Overview
This grand 10-day tour is a spectacular land and sea adventure that combines an in-depth exploration of Turkey’s most significant historical sites with an idyllic multi-day cruise through the legendary Greek Islands. The journey begins in the magnificent city of Istanbul, where you are immediately immersed in its imperial history with a tour of the old city’s heart, visiting the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia. From there, the adventure moves to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed municipality. Here you will discover the city’s rich collection of early Ottoman architecture, including the Ulu (Great) Mosque and the beautifully tiled Yesil (Green) Mosque and Mausoleum. The Turkish land exploration continues with a visit to the sprawling ancient city of Ephesus, a site of immense historical importance, famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The tour then transitions to its centerpiece: a multi-day cruise through the Greek Islands. This portion of the journey offers a classic Aegean experience, with stops at iconic destinations including Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Athens, and Mykonos, with accommodation on the cruise ship. After returning to the Turkish coast at Kusadasi, the adventure is not yet over. You will travel inland to witness one of Turkey’s most stunning natural marvels, Pamukkale, also known as the “cotton castle,” to see its surreal white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis built upon them, before making the final journey back to Istanbul to conclude this unforgettable two-country experience.
Highlights
- Historic Istanbul: Stroll through the historical heart of Istanbul, visiting the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia.
- Bursa, the First Ottoman Capital: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bursa, visiting historic sites like the Ulu (Great) Mosque, the Yesil (Green) Mosque, and the Yesil Turbe (Green Mausoleum).
- Ancient City of Ephesus: Visit the famed ancient city, cited in the book of Revelations and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
- Greek Islands Cruise: Embark on a multi-day cruise with stops at the islands of Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos, as well as the city of Athens.
- Pamukkale "Cotton Castle": Visit the natural site of Pamukkale to see its hot springs and travertine terraces, as well as the ancient city of Hierapolis built on top.
