Highlights of Greece & Turkey

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir & Ephesus

This luxurious private tour visits the most fascinating historic and leisure locations in Greece and Turkey. With your own private driver and guide, enjoy comprehensive touring in the ancient-meets-modern city of Athens, savor the sun-bleached charm of Mykonos and the sublime beauty of Santorini, explore the legendary mosques and bazaars of Istanbul, visit the stunning Greek and Roman ruins at Ephesus, and marvel at the one-of-a-kind topography and amazing caves of Cappadocia.

Begin in 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.

Next, stay at a luxury beach resort on the island of Mykonos. Enjoy a guided excursion to the nearby island of Delos, which was the religious and political center of the Greek Isles for 1,000 years and has impressive ruins and artifacts. There will also be time to relax at your resort or explore the boutiques, restaurants and whitewashed backstreets of Mykonos Town.

Continue to unforgettable Santorini, a beautiful volcanic island with dramatic landscapes, and stay in a luxury resort overlooking the caldera. During private touring, visit the photogenic clifftop village of Oia, enjoy a wine tasting of Santorini’s refreshing white and rose wines, and tour the fascinating ruins of the ancient city of Akrotiri. One day, enjoy a private boat excursion in the caldera to watch the sunset and enjoy opportunities for swimming and stopping at the island's distinctive black- and red-sand beaches. Also enjoy time at leisure to relax at your resort. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional touring and activities, such as hiking or biking along the wine routes. 

Fly to Istanbul. During flexible private touring, 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 Istanbul's Spice Market. Shop for carpets and kilim, jewelry, glass, textiles and antiques at the Grand Bazaar and at our favorite boutiques. Also visit Istanbul's most interesting museums, including the Istanbul Modern. There will also be time to enjoy the city's wonderful cafes and vibrant neighborhoods.

Next, fly inland to Cappadocia to explore ancient subterranean cities filled with frescoed churches and cave dwellings in Goreme, Kaymakli and other locations. Also visit a local winery, shops selling the local style of carpets, and a pottery studio. Accommodation is in a luxury cave-style hotel. One morning, if desired, enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's dramatic landscapes while the sun rises.

Continue to Izmir. With your expert private guide, tour the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum, as well as the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. Also tour Izmir's bazaars and cultural highlights.

Finally, fly back to Istanbul and enjoy additional city touring and flexible shopping. Also enjoy a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the waterway separating old Istanbul from new, Europe from Asia.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Athens, Greece VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Athens Full-day private tour, including optional sunset excursion to Temple of Poseidon Day 3 Athens – Mykonos Private transfer to airport for flight to Mykonos. Private arrival transfer to resort for 2 nights Day 4 Mykonos Privately guided morning tour of Delos. Afternoon at leisure Day 5 Mykonos – Santorini Private transfer to port for high-speed ferry to Santorini. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 6 Santorini Private island touring, including optional wine tasting Day 7 Santorini At leisure. Late afternoon private sunset cruise in the caldera Day 8 Santorini – Istanbul, Turkey Private airport transfer for flight to Athens. VIP connection assistance to flight to Istanbul (flight to Istanbul not included). VIP arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 9 Istanbul Full-day private city tour Day 10 Istanbul Full-day private tour Day 11 Istanbul – Cappadocia Private transfer to airport for flight to Cappadocia. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private tour Day 12 Cappadocia Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride. Full-day private touring Day 13 Cappadocia – Izmir Private transfer to airport for flight to Izmir. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private tour Day 14 Izmir & Ephesus – Istanbul Private excursion. Later, private transfer to airport for flight to Istanbul. Private arrival transfer to resort for 2 nights Day 15 Istanbul Half-day private tour, including private Bosphorus cruise Day 16 Depart Istanbul Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Athens: Four Seasons Astir Palace, King George Hotel or Hotel Grande Bretagne Mykonos: Kalesma Mykonos or Santa Marina Resort Santorini: Canaves Oia Suites or Grace Santorini Istanbul: The Peninsula Istanbul or Four Seasons Sultanahmet (first stay) Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus or Four Seasons Bosphorus (second stay) Cappadocia: Argos Hotel Izmir: Swissotel Buyuk Efes

Cost

$31,830 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $37,555 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)