Touring Greece and Turkey: A Comprehensive 14-Day Itinerary

Greece and Turkey, two jewels of the Eastern Mediterranean, offer a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're wandering through ancient ruins, exploring bustling bazaars, or relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, a tour of these two countries promises an unforgettable adventure. This comprehensive 14-day itinerary will guide you through the must-see destinations in Greece and Turkey, ensuring a balanced and enriching experience.

Day 1-3: Athens, Greece

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Morning:

• Arrival and Transfer: Arrive in Athens and transfer to your accommodation in central areas like Plaka or Syntagma.
• Acropolis Museum: Start your exploration with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, an architectural marvel housing artifacts from the Acropolis.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a traditional Greek taverna in Plaka, savoring local dishes like moussaka and souvlaki.
• Acropolis Exploration: Head to the Acropolis to marvel at the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. The panoramic views of Athens from the top are breathtaking.

Evening:

• Dinner: Dine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Acropolis, such as the restaurant at the Hotel Grand Bretagne.
• Plaka Stroll: After dinner, wander through the charming streets of Plaka, enjoying the local shops and atmosphere.

Day 2: Athens Exploration

Morning:

• Ancient Agora: Visit the Ancient Agora, where you can see the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
• Roman Agora: Explore the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Head to Monastiraki for a casual lunch and explore its vibrant market.
• National Archaeological Museum: Spend your afternoon at the National Archaeological Museum, which boasts one of the most significant collections of Greek artifacts.

Evening:

• Dinner: Experience Athenian nightlife in Psiri or Gazi, with options for live music and local cuisine.
• Nightcap: Enjoy a drink at a local bar or café.

Day 3: Day Trip to Delphi

Morning:

• Travel to Delphi: Take a day trip to Delphi, about 2.5 hours from Athens by car or bus. Delphi was once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology.
• Sanctuary of Apollo: Explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the ancient theater, and the Temple of Apollo.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a meal in Delphi or at a nearby taverna.
• Delphi Museum: Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from the ancient site.

Evening:

• Return to Athens: Return to Athens and have a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4-6: Santorini, Greece

Day 4: Travel to Santorini

Morning:

• Flight or Ferry to Santorini: Take a morning flight or ferry from Athens to Santorini. The flight is about 45 minutes, while the ferry takes 5-8 hours.
• Arrival and Check-in: Check into your hotel in Fira or Oia.

Afternoon:

• Explore Fira: Spend the afternoon exploring Fira, the island's bustling capital. Enjoy the stunning views of the caldera and shop for local crafts.

Evening:

• Sunset in Oia: Head to Oia for one of the most famous sunsets in the world. The views over the caldera are spectacular.
• Dinner: Dine at a restaurant in Oia with sunset views.

Day 5: Santorini Exploration

Morning:

• Oia Village: Spend the morning exploring Oia’s charming streets, boutique shops, and art galleries.
• Akrotiri: Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement preserved by volcanic ash.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a seaside restaurant in Akrotiri or Perissa Beach.
• Beach Time: Relax on one of Santorini’s unique black sand beaches, such as Perissa or Kamari.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a local taverna in Fira or Oia, savoring Santorini's famous wine and seafood.

Day 6: Day Trip to the Nea Kameni Volcano

Morning:

• Volcano Tour: Take a boat tour to Nea Kameni, the island’s active volcano. Hike to the crater for panoramic views of the caldera.
• Hot Springs: Visit the nearby hot springs for a relaxing swim.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch on the boat or back in Santorini.
• Explore Thira: Spend the afternoon exploring Thira or relaxing at your hotel.

Evening:

• Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant, enjoying traditional Greek cuisine.

Day 7-9: Istanbul, Turkey

Day 7: Travel to Istanbul

Morning:

• Flight to Istanbul: Fly from Santorini to Istanbul, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
• Arrival and Check-in: Check into your hotel in Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu.

Afternoon:

• Sultanahmet Square: Explore Sultanahmet Square, visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome.
• Topkapi Palace: Tour the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, including the Harem section.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant with views of the Bosphorus.

Day 8: Istanbul Exploration

Morning:

• Grand Bazaar: Spend the morning exploring the Grand Bazaar, a massive market with thousands of shops selling everything from spices to jewelry.
• Basilica Cistern: Visit the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir with stunning architecture.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the vibrant Galata district.
• Galata Tower: Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul.

Evening:

• Dinner Cruise: Experience a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, offering a unique perspective of the city's illuminated landmarks.

Day 9: Bosphorus and Asian Side

Morning:

• Bosphorus Cruise: Take a morning cruise along the Bosphorus, enjoying views of Istanbul's European and Asian shores.
• Dolmabahçe Palace: Visit the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, the last residence of Ottoman sultans.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a local café or restaurant.
• Asian Side: Explore the Asian side of Istanbul, visiting neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Üsküdar.

Evening:

• Dinner: Return to the European side for dinner and explore Istanbul’s nightlife.

Day 10-12: Cappadocia, Turkey

Day 10: Travel to Cappadocia

Morning:

• Flight to Cappadocia: Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia, a journey of about 1.5 hours.
• Arrival and Check-in: Check into your cave hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp.

Afternoon:

• Explore Göreme: Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut churches and frescoes.
• Pottery Demonstration: Visit a local pottery workshop to see traditional techniques.

Evening:

• Dinner: Have dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing traditional Turkish cuisine.

Day 11: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Valleys

Morning:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and valleys.
• Breakfast: Enjoy a post-flight breakfast with champagne.

Afternoon:

• Love Valley: Explore Love Valley and its unique rock formations.
• Pasabag (Monk's Valley): Visit Pasabag to see the famous fairy chimneys.

Evening:

• Dinner: Relax at your hotel or a local restaurant with traditional Turkish dishes.

Day 12: Underground Cities and Ihlara Valley

Morning:

• Underground City: Visit Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City, ancient subterranean cities used for protection during invasions.
• Ihlara Valley: Hike through Ihlara Valley, a picturesque gorge with rock-cut churches and lush greenery.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in Ihlara Valley or at a local eatery.

Evening:

• Return to Göreme: Return to Göreme for a relaxed evening and dinner.

Day 13-14: Return to Athens and Departure

Day 13: Return to Athens

Morning:

• Flight to Athens: Fly back to Athens from Cappadocia.
• Arrival and Check-in: Check into your Athens hotel.

Afternoon:

• Explore Plaka: Revisit Plaka for last-minute shopping and exploration.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a café in Plaka or Monastiraki.

Evening:

• Farewell Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at a restaurant with views of the Acropolis.

Day 14: Departure

Morning:

• Leisure Time: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some final exploration if time permits.
• Transfer to Airport: Head to Athens International Airport for your departure.

This 14-day itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of Greece and Turkey, blending historical sites, natural wonders, and vibrant city life. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, you'll immerse yourself in the rich cultures and stunning scenery of these two fascinating countries.