Intrepid Travel
Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands
Premium Turkey & The Cyclades Islands
Dive into the magic of the Mediterranean on a 17-day Premium exploration of Turkey and Greece. Discover stunning islands and a sunken city, explore ancient cities, cruise the Bosphorus in a private boat, and marvel at diverse landscapes, from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the glittering Mediterranean Coast. Hop across to the storied city of Athens, explore the charming villages of Paros, uncover ancient riches in Naxos and soak up million-dollar views in Santorini. With knowledgeable local leaders and a group of keen travellers by your side, you’re never far away from an unforgettable moment.
Activities
- Istanbul – Welcome Dinner
- Istanbul – Welcome Meeting
- Istanbul – Blue Mosque Visit
- Istanbul – Orientation Walk
- Istanbul – Private Bosphorus Cruise
- Pergamon – Ancient City Visit & Cable Car
- Ephesus – Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk – Sultanköy Carpet Demonstration & Picnic Lunch
- Sirince – Cooking Class
- Izmir – Flight to Kayseri
- Cappadocia – Home-cooked lunch
- Cappadocia – Goreme Open Air Museum
- Cappadocia – Panoramic Sights Tour
- Cappadocia – Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia – Pottery demonstration
- Cappadocia – Red Valley Hike
- Istanbul – Farewell Dinner
- Athens – Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Paros – Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide
- Naxos – Old Town Walk & Portara Guided Tour
- Naxos – Cooking Class at a Local Farm
- Naxos – Kaloxylos Olive Oil Press
- Santorini – Caldera Hike
- Santorini – Winery visit with tasting and food pairing
- Santorini – Mythology and Wine experience
Highlights
- Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey and Greece’s otherworldly sights, from the marble streets of ancient Ephesus to the psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia and the legendary caldera of Santorini.
- Get to know the real Turkey during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with a local chef, visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative, and traditional dinner at a locals home in Cappadocia.
- Understand the dazzling variety of Greek produce during Exclusive Experiences, including a kitron tasting, an afternoon of wine tasting in Santorini and a hands-on cooking class with a local in Naxos.
- Join experienced local leaders as you stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, explore the legendary ruins of Pergamon and discover the history and charming villages of Paros.
| Day 1 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 2 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 3 |
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| Day 4 |
Once the commercial center of the ancient world, Ephesus is an archaeological splendor and an essential stop on any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage support its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates back to the third century B.C. The city's ruins include a theater, a gymnasium, an agora, and baths, as well as the iconic Library of Celsus. |
| Day 5 |
This bustling holiday resort is a major cruise ship destination and a jumping-off point for visiting the ruins at nearby Ephesus. The beaches of Kusadasi a beautiful, welcoming and perfect for all ages! |
| Day 6 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 7 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 8 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 9 |
Ancient history comes alive in Athens, the capital of Greece. Gaze in wonder at the Acropolis and its iconic crown, the Parthenon. Take a deeper dive into the past and visit both the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, which house fascinating artifacts from this ancient city.
With influences Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman, Athens contains multitudes. The city's architecture and cuisine reflect these influences in a most elegant way. It's not all antiquity, though – Athens still exhibits a modern cool, with eye-catching street art, nightlife and music festivals beckoning new generations. A lively energy is afoot at the Agora-Athens Central Market, where locals shop, and visitors find amazing, reasonably priced meals. A stroll through the Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, is also a must for shopping and eating at outdoor restaurants. Visit Athens between March and May, and from September to November, as the weather is comfortable and there are thinner crowds. You will also find that hotels and flights are a bit easier to reserve. |
| Day 10 |
Paros, one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, is a Greek gem known for its whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Paros offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and exploration. The island’s iconic Cycladic architecture is a sight to see. For those seeking sandy shores, Paros does not disappoint. Kolymbithres Beach, with its unique granite rock formations, offers a beautiful and tranquil setting for sunbathing and swimming. Golden Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent windsurfing conditions, is another favorite among locals and visitors. Meanwhile, the charming fishing village of Naoussa is perfect for an evening out or a seaside lunch. Paros is also a hiker’s paradise. Ancient footpaths crisscross the island, connecting villages like Lefkes and Marpissa, which are brimming with traditional charm. Lefkes, a hilltop village surrounded by olive groves, provides stunning views of the island and the sea. These trails offer a unique way to explore Paros’s natural beauty. |
| Day 11 |
Paros, one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, is a Greek gem known for its whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Paros offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and exploration. The island’s iconic Cycladic architecture is a sight to see. For those seeking sandy shores, Paros does not disappoint. Kolymbithres Beach, with its unique granite rock formations, offers a beautiful and tranquil setting for sunbathing and swimming. Golden Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent windsurfing conditions, is another favorite among locals and visitors. Meanwhile, the charming fishing village of Naoussa is perfect for an evening out or a seaside lunch. Paros is also a hiker’s paradise. Ancient footpaths crisscross the island, connecting villages like Lefkes and Marpissa, which are brimming with traditional charm. Lefkes, a hilltop village surrounded by olive groves, provides stunning views of the island and the sea. These trails offer a unique way to explore Paros’s natural beauty. |
| Day 12 |
Located in Greece's Lesser Cyclades, Naxos is an island in the South Aegean Sea and popular for its spectacular beaches. A favorite tourist destination, Naxos is home to a variety of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo - Grotta, the Temple of Demeter, and Apano Kastro. |
| Day 13 |
Located in Greece's Lesser Cyclades, Naxos is an island in the South Aegean Sea and popular for its spectacular beaches. A favorite tourist destination, Naxos is home to a variety of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo - Grotta, the Temple of Demeter, and Apano Kastro. |
| Day 14 |
Located in Greece's Lesser Cyclades, Naxos is an island in the South Aegean Sea and popular for its spectacular beaches. A favorite tourist destination, Naxos is home to a variety of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo - Grotta, the Temple of Demeter, and Apano Kastro. |
| Day 15 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. |
| Day 16 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. |
| Day 17 |
Reshaped by volcanic activity, the rugged yet enchanting Santorini beckons all seafaring souls in the Aegean Sea.
Visitors to this breathtaking and romantic Cyclades archipelago will gaze at the whitewashed cubiform houses sitting cliffside and hovering over the water. Santorini is technically an active volcano, and perhaps the only volcano on the planet with its crater situated in the sea. But don't worry too much; the last eruption was 3600 years ago. Instead, couples and tourists should explore, taste the local wine, and lounge in the sun on black sand beaches. As the sun sets dramatically, visitors will find a taverna or bar and toast their impeccable taste in travel destinations. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/31/25 - 06/16/25 |
Starting At $9,158 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/06/25 - 09/22/25 |
Starting At $10,735 |
Get A Quote |
Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.