From Istanbul to Athens

Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.


IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.


Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).


Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.

08:00 a.m. - We´ll embark on a panoramic tour of the city, during which we´ll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, explore the ancient walls, take in views of the Golden Horn and the fishing district, and marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace (tickets included), the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.

07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.

Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.

We’ll embark on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers for a two-hour trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included). If there are few travelers, the boat trip may be on a regular excursion boat. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul for some free time.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.

Total distance covered: 560 km.

07:00 a.m. – Departure from Istanbul in the early morning.
02:00 p.m. - We´ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, which had a population of a quarter of a million two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included).

06:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue towards the Aegean Coast.
06:30 p.m. – Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant commercial life, bazaars and quaint castle. You’ll have free time in the center and then we’ll head to the hotel, where dinner will be included.

Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.

Total distance covered: 320 km.

Scenery: Mountains and seascapes. Some beautiful views over the Aegean Sea.

08:30 a.m. - Departure from Kusadasi.
10:00 a.m. - Lake Bafa. We’ll pause to soak in its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, mystical charm, and peaceful atmosphere. This is truly one of Turkey’s must-see natural wonders.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Lake Bafa.
12:00 p.m. - Bodrum. Enjoy free time in this charming, fortified city of Greek origin. You can explore its impressive castle, wander through its bustling streets, or visit the marina. You’ll have some time for lunch.

03:00 p.m. – Departure from Bodrum.
05:30 p.m. - Marmaris. Accommodation will be in this coastal town, known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.

Note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation may be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.

Notes:
-Remember that we’ll be entering Greece. On the ferry, please ensure you have your luggage and passport readily accessible.
-The ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris is subject to frequent changes and does not operate daily (except during summer months). Therefore, this part of the itinerary may require adjustments.
-For groups of fewer than 10 people, visits to Rhodes may be conducted on a regular service with an alternative schedule, shared with passengers from other companies.

07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel to the ferry port. Border procedures.
09:15 a.m. – Departure on the fast ferry. The trip will last approximately one hour. Please note that the schedule may be subject to changes as per the above note.

10:15 a.m. – Rhodes. Border procedures to enter Greece. We’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the remarkable walled city of Rhodes and its historic quarter, which reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences—from Greek and Roman to Byzantine, Knights of Malta, Ottoman, and Italian. The guided tour will last approximately two hours with a local guide. Following the tour, we’ll transfer you to the hotel.

Free afternoon. We recommend enjoying the beaches or exploring this beautiful city at your leisure.

Total distance covered: 115 Km.

Scenery: Mediterranean landscapes and picturesque views over the sea.

Note: Direct flight schedules between Rhodes and Crete are limited and subject to change; sometimes the flight may occur on Friday morning or include a stopover in Athens.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Rhodes city. Today, we’ll embark on an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included).
09:30 a.m. – Filerimos. We’ll explore its small monastery, set amidst stunning landscapes atop a hill.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Filerimos.
11:30 a.m. – Lindos. We’ll arrive in this historic city boasting a medieval fortress and a Greek Acropolis overlooking the sea. We´ll take you by coach to St. Paul’s Bay, where tradition holds that the apostle arrived by sea in 51 A.D. to spread Christianity. This picturesque setting was also featured in the film "The Guns of Navarone." You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis.

03:00 p.m. – Departure from Lindos and return to Rhodes. Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule. Direct flight or flight with a stopover in Athens to the island of Crete. Arrival in Heraklion and transfer to the hotel.

Total distance: 145 km.

Scenery: Beautiful Mediterranean landscapes with views of mountains and the sea.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. Our route will follow the coastline, offering stunning sea views.
11:00 a.m. - Rethymno. Arrival in this beautiful coastal city of Venetian origin characterized by its medieval castle. You’ll have time to stroll through its historic center and enjoy lunch.

02:30 p.m. - Departure from Rethymno.
03:30 p.m. - Chania. Arrival in this captivating city boasting an impressive fortress and stately mansions. Throughout its history, Chania has been contested among Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Turks, Egyptians, and Greeks. Our guide will highlight the most beautiful points of interest, and you’ll have free time to explore the city.

07:00 p.m. - Departure from Chania and return to Heraklion.

Total distance covered: 180 km.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Heraklion.
09:30 a.m. - Knossos. Our visit includes a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, offering insights into the Minoan culture that gave rise to Greek civilization four thousand years ago.

11:45 a.m. - Departure from Knossos. We’ll travel through the island´s tall mountains, heading south towards the Libyan Sea.
01:30 p.m. - Agia Galini, a picturesque town with labyrinthine alleys, a charming fishing port, and bustling taverns. Enjoy free time to explore, have lunch, and perhaps take a swim in the sea.

06:30 p.m. - Departure from Agia Galini. Return journey to the capital of Crete.
08:00 p.m. - Heraklion. We recommend strolling through its lively historic center, brimming with activity and small restaurants.

Note: From November to April, due to the end of the summer season and business closures, we´ll visit the picturesque town of Matala instead of Agia Galini. Matala is renowned for its beautiful beach and unique landscapes of cliffs with carved caves.

Total distance covered: 180 km.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from Heraklion. We’ll journey to the east of the island, passing through coastal and mountainous landscapes.
11:00 a.m. - Panagia Kera. Located in a small village amidst a rich agricultural plain, we’ll visit the 13th-century church renowned for some of the best frescoes in Crete (admission included).

12:00 p.m. - Departure from Panagia Kera.
12:15 p.m. - Arrival in Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town with a natural port. You´ll have time for a walk and lunch.

02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agios Nikolaos.
03:00 p.m. - Arrival in Elounda, once a city-state and now a beautiful tourist enclave. Enjoy some leisure time for a stroll. Here, we’ll include a boat trip (either from Elounda or nearby port of Plaka) and admission to the Fortress of Spinalonga. This ancient Venetian fortress later served as a leprosarium for many years. The boat trip takes about 15 minutes each way, with time to explore the fortress before returning by boat. Afterwards, we´ll visit the picturesque coastal town of Plaka for coffee and a stroll.

06:00 p.m. - Departure from Plaka.
07:30 p.m. - Heraklion.

Total distance by road: 50 km.

Note: Ferry schedules and frequencies vary depending on the time of year. Please check "My Trip" for the specific schedules that apply to your departure.

In the early morning, we´ll transfer to the port. Our ferry usually departs at 07:00 or 08:00 a.m. We’ll travel on a very fast, modern ferry and arrive on the island of Santorini in less than two hours.

Santorini - Arrival is scheduled for 08:50 a.m. if your ferry departs at 07:00 a.m., or 09:50 a.m. if it departed at 08:00 a.m. By bus, we´ll journey through stunning landscapes to Oia, undoubtedly the most picturesque town on the island. Enjoy its lively white streets, breathtaking cliffside views, castle ruins, and windmills. You´ll have time to stroll around and have lunch.

Afterward, we will visit Fira, the capital of the island. If you wish, you can take the cable car or ride a donkey down to the port, where cruise ships are stationed. Alternatively, you can sail to the hot springs and watch the sunset from an old, classic Mediterranean boat.

After breakfast, we’ll take a ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. According to mythology, the battle between Zeus and the Titans occurred on this island. You´ll have free time afterward to wander through the quaint narrow streets, visit Little Venice, and see the iconic windmills.


Note: Depending on the number of passengers, your guide may not accompany you on the ferry. In that case, a new guide will meet you upon arrival on the island.

Mykonos - After breakfast, you’ll have a free day to enjoy the island. We recommend visiting Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and one of the most sacred places in Ancient Greece, or simply relaxing on the famous Paradise and Super Paradise beaches.

After breakfast, at the designated time, we’ll transfer to the port to board the ferry to Athens. We’ll arrive at the Port of Piraeus at night, around 11:00 p.m.

Total distance covered: 411 km.

Landscapes: Beautiful sea views. Fantastic landscapes of the Meteora.

08:00 a.m. - Departure from Athens. We’ll travel to the Peloponnese region.
09:15 a.m. - Stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the end of the nineteenth century that links the Isthmus of Corinth with the Aegean Sea, facilitating maritime transport.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from the Corinth Canal. Once on the Peloponnese Peninsula, we’ll continue travelling through the mountains.
10:45 a.m. - Tripoli. We’ll stop in the vibrant capital of the Arcadia region, with time for a stroll around Aeros Square with its cafes and restaurants.

11:45 a.m. - Departure from Tripoli.
01:45 p.m. - Olympia. We’ll have time for lunch and then we’ll visit the archaeological site (admission and guided tour included), the place where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C., with athletes from all over Greece and its colonies participating. Highlights include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. After the visit, you’ll have free time. If you wish, you can visit the museum (not included).

04:45 p.m. - Departure from Olympia. We’ll enjoy mountain landscapes and pass through some picturesque villages on our route.
06:45 p.m. - Patras. We’ll arrive in the third-largest city in Greece, a lively port city with a remarkable medieval fortress. Its cathedral is the largest church in Greece, and next to it is the small church of St. Andrew, a place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.

Total distance covered: 325 km.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Patras. After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, a spectacular cable-stayed bridge which connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland.
09:15 a.m. - Nafpaktos - Free time to walk around Nafpaktos, a town on the Gulf of Corinth. Its Venetian fortress overlooking the city is a reminder of its historical significance as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets clashed in battle—a conflict during which the famous Cervantes lost his arm.

10:30 a.m. - Departure from Nafpaktos. We’ll resume our journey along the Gulf of Corinth.
01:00 p.m. - Mycenae. Arrival and free time to explore the colossal citadel from the 18th century BC, considered the cradle of European civilization (admission included).


03:30 p.m. - Departure from Mycenae after lunch.
04:15 p.m. - Acrocorinth. We’ll visit the immense fortress of Acrocorinth (tickets included). The foundations of an old temple of Aphrodite rest on the highest part of the settlement.


06:00 p.m. - Departure from Acrocorinth. We’ll continue our journey towards Athens with a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive 19th-century engineering feat that connects the Isthmus of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, facilitating maritime trade.
07:30 p.m. - Athens - Arrival.

Enjoy a free day to take in the charm of this city, exploring and discovering its memorable places.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.