On board international flight to Istanbul.

Upon arrival, meet and greet then transfer to hotel (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

Istanbul, the only city in the world that stretches across two continents, is the largest city in Türkiye with a population of 20 million. Used to be the capital city for Byzantine Empire, Latin Empire and Ottoman Empire, this ancient city has a long history, fascinating culture and gourmet food that attract visitors from all over the world.

Rest up and get ready for your stoked itinerary tomorrow.

Remarks before tour starts:

1. 1. Conservative dress is recommended especially visiting the religious venues. No shorts or short skirts for ladies and bare shoulders/heads are better to be covered. Men are encouraged to choose the long pants. Remove shoes when entering into the mosques.
2. 2. Ramadan is the holy month for the Islamic world and all Muslims have to fast from dawn to dusk without eating, drinking or smoking. Non-Muslims are not supposed to eat in public at this time.

Start off the day by visiting the UNESCO  listed Ancient Sultanahmet District on European side. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also nicked named the “Blue Mosque“owing to the blue glazed tiles the architects used for the decoration is a must-see sight. This massive construction is topped by over 30 domes and 6 minarets, big enough for housing 3500 pilgrims at the same time. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque mixed with Byzantine and Islamic styles is the city landmark building visible from across the Bosporus Strait. Not far from here is the Hagia Sophia,  a 900-year-old Byzantine church in history as well as a 500-year-old Islam Mosque till today. When Muhammad II stepped in this grand cathedral in 1453AD, instead of ordering to smash the complex into pieces, he determined to modify the structure, kept St. Mary status, covered the Byzantine mural paintings with plaster and converted this Christian church to a Muslim mosque. Keep going to the Egyptian Bazaar, an ancient spice market and Grand Bazaar, one of the world largest and oldest markets featuring all kinds of commodities you can imagine. Walk around in the old town center at Sultanahmet Square where you could admire three remarkable historical remains: Obelisk of Theodosius, Spiral Column and Constantine Column. Stop at a unique gem demonstration center to discover the world class jewelry in Ottoman style before going back to the hotel.

Relax in the hotel or you are invited to join us for the optional evening dinner cruise on the Bosporus, the dividing line between East and West.

 Optional Tour: Night cruise on Bosporus with dinner and folk-dance performance U$99/person.

Today is free for you to design your own agenda.

“If the whole world is one country, the capital must be Istanbul”. Join us for an optional full day in-depth tour to learn more about this appealing place.

 Optional Tour: Full day exploring Istanbul with lunch U$169/person

Let us first take you to the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built in 532AD for the water supply of the imperial palace. The accidental discovery of two upside down Medusa head sculptures has added more mystery and romance to this unique place which has appeared in many top-grossing movies. Next stop is the famed Topkapi Palace. Initially constructed by Muhammad II and expanded by Suleiman I, this royal palace is a huge compound consisting of imperial residence, library, mosque, school, hospital, and garden, spacious enough for 4000 dwellers. There were as many as 30 sultans who lived and ruled the vast country from this palace. Move to the New District on European side and visit the Dolmabahce Palace, also called the “New Palace”, where the last 6 sultans resided. Enlightened by the Louvre and inspired by the Buckingham Palace, this complex was designed to be fancy, luxurious and extravagant on a man-made land in water, overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. Stroll along the lively Istiklal Avenue connecting Galata Tower and Taksim Square lined with boutiques, book stores, bistros, high end restaurants, music pubs, art galleries, movie theaters and libraries. The elegant and charming architectures here in Classical, Gothic and Renaissance styles portray the golden era when this was all Genovese concession.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Morning bus ride to the capital city Ankara(270mi/440km), the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, go straight to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Elected to be the first president in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has been highly respected as the founder of the Republic of Turkey who had abolished the Sultan Monarchy of Ottoman Empire and brought the renascence to the modern Turkey by advocating and implementing a more secular state policy. There are 12 pairs of stone carved lion statues standing on both sides of the sacred walkway leading to the Grand Ceremonial Plaza, symbolizing the 24 Oghuz Turkic Tribes and adding solemn beauty to the whole tomb site. Your next program is the Museum of Anatolian Civilization, a veritable treasure trove full of archeological artifacts and cultural relics from excavation sites across the Anatolia. Ascend to Ankara Castle (with lots of steps) on top of the old town hill to gain a panoramic view of the city before checking in your hotel in the capital.

Depart for Cappadocia(200mi/330km), an area with unrivalled picture-perfect landform filled with imposing pillars, caves and valleys attracting world class filmmakers, photographers, newlyweds and hot air balloon riders. On the way, make a brief picture stop at Lake Tuz, “Mirror of the Sky”, an unusual pink color Salt Lake south of Ankara. Upon arrival at Cappadocia, check in your hotel and enjoy your free afternoon at this surreal region, the celebrated “Most Moon-like Place on Earth”

Tonight, you are invited to join us for an optional traditional folk-dance show. The UNESCO  listed Sufi Whirling Dervishes has 800 years of history in Turkey and dancers believe while they spin and meditate set to the music, their soul could escalate to a more harmonious level between heaven and earth, much closer to the Creator.

 Optional Tour: Evening Whirling Dervishes Performance U$59/person.

We invite the early risers to participate in an unforgettable adventure(optional) by riding on a hot air balloon at sunrise time. Cappadocia is one of the top 3 world-famous destinations ideal for hot air balloon activity because of its breathtaking volcanic rock formations, unbeatable Moon-like terrain and epic history of legendary human settlement.

 Optional Tour: Morning hot air balloon ride U$250/person (U$280/person or more if booking onsite subject to availability)

Remarks for hot air balloon experience:

1. 1. We strongly suggest early booking as the demand is usually high and the availability is limited especially during busy seasons.
2. 2. The ride may be canceled any time depending on the weather conditions.
3. 3. Bring extra layers for the high-altitude chill and do not wear high heels or short skirts. 
4. 4. Follow safety instructions and keep the correct landing position.
5. 5. Participants are offered safety insurance by the reputable licensed service providers.
6. 6. Seniors, very young kids or anyone with physical/health issues are not recommended for this activity.
7. 7. Participants come back to the hotel for breakfast after this activity.

In the afternoon, you are scheduled to follow our guide to explore the UNESCO   listed Goreme National Park, a wide stretch of a rocky, water- and wind-eroded landscape with cave churches and underground dwellings. Among the numerous valleys, rock towers, cliffs and peaks, Guvercinlik Valley, Devrent Valley, Fairy Chimneys, Love Valley, Rose Valley, Pasabag and Three Beauties are the most striking and picturesque ones. Around 9th century AD, more Christians escaped to this remote and isolated place and settled down here to avoid the attacks from Arabs. People hewed out houses from the rocks and later added churches, markets, wineries and tunnels to create some huge interconnected communities. Uçhisar Castle was built on a steep slope of a 196ft/60m high rock hill as a fortification functioned to ward off any invaders. The interior of the rock hill was unbelievably hollowed out to be served as a stronghold with water storage and food supply capable to support the worriers for months without any help from outside. Find out how natural resources and innovative designs have attributed to the world leading pottery- making of Turkey by visiting a local ceramic workshop then appreciate the traditional weaving process of the world famous Turkish carpet in a rug show room.

 Optional Tours: Wonders of Goreme with 4X4 jeep ride U$69/person

This two-hour 4X4 Off-Road Jeep Safari allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden canyons and caves upclose which are not accessible on foot or by bus. The bumpy ride through rugged terrain, stunning valleys and local villages is the best way to explore this lunar like landscape of Cappadocia.

Back to the hotel for a restful evening.

Return to Istanbul by bus and enjoy a scenic ride. We strongly advise you to consider upgrading to a discounted flight for your return journey to Istanbul, priced at U$199 per person, which includes airport pick-up and drop-off. This will help you avoid arriving late in the evening.

Check out from your hotel and proceed to the airport to catch your flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, the renowned classical capital of Greece, you will be greeted at the airport and provided with transportation to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to freely explore the awe-inspiring ancient marvels of this city, which is widely recognized as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

Drive through Thebes, Levadia and Arachova (famous for its bright multi-colored carpets) arrive in Delphi, the center of the Ancient World - the "Omphalos" (Navel of Earth). Delphi is the second-most important archeological site in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its theater, Temple of Apollo, and various ancient ruins.  

The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important game in Greece after the Olympics. 

The tour then visits the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Museum where one can gander at ancient archeological treasures, and marvel at its spectacular exhibits including the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the Sphinx of Naxos, the Statue of Antinous, the metopes of the Athenian treasury and the famous bronze Charioteer.

Today, the tour will begin at the Meteora where you will enjoy unique and impressive scenery with ageless Monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop rock formations. The Meteora is the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 the landscape view of the Meteora is not only beautiful but also widely seen as inspiring and self-centering.  

Back to Athens.

 Optional Program: Dinner next to the sea: U$79/person

Includes : Transfer, Escort, 4 course Menu, One glass of wine or beer or soft drinks 

Join a beautiful ride pass Niarchos foundation cultural center and join dinner next to the sea in a posh area for locals  

Today, you will be transferred to the Cruise Terminal for embarkation. Transfer is included. 

 Optional Program: Mykonos Shore Excursion: U$99/person

From Mykonos Town, often referred as as Chora, we go by coach towards Omos. On a small isthmus between two beaches, it is a charming fishing harbour and well-liked anchorage, and the streets are dotted with tavernas. Agia Anna and Kalafatis both have gorgeous, vivid beaches that we explore. We stop in the historic town of Ano Mera and the 1542-founded Panagia Tourliani Monastery on the way back to Chora. It is highly worth visiting since it features a gorgeous Bell Tower, a collection of icons, and a Marble Fountain. Ano Mera’s charming town centre is the ideal location for a quick stop and perhaps a coffee. In one of the island’s oldest settlements, you can unwind. Back in Mykonos Town, we make a visit at the Folklore Museum and the Paraportiani Church, also known as Our Lady of the Side Gate and composed of five chapels. Numerous displays are available here, including examples of traditional clothing, household objects, and other things of daily life from Mykonos in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It offers an interesting look at the island more than a century ago. We end in Little Venice in the Alefkhandra area to take in the famed windmills, which are a sight that is undoubtedly never boring. At various seasons of the year, the tour might not be offered.

The ship will be docked at Kusadasi today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Kusadasi Shore Excursion: U$99/person

This is a great journey through some of history’s most significant and formative times, and we hope you will be captivated by the stories of the Hellenes, Romans, Ottomans, and Christians in this intriguing investigation of Ephesus. This fantastic open-air archaeological wonder, situated on the hills near Kusadasi and overlooking the Aegean, was established by the Greeks approximately 2000 BC. It was one of the region"s most prominent cities and was devoted to the goddess Artemis. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the Temple constructed in her honour. It contained almost 100 marble pillars, each 56 feet tall, and gave the city the nickname "Servant of the Goddess." On the site, one pillar that was discovered during an excavation in the 1870s is still standing. The Agora, Odeon, Library of Celsus, Main Street of Curetes, Baths of Scholastica, Trajan’s Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, and Houses of Koressus, where the affluent families of Ancient Ephesus resided, will all be visible to us. Only 13% of Ephesus has been explored thus far. The Archaeological Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk, Turkey, is home to the artefacts recovered from the excavations conducted thus far. At the conclusion of our trip, we have time to purchase for items including leather, jewelry, and rugs.

The ship will be docked at Rhodes today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Rhodes Shore Excursion: U$99/person

Exploring an area on foot can often be the greatest way to fully immerse oneself in its history and ambiance. That’s precisely what we do on this interesting tour of Medieval Rhodes and the intriguing narrative of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. We begin in the Old City on the Knights’ Street. It’s one of the most well-preserved mediaeval thoroughfares in the world. We will view the structures that housed the Knights, which were ranked by Order and still have their crests today. The Knights’ primary mission was to provide medical care for injured crusaders, but they quickly evolved into a military organization, repelling Ottoman efforts to conquer Rhodes. (which they did eventually). The Grand Master was the Order’s leader. We go to the magnificent Grand Master’s Palace, the focal point and most significant landmark in the Knights’ Quarter. This majestic edifice, also known as the Kastello, is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. The Byzantine Fortress was built in the 7th century, and the palace itself in the 14th. The current location of the palace may have been the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our trip also includes the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, Turkish Baths, the Knights’ Hospital, and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, which has stood vigil since the 11th century.

The ship will be docked at Santorini today. You are free to explore on your own or join our shore excursion option. 

 Optional Program: Santorini Shore Excursion: U$99/person

This tour is an essential for those who wish to have a better understanding of the islands that surround the caldera and the Volcanic Ruins. A small boat will transport us to Nea Kameni first. Its geology is similar to that of the Moon. We go to the crater rim, the centre of the volcano, and the experience should leave you speechless. Thermal springs surround the beaches of Nea Kameni. Palea Kameni, with its therapeutic warm waters, is our next stop on our particular excursion. The sea temperature here is five degrees higher than elsewhere, and the water is green-yellow with sulphur. Following our excursion to the volcano, we will take a break in the lively Fira, the island’s major town, for a stroll, a quiet drink, or simply to soak up the atmosphere. We take the funicular (ticket included in the tour) down to the Old Port for the return transfer to the ship. At some seasons of the year, the tour may not be available.

Today, you will be disembarking the cruise and you can explore Athens on your own or join UTOvacation on an incredible tour of the enchanting and glorious city of Athens.

Transfer from cruise port to the hotel is included.

 Optional Tour: Ancient Athens Highlights Tour: U$99/person:

The UTOvacation optional tour of Athens focuses on exploring the core treasures of this ancient city, rich with historical and cultural significance. The first landmark visited will be the Acropolis, an archaeological wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The word acropolis means “Upper City” in Greek, the Acropolis is one of the most visited destinations in Europe.   The aura of the Acropolis is truly an unforgettable experience and tourists from around the world marvel as they explore the site known as the birthplace of Western Civilization. 

Within the Acropolis, your optional tour will then skip the long lines and bring you the ancient Greek temple of the Parthenon, which is dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. The Parthenon is considered the most important surviving building of Ancient Greece.  Another structure dedicated to Athena is the Temple of Athena Nike, built-in 420 BC, with its placement on a bastion on the southwest corner of the Acropolis relatively close to the Propylaea which is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis.  The Temple of Erechtheion located on the north side of the Acropolis will also be visited which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. 

Next, your tour will bring you to the legendary Temple of Zeus a magnificent temple located in the center of Athens, the Greek capital.  The Temple was built in the 5th century on the ancient site of Olympia.  The temple is home to the Statue of Zeus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  This statue took nearly 13 years to complete and is one of Classical Greece’s most prized structures. 

Following the Acropolis, the optional tour will continue in the heart of Athens and pass by the Panathinaiko Stadium, Amalia avenue, and view the Arch of Hadrian and visit the Syntagma Square, Ermou street.  The group with then enjoy the views of various government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century and drive-along Panepistimiou Street and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy of Athens and the National Library. 

Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon.

 Optional Program: Plaka dinner: U$79/person:

Includes: Transfer, Escort, 4 course Menu, One glass of wine or beer or soft drinks 

Short walking tour in the pedestrian streets of famous Plaka (where Ancient Athena used to be) and have dinner in a typical Greek taverna and taste Greek food. 

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. The check-out time for your hotel room is 11:00 AM. If you wish to extend your check-out time, you may do so subject to availability and seasonal rate.