Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure
7 days, Athens to Istanbul
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Athens/Vólos
Depart Athens in the morning for the drive to Volos, with a quick stop in Thermopylae on the way for a short visit. Once in Volos, set off on an orientation walk with your CEO, followed by some free time to settle into the hotel and relax. In the evening, meet up with a local guide and head out on a cultural walk to see some of the city's highlights, stopping at 2 different local taverns along the way for small plates of food called 'meze,' truly a local and delicious experience that will serve as a light dinner.
Thermopylae is an ancient battlefield where Greek (mainly Spartan) soldiers held off the Persian army for three days. A battle which acted as inspiration for the movie 300.
This tour departs from Athens on day 1 and it is required to be at the meeting point hotel no later than 8:00am. We recommend that you book a pre-night at our hotel or nearby for the night prior so that you don't miss the group transfer.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Thermopylae and Information Center Visit
Explore the Thermopylae site and Information Center, dedicated to commemorating the historic Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient Greek history. Learn about how Spartan warriors defended against a Persian invasion at this site in 480 BC through exhibits featuring multimedia presentations and artifacts.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Volos
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, and ATMs, as well as point out some local sites.
Your Foodie Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates
Set out on a walk with a local guide, learning of archaeology, mythology, and gastronomy as you sample local drinks and delicious plates of 'meze'. Witness the city's highlights and immerse yourself in Volos' unique culture.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Magnes Hotel Volos (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Vólos
Head out from Volos today on a day of exploration and cultural immersion, hopping village-to-village. Explore Milies and take a short hike to a cave, stop by a women's co-op in Vizitsa then visit the town of Pinakates and have beach time at Kato Gatzea before returning to Volos in the evening. Each stop provides a unique glance into the daily life in this beautiful corner of the world.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Milies Visit
Explore Milies, a well preserved village known for its stone mansions, cobblestones, and railway. Head out on foot for a short 1-hour hike to visit the Centaur Cave where Chiron lived. Visit the church and take some time to shop for local wares.
Vizitsa Visit
Visit Vizitsa, known for the agricultural co-op owned and run by local women. Opt to sample local goods and enjoy coffee and snacks.
Pinakates Visit
Explore the village square; take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Kato Gatzea Visit
Sit back and relax with free time at the beach. Enjoy the golden sand and clear water, or explore the quaint village, home of local tavernas serving truly authentic Greek cuisine.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Magnes Hotel Volos (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Vólos/Thessaloníki
Drive north from Volos, stopping at Mount Olympus National Park for a short walk near the mountain that was home to the gods in Greek mythology. Continue to the Polycentric Museum of Aigai to tour the tombs and see the archaeological artifacts before carrying to Thessaloniki. Join your CEO for an orientation walk and enjoy a free evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mt Olympus National Park
Arrive at the Prioni Refuge and visitor centre for free time over lunch, then take part in a short walk with your CEO through the forest around Mt Olympus, the summit is said to house the mythical Gods. Explore the vast wilderness and several different ecosystems.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Polycentric Museum of Aigai
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Vergina Royal Tombs. Vergina was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia and houses the Royal Tomb of King Phillip, father of Alexander the Great. Tour the tombs and museum and witness the stunning treasure found here.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Thessaloniki
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets and ATMs.and show you some of the main sites.
Accommodation
Queen Olga Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Thessaloníki
Take advantage of a free day to explore Thessaloniki. Discover historic landmarks like the Roman Forum, visit museums or take a walking food tour, sampling dishes like Greek 'meze' and other regional specialties. In the evening, head out for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
One of the largest museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is home to to artifacts from the Prehistoric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Nea Paralia
Head down to Thessaloniki's waterfront, one of the most beautiful and internationally awarded promenades. Explore the cycle paths, sports fields, culinary outlets, and the attractive seaside.
Accommodation
Queen Olga Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Thessaloníki/Kavala
Wave goodbye to Thessaloniki this morning and drive to the city of Kavala. Settle in and orient yourself with a CEO-led orientation walk of the old town with the option to walk up to the castle for great views of the city and of the sea. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Kavala
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Accommodation
Nefeli Hotel Kavala (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Kavala/Istanbul
Depart Kavala in the morning and drive east to the city of Alexandropoli. Take a short walk with the CEO to explore the area and have some time for lunch before continuing on to the Turkish border and onwards to Istanbul, arriving in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Alexandroupoli Walk
Wander the old town area with your CEO and learn about the two communities intermingling in their daily lives.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Istanbul
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.