Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure

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On sale!

£1,259 was £1399

Discount: 10%

Offer end: Feb 02 2026

Duration: 7 days

Begins: Athens

Ends: Istanbul

Trip Code: EGGI

From

£1,259 per person

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    History, mythology, cobblestone streets, golden beaches, and the legendary Mt. Olympus — what more could you ask for? Journey from west to east on this epic seven-day adventure from Athens to Istanbul. Walk in the footsteps of warriors at the Thermopylae battlefield, the inspiration for the movie 300, and dive into the myths and legends that make Greece so captivating over a spread of delicious local meze. Wander through the rugged beauty of Mt. Olympus National Park, standing in the shadow of the gods, before crossing into Turkey and arriving in Istanbul — a city where East meets West in a vibrant swirl of culture, history, and incredible food. One unforgettable week, two incredible countries, and memories to last a lifetime.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    2 - Light
    Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Foodie Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates, Vólos
    • Visit Thermopylae Battleground Site and Information Centre
    • Volos Orientation Walk
    • Full-day village-hopping tour from Vilos
    • Hike to centaur cave from Milies, Visit a women's coop in Vizitsa
    • Visit Pinakates, Agios Georgios and beach time at Kato Gatzea
    • Walk in Mount Olympus National Park
    • Polycentric Museum of Aigai
    • Thessaloniki Orientation Walk
    • Walking exploration of Kavala's old town
    • Alexandroupoli orientation walk
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD235-305 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Athens/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.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    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

    Athens - Thermopylae 2h30m 200km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Thermopylae and Information Center Visit

    Thermopylae 0h45m

    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

    Thermopylae - Vólos 1h30m 132km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Orientation Walk Volos

    Vólos 1h

    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.

    Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates

    Vólos 2h

    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.

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 2 : Vólos

    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

    Vólos - Miliés 0h45m 27km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Milies Visit

    Miliés 2h

    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

    Vizitsa 1h30m

    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

    Pinakates 0h30m

    Explore the village square; take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

    Kato Gatzea Visit

    Káto Gatzéa 2h30m - 3h

    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

    Káto Gatzéa - Vólos 0h30m 18km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3 : Vólos/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

    Vólos - Mount Olympus 2h 142km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Mt Olympus National Park

    Olympus National Park 2h

    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

    Mount Olympus - Vergína 1h30m 90km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Polycentric Museum of Aigai

    Vergína 1h30m

    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

    Vergína - Thessaloníki 1h 71km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Orientation Walk Thessaloniki

    Thessaloníki 1h 1km

    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.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Thessaloníki

    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:

    Thessaloníki Full day

    There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

    Optional Activities - Day 4

    Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

    Thessaloníki

    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

    Thessaloníki

    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.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Thessaloníki/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

    Thessaloníki - Kavala 2h 153km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Orientation Walk Kavala

    Kavala 1h

    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:

    Kavala

    There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 6 : Kavala/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

    Kavala - Alexandroúpoli 2h 150km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Alexandroupoli Walk

    Alexandroúpoli 0h30m 1km

    Wander the old town area with your CEO and learn about the two communities intermingling in their daily lives.

    Private Vehicle

    Alexandroúpoli - Istanbul 4h30m 300km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 7 : Istanbul

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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