From €4,356 per person
Duration: 14 days
Tour language: English
Guiding type: Fully Guided
Group size: 1 – 40
Tour overview
Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and island bliss on this 14-day journey across Turkey, Bulgaria, and the Greek Islands. Begin in the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where East meets West in a fusion of Ottoman and Byzantine marvels. Continue to Bulgaria, exploring Plovdiv’s Roman heritage, Sofia’s Orthodox cathedrals, and the serene Rila Monastery.
Cross into Greece to discover Thessaloniki’s charm and Athens’ legendary Acropolis before sailing to the sun-drenched Cyclades. Soak up the beauty of Santorini’s volcanic caldera and Mykonos’ iconic beaches and nightlife. With expert guides, seamless transfers, and carefully curated experiences, this tour promises memories to last a lifetime.
TOUR ROUTE: Istanbul – Plovdiv – Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sandanski – Melnik – Thessaloniki – Vergina – Thermopylae
– Athens – Santorini – Mykonos – Athens
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival Day
Upon our arrival at Istanbul International Airport, your guide will meet, assist and transfer you to the hotel. Istanbul’s original name is Byzantium then Constantinople. It is a most fascinating city, which actually crosses two continents Europe and Asia. It is a city of amalgamation of bazaars, minarets, mosques, churches, palaces, and restaurants catering to every one’s taste, museums, customs and twelve million people. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul Old Town Tour Ottoman and Byzantian Relics
(Open buffet breakfast included)
After breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next see will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today it is a mosque. You can see it from outside. After that see TOPKAPI PALACE, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. You can see it from outside.
The Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul history. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with more reclaimed supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal structure has a rectangular shape with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. You can see it from outside. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner at Indian restaurant and Overnight in Istanbul
Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price. The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.
Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.
Day 3: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast between 08:00 am and 09:30 am pick ups from hotel. Your tour consultant will give you final timing one day before. BOSPHORUS BY BOAT; a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will see the magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble facade faces the shore. At Ortakoy a great variety of artists, gather every sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries. RUMELI FORTRESS (view from boat), Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosporus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALACE (view from boat), is the summer residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul. Lunch break at the Turkish restaurant. After the lunch we will then take you to the GRAND COVERED BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
https://pixabay.com/photos/dolmabah%C3%A7e-palace-turkey-bosphorus-2805839/
Day 4: Istanbul – Plovdiv
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Bulgaria. Arrival in Plovdiv around noon, in Bulgaria. Check in to hotel and rest of day is yours. Explore Plovdiv city, shop in the local markets, or enjoy many big party or games in Casinos. Overnight in Plovdiv.
Day 5: Plovdiv – Sofia
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, departure for Sofia. Guided sightseeing tour of the city center including visit to the National History Museum and the mediaeval Boyana Church included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit to Alexander Nevski Cathedral – one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in Europe, as well as one of Sofia’s symbols and a primary tourist attraction; St. George Rotunda and St. Sophia Church, built by the Roman emperor Justinian in the 6th century, National Theatre, former Royal Palace, the Presidency, etc. Free time in the city center and main shopping area around Vitosha Boulevard.
Optional evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances.
Overnight in Sofia.
https://pixabay.com/photos/sofia-bulgaria-cathedral-nevski-4041209/
Day 6: Sofia – Rila Monastery – Sandanski
(Breakfast included)
After the breakfast, we depart for Rila Monastery – the most exquisite example of the monastery art and architecture in Bulgaria. Guided tour of the monastery complex. Visit to Nativity of the Virgin Church with its miracle icon of the Virgin and splendid gilded iconostasis. The old kitchen, the monastery museum where you can learn about the long and heroic history of the monastery, the wood carved cross made for a period of twelve years by a monk called Rafael, Hrelyo’s Tower and many spectacular views from the mountain and the surrounding nature. Drive to Sandanski in the afternoon. Overnight in Sandanski.
Day 7: Sandanski – Melnik – Thessaloniki
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, drive to Melnik – the smallest town in Bulgaria famous for its excellent wines and sandstone rocky pyramids. Visit to Kordopulova Museum-House. Around noon departure for Greece. Arrive Thessaloniki early afternoon. The rest of the day will be free to explore and enjoy Thessaloniki on your own, walking around, doing the shopping or relaxing in one of many cafeterias or Taverns in Thessaloniki down town. Overnight in Thessaloniki.
Day 8: Thessaloniki – Vergina – Thermopylae – Athens
(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Vergina, the most important remains of the monumental palace of the Kingdom of Macedonia, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world. After the visit drive to Athens. On the way, make a short stop at Thermopylae where a fierce battle took place between the Persians and Greeks during the Persian invasion of 480-479 BC. The Greek force (300 strong) was very small but was determined to make a stand against the huge Persian army. Overnight in Athens.
Day 9: Athens Sightseeing Tour With Acropolis & Half Day All in One
(Breakfast included)
In the morning, after breakfast, we will pick you up from the hotel and start our sightseeing tour of the center of Athens, including The Constitution of Greece (Sintagma). It was created by the Fifth Revisional Parliament of the Hellenes and entered into force in 1975. It has been revised three times since, in 1986, 2001, and 2008. The constitutional history of Greece goes back to the Greek War of Independence, during which the first three revolutionary Greek constitutions were adopted. Afterwards, we will visit the Old Parliament House. The Old Parliament building, located on Stadioum Street in Athens, housed the Greek Parliament between 1875 and 1932. It now houses the country’s National Historical Museum. In front of the building stands a large equestrian statue of General Theodoros Kolokotronis, cast in bronze, sculpted by Lazaros Sochos in Paris in 1900, and erected in its current place in 1904.
Continuing our tour, we will go to The National Library of Greece, situated near the center of Athens. It holds 4,500 Greek manuscripts, one of the greatest collections of Greek scripts. There are also many chrysobulls and archives of the Greek Revolution. Then, we will continue driving down Herod Atticus Street, where you will see the Evzones in their picturesque uniform and the Presidential Palace, the official residence of the President of the Hellenic Republic. The palace previously served as the Royal Palace until the abolition of the monarchy by referendum in 1974.
On our way to the Acropolis, you will see Hadrian’s Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, refurbished in 1895 for the 1896 Olympics. Its completion was funded by the Greek benefactor George Averoff, whose marble statue now stands at the entrance, based on designs by architects Anastasios Metaxas and Ernst Ziller.
Upon arriving at the Acropolis, we will visit the Acropolis Museum, focused on the findings from the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum houses every artifact found on the rock and its surrounding area, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and includes ruins from Roman and early Byzantine Athens.
We will then explore the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. Our last stop before returning to the hotel will be The Parthenon, a temple on the Acropolis that embodies the harmony between material and spirit, a monument that brings order to the mind.
Early in the evening, we will return to the hotel.
Day 10: Athens to Santorini
(Breakfast included)
After the breakfast, a morning transfer to the Port of Piraeus to take the ferry to the island of Santorini (07:25–14:55). Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and then you will have the rest of the time to enjoy the gorgeous island.
The largest island is known as Thera, forming the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands. Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. Excavations starting in 1967 at the site called Akrotiri, under the late Professor Spyridon Marinatos, have made Thera the best-known “Minoan” site outside of Crete, the homeland of the culture.
The island remains the home of a small but flourishing wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko, with auxiliary cultivations of two other Aegean varietals, Athiri and Aidani. Upon arrival in Santorini, meet with our local staff who will transfer you to your hotel and provide your room key. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. Overnight in Santorini.
Day 11: Santorini Tour
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, meet your friendly, English-speaking escort and then hop inside your luxury, air-conditioned vehicle for the tour of the island. The first stop is Pyrgos. Situated at the highest point of Santorini, the village offers an idyllic snapshot of old-world Greece. Follow your guide along the winding paths—past the sugar cube houses and blue-domed churches—and make your way to the hilltop ruins of a medieval Venetian castle. From here, gaze out over the entire island, soaking up panoramic views all the way to the village of Oia.
Continue driving to the highest area of the island, Profitis Elias, for a short stop for panoramic pictures. Then continue to Oia, passing through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli. Oia, the quintessential Greek village, is known for its incredible sunsets. Stroll along the pretty streets with your guide, learning about the village’s history.
Return to your hotel. Overnight in Santorini.
Day 12: Santorini to Mykonos
(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Santorini Port for a boat to Mykonos. Arrival in Mykonos Port and transfer to the hotel. Then spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy your day on this Cycladic island, known for its great nightlife and the town’s Cycladic architecture. Mykonos beaches are a must to experience, such as Platy Gialos, Psarou, Ornos, Paranga (“Paradise”), Super Paradise, Elia, Kalafati, Kalo Livadi. On Mykonos western shore are Agios Stefanos, Houlakia, Tourlos, Megali-Ammos.
Walk through the narrow alleyways in Mykonos Town and visit beautiful churches and the famous windmills. Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 13: Mykonos
(Breakfast included)
Breakfast at the hotel. Day free to explore the island on your own. Mykonos Island is the most famous and cosmopolitan tourist island in the Eastern Mediterranean amongst the Cyclades, something which is not just by chance. Expect to experience the exquisite visuals of white-washed houses, proud windmills, a multitude of chapels, busy back streets with balconies full of flowers, and a multicolour fleet of fishing boats at the port.
If you’re after a bit of history and culture, the island has five museums you can visit as well as a beautiful church. The Church of Panagia Paraportiani is located beyond the Delos Ferry Quay on the way to Little Venice. Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 14: Mykonos – Athens – Tour End
(Breakfast included)
Early Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Mykonos port for a boat to Piraeus (or Rafina). When you arrive at Piraeus port (or Rafina) you will be transferred to Athens International airport for your evening flight back home.
Included
Accommodation
3 nights’ accommodation hotel in Istanbul – Istanbul Pullman Hotel or Ramada Golden Horn Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Plovdiv – Imperial Hote
1 night hotel accommodation in Sofia – Ramada Sofia Hotel
1 night hotel accommodation in Sandanski – Inter Hotel Sandalski
1 night hotel accommodation in Thessaloniki – Holiday Inn Hotel
2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Athens – Titania Hotel
2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Santorini – heoxenia Hotel
2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Mykonos – Alkyon Hotel
Hotels accommodation 13 breakfasts
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group.
If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost
Guide
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Transport
Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Airport Transfer from hotel to Piraeus port
Ferry tickets to Santorini
Transfer from Santorini Port to hotel Transfer from hotel to Santorini Port Ferry tickets to Mykonos
Transfer from Mykonos Port to hotel
Transfer from hotel to Mykonos Port Ferry tickets to Piraeus (or Rafina)
Departure transfer from Piraeus or Rafina Port to Athens Airport
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach Departure transfer to Athens International Airport
Other included
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour
Guided Melnik Tour
Guided Sofia Tour
Guided Vergina tour
Guided Athens Sightseeing Tour Guided Santorini Tour
Escorted Half All in One Panoramic Tour of Attica
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hygiene protocol
Travel Pace: Balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure across cities and islands.
Best Time to Visit: April–October for optimal weather and ferry schedules.
Visas: Check visa requirements for Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece based on nationality.
Domestic Connections: Ferry rides between Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos included.
Packing Tips: Light layers for the islands, modest attire for religious sites, and comfortable walking shoes.
Cultural Notes: Respect local customs—carry a scarf for mosque visits in Istanbul.
Meals: Daily breakfasts and select lunches; dinners optional for local culinary exploration.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY), Bulgarian Lev (BGN), and Euro (€) in Greece.
Excluded
Flights
International flights
Meals
Lunch & Dinner
Insurance
Insurance: All types
Additional Services
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Other not included
City Tax
Turkey entry visa
Bulgaria entry visa Greece entry visa
Evening panoramic tour “Sofia by night” and dinner at a traditional restaurant with folklore music and dances
Optional land excursion
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section. Hotel room taxes
Tipping
