DISCOVER TURKEY AND THE GREEK ISLANDS FROM SAN DIEGO
Price per person from US$3,349

DISCOVER TURKEY AND THE GREEK ISLANDS FROM SAN DIEGO

From
US$3,349
Price per person
From
US$3,349
price per person

Description

Embark on a fascinating journey through the jewels of the Mediterranean, exploring the best of Turkey and Greece. From the vibrant city of Istanbul to the paradise islands of Mykonos and Santorini, each destination will surprise you with its history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Discover iconic sites like Ephesus, Pamukkale, and the magical Cappadocia, while immersing yourself in an unforgettable adventure. Book your trip now and experience something you'll remember for a lifetime!

Visiting

DAY 1 • SAN DIEGO - LONDON
DAY 1 • SAN DIEGO - LONDON

Departure from San Diego International Airport to board a flight to London. It is recommended to arrive at the airline counter at least 3 hours in advance for luggage check-in. Overnight on board.

DAY 2 • LONDON - ISTANBUL
DAY 2 • LONDON - ISTANBUL

Arrival and waiting time to board the next flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 3 • ISTANBUL
DAY 3 • ISTANBUL

Free day to explore the city at your own pace. Accommodation.

DAY 4 • ISTANBUL
DAY 4 • ISTANBUL

At the designated time, departure for the “Pearls of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus” excursion. The tour begins with a panoramic visit from Pierre Loti Hill, offering breathtaking views of the Golden Horn. Next, we head to the Church of St. George, the main seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the spiritual center for Orthodox Christians around the world. We then explore the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, famous for its impressive dome—the largest of all the mosques in Istanbul. We continue to the colorful and aromatic Spice Bazaar, a unique place to shop for teas, herbs, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and of course, spices. The tour concludes with a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, offering magnificent views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, waterfront mansions, and the bridges connecting the two continents. At the end of the excursion, return to the accommodation.

DAY 5 • ISTANBUL
DAY 5 • ISTANBUL

Free day. Opportunity to take an optional guided excursion, with lunch at a traditional restaurant (not included – additional cost). "JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE". In this excursion, we will explore the old town of the city, where you can admire the remains of the various empires that have influenced the formation of present-day Istanbul. We will visit the Roman Hippodrome, the heart of social life in ancient Constantinople, where we will learn about the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain. Next, we will head to the impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik. Additionally, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Hagia Sophia (entrance not included), which was built in 537 and has served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries. The grand dome of Hagia Sophia, one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of its time, remains one of the largest in the world. We will continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where we will explore its royal gardens, kitchens, and rooms that house imperial treasures. A visit to the enigmatic Harem, the residence of the sultan's wives and children, known for its luxury and refinement, will also be included. The tour will conclude at the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine temple that was never converted into a mosque, and will end at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a popular tradition.Accommodation.

DAY 6 • ISTANBUL - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA
DAY 6 • ISTANBUL - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA

Early departure by bus to Ankara, where a tour of the Turkish capital will take place, including a visit to the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Afterward, transfer to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, we will explore one of the fascinating underground cities, built by ancient local communities as a refuge from attacks. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 7 • CAPPADOCIA
DAY 7 • CAPPADOCIA

Departure to explore the stunning region of Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscape, formed over 3 million years ago by volcanic activity. We will begin with a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex with chapels carved into volcanic rock, adorned with 13th-century frescoes. Next, we will explore the most notable valleys in the region, known for their unique rock formations that have been compared to landscapes from another planet and were used as settings in movies like Star Wars. We will also enjoy views of the famous "Fairy Chimneys," the iconic geological formations of the area. A stop will be made to admire the panoramic view of Pigeon Valley, named for the pigeon houses carved into the rocks, historically used in the region for collecting droppings that served as fertilizer. Additionally, we will visit a local jewelry and gemstone center, as well as a carpet factory, where we will learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving. Dinner and overnight stay.

Recommended Optional Excursions (not included, with additional cost):

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early morning departure to experience one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
  • 4x4 Safari: An adventurous ride through the mystical valleys of the region, with stops to capture the best photos.
DAY 8 • PAMUKKALE
DAY 8 • PAMUKKALE

Day off to enjoy at your own pace. We suggest participating in an optional excursion (not included, additional cost): The Turkish Maldives. We will begin the tour with a visit to the ancient city of Laodicea, an important city in the region of Phrygia, located on the edge of the Lycus River Valley, in the western part of Asia Minor. Laodicea is about 6 km north of the current city of Denizli, near the village of Eskihisar. In the archaeological site, you can see the ruins of its stadium, theater, odeon, cistern, aqueduct, and thermal baths. Then, we will head to the Kaklık Cave, known as the "underground Pamukkale." This cave was discovered after the collapse of its roof and was opened to the public in 2002. The cave is filled with natural formations such as travertine pools, stalagmites, stalactites, and a notable presence of sulfur, giving it its characteristic odor. Formed more than 2.5 million years ago, the cave has several rimstone pools and waterfalls, which are believed to have therapeutic properties for the skin and arthritis. Some cave walls are illuminated by sunlight, allowing the growth of moss and climbing plants. Next, we will visit Lake Salda, one of the deepest lakes in Turkey, with a depth of up to 184 meters. This lake, with low salinity and high alkalinity, is famous for its turquoise color, which comes from the white rocks of bacterial origin (stromatolites), formed since the Archaic period and still continuing to form. It is an impressive natural phenomenon. After enjoying lunch, we will have free time to relax by the lake before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 9 • PAMUKKALE - SELCUK - KUSADASI*
DAY 9 • PAMUKKALE - SELCUK - KUSADASI*

At the scheduled time, we will begin our excursion to the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill, a place of great religious significance. According to Christian tradition, this is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived in her final years under the protection of the apostle John, making it an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider the place sacred. On the way, we will pass through Selçuk, where we will enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic city, famous for its Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which helped establish Ephesus as a prominent cultural and religious center in antiquity. We will then make a stop at a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can admire high-quality items made from lambskin, known for their lightness and durability. We suggest an optional excursion to Ephesus (not included and at an additional cost), one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in Asia Minor, which flourished during the 1st and 2nd centuries. Ephesus was a prosperous economic and cultural center, and among its most impressive treasures are the grand Roman theater, which could hold over 25,000 spectators, the iconic Celsus Library, and the famous Marble Street. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 10 • KUSADASI - PATMOS - PIRAEUS
DAY 10 • KUSADASI - PATMOS - PIRAEUS

At the scheduled time, we will head to the port of Kusadasi to board the cruise that will take us to explore the beautiful Greek islands. We will set sail for Patmos at 12:00 PM, with an estimated arrival time of 4:00 PM, where we will have free time to enjoy this unique destination. Known as the "Island of the Apocalypse," Patmos is an important spiritual center due to the legends surrounding Saint John. We suggest taking an optional excursion (at an additional cost) to visit the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. Located at the northwest tip of the Dodecanese archipelago, between Ikaria and Leros, Patmos is an island of extraordinary beauty, famous for its picturesque harbor and the imposing Monastery of Saint John, which stands on a hill. From the port of Skala, we will head to the charming village of Chora, where the monastery, built in 1088 by the blessed Christodoulos, stands out with its high, thick walls crowned with battlements. The monastery has eight chapels and a courtyard adorned with arches and intricate frescoes, visible upon entering the chapel. In the monastery’s museum, we can admire an impressive collection of chalices, crowns, and crosses decorated with precious stones, as well as ancient manuscripts, icons, and religious paintings, including an original work by El Greco. Additionally, some items from the library, which is not open to the public, are also displayed in the museum. The tour will continue with a visit to the Cave of Saint John, a 17th-century monastery built around the cave where Saint John lived between 95-97 AD while writing the Apocalypse. Inside the cave, there is a stone where, according to tradition, Saint John used to rest his head as a pillow. We will return to the port to reboard the cruise. At 8:00 PM, we will set sail for Piraeus (Athens). Overnight aboard the ship.

DAY 11 • PIRAEUS - MYKONOS - SANTORINI
DAY 11 • PIRAEUS - MYKONOS - SANTORINI

Arrival at the port of Piraeus at 7:00 AM, the fascinating capital of Greece. You will have free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend joining the optional excursion (for an additional fee) "CITY TOUR AND ACROPOLIS": We will depart from the port of Piraeus and, after a brief 20-minute ride, arrive at the center of Athens. During the tour, we will make a stop to take photos of the Olympic Stadium, completely built in white marble for the 1896 Olympic Games. Then, we will pass by the Hellenic Parliament, guarded by the famous Evzones, and continue the panoramic tour, admiring the National Library of Greece, built in neoclassical style, as well as the Academy of Arts and the University. The visit will continue in the heart of Athens: the Acropolis, where we will marvel at iconic monuments such as the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, the monumental entrance of the Propylaea, the majestic Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, known for its incredible acoustics. After this visit, we will return to the port to embark once again on the cruise. At 12:00 PM, we will depart for Mykonos, with an expected arrival time of 8:00 PM. This island, famous for its winds and charm, is home to the traditional 16th-century windmills, which have become the iconic symbol of Mykonos. You will have free time to explore the island. We suggest taking the optional excursion (for an additional fee) "Walking Tour of Mykonos," which will allow you to discover the most picturesque corners of the island, its labyrinthine streets, and beautiful views. At 2:00 AM, we will continue our journey to Santorini. Overnight aboard the ship.

DAY 12 • SANTORINI - RHODES
DAY 12 • SANTORINI - RHODES

Arrival in Santorini at 7:00 AM. Santorini, with its romantic charm and stunning landscapes, is one of the most famous islands in the Aegean. You will have free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend taking the optional excursion (for an additional fee) "VILLAGES OF OIA." We will disembark at the port of Athinios using tenders, and from there, we will take you to the picturesque village of Oia. This village is known for its immaculate white houses, narrow cobblestone streets, blue doors, chairs, and architectural details that create a unique atmosphere. The terraced buildings, with classic Greek architecture, look like they were painted, offering an incomparable visual delight. A romantic walk through its stairways and streets, surrounded by charming houses. Afterward, we will return to the ship using the tenders. At 2:00 PM, we will depart for Rhodes, where we will continue our journey. Overnight aboard the cruise ship.

DAY 13 • RHODES - KUSADASI
DAY 13 • RHODES - KUSADASI

Arrival in Rhodes at 9:00 A.M. - Free time. We suggest an optional excursion (at an additional cost) that includes a visit to the Monastery of Filerimos, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Old Town. We depart from the cruise port towards the Mandraki Harbor, where the famous statue of the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a brief stop for photographs, we continue to the Monastery of Filerimos, located on a hill above Ialyssos, about 10 km from the city. This monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is notable for its Gothic architecture, which is uncommon in Greece, and was built over the remains of an earlier Byzantine monastery. Next, we head to the Old Town of Rhodes, entering through the Amboise Gate to begin a walking tour. We will visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, which once housed the Knights of Jerusalem. This imposing building, surrounded by the largest medieval walls of the time, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will stroll down the historic Street of the Knights, famous for its original pavement, and visit other landmark sites such as the Hospital of the Knights and the Hippocrates Fountain. At 5:00 P.M., we return to the port to set sail for Kusadasi. Overnight on board the cruise ship.

DAY 14 • KUSADASI - BURSA - ISTANBUL
DAY 14 • KUSADASI - BURSA - ISTANBUL

The ship arrives in Kusadasi at 6:00 AM, at which point we will begin disembarking. Next, we will head to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour of this historic city, highlighting its rich cultural heritage. One of the key stops will be the Ulu Camii Mosque, considered the main mosque in Bursa and one of the most impressive in Turkey. Additionally, you will have free time to explore the Silk Market, a perfect place to discover antiques, silks, perfumes, and pashminas. Overnight accommodation.

DAY 15 • ISTANBUL - LONDON - SAN DIEGO
DAY 15 • ISTANBUL - LONDON - SAN DIEGO

At the designated time, transfer to the airport for the flight to San Diego, with a layover in London.

Day 1: Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul
Day 3: Istanbul
Day 4: Istanbul
Day 5: Istanbul
Day 6: Istanbul
Day 7: Istanbul, Cappadocia
Day 8: Cappadocia
Day 9: Cappadocia, Pamukkale
Day 10: Pamukkale, Piraeus
Day 11: Piraeus, Santorini Island
Day 12: Santorini Island, Rhodes Island
Day 13: Rhodes Island, Kusadasi
Day 14: Kusadasi, Istanbul
Day 15: Istanbul
  • Round-trip flight ticket from San Diego – Istanbul – San Diego in economy class with British Airways.

(Allowed luggage: 1 piece of 23 kg in checked baggage and 1 piece of 10 kg as carry-on).

  • 5 nights in Istanbul.
  • 1 night in Kusadasi.
  • 4 night cruise around the Greek Islands with the cruise line Miray.
  • 1 night in Pamukkale.
  • 2 nights in Cappadocia.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing according to the itinerary.
  • Spanish-speaking guides.
  • Air-conditioned coach.
  • Transfers as indicated.
  • Mandatory tips in Turkey: USD 45 per person (for drivers, waiters, and porters). To be paid at the destination.
  • Hotel tax in Turkey, the value depends on the hotel's category, approximately 65 USD per person. It is paid locally.
  • Hotel tax in cave hotels in Cappadocia: 6 USD per person. To be paid directly at the destination.
  • Tips on board the cruise: Adults: 5 euros per day per person. Minors (0 to 19 years old): 3 euros per day per person. (To be paid directly at the destination).
  • Meals not described in the itinerary.
  • Drinks during meals.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Supplement for Early Check-in or Late Check-out at hotels.
  • Seat selection with the airline.
  • Medical insurance (mandatory).
  • Any services not specified.
  • Personal expenses.

Planned hotels or similar - All categories

3 accommodations

IMPORTANT NOTES

TO ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

If you are a passenger with a disability, a history of surgeries, reduced mobility, or any specific medical condition you consider relevant, we recommend informing us in advance. This will allow us to properly plan your tour package and take the necessary measures to ensure your well-being, comfort, and a safe, enjoyable travel experience.

AIRLINE TICKETS

  • The flight itinerary is subject to changes in departure/arrival times but will not affect the actual travel dates.
  • Air and program taxes (subject to change without notice). In case of increase in the rate and taxes of the airfare; which is the policy of the airline and/or hotel taxes, fees or government contributions, even if there is partial or total payment this difference must be assumed by the passenger for the provision of the service.
  • The issued airline tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, not subject to review, and do not allow route changes or modifications to the travel date.

HOTELS

  • The listed hotels are for reference only and are the most commonly used for this type of tour. However, confirmed accommodations may differ but will be of the same category.
  • Triple Rooms: In addition to the double bed, a rollaway bed will be provided, subject to hotel availability at the time of booking.
  • Services such as cribs or bed types (Twin, King, Queen) are subject to hotel availability at the time of booking.
  • The Platinum category includes 4-star hotels located in the outskirts of Istanbul, ideal for those seeking a peaceful stay. In the rest of the cities included in the tour, a single category of accommodation is applied, selected based on comfort and quality standards to ensure a pleasant stay. If you wish to upgrade to 5-star hotels, please consult your travel advisor for available options and the corresponding supplement.

ITINERARY

  • The itinerary may be modified due to road conditions, weather, unforeseen circumstances, or availability at the time of booking.
  • The order of the itinerary may change, but the content will remain the same.
  • Travel documents will be delivered 8 days prior to the departure date.

CHILD POLICY

  • Room Occupancy: The maximum number of children allowed per room sharing with parents is subject to each hotel's policy.
  • Documentation: All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. At check-in, they must present a valid ID, passport, or civil registration document.

VISA

  • Please check whether a visa or any other entry document is required based on your country of residence. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure they have the necessary documentation to enter the country.

DEPOSITS

  • Payments made at the time of booking are non-refundable.


ZETTA TRAVEL GROUP LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST45346


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