Istanbul Itinerary 8 Days
Day 1: Istanbul
Once you arrive at the Istanbul International Ataturk Airport, meet our tour representative, who will help you with an assisted transfer to your pre-booked hotel. After completing the check-in formalities, you can relax for some time. Now you are free to indulge in the activities of your interest, such as exploring the surroundings on foot, interacting with the locals, relishing the lip-smacking delicacies, visiting the famous markets, and so on. After enjoying this fun-filled day, return to your hotel, munch your dinner, and stay overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul
On day 2 of the Istanbul Athens Tour, have breakfast and get a pick-up from the hotel to partake in sightseeing in Istanbul. The list of attractions includes the ancient Basilica of St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque). Later, you indulge in shopping at the Grand Covered Bazaar, where Turkish art, crafts, carpets, brassware, and much more. The evening is free, or you can also opt for Bosphorus Dinner Cruise or Istanbul Evening Shows. Finally, return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: Istanbul
On day 3, post breakfast, continue your sightseeing. Pick-up from the hotel to board the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy traditional sightseeing by boat. You will first see the Dolmabahce Palace, then cruise along the parks and regal pavilions of Yildiz Palace. The coastal end of the park has Ciragan Palace with a marble facade. Next, you will explore Ortakoy Rumeli Fortress-
Beylerbeyi Palace, and Bosphorus Bridge.
Get off the boat and visit Camlica Hill-the highest point of Istanbul. After that, you visit the Spice Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar. The air carries the aroma of spices and herbs. View the traditional silk weaving skills of the local women. You can also shop for souvenirs such as handicrafts, jewelry, leatherware, etc. Back to the hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Istanbul to Greece (550 km/ 1 hr, 30 min-approx.)
Post breakfast, after check-out, get an assisted transfer to the airport to board a flight to Greece. Once you reach the airport, meet our representative, who will help you with an assisted transfer to your pre-booked Athena downtown. The rest of the day is free for you to indulge in the activities of your interest. You can also explore the old Athens city of Plaka and the modern side. Taste the local renditions, interact with the locals, and so on. Finally, have your dinner and enjoy an overnight stay in Athens.
Day 5: Athens
On the 5th day, leave the comforts of your room after breakfast to indulge in a city tour of Athens. First, enjoy a guided tour of the city's major tourist attractions, including the National Library, the Constitution Square or Syntagma, the Memorable to the Unknown Soldier, and the House of Parliament. Next, you drive past Herod Atticus Street and the magnificent Presidential Palace. Finally, while moving towards the Acropolis, See the Hadrian's Arch and visit the temple of Olympian Zeus.
The next visit is to the Panathenaic Stadium. On reaching the Acropolis, you explore its Museum and the other architectural marvels of the Golden Age of Athens, including the temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Parthenon. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. Stay overnight in Athens.
Day 6: Athens
Once you have your breakfast on day 6, continue sightseeing in Athens. Begin driving via the fertile plants of Boeotia, passing the towns of Thebes, Arachova, and Levadia. Take a halt to shop for some exquisite colorful carpets and rugs. Once you reach Delphi, visit Omphalos and the remains of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, erected on Mount Parnassus.
The other attractions of the day include the temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the Museum carrying ancient Greek sculptures, a bronze Charioteer, and that of Aghias, the well-known athlete. During sightseeing, enjoy your lunch at Delphi. Back to Athens for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Athens
Post an early breakfast, and get an assisted transfer to the port to board a day's cruise. The ship sails at 8:15 am to explore the 3 enchanting islands of Saronic Gulf in either Poros - Hydra-Aegina or Aegina - Poros - Hydra. After 2 hours, you arrive at Poros Island-the smallest of the 3 islands being separated by a narrow strait from the Peloponnese. Stay at Poros for about 50 minutes. Next, continue to Hydra, where you will reach after 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The deck offers excellent views of the mansions, stone houses, and the island. Enjoy a donkey-ride to the narrow streets. You stay here for around one hour. Next, get aboard the cruise that lands you on the island of Aegina after 2 hours. This largest of the 3 islands offers several exciting things. Back to the Piraeus port. Transfer to the hotel. Stay overnight in Athens.
Day 8: Departure
Today is the last day of the tour, and after breakfast, complete the check-out formalities at the hotel. Then, transfer to the airport to board a flight for the onward journey.
