Vacation Overview

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Greek Island Adventure with Istanbul

11 days from Athens to Istanbul

Vacation overview

Calling all adventurous spirits to embark on an odyssey and discover breathtaking sights and ancient legends. Begin where it all began: the ancient city of Athens where the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis proudly preside and where the spirit of athletes and gods, philosophers, and poets still fill the air with legendary tales. Set sights on the sea with visits to the islands of Crete, Naxos, and Paros to unveil the mysteries, myths, and marvelous history that awaits you, along with idyllic villages, pristine shores, and so much more! You’ll find plenty of island time to wine, dine, and dream in sidewalk cafés and tavernas, creating a few legendary memories of your own. Your tour of Greece and Turkey continues to Istanbul to behold the bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces. This is complemented by the warm people who welcome us to share in the traditions and tastes (think Turkish coffee & Turkish Delight!) in this gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE

Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and travel companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2 ATHENS–HERAKLION, CRETE

Marvels & Myths Wake up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athens’ main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Later, board your flight to the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic city where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.

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Day 3 HERAKLION

Saints & Sweets Start your Cretan discovery with a guided walking tour of its capital city – Heraklion. Learn about its importance dating back to the Minoan civilization and admire views of its impressive landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, St. Minas Cathedral, and the Church of St. Titus. Taste a traditional bougatsa pastry. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore more of the island.

LOCAL FAVORITE
The bustling capital of Crete boasts over 3,000 years of history and multicultural influences. While walking along the narrow streets, see the most famous historic and cultural sites. Join the locals and taste a traditional bougatsa, one of the most popular Greek sweet treats.

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Day 4 HERAKLION–NAXOS

Tempting Traditions This morning, board a high-speed ferry for a ride across the Aegean to the island of Naxos. Enjoy guided sightseeing to see the highlights of Naxos town with its cobblestone alleys and Venetian castles. Then, a really sweet treat! Taste the famous citrus spoon dessert at a local kafenio (cafè). Later, enjoy some leisure time to explore more of the island.

LOCAL FAVORITE
The “glykó tou koutalioú” or “sweet of the spoon” comes from an old Arabic custom that was later adopted by the Byzantines. It is a gesture of hospitality offered to welcome guests. They are what the name suggests: a dessert served on a spoon. Normally made from fruit, the concept may sound simple, but there is a lot of pride and tradition involved; recipes are handed down through the generations together with the special presentation silverware.

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Day 5 NAXOS

Mediterranean Magic Enjoy a full day at leisure on this idyllic island. Why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches? Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more of this lush green island. Stroll the charming streets shopping for souvenirs; sample the locally produced olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit. Discover more of the ancient Greek ruins; or head to the beach for a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters of the Aegean!

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Day 6 NAXOS–PAROS

Sun, Sand & Sea Today, hop on a high-speed ferry to reach the island of Paros. Explore delightful Parikia, the capital of Paros, during a guided sightseeing tour which features a visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” Enjoy some free time to browse. This evening, enjoy some authentic tastes with dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Historically known for its fine white marble, used to construct some of the most important Greek structures, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Paros nowadays captures the imagination as an idyllic Greek island - dotted with traditional villages, framed by stunning beaches, and surrounded by pristine waters.

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Day 7 PAROS–ATHENS

Back to the Future of Civilization Today, take a ferry back to Athens. Enjoy free time later this afternoon and evening. Perhaps visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and sound of bouzouki music.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of Western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.

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Day 8 ATHENS-ISTANBUL, TURKEY

East Meets West This morning, bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight to the unique and fascinating city of Istanbul. Your first introduction to Istanbul is a visit to the Spice Market. Marvel at the vibrant colors of the spices and local produce while admiring the stunning architecture. Get a taste for local specialties when you sample some authentic Turkish Delight. Later, admire Istanbul from a different perspective when you take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, dividing the city and straddling two continents – Europe and Asia. This evening, enjoy free time to try some typical dishes for dinner.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, later known as Constantinople, and today called Istanbul, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.

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Day 9 ISTANBUL

The City on Seven Hills This morning, continue your discovery of Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there, marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior, stand under the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, and enter a shopper’s paradise at the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4,000 shops! This afternoon and evening enjoy some free time to explore more.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sophia hasn’t had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum.

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Day 10 ISTANBUL

Inspired Istanbul Enjoy a free day in Istanbul – there’s still plenty to discover. Absorb more history and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try an authentic Turkish coffee experience accompanied by a delicious baklava.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” an underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.

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Day 11 ISTANBUL

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Vacation Highlights

Special Features Included in this Tour:

• Guided sightseeing in Athens includes an orientation drive to see the main landmarks, plus a visit to the Acropolis
• Guided walking tour in Heraklion, Crete includes the main highlights and a [LF] bougatsa tasting (traditional pastry)
• Guided sightseeing in Naxos includes complementary [LF] citrus spoon dessert, a traditional local sweet
• Guided sightseeing in Paros includes a visit to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the “Church of a Hundred Doors”
• Visit to Istanbul’s Spice Market plus traditional Turkish Delight sampling
• Scenic cruise on the Bosphorus River, sailing between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul
• Guided sightseeing in Istanbul includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Grand Bazaar
• Flight from Athens to Crete, and from Athens to Istanbul
• Ferry crossing between Crete and Naxos, plus Naxos and Athens, cruising across the scenic Aegean Sea

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Guests are required to manage their own luggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry portions of this tour.

Services of the Tour Director end on day 8. Istanbul portion includes services of a local host.

No Excursions are available at this time.

Dates & Prices do not include international air travel.

Travel Terms & Conditions

The purchase of any travel services offered by Globus, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Globus, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travellers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travellers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
View full Terms & Conditions

Important Notes

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person per vacation is required for Globus to reserve space for you. View full Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
Charges not included in the land vacation price: airfare to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; passports; visas and vaccinations; transfers; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; porterage at airports or train stations; Travel Insurance premiums; and all other items of a personal nature.

Booking your Vacation with Air

For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Globus offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers travelling from Canada (with some exceptions from the United States, depending on the selected itinerary). An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable service fee of $80 per person. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Once your airfare is confirmed and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations — Applicable Taxes & Fees

Air inclusive price quotes will include all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked. For return travel from some countries, international travellers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveller at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.