Turkey & Greece: In the Footsteps of the Trojan War

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Istanbul with Gallipoli & Troy, Canakkale, Izmir with Ephesus & Pergamon, Athens & Delphi, Porto Heli with Mycenae & Epidaurus

This private luxury tour of Turkey and Greece explores the history, archaeology and mythology of the Trojan War and the legendary world associated with Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. The tour features top cultural destinations, including ancient sites associated with the war and its aftermath, as well as some of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Turkey and Greece.

Begin in Istanbul. During flexible private touring of this UNESCO-inscribed city, visit sights such as the Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and its Harem, the Rustem Pasha Mosque, an ancient underground cistern and the Spice Market. Shop for carpets and kilims, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar and our favorite boutiques. Also visit Istanbul's most interesting museums, such as the Istanbul Modern, and take a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the waterway separating Europe from Asia. There will also be time to enjoy the city's wonderful cafes and vibrant neighborhoods.

Next, travel along the shores of the Sea of Marmara, stopping in Gallipoli, if desired, to visit World War I battlefields and monuments. Sail across the Dardanelles to tour the archaeological remains of Troy, the legendary city of Homer’s Iliad and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the site’s fascinating history and mythology, and visit the nearby Troy Museum.

Continue to Izmir. En route, tour the sprawling ruins of the ancient city of Pergamon (Pergamum), another UNESCO site, including highlights such as the extraordinary hilltop Acropolis and the Asklepion. Also tour the magnificent, UNESCO-listed ruins of Ephesus, an ancient city traditionally associated with the Amazons, the legendary female warriors who fought on the side of Troy during the Trojan War. See highlights including the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses and the Ephesus Museum.

Next, fly to Athens, the capital of Greece and a showcase of ancient civilization. During private touring with your expert guide, visit the city’s top sights such as the breathtaking Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient ruins (including the Parthenon) and the wonderful Acropolis Museum. Also explore the Agora, local markets and the charming, taverna-lined Plaka neighborhood. Depending on your interests, other options include riding the funicular up Mount Lycabettus or visiting specialty museums such as the Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, National Museum of Contemporary Art and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. If desired, take an excursion along the beautiful coast to Cape Sounion to watch the sunset at the ancient Temple of Poseidon. There will also be time to enjoy the city’s excellent restaurants and lively neighborhoods.

One day, enjoy an excursion to Delphi, the spectacular ruins of an ancient religious complex dedicated to Apollo that was home to the fabled Oracle of Delphi and believed by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world. Set on the steep slopes of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site overlooks a deep gorge and is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Greece.

Continue to the exclusive Amanzoe resort, one of the most luxurious properties in Greece, along the unspoiled coastline outside the town of Porto Heli. En route, see the ruins of ancient Corinth, the gateway to the Peloponnesian Peninsula. One day, take a private excursion to Mycenae, the UNESCO-inscribed ruins of one of the great centers of Bronze Age Greece and the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. See the monumental Lion Gate and other impressive remains of the Mycenaean civilization, which inspired the world of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and is associated with the stories of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Iphigenia, Electra and Orestes. Continue to Epidaurus, the UNESCO-inscribed remains of an important ancient healing center, including a well-preserved theater. En route, there will be time to stop for lunch in the seaside town of Nafplio.

Upon request, a private yacht charter to the nearby islands of Spetses and Hydra can be arranged. During leisure time, enjoy the serene surroundings, relax by one of the pools or at the beach club, dine on superb Greek cuisine, browse the library and take in the spectacular view from the yoga pavilion. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange romantic sunset boat trips, cooking classes, olive oil tastings and other activities.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Istanbul, Turkey VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Istanbul Full-day private city tour Day 3 Istanbul Full-day private city tour, including private Bosphorus cruise Day 4 Istanbul – Gallipoli & Troy – Canakkale Private transfer to hotel for 1 night, with touring en route Day 5 Canakkale – Pergamon – Izmir Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 6 Izmir & Ephesus Private excursion Day 7 Izmir– Athens, Greece Private transfer to airport for flight to Athens. VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 8 Athens Full-day private tour, including afternoon excursion to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion Day 9 Athens & Delphi Full-day private excursion Day 10 Athens – Porto Heli Private transfer to resort for 3 nights, with tour of ancient Corinth en route Day 11 Porto Heli with Epidaurus & Mycenae Full-day excursion to Mycenae and Epidaurus, including time for lunch in Nafplio Day 12 Porto Heli At leisure at resort. Upon request, a private yacht excursion to Hydra and Spetses can be arranged Day 13 Porto Heli – Depart Athens Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Istanbul: Four Seasons Sultanahmet, The Peninsula Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus or Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul Canakkale: Hotel Caeli Izmir: Swissotel Buyuk Efes Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace Porto Heli: Amanzoe

Cost

Upon request