About this trip
Two legendary countries, one route: this 15-day trip runs from Istanbul to Athens, spending the first eight days across Turkey before switching to a five-day hop through the Greek islands.
In Turkey you move through Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus, taking in the Grand Bazaar's back lanes, Cappadocia's odd rock landscapes, and the layered history of Ottoman and Islamic influence alongside ancient ruins.
The second half slows into island time: Samos, Mykonos and Santorini by land and sea, ending in Athens among its ancient sites. It suits anyone who wants both the depth of Turkey's inland history and the easier rhythm of Greek island life in one trip.
What you'll do
- Wander the Grand Bazaar and old streets of Istanbul
- Explore the rock formations and underground history of Cappadocia
- Walk the ancient city of Ephesus
- See the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale
- Island hop through Samos, Mykonos and Santorini by ferry
- Finish among the ancient relics of Athens
- Fully guided through Turkey, then assisted rather than fully guided during the Greek island hopping leg
- Fast-paced overall — you change base most nights across both countries
Worth it if you want curated highlights and good guides. Think twice if you need flexibility, speak limited English, or want depth over breadth.
- Guides Ali and Ayse consistently praised for warmth, knowledge, and making logistics painless throughout.
- Turkey leg feels rushed; Ankara and regions beyond Istanbul blur together despite long travel days.
- Greece has no on-trip contact; cancelled ferries leave you stranded midday with nowhere to go.
- Single traveller supplement mandatory; small group size praised but adds cost for solo travellers.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Istanbul · 1 Apr – 2 Apr
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