Istanbul to Athens - Turkish Delights and Greek Treasures

This 15-night escorted tour by Travelsphere sets out from Istanbul, a city poised between continents, where Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque provide a grand introduction. After a poignant visit to the Gallipoli battlefields and the multi-layered ruins of Troy, the route follows the Aegean coast to Kusadasi and the ancient city of Ephesus, with its marble streets and vast theatre.

A ferry crossing brings the group to the island of Samos, where a visit to the Eupalinos Tunnel reveals remarkable ancient engineering. A short flight takes travellers onward to Athens, with time to take in the Acropolis and its museum. The journey continues north to Kalambaka’s Meteora monasteries perched on towering rock pillars, then south again for the archaeological highlights of Delphi, Mycenae and Epidaurus. Nafpaktos, a coastal town with Venetian influences and waterside tavernas, provides a quieter setting before the final night in Athens.

Travelsphere’s small-group approach allows time to absorb both the history and atmosphere without the rush common to larger tours. It is a varied itinerary that balances well-known sites with moments of quiet reflection, and offers a practical pace for those happy to take their time.

New to Greece? Our Greece guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.