The Best Of Greece & Turkey

Athens, Crete, Izmir, Istanbul10 days

About

From the ancient ruins in Athens to the cultural relics in Istanbul, this 10 day tour is a whistle-stop visit to two of the most fascinating Mediterranean countries steeped in famous myths, ancient civilisations, spectacular beauty and incredible archaeological sites. The tour takes in a cruise around the beautiful Saronic Islands, a visit to Ephesus where the Virgin Mary spent her last days, and an opportunity to explore Istanbul – the world’s only city situated on two continents.

You should experience it because...

The incredible ruins at the Palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete were uncovered in the early 1900s by the British archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans. This is just one of the many culturally rich ancient landmarks and monuments you will see on this amazing journey through myths and mysticism, mountains and seas.

Epic history and sumptuous feasting

The Greeks pride themselves on their cuisine. Taste test your way through regional dishes from souvlaki and mousaka to tzatziki and spanakopita.

Visit Greece’s oldest private museum, the Benaki Museum, which showcases everything from ancient sculpture to 19thcentury gowns.

Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque is covered in 20,000 shimmering tiles and arguably the iconic image of the city.

Places covered 10 Days

Day 1 Arrival Athens – sightseeing and attractions
Day 2 Athens – sightseeing and attractions
Day 3 Cruise around the Saronic Islands - Aegina,Hydra, Poros, Spetses
Day 4 Sail from Athens to Crete
Day 5 Crete – the ancient palace of Knossos – on to Izmir
Day 6 Izmir – Pamukale & Hierapolis
Day 7 Izmir – day trip to Ephesus & Mary’s House
Day 8 Istanbul – Bosphorus Cruise with dinner & belly dancing
Day 9 Istanbul – attractions and sightseeing
Day 10 Depart

Days Details
1 Arrival Athens – sightseeing and attractions To experience Athens is to fully understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid day-to-day life, and tradition sitting close by with modern. Get a feel for the city and walk around the ancient Acropolis and the Parthenon, and the centre of Athens around the Plaka district with its charming atmosphere of narrow streets, small gift shops, restaurants and cafes. The Lycabettus and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, all form the core of ancient and Roman Athens.
2 Athens – sightseeing and attractions Visit the National Archaeological Museum where vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many centuries of Greek civilization, and the New Acropolis Museum that so beautifully depicts the history of this incredible ruin. Follow in the steps of Socrates and Plato and walk around the ancient Agora, the commercial hub of ancient Athens and that was once lined with statues and expensive shops. Take a walk up Lycabettus Hill, Athens’s highest hill, or jump on the funicular to the summit – on a clear day you can see Aegina island from the top. Relax in the evening at one of the many Greek restaurants or tavernas and enjoy local dishes such as grilled ocotopus, lamb kleftiko (slow roasted with rosemary), and fresh grilled calamari, all washed down with lots of ouzo.
3 Cruise around the Saronic Islands - Aegina,Hydra, Spetses These islands are the closest to Athens and are great for daytrips. Take a one-day Saronic cruise and hop on and off the three islands of Aegina, Hydra and Spetses. Aegina Island retains its ‘Greekness’ and has a seductive, easygoing charm. If you have time for some sightseeing visit the splendid 5th century Temple of Aphaia and the magical Byzantine ruins called Paleohora. Try the unique Aegina treat of their special and delicious pistachio nuts. And have lunch at Galladakis restaurant behind the mid-harbour fish market – tuck in to some fresh octopus or sardines. Hydra Island is the former home of Leonard Cohen and boasts a magnificent harbour village where keen swimmers drive off the rocks into the sparkling sea. There are no cars allowed on the island, so stroll as much and as far as you can to really get to the heart of the island. Spetses welcomes you with an ancient harbour and one of the oldest wooden boat building yards in Greece. The lively, historic old town is the only village on the island and the rest, ringed by a simple road, is rolling hills and crystal-clear coves.
4 Sail from Athens to Crete Take the fast ferry from Piraeus port of Athens and arrive in Heraklion, Crete about 5 hours later. Time on the first day to book in to your overnight accommodation and to get your bearings. Crete is more like a small country than another Greek island and its remarkable history is evident across the island, from the ruins of Knossos to the Venetian fortresses of Rethymo. Explore Crete’s capital city of Heraklion with its lively city centre, its chic boutiques, quality restaurants and buzzing cafes. Watch the bobbing boats on a balmy evening at the Istioploikos restaurant at the harbour. Whatever fish is caught that day ends up on the plates, expertly cooked to order over a lusty wood fire.
5 Crete – the ancient palace of Knossos – on to Izmir Take time to explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Walk around the ruins and excavations of the island’s vast ancient palace and learn about the Greek mythological tales that are linked to it. The original site is believed to have been built around 1900BC but, following an earthquake, it was rebuilt on a grand scale and lavish royal quarters, shrines, treasures and storerooms were added around the Central Court. As you walk around the site, listen to tales and trivia about the palace’s glory days during the Minoan era a Bronze Age civilization that made Knossos its capital. Greek mythology is ingrained in Minoan culture and the Palace of Knossos features in many popular Greek tales and folklore including the famous myth of These us and the Minotaur. Return to Heraklion and take your flight to Izmir.
6 Izmir – Pamukale & Hierapolis Izmir is a beautiful city with a dramatic setting around a bay backed by mountains. It is Turkey’s third-largest city. Stroll along the sea-facing Kordon area – a great place for jogging, cycling, and relaxing, and visit the northern district of Alsancak with its lovely old houses that are reminiscent of the Greek island of Chios. Hire a car and head off to the spa town of Pamukkale and the nearby ‘Cotton Castle’ (and ancient site of Hierapolis) with its unique formations of travertine (calcium carbonate) shelves, pools and stalactites that hug the town of Denizli. They were created by the area’s warm mineral water that cools as it cascades over the cliff edge and deposits its calcium. The ruined city of Hierapolis became a curative centre when founded around 190BC by Eumenes II of Pergamum. See the ruined Byzantine church and the Temple of Apollo, the Roman theatre, and the fascinating Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle. Return to Izmir. Dine at the Deniz Restaurant and try their octopus in oregana or their tuzda balik – fish baked in a block of salt that is broken at your table.
7 Izmir – day trip to Ephesus & Mary’s House Visit Ephesus - the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, and one of the seven churches addressed by Christ in a vision. Here, see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world– the Temple of Artemis, as well as many other majestic temples such as the reat Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Enjoy an authentic Turkish lunch and then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent the last days of her life. The house is now a place of pilgrimage for many believers.
8 Istanbul – Bosphorus Cruise with dinner & belly dancing After a short flight from Izmir, arrive at Istanbul and settle in to your accommodation. Istanbul is the only city in the world that lies on two continents and was once known as Constantinople. Spend this first day exploring the city yourself. Take the route from Sultanahmed to Galata Tower and see old Istanbul, and stop off at one of the many cafes and pubs under the Galata Bridge. Taksim is the heart of the city, and Istiklal Street is bustling with shops and traders selling absolutely everything you could ever want or need. Nearby is Ortakoy, close to the sea and a good place to stop for lunch or a drink. Try theMavi Restaurant, a fish restaurant on the main waterfront, popular with locals. Stop off at the Basilica Cistern that was constructed by the Romans to bring drinking water to the city in the sixth century. This ancient spot has a timeless feel and is one of the city’s most atmospheric sites. Spend your evening cruising around the beautiful Bosporus Strait while enjoying dinner and an Anatolian folklore show with belly dancing. See Istanbul illuminated at night and cruise past the Blue Mosque and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge while eating, drinking and enjoying the show.
9 Istanbul – attractions and sightseeing Visit Istanbul’s six top attractions in one day on this full-day sightseeing tour of the city. This action-packed day includes a fascinating tour of the historical Sultanahmet neighbourhood where many of the city’s finest architectural legacies and landmarks are found. Visit the Blue Mosque and museums of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace as well as Istanbul Hippodrome, and end the tour at the dazzling Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s most famous souks. Here there are nearly 60 streets and thousands more shops, with an overwhelmingly bustling atmosphere. Shop for jewellery, leather, pottery, spices, turkish delight, and more. If time, stop off at one of Istanbul’s famous spas and bescrubbed squeaky-clean. Head down to Ciya restaurant in Kadikoy and sample one of Istabul’s traditional and delicious kebabs. Finish with lokum from the original Turkish delight shop Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir, located near Taksim.
10 Depart

€ 2,200 per person	(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
Price Per Person in Twin Sharing Accomodation
(Prices are in Euros and exclude international flights)
All rates mentioned are an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis, and are based on a minimum of 6-9 adults travelling together. Rates are subject to change based on the number of passengers and the time of year. (Flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches & dinners, personal expenses not included. There may be some itinerary activities not included also – please ask). Inclusions : - Traditional ,Boutique or Heritage accommodation where possible or Quality accommodation (on a twin-sharing basis) in centrally located 4*Hotels . -Meals – breakfast in all destinations - Internal Travel by rail - ferries - coach as applicable -Guided sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary as applicable -All arrival and departure transfers -Entrance and excursion costs as indicated Travel is based on private coaches with Local guides . You do have the option of Independent travel .Get in Touch to discuss on how we could tailor the trip to suit you .

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High Season

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The weather is hot and sunny, the water is warm, and millions of people flock to the coast to soak up the sun and take a break from routine.. During the spring months, the flowers are blooming and the landscape is verdant, while autumn days are mild and clear before the winter rains.

Those wanting to travel earlier in the season can visit some of the more southern destinations as well as the larger Mediterranean islands. Cyprus and Malta are lovely in April, with warm days and pleasant nights. Late March through April is also an ideal time to visit Morocco, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey.

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About Us

Freedom Holidays is passionate about creating inspirational tailor-made travel to Europe and beyond. Our business is your pleasure and our expert and dedicated team is here to listen to your travel needs down to the ‘nth’ degree, leaving you ‘free’ to enjoy your holiday of a lifetime with no gimmicks, no hassle, and no stress. What makes us different? With 14 years experience of providing quality tailor-made customised holidays with an ‘off-the beaten-track’ themed approach, we take you to well-known destinations as well as far flung locations (or a mixture of both), leaving you safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after every step of the way.

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