Athens to Istanbul

Day 1: Arrival Athens (D)

Our adventure tour of Greece commences this evening in the cosmopolitan city of Athens with the Parthenon as our backdrop. After our welcome meeting there is the opportunity to sample famous before perhaps a stroll to the hill of the Areopagus (the Rock of Ares) for a breathtaking view of Athens by night.

Day 2: Athens (B)

Today we'll travel back in time to Ancient Greece with a walking tour of Athens. Feel the spark of Greek civilization as you stand beneath the Acropolis; explore the Agora or Marketplace, the beating heart of the ancient Athenian commercial empire; stroll through the Plaka where remnants of both an Ottoman and Venetian past are still in evidence and end the day at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a structure that took three different dynasties and over 600 years to complete.

Day 3: Athens – (B) (L)

This morning we head to the port and board our ferry to Santorini, the southern most island of the Cyclades. Be sure to head to the top deck of the ferry as we approach the caldera (volcanic rim of the island) for some spectacular views. Once we've checked into our hotel we'll head into town for an orientation walking tour before heading to one of the islands best wineries for an afternoon of winetasting.

Day 4: Santorini (B) (D)

What better way to experience all the spectacular sights that this island has to offer than with a quad bike tour around the island? Quad bikes aren't just for the kids adults of all ages will love exploring the island on our guided tour! We visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, before taking in the breath-taking vista of Red Beach, so named for its' striking slabs of red and black volcanic rock. The whole day is a bombardment of the senses that will leave you breathless culminating in the world-famous Santorini sunset from the cliff-side village of Oia ("Ee-a"), truly unforgettable.

Day 5: Santorini – Naxos (B) (L)

A free morning before we catch our lunchtime ferry to Naxos, one of the most fertile of Greek islands. Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy is the patron god of this island, rather fitting given that the island was famous for its wine, which, rumour had it was the perfect salve for a broken heart. After checking into our hotel we'll head into town for a walk to the Kastro, a 13th Century Venetian castle before heading to one of the waterfront restaurants for a delicious seafood feast, fresh off the boat, perhaps washed down with the local specialty, kitron.

Day 6: Naxos Sailing (B) (L)

We couldn't possibly come to the Greek Islands and not spend at least one day out on the clear turquoise waters sailing to secluded bays, swimming or snorkeling or simply chilling out. One word to describe today: heaven!

Day 7: Naxos (B) (D)

We'll spend the day exploring the island, kicking off with some of the most breathtaking views over the mountains and the marble quarries. There is the opportunity to visit Apollonos to see the kouros a 10.5m stone statue of a man that was never raised from its' carving niche. Thousands of years ago an earthquake split a large chasm through the mountains on Naxos and its' in the village within this spectacular region that we will enjoy our lunch. Afterwards, we'll drive to the village of Halkia to visit a distillery where Kitron, a sweet citrus liqueur, is still being produced using traditional methods.

Day 8: Naxos – Mykonos (B) (L)

An early start this morning as we catch our high-speed ferry to Mykonos. Named in honour of Apollo's grandson, Mykonos is famous for its' winding, white- washed lanes and stone windmills with sails spinning lazily in the breeze. After checking into our hotel we'll head to one of our favourite local for a delicious local lunch. From here we'll have a walking tour of the town followed by a free afternoon. This evening there's the option to join Europe's jetset crowd and sample Mykonos' famous nightlife.

Day 9: Mykonos - Delos - Overnight Ferry (B) (D)

Today we visit one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, the sacred island of Delos. Acclaimed as the birthplace of the twin Gods Artemis and Apollo, inhabited since around 3000 B.C, Delos has an illustrious history as one of Ancient Greece's most important religious and commercial centres and later during Roman times as a slave-trade market. This afternoon we catch the ferry back to Mykonos for our second and last evening on this dynamic island. After dinner we'll board our overnight ferry to Samos.

Day 10: Samos (B) (D)

Our ferry will arrive early into Samos and we'll head straight to the hotel in time for breakfast. We'll enjoy a free morning before heading to the gorgeous village of Manolates, nearly encircled by mountains and home to Greece's best (spinach and cheese pastries) for lunch! Samos is the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras and on our drive back to the hotel we will stop at the UNESCO heritage listed Pythagorean Aqueduct, built using its' namesake's mathematics. Tonight we'll enjoy our last dinner in Greece as tomorrow we head to Turkey!

Day 11: Samos - Selcuk (Turkey) (B) (L)

This morning we say Andio to Greece as we make the short trip to Turkey. From the port it's only a short drive to our hotel where we will check in and enjoy breakfast before exploring the town. Later, we will enjoy a delicious local lunch in the once-Greek village of Sirince before heading to the magnificent Greco- Roman ruins of Ephesus some of the best preserved in the region.

Day 12: Selcuk - Pamukkale – Selcuk (B) (D)

Today a visit to the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. This natural phenomena formed by the calcium-rich cascading waters of the thermal springs is a truly spectacular sight! There is also the opportunity to visit the ancient necropolis of Heiropolis before returning to Selcuk for the evening

Day 13: Selcuk - Pergamon - Troy – Canakkale (B) (L)

Making our way up the coast today our first stop is the ruins of Pergamon with one of the steepest theatres in the region. Later we catch our last glimpse of the Aegean as we stop in the resort town of Ayvalik for lunch. This afternoon we will visit the ancient city of Troy. Originally made famous in Homer's "Iliad" and immortalized on film by Brad Pitt, the site of Troy dates back over 5000 years. Overnight Canakkale.

Day 14: Canakkale - Gallipoli – Istanbul (B) (L) As memorable to Turks as it is to Australians, Gallipoli saw the birth of two nations emerge from the ashes of World War 1. An emotional morning as we tour the battlefields of the Gallipoli Peninsula before making our way to Istanbul for the evening.

Day 15: Istanbul (B) (D)

Today is our first full day in the vibrant city of Istanbul with its' backdrop of minarets and domes. Our guided tour will take in the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, cascading domes and blue-tiled interior as well as the imposing Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire for centuries with impressive views over the Bosphorus. Tonight there is the opportunity to sample Turkey's famous Ottoman fare.

Day 16: Istanbul (B)

This morning we will explore the Aya Sofia, Byzantium's magnificent dedication to the new religion of the empire. Though originally built as a Basilica, it was later converted to a mosque and is now a museum, the perfect mixture of Ottoman and Byzantine culture under a single cupola. Later, the choice is yours with a free afternoon to shop for trinkets in the busy Grand Bazaar, cool down in the Basilica Cistern or while away an hour or two with a glass (or three) of Turkey's famous tea and some delicious local .

Day 17: Istanbul – Cappadocia (B)

An early start as we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Cappadocia in Central Anatolia. After lunch we'll head to Goreme's Open Air Museum, an astounding collection of churches carved out of the soft volcanic rock and covered in beautiful frescoes. This evening, the chance to sample a local specialty, testi kebab, slow cooked meat or vegetables baked in a clay pot.

Day 18: Cappadocia (B) (D)

The option this morning is to start you day with the best view in town in a hot air balloon drifting over the surreal lunar landscape of Cappadocia! After breakfast we will head to one of Cappadocia's underground cities which were originally constructed by the Hittites but subsequently used by Christians who were being persecuted by the Romans. A free afternoon to explore the town and it'' surrounding valleys full of marshmallow rock formations and fairy chimneys. Alternatively you may choose an optional quadbiking tour that finishes at sunset with wine and cheese overlooking Love Valley.

Day 19: Cappadocia – Istanbul (B)

Today we will find out more about Turkey's most famous pieces of art - their carpets! This is an excellent opportunity to learn a little bit more about what's under your feet from an expert who has been collecting pieces for more than 25 years. This afternoon we transfer to the airport - we're Istanbul bound!

Day 20: Istanbul (B) (D)

With so much to see in Istanbul we are going to spend the last full day of our tour exploring this fascinating city. We start our day with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, home to the last five Sultans of the Ottoman Empire and a homage to European architecture, followed by a trip to delight the senses at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, the aromas of coffee, , spices and fresh fish all combine in one heady, intoxicating swirl. After picking up some delicious apple tea to take home we might enjoy a delicious (and cheap!) fish sandwich down on the Bosphorus before jumping on one of the frequent ferries across to the Asian side of Istanbul. Tonight we will enjoy our last dinner as a group at one of Istanbuls finest restaurants.

Day 21: Departure Day (B)

Today we say farewell to new friends as our tour concludes after breakfast.