Highlights Of Northern Greece & Turkey

Athens/Volos

Depart Athens in the morning for the drive to Volos, with a quick stop in Thermopylae on the way for a short visit. Once in Volos, set off on an orientation walk with your CEO, followed by some free time to settle into the hotel and relax. In the evening, meet up with a local guide and head out on a cultural walk to see some of the city's highlights, stopping at 2 different local taverns along the way for small plates of food called 'meze,' truly a local and delicious experience that will serve as a light dinner.

Thermopylae is an ancient battlefield where Greek (mainly Spartan) soldiers held off the Persian army for three days. A battle which acted as inspiration for the movie 300.

This tour departs from Athens on day 1 and it is required to be at the meeting point hotel no later than 8:00am. We recommend that you book a pre-night at our hotel or nearby for the night prior so that you don't miss the group transfer.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Private Vehicle

Athens - Thermopylae 2.5h 200km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Thermopylae and Information Center Visit

Thermopylae 0.75h

Explore the Thermopylae site and Information Center, dedicated to commemorating the historic Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient Greek history. Learn about how Spartan warriors defended against a Persian invasion at this site in 480 BC through exhibits featuring multimedia presentations and artifacts.

Private Vehicle

Thermopylae - Volos 1.5h 132km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk Volos

Volos 1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, and ATMs, as well as point out some local sites.

Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates

Volos 2h

Set out on a walk with a local guide, learning of archaeology, mythology, and gastronomy as you sample local drinks and delicious plates of 'meze'. Witness the city's highlights and immerse yourself in Volos' unique culture.

• Meals Included:
• Dinner

Volos

Head out from Volos today on a day of exploration and cultural immersion, hopping village-to-village. Explore Milies and take a short hike to a cave, stop by a women's co-op in Vizitsa then visit the town of Pinakates and have beach time at Kato Gatzea before returning to Volos in the evening. Each stop provides a unique glance into the daily life in this beautiful corner of the world.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Volos - Milies 0.75h 27km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Milies Visit

Milies 2h

Explore Milies, a well preserved village known for its stone mansions, cobblestones, and railway. Head out on foot for a short 1-hour hike to visit the Centaur Cave where Chiron lived. Visit the church and take some time to shop for local wares.

Vizitsa Visit

Vizitsa 1.5h

Visit Vizitsa, known for the agricultural co-op owned and run by local women. Opt to sample local goods and enjoy coffee and snacks.

Pinakates Visit

Pinakates 0.5h

Explore the village square; take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Kato Gatzea Visit

Kato Gatzea 2.5h - 3h

Sit back and relax with free time at the beach. Enjoy the golden sand and clear water, or explore the quaint village, home of local tavernas serving truly authentic Greek cuisine.

Private Vehicle

Kato Gatzea - Volos 0.5h 18km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Volos/Thessaloniki

Drive north from Volos, stopping at Mount Olympus National Park for a short walk near the mountain that was home to the gods in Greek mythology. Continue to the Polycentric Museum of Aigai to tour the tombs and see the archaeological artifacts before carrying to Thessaloniki. Join your CEO for an orientation walk and enjoy a free evening.

Between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, the Polycentric Museum will be closed. If you are travelling during these dates, the visit will be replaced by the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Volos - Mount Olympus 2h 142km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mt Olympus National Park

Olympus National Park 2h

Arrive at the Prioni Refuge and visitor centre for free time over lunch, then take part in a short walk with your CEO through the forest around Mt Olympus, the summit is said to house the mythical Gods. Explore the vast wilderness and several different ecosystems.

Private Vehicle

Mount Olympus - Vergina 1.5h 90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Polycentric Museum of Aigai

Vergina 1.5h

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Vergina Royal Tombs. Vergina was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia and houses the Royal Tomb of King Phillip, father of Alexander the Great. Tour the tombs and museum and witness the stunning treasure found here.

Private Vehicle

Vergina - Thessaloniki 1h 71km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki 1h 1km

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets and ATMs.and show you some of the main sites.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Thessaloniki

Take advantage of a free day to explore Thessaloniki. Discover historic landmarks like the Roman Forum, visit museums or take a walking food tour, sampling dishes like Greek 'meze' and other regional specialties. In the evening, head out for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Thessaloniki Full Day

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
2
Optional Activities for Day 4
Show
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
One of the largest museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is home to to artifacts from the Prehistoric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Nea Paralia
Thessaloniki
Head down to Thessaloniki's waterfront, one of the most beautiful and internationally awarded promenades. Explore the cycle paths, sports fields, culinary outlets, and the attractive seaside.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Thessaloniki/Kavala

Wave goodbye to Thessaloniki this morning and drive to the city of Kavala. Settle in and orient yourself with a CEO-led orientation walk of the old town with the option to walk up to the castle for great views of the city and of the sea. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Thessaloniki - Kavala 2h 153km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk Kavala

Kavala 1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time

Kavala

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Kavala/Istanbul

Depart Kavala in the morning and drive east to the city of Alexandropoli. Take a short walk with the CEO to explore the area and have some time for lunch before continuing on to the Turkish border and onwards to Istanbul, arriving in the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Kavala - Alexandroupoli 2h 150km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Alexandroupoli Walk

Alexandroupoli 0.5h 1km

Wander the old town area with your CEO and learn about the two communities intermingling in their daily lives.

Private Vehicle

Alexandroupoli - Istanbul 4.5h 300km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Istanbul/Canakkale

Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Canakkale.

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.It is only a little further to Canakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Istanbul - Gallipoli Peninsula 4h 260km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour

Gallipoli Peninsula 2.5h - 3h

Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.

Ferry

Gallipoli Peninsula - Canakkale 0.33h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Canakkale/Selcuk

Set off from Canakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue travelling south to the town of Selcuk for the night.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Canakkale - Troy 4.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Troy Visit

Troy 1h - 2h 1km

See historic Troy, made famous by Homer's "Iliad," (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.

Private Vehicle

Troy - Selcuk 0.25h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Selcuk/Izmir

Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selcuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.

Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selcuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ephesus Visit

Selcuk 2h - 3h

Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Pide Demonstration and Lunch

Selcuk 1h - 0h

Learn all about the preparation of pide, a savoury flatbread often affectionately referred to as "Turkish pizza." See how they are traditionally prepared by flattening wheat dough then topping with cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients before cooking in a hot oven. Enjoy the finished results for lunch.

Private Vehicle

Selcuk - Izmir 1h 80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar

Izmir 1h - 1.5h

Set out on foot with your CEO on an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar, in Izmir. Wander amongst the traditional food stores before taking some free time in Izmir to explore.

Overnight Train (beds)

Izmir - Konya 13h 560km

Curl up in shared, private sleeper cabins and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Konya/Cappadocia

Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.

Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Mevlana Museum Visit

Konya 0.5h

Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.

Private Vehicle

Konya - Cappadocia 3h 233km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Cappadocia

Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.

Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Hike Through the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia

Cappadocia 1.5h - 2h 4km

Immerser yourself into the surreal and spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia on a hike through the iconic and aptly-named "fairy chimney" formations.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli 1.5h

Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.

Free Time

Cappadocia

Take advantage of free time in the Cappadocia area to choose from a number of optional activities or relax at the hotel.

Dinner with Local Family

Cavusin

Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
4
Optional Activities for Day 11
Show
Pottery Center Visit
Goreme
Learn more about the famous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece.
Carpet Demonstration
Enjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about the process.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Goreme
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that's just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Take to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Turkish Bath
75EUR Per Person
Goreme
Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and experience a bath like no other. Following your bath, you will enjoy a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals - they'll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Cappadocia/Istanbul

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.

Continue on to Istanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Cappadocia - Istanbul 1.25h - 1.5h 675km

Leave the wind-sculpted landscapes of Cappadocia behind and fly back to Istanbul.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
6
Optional Activities for Day 12
Show
Topkapi Palace Visit
1500TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it's now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.
Archaeological Museum
15EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.
Dolamabahce Palace
1200TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahce Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur.
Galata Tower
30EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.
Basilica Cistern
900TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Built in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.
Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit
25EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Istanbul

Depart at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast