Depart on your flight to Istanbul, the first of your two destinations on your 11-day vacation. After landing at Istanbul International Airport, meet our English-speaking representative and enjoy an air-conditioned transfer to your hotel. Once the capital of the Roman-Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and formerly called Constantinople, Turkey’s largest city is bisected by the Strait of Bosphorus, whose lapping waters divide Europe and Asia. This location, along with its checkered past, makes the city a crucible of cultures, traditions, religions and cuisine. This evening, look forward to enjoying some of the best tours in Istanbul over the next two days: discovering everything from its Roman ruins, Byzantine showpieces and Ottoman palaces to its medieval bazaars and buzzing squares.

Meet your Istanbul travel guide for a tour of the city’s must-see sights. Everything starts in historical Sultanahmet, once the social centre of Constantinople and brimming with Roman and Byzantine landmarks. Stroll around the Hippodrome, the setting of Byzantine-era chariot races and then, with your Istanbul guide, tour the 17th-century Blue Mosque and UNESCO-protected 6th-century Hagia Sophia, the great cathedral built by the Emperor Justinian which was later converted to a mosque. Admire its glorious interior as your Istanbul travel guide explains its history and architecture. Next, pay a visit to the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the world’s biggest covered marketplace—following its winding corridors to browse some of its 4,000-plus shops hawking everything from Turkish carpets and jewelry to antiques and spices. 

Enjoy the rest of your evening free at leisure or option to join our Landmarks of Istanbul tour. Visit the Topkapi Palace, the one-time residence of Ottoman sultans, to see its imperial treasures, gardens and harem. Explore the vibrant Taksim and Galata districts and stroll along the traffic-free Istiklal Street.

Today is yours to explore and enjoy Istanbul as you please. Alternatively, discover the sights, colors and flavors of Istanbul on our optional Treasures of Istanbul tour. This half-day excursion will take you to the aromatic Spice Bazaar and the famous Rustem Pasha Mosque. Finish with a shared motorboat ride on the Bosphorus to see its waterfront sights before transportation back to the hotel.

After an airport transfer, fly to Greece. On arrival, meet your tour representative and transfer to your Athens hotel. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the evening to relax or to start discovering the history-steeped Greek capital independently. Perhaps roam the cobbled lanes of the oldest district, Plaka, beneath the Acropolis, or browse for souvenirs on the shopping avenues of Ermou, Kolonaki or Voukourestiou.  

Make the most of your time in Athens and upgrade to the deluxe NJV Athens Plaza Hotel or Similar. Offering unparalleled service, this modern 5-star hotel sits on Constitution Square and features contemporary rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the Acropolis, pedestrianized Voukourestiou Street, and tree-lined Stadiou Street.  As well as offering chic modern interiors, the NJV is ideally positioned for exploring Athens’ major tourist attractions, with the Acropolis, key monuments, and Athens’ top shopping districts and museums within easy walking distance. 

Enjoy breakfast before a morning sightseeing tour of Athens. Learn about Athens’ long history from your guide as you see the Parliament Building and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Syntagma Square, and tick through highlights including Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, the stage for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Ascend to the UNESCO-listed Acropolis to admire its glorious temples, including the double gatehouse of the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and spectacular Parthenon. Your tour also includes a visit to the New Acropolis Museum, home to archeological treasures discovered at the Acropolis site. Admire the statues and artifacts as you learn how the Acropolis served as the hub of Greek civilization from the 5th century BC. Afterwards, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure or join our optional tour to Cape Sounion.
*Groups of 9 and less: Athens city sightseeing and transfer services are on a seat-in-coach or shared coach basis.
 

After an early breakfast, transfer to Athens’ port for a ferry ride to the Cyclades island of Santorini (ferry ride is approximately 8 hours). Relax on board and drink in the views of Santorini's breathtaking cliffs as you sail into the 'caldera' - the ancient, sea-filled volcanic crater the island overlooks. 

Alternatively, make the most of your time and choose the option to take a quick flight to Santorini (flight time from Athens is approximately 50 minutes). Transfer and check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon as you please. Stroll around Fira, admire the caldera views, or take in the famous Santorini sunset at your hotel this evening. 

Perhaps take your comfort to the next level and upgrade to the luxurious Orama Hotel & Spa or Similar. Located right at the entrance of Fira, the Orama Hotel & Spa is just a few minutes from the picturesque whitewashed capital.  Stroll around Fira, admire the caldera views, or take in the famous Santorini sunset at your hotel this evening.

*Ferry time from Athens to Santorini is approximately 8 hours*
*Flight time from Athens to Santorini is approximately 50 minutes.* 

*Optional flight upgrade is not available for on-site purchase and must be purchased online at least 35 days prior to departure.

This morning, experience stunning views of Santorini’s glittering caldera as you walk the path that hugs the rim of this submerged volcanic crater, with your local guide, starting in Fira and ending in Imerovigli. Explore the island’s whitewashed settlements, stroll through the cobblestone paths, and take in the breathtaking landscapes. Here, sugar-cube houses, bars and restaurants cling to the cliffsides, offering viewpoint after viewpoint for watching the sun sink below the caldera. Free at leisure for the rest of the day or experience the famous Santorini sunset this evening on the optional Caldera Sailing Sunset tour.

Today heralds a day of leisure in Santorini. You may want to explore the island at your own and dip into Fira’s chic shops, bars and tavernas. Alternatively, experience the best of this island and its history and culture on our full day optional Landmarks of Santorini tour. Spend the day discovering the highlights of this majestic island; stops include Profitis Ilias Mountain, Megalochori, Akrotiri Archaeological site, the Red Beach, Perivolos and Santo Wines.

Enjoy the morning free at leisure until your transfer to the port to catch your ferry back to Athens (ferry time approximately 8 hours) or choose the option to take a quick flight back to Athens (flight time is approximately 50 minutes). On arrival, relax with a transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening in Greece’s charming capital as you wish — the perfect finale to your trip.

*Ferry time from Santorini to Athens is approximately 8 hours*
*Flight time from Santorini to Athens is approximately 50 minutes.* 

*Optional flight upgrade is not available for on-site purchase and must be purchased online at least 35 days prior to departure.

Today transfer to Athens International Airport and bid goodbye to Greece as you board your return flight to the US.