products, and many local specialties. After lunch at a taverna, spend free time at Aristotelous Square. In the evening, take a boat tour around the Thermaikos Gulf and admire views of Thessaloniki and the beautiful coastline. Afterwards, have dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Archaeological Site of Vergina
Depart Thessaloniki this morning, and head to the archaeological site of Vergina in Central Macedonia. Considered one the most extraordinary finds of the 20th century, Vergina was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. Visit the Royal Tomb of King Phillip (father of Alexander the Great) and view the famous "Vergina Treasures" including gold urns, jeweled wreaths, unique art, ivory, and armor. Continue to Kalambaka for overnight
Overnight: Kalambaka
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Wednesday - Meteora Monasteries, Travel to Athens
Visit Meteora, meaning "suspended in the air", with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of massive rock formations. Admire the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art and stop at a workshop of Byzantine icons and souvenirs. Admire the panoramic vistas over the Peneios Valley. Following lunch, embark on a scenic drive that takes you along the coast, past Thermopylae to Athens. Arrive and check into your hotel
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Thursday - Athens City Tour
The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Depart Greece
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Inclusions

Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

Escorted Package Includes

  • Flights New York-Istanbul, Athens-New York
    Other departure cities available.
  • 10 nights First Class accommodations
  • 3 nights Istanbul
  • 1 night Edirne
  • 1 night Kavala
  • 2 nights Thessaloniki
  • 1 night Kalambaka
  • 2 nights Athens
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
  • Special Features

     

  • Discover Istanbul's sights including St. Sophia, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
  • Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia
  • Visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, including the Harem section
  • Explore Edirne, an important gateway between Europe and the East
  • Tour the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Take a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors
  • View the Royal Tomb of King Philip and the famous "Vergina Treasures"
  • Visit Meteora with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched in mid-air
  • Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece and visit the Acropolis Museum
  • †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

    Not Included:
    Gratuities.


    Additional Information:
    Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

    During Ramadan (Feb 28 - Mar 30, 2025), historic and cultural sites may close early and operate with minimal staff. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the holiday observance. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcoholic beverages. Entertainment may be limited to be respectful of the holiday observance. Modest dress is suggested during Ramadan (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

    Health and Safety Protocols for Gate1 Tours

    At Gate 1 we take your safety and security very seriously. We have a strong network of tour managers, local offices, ground operators and colleagues which help us stay informed in all the destinations that we operate. We closely monitor local situations which enable us to make the operational decisions necessary to keep our tours running safely. Millions of people travel the world each year and experience enjoyable and safe trips but crimes against people and property are sadly a fact of life. It is very important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Please remember that you have the same responsibility for your personal safety and possessions as you do at home. It is essential to prepare for a safe and healthy travel abroad. Therefore before you travel, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the US Department of State at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date travel advice on the countries that you are visiting. The website provides useful information on subjects such as safety and security information, health precautions and medications, health insurance and additional tips for traveling abroad. If you do not reside in the United States, we recommend you check your government's travel advisory website for any country you will be visiting. We recommend that you review the safety guidance that may be provided by us, our agents or suppliers, either before you go or when you arrive in your destination. You can also find helpful tips on our website in the "Trip Preparation" tab of each of our tour packages. We do know that in-spite of careful planning, things can sometimes still go wrong, so rest assured, we will be there to help and support you.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

    Accommodations

    Point Hotel Taksim
    This first class hotel is located in the Taksim area of Istanbul.

    Margi Hotel
    This first class hotel is located in Edirne, next to Margi Outlet mall.

    Lucy Hotel
    This first class hotel is located in the city of Kavala, near the sea.

    Capsis Hotel
    This first class hotel is located in the heart of downtown Thessaloniki.

    Divani Meteora Hotel
    This first class hotel is situated at the foot of the rocks of Meteora at the small village of Kalambaka. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and has stunning views of the mountains.

    Divani Caravel
    This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of Athens, near to the Embassy district.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

    Questions & Answers
      Ask A Question

    Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

    Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

    Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

    Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

    Gate1 Tours Customer Trip Reviews

    Overall Rating
    4.3
    Accommodations
    4.1
    Itinerary
    4.4
    Professional Staff
    4.6
    Repeat with Operator
    4.4
    Value for Money
    4.2
    Ratings based off 7473 reviews about Gate1 Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

    Gate 1 has always provided good travel experiences for me.

    Speaking for my wife and I, we are of the age where we need slower guided tours. For example, we would be with the local guide and they would point out various shops, etc., but we would not be able to stop until the end of tour. We could not remember how to back track and find our way back in time.

    I really liked this tour! It was nice only unpacking once.

    Rui Miguel, tour guide could not have been a better match for the group of experienced travelers which made our group. Knowledgeable, professional, and humorous. Passionate about his country, his work and enjoyable to be around. Likewise the 2 other city guides, Pedro (Lisbon) and Marta (Porto). These tour guides were all cracked out of the same egg. Excellent!!! We have toured with two other companies. Gate 1 has something the others do not. Exceptional guides, exceptional communication, and exceptional itineraries which are affordable and fair. Because we choose to travel off season or shoulder I feel we get the best of all worlds. I always feel that we got the best we could at a price we were happy to pay. I have referred many to Gate 1. I will continue. (No, I did not collect a referral fee; they failed to mention, but they have all become Gate 1 travelers). Suggestions on the Affordable Portugal Itinerary: *Shorten Lisbon stay to 2 nights to allow personal time in Tomar or Porto. *Change "Bed options" in booking. It is not to my liking, as well as those we chatted with, to have to request a bed type at check in. I would like to preface this concern with the fact that the check-in rep was lovely, kind, and well spoken. The compaint: A tour reservation, (although many hotels do same thing),bed preference should be known and booked at time of booking. Our room, (we checked in at 3PM) was offered at twin, request was made for queen/double at desk. The request was given to a desk manager, then to the front Supervisor. Finally 15 minutes later with the desk lined up with check-ins were told "ok" and were told it was a very quiet room, in which we were most pleased. No, it was NOT a quiet room. Room 410 and those along that corridor were very noisy. EXTREMELY! Air conditioners/recycling bottle dump at 2AM/trash trucks/voices. Not a good sleeping experience at the Hotel Mondial. Others experienced same and mentioned as casual chit-chat.

    Everyone loved our Tour Director, Jared, who was very competent and professional with a great sense of humor. We were lucky to have such a compatible large group of congenial and friendly people from all over the U.S. and a few from Canada.. The hotels, whether new and deluxe or in historic haciendas, exceeded our expectations as did the fully-packed itinerary of enjoyable museum and home visits, activities.

    The trip was much more than i expected. Even though we had a relatively large group all activities ran very smoothly. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative. He answered questions easily and thoroughly. Several stops on the tour showed the life of the Turkish people.

    Columbia SA has changed, the violence is gone and the tour was informative and interesting with great guides. Right now, the value for everything is a bargain compared to US prices

    Chile, Patagonia, Argentina & Rio trip, 17 days, fast paced....wonderful! Gate 1 did a fabulous job coordinating everything, flights, transfers, attractions, etc. Special shout out to Silvana Cohen who was our tour director! Amazing job, attention to every participant!

    Only thing that I didn’t like was that there are no airport transfers included.

    This tour has exceeded my expectations. The place has so much to offer. Our tour manager (Eranga)was excellent and so was the driver and the assistant. Excellent accommodations and food.

    This trip is for dedicated travelers who recognize the North American roads and customs are not universal so we need to adapt quickly to what appears to be chaos, but in fact there are socially accepable systems and behaviors in place. We just have to learn them!

    I was not picked up at the airport as I booked and paid for. I had to hire a cab which cost $150 and took 2 hours because the non-English speaking cab driver got lost several times. When I reached the hotel I learned that the hotel for the early nights in Playa del Carman had been changed. I never got an email telling me about the change. The Allergo Hi tower told me that they had never heard of Gate 1 even though this was the hotel on my itinerary. Fortunately there was another Gate 1 participant at the reception guest at the same time and gave me the name of the new hotel and I had a cab take me there. By the time I reached the original hotel Gate 1's office was closed and there was no one to contact. Due to this failure  I would never book a Gate 1 tour again and have advised friends not to take any Gate 1 tours. Hopefully I will get reimbursed for the expense I incurred from Cancun Airport to Playa cel Carmen since I was not met and picked up as expected. The tour director was excellent and I saw marvelous sights. All hotels were unsatisfory and the food was mediocre to poor. I am ambivalent about having taken the tour and would never recommend it to anyone.

    This is a great tour. We saw so much of this beautiful country during the 2 weeks. Our tour guide and drivers were exceptional. Hotels were very nice. The meals that were included in our package were delicious and highlighted the local cuisine. Highly recommend this tour.

    A wonderful trip from day one until we boarded the plane for flight back home. Our tour guide was exceptional with her knowledge of Thailand and keeping us informed regarding the sights we would experience. 

    I have to strongly commend our tour guide , Ahmed, for his excellence in knowledge of Eqyptian history and his superb efficiency in conducting the tours. He truly was fantastic .

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