2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Greek Island Hopper with Istanbul (RMT)

13 days from Athens to Istanbul

2025 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

Feeling blue takes on a different meaning on this tour of Greece and Turkey. The striking contrast of whitewashed walls beside the blue Aegean Sea is sure to lift the spirit by mythic proportions! On this tour of Athens, the Greek Isles, and Istanbul, you will explore the ancient city of gold, silver, and bronze before setting sail for the iconic blue and white island gems of Santorini and Mykonos. Enjoy Santorini’s picture-perfect vistas, pristine beaches, chic boutiques, waterfront cafes, and the heart-pumping nightlife of magical Mykonos. Your tour continues to Istanbul to behold the bold beauty of sacred Byzantine architecture in Istanbul’s mosques and palaces 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.

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach, plus ferry crossings from Athens to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Santorini, a cruise on the Bosphorus, and flights from Santorini to Athens and Athens to Istanbul. Wi-fi where available. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!

Multiple Vacation Discount: Save up to an additional $100 per person when you book more than one Globus, Cosmos or Avalon Vacation for the same travel year
Your Wow Starts Now Sales Event: Save up to $400 per couple on select 2025 Globus Tours Worldwide*
Greek Island Hopper with Istanbul map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Welcome drink in Athens; full buffet breakfast daily; 2 three-course dinners


Notes:

This tour requires walking on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Guest 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 10. Istanbul portion includes services of a local host.

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE

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

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Day 2 ATHENS

Marvels & Myths ATHENS Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis and a stop at the Panathenaic Stadium. Free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic empire 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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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 ATHENS–PIRAEUS/RAFINA–MYKONOS

Sweet Luck PIRAEUS Take a scenic ferry crossing to Mykonos.
MYKONOS Walking tour includes the Church of Agia Kiriaki and Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite an Amygdalota (traditional Mykonos dessert) tasting. Dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant.

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It’s our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 MYKONOS

Mediterranean Magic MYKONOS Enjoy a day at leisure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 MYKONOS

Aegean Gem MYKONOS Enjoy a free day on Mykonos.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Your dreams of the Greek Islands come true with free time in Mykonos. This Aegean paradise of pristine waters and beaches, mixed with a lively nightlife scene is only made brighter by the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside above.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 MYKONOS–SANTORINI

Sights & Sips MYKONOS High-speed express ferry to Santorini.
SANTORINI Walking tour includes a picture stop at the cathedral and a Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite glass of ouzo. Free time this evening.

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It’s wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece!

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 7 SANTORINI

Sun, Sand & Sea SANTORINI Free time to explore.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 SANTORINI

Bright & Beautiful SANTORINI Spend a free day exploring.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT There’s lots of ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age. settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 SANTORINI–ATHENS

Aloft to Athens SANTORINI Fly to Athens.
ATHENS Enjoy free time in Athens this afternoon and evening.

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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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 ATHENS–ISTANBUL, TURKEY

East meets West ATHENS Fly to Istanbul.
ISTANBUL Visit the Spice Market and taste authentic Turkish Delight. Later admire the view during a cruise on the Bosphorus River.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, 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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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 ISTANBUL

The City on Seven Hills ISTANBUL This morning your guided sightseeing includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This afternoon and evening free time to explore more of this incredible city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sofia 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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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 12 ISTANBUL

Inspired Istanbul ISTANBUL Enjoy a free day to explore more of Istanbul.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the 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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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13 ISTANBUL

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

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Athens
Mykonos
Santorini
Istanbul

Athens

Dinner and Folklore

Dinner and Folklore

Head to Athens for a delectable 4-course dinner featuring Greek specialties and authentic Greek entertainment!

Price Range: $$$

Greek Dinner by the Sea

Greek Dinner by the Sea

Tonight, don't miss the chance to leave the busy city center and visit a private yacht marina along the coastal Poseidon avenue. This is a hotspot for the locals, where you will enjoy a delicious 4-course dinner along with your drinks overlooking the marina and the luxurious yachts. At the end of the dinner stroll around in the Marina, mingle with the locals and take some photos in what can only be described as a unique evening...

Price Range: $$$

Mykonos

Discover Delos

Discover Delos

Discover the ancient treasures of Delos on this exciting half-day guided excursion through the island's magnificent archaeological site.

Price Range: $$$$

A Day in Mykonos

A Day in Mykonos

Explore the sights and delights of the island of Mykonos with a full-day tour.

Price Range: $$

Santorini

Sunset in Oia Village

Sunset in Oia Village

Step right into the scene of a Santorini postcard on this incredible excursion featuring sunset in the village of Oia.

Price Range: $$

Akrotiri, the Lost City of Atlantis

Akrotiri, the Lost City of Atlantis

Explore the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, a city destroyed in 1450 BC by a massive volcanic eruption - and the possible inspiration for Plato's legend of Atlantis.

Price Range: $$$

Istanbul

Turkish Dinner and Folklore Show

Turkish Dinner and Folklore Show

An evening at one of Istanbul's favorite nightclubs. Enjoy a succulent dinner while Turkish folklore groups, singers, and belly dancers put on a dazzling show.

Price Range: $$$$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $1,489*
18 guests in a party: $384*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.



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.