Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul

G Adventures · 14 days
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul
14 Days
From AUD $5599
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Classic Mainland Greece:  Athens to Istanbul

Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul

G Adventures · 14 days
Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Two weeks, two incredible countries, and a journey through history, culture, and cuisine — this 14-day adventure from Greece to Turkey has it all.

Highlights

  • Step back in time at the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon
  • Walk the legendary Thermopylae battlefield—the origin of the movie 300
  • Master Mediterranean flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens
  • Sink your toes into the golden sands of the beach at Kato Gatzea

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Taxi, private bus, train, walking

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Athens, Greece

Finishes

Istanbul, Turkey

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Athens

Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
2

Day 2: Athens

Explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home, along the way. Enjoy a free afternoon to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. Later in the evening attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations.
3

Day 3: Athens/Meteora

Travel north from Athens by bus and train to Kalampaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora.
Perched on high cliffs there are monasteries built on immense natural pillars and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
4

Day 4: Meteora

Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide.
5

Day 5: Meteora/Delphi

After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time.
Travel through mountain scenery around Mt Parnassos to Delphi.

Enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Delphi, then spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley.
6

Day 6: Delphi/Náfplio

Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views.
Described as one of Greece's prettiest towns, the narrow pedestrian streets of old town are begging to be strolled upon.
7

Day 7: Náfplio/Athens

Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night.
There is a wealth of ancient sites to explore within easy reach of Nafplio on a free day such as Epidavros, which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. Or choose to visit the famous Mycenae, also close by, with its spectacular treasury and ruins, or for another lesser-known Mycenean site visit Tiryns, just in the suburbs of Nafplio itself.
8

Day 8: 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.
9

Day 9: 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.
10

Day 10: 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.
11

Day 11: 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.
12

Day 12: 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.
13

Day 13: 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.
14

Day 14: Istanbul

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $5,599
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Two weeks, two incredible countries, and a journey through history, culture, and cuisine — this 14-day adventure from Greece to Turkey has it all.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2026

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990