Why book the Classic Turkey & Greek Islands tour?
This 14-day journey from Athens to Istanbul is one of the most complete ways to explore two of the Mediterranean's greatest civilisations. You start with the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, island-hop through Santorini, Mykonos and Samos by fast ferry, then cross into Turkey for Ephesus, the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Groups are small (max 20), accommodation is 4 to 5-star throughout, and the tipping kitty is included so there are no awkward handovers at the end of each day.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Greece and Turkey?
Absolutely. You spend two full days in Athens before the island-hopping begins, giving you time to orientate and absorb the history. On the Greek islands your time is largely free so you can move at your own pace, and once you cross into Turkey a professional Turkish tour guide joins and handles all the logistics through to Istanbul. The itinerary is structured to give you the headline sites without overwhelming you.
What is the difference between this and your other Greece and Turkey tours?
The Classic Turkey & Greek Islands (14 days) is the flagship combination tour, covering Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Samos, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Istanbul in one sweep. The Istanbul to Athens Explorer (15 days) runs the same corridor in reverse with a slightly different pace. The Classic Greece & Santorini (10 days) stays within Greece and focuses on Athens, Santorini and Mykonos without crossing into Turkey. The Eastern Turkey Encounters (9 days) goes deep into Anatolia beyond Cappadocia, covering regions this tour does not reach.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The tour runs from early June through mid-September, which is peak Mediterranean summer season. This is the driest and sunniest period in both Greece and Turkey, with warm Aegean waters ideal for swimming. July and August are the hottest months and the most popular, so ferry crossings and island accommodation can feel busier. Early June and September offer the same sunshine with cooler evenings and fewer crowds.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper ways to piece this itinerary together yourself. But factor in 4 to 5-star hotels every night, all Greek island ferry crossings and port-hotel transfers, entrance fees to every site in Turkey, a professional Greek tour leader from Athens to Samos, a professional Turkish tour guide from Kusadasi to Istanbul, 12 breakfasts and 5 dinners, a tipping kitty, and 24-hour airport transfers. Coordinating all that independently takes hours of research and leaves you exposed to cancellations and mis-connections.
What is actually included in the price?
All accommodation, all transport and transfers, Greek island ferry crossings, port-hotel transfers on the Greek islands, 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, services of a Greek tour leader (Athens to Samos), services of a professional Turkish tour guide (Kusadasi to Istanbul), entrance fees to all sites visited in Turkey, 12 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and the tipping kitty.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, meals not listed in the itinerary, drinks and snacks, entrance fees in Athens (the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum together require a budget in euros, which your guide will advise on before you visit), port or border fees, and optional tours. Tips for the guide and driver over and above the tipping kitty are at your discretion.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. You can reserve your place online with a deposit, or hold a reservation and pay later. The full balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Payments can be made by debit or credit card, bank transfer, or cheque. Full details are in your booking confirmation.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This is a moderate-activity tour. Walking across the Acropolis involves uneven ancient stone and some incline. Exploring Ephesus means walking marble streets for a couple of hours. Cappadocia involves walking through the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and an underground city. The ferry crossings (up to 5-7 hours overnight for the Mykonos-to-Samos leg) are long but passive. There is no sustained hiking or altitude gain. A reasonable level of fitness and an ability to walk for a few hours on historic, sometimes uneven terrain is all that is needed.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
This tour is very accessible for older travellers. The pace is unhurried, most days include free time on the islands, and the guide is there to assist at every site. The overnight ferry from Mykonos to Samos uses reclining seats rather than cabins, which some find less comfortable for sleeping, so it is worth bearing that in mind.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The main challenges are the cobbled ancient streets at the Acropolis and Ephesus and the steps inside the underground city in Cappadocia. If you use a wheelchair or have significant mobility limitations, some sections may be difficult to access. Contact us before booking and we can talk through which activities can be adapted or skipped.
How hot does it actually get?
Greece and Turkey in summer are genuinely hot. July and August temperatures on the Aegean islands and in coastal Turkey regularly reach 30-35 degrees C, and Cappadocia, while slightly cooler, is still warm by day. Pamukkale and the inland drive days can feel very hot in peak summer. Bring sun protection, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
Is Turkey safe to visit right now?
Turkey is a well-established tourist destination and the sites on this itinerary, from Kusadasi and Ephesus through to Istanbul, are visited by millions of people each year. Your professional Turkish tour guide accompanies the group from arrival in Turkey through to the end of the tour. As with any destination, check current government travel advisories before departure.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Yes. Both Greece and Turkey are popular solo-travel destinations and women travelling alone or joining the group by themselves are a regular and welcome part of our groups. Istanbul and the major tourist areas of Turkey are busy and well-monitored. Dress modestly at religious sites like the Blue Mosque, where shoulders and legs should be covered, and you will have no difficulties.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your tour leader or guide will help you access local medical care. All 4 to 5-star hotels can assist with finding a doctor. You must carry comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover. World Nomads is our recommended provider.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
At major Turkish sites, particularly the Grand Bazaar and around tourist areas in Istanbul, persistent vendors are part of the experience. A polite but firm no usually works. Your Turkish guide knows the areas well and will navigate you through. The Greek islands are generally low-pressure. Pamukkale and Cappadocia have some souvenir sellers but nothing overwhelming.
What is the accommodation actually like?
All hotels on this tour are rated 4 to 5-star. In Athens you stay at the Athenaeum Grand Hotel, a modern property with views over the city and a free shuttle to the Acropolis. In Santorini the Rose Bay Hotel is a boutique hotel near Kamari beach with a pool and Wi-Fi. In Mykonos the Vienoulas Garden Hotel is a family-run property with balconies and a pool close to Mykonos Town. In Kusadasi the Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel and in Cappadocia and Istanbul further high-quality hotels are used. All rooms are en-suite with air-conditioning.
What is the overnight ferry like?
On Day 6, after exploring Mykonos, you take an overnight ferry to Samos using reclining seats (not cabins). It is roughly 5-7 hours. Bring a travel pillow and a light layer for the air-conditioning. This is a practical and scenic way to cross between the islands rather than a luxury experience.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Yes at all 4 to 5-star hotels throughout the tour. During travel days by minibus or on the ferry Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, so download offline maps and guides before you leave each hotel.
Can I upgrade or add extra nights?
The tour can be booked on a private basis with fully customised accommodation. Extra nights in Athens before the tour starts and extra nights in Istanbul at the end are available as add-ons. Contact us to discuss options.
What kind of food will we eat?
In Greece you will find fresh seafood, Greek salads, mezze platters, grilled meats and local cheeses at tavernas around the islands. In Turkey, the food shifts to kebabs, mezze, gozleme (stuffed flatbreads), and the fruit wines of Sirince village. Five dinners are included in the tour price, and the rest of the time you eat where you like.
Can you cater for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes, we are delighted to cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements wherever possible! Simply let us know your dietary preferences or allergies at the time of booking so our team can notify our tour leaders, hotels, and restaurants in advance. While meal options in more remote areas may be simpler, we always do our utmost to ensure you enjoy plentiful, delicious, and authentic local food throughout your adventure with us.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Stick to bottled or filtered water in both Greece and Turkey. Tap water in hotels is generally treated but the taste can vary and drinking it is not recommended. Bring a refillable bottle with a filter, such as those from our partner Water-to-Go (use code ENCOUNTERS25 for a discount).
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. The group format (max 20 people) means you meet fellow travellers from day one. The free time on the Greek islands is a great opportunity to explore independently or pair up with other group members as you choose.
Do I have to share a room?
Rooms are based on twin sharing. A single supplement is available if you prefer your own room throughout. Let us know at booking.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Groups are a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 20 people. In practice these tours attract a mix of couples, solo travellers, and small groups of friends, typically from the UK, USA, Australia and Europe, ranging from their late 20s through to retirees.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. The tour is available as a private departure on the same start dates as group tours, or on other dates throughout the year. A private booking also allows you to customise the accommodation level or adjust the itinerary. Contact us for a quote.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The tour does not have a stated minimum age, but the combination of multi-day ferry crossings, long drives and historical site visits is better suited to teenagers and adults. Younger children would find the pace and the overnight ferry challenging. Contact us if you are planning a family trip and we can advise on the best fit.
Do I need a visa for Greece and Turkey?
EU citizens and most Western passport holders do not need a visa to enter Greece (part of the Schengen Area). For Turkey, most nationalities can obtain an e-Visa online before travel. Check current requirements on the official Turkish e-Visa portal and the Greek consulate website for your nationality, as rules can change.
What should I pack?
Light summer clothing for June through September, with a smart-casual layer for dinners. Comfortable walking shoes with grip for the Acropolis and Ephesus cobblestones. A cover-up (scarf or long trousers and sleeves) for mosque visits in Turkey. Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Plug adaptors for both Greece (Type C/F) and Turkey (Type C/F, same plug but worth confirming your devices). A travel pillow for the overnight ferry. Keep luggage light as you will be moving accommodation frequently.
Are any vaccinations required?
No specific vaccinations are required for Greece or Turkey. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalised advice before departure.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. You book your own flights into Athens and out of Istanbul. We include 24-hour airport transfers at both ends. We are happy to suggest flights if you ask.
What about tipping?
The tipping kitty for site entrance and group services is already included in the tour price. Additional tips for your Greek tour leader and Turkish tour guide are at your discretion and not mandatory.
Can I upgrade the Cappadocia to Istanbul leg to a flight?
Yes. Instead of the long drive from Cappadocia to Ankara and then Istanbul, you can upgrade to an internal flight from Kayseri airport (including transfers). Ask us for current flight times and pricing when you book.
Can I add extra days in Athens before the tour?
Yes. Extra nights in the Athens hotel before Day 1 are available as a pre-tour add-on. Athens alone warrants extra time if you want to explore beyond the Acropolis.
Can I add extra days in Istanbul at the end?
Yes. Extra nights in the Istanbul hotel after Day 14 are available. Istanbul is a large city and extra time lets you explore the Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus boat trips and neighbourhoods the main tour does not cover.
Can I take a boat trip into the Santorini volcanic lagoon?
Yes. On your free day in Santorini (Day 4), optional boat trips into the volcanic caldera are available locally. You can visit the active volcano, take a mud bath and swim in warm volcanic waters. Your tour leader can assist with booking.
How far ahead should I book?
Summer departures fill up. June, July and August departures especially book up months in advance, so booking 3-6 months ahead is sensible for peak season. The tour also runs on private departures throughout the year if you miss group dates.
How does booking work?
Complete the online reservation form on the tour's Dates & Prices page. You can pay a deposit, pay in full, or hold a reservation. The balance is due 8 weeks before departure. You will receive instant confirmation and a follow-up email with full details.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation. World Nomads offers suitable coverage for this type of tour. You must provide your policy details before departure.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding-scale cancellation fee applies depending on how far in advance you cancel. Full terms are in the booking conditions on our website. We are UK-registered and financial protection is provided through our partnership with Trust My Travel.
What if my preferred dates are sold out?
Contact us to join the waitlist for your preferred date. Alternatively, we can arrange a private departure on different dates or suggest similar tours such as the Istanbul to Athens Explorer (15 days) or the Classic Greece & Santorini (10 days).
