Turkey & Greek Islands
Trip Details
Set sail on this journey through Turkey and Greece. Start in one of the greatest cities on earth - Istanbul - home to a multitude of mosques and a mecca of markets. Travel down the coast of Turkey before heading out on the azure waters of the Aegean on an island-hopping adventure. Visit the Greek islands of Lesvos, Chios and Rhodes before returning to Turkey. Stop off in seaside towns, wander through ancient Ephesus and dip your feet in the thermal waters of Pamukkale, before heading north back to Istanbul where this journey will come full circle.
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul
Arriving early? Hit the pavement of Sultanahmet to see its many sights, dive into the pages of Turkish history on a visit to Topkapi Palace or get into the spirit of the adventure with a glass of apple tea.
Day 2 Ayvalik
Head out on a walk through Istanbul's backstreets to discover lesser-known gems of this city that straddles both Europe and Asia. Later, board a ferry bound for the sleepy village of Ayvalik.
Days 3-4 Lesvos
Be sure to try Ayvalik toast - a tasty local speciality of toasted bread filled with Turkish sausage and cheese. Leave the shores of Turkey on an evening ferry to the Greek island of Lesvos. Enjoy a stroll to a medieval castle and around the atmospheric Old Town.
Days 5-7 Chios
Arrive in Chios and discover an island largely untouched by tourism.
Days 10-11 Fethiye
Travel further south to the seaside town of Fethiye. Take a trip to the nearby 'ghost town' of Kayakoy before heading on to the picture-perfect blue lagoon of Olundeniz.
Day 14 Pamukkale
Marvel at the gleaming travertines and thermal waters of Pamukkale. These waters are believed to have healing powers.
Day 15 Istanbul
Admire the minarets and domes of Istanbul for one last time.
Days 8-9 Selcuk
Head to Selcuk and explore ancient Ephesus. Be awe-struck while wandering through the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheatre - people have walked these same steps since 6000 BC.
Days 12 Rhodes
Journey by ferry through the Dodecanese to the celebrated island of Rhodes. Explore the World Heritage-listed Old Town, including its impressive13th-century castle.
Day 13 Fethiye
Further explore captivating Rhodes before taking a late ferry back to Fethiye.