Classical Greece and Istanbul - 14D/13N

Athens 3 nights, Nafplio 1 night, Patras 1 night, Galaxidi 1 night, Volos 1 night, Thessaloniki 2 nights, Xanthi 1 night, Istanbul 3 nights
14 days

From

$ 1,989

per person

Operated By NexusDMC

About the trip

At this trip we will attempt a connection between two civilizations, two different cultures that are so different, but also so similar. We will learn the ancient history of Greece, we will visit the cradle of civilization the Acropolis and some of the most characteristic monuments of the ancient world, such as Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were born, the oracle of Delphi and the sanctuaries in the Nafplio area. We will visit the second largest city Thessaloniki and then with a visit to Xanthi we will connect Greece with Ottoman civilization. Istanbul and the shores of the Bosporus, once Constantinople for the Greeks, is the big city where we will end our trip.

Tour Manager
Included
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Languages
English, Hindi

Highlights

  • Privately owned, luxury buses, 2025 and 2026 models, with highly experienced drivers.
  • Discover the ancient wonders of Athens, exploring the iconic Acropolis, Panathenaic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the lively Monastiraki district.
  • Enjoy a scenic excursion to Cape Sounion, visiting the dramatic Temple of Poseidon overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea.
  • Journey through legendary Greek history, visiting the Corinth Canal, the ancient kingdom of Mycenae, and the romantic seaside town of Nafplio with a boat ride to Bourtzi Fortress.
  • Explore the spiritual and cultural heart of Greece, including Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the mystical sanctuary of Delphi.
  • Experience the breathtaking beauty of Meteora and Thessaloniki, from the UNESCO-listed cliff-top monasteries to the vibrant city known for the White Tower and rich Macedonian heritage.

Accommodation

Good 3 Star Hotel

Included in the price

Athens

  • Athens City Tour with Archaeological Museum at Athens and Nafplio with Bourtzi Island Trip
  • Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon at Sounio Experience
  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Escorted by an Experienced English / Hindi-Speaking Tour Manager

Nafplio

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant

Patras

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Olympia Archaeological Site and Nafpaktos Castle Visit

Galaxidi

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Delphi Archaeological Site Visit

Volos

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Visit to Two Meteora Monasteries

Thessaloniki

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • White Tower and Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum Visit

Xanthi

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant

Istanbul

  • Daily Dinner at an Indian or Local Restaurant
  • Istanbul Guided Tour and Princes’ Islands Boat Trip
  • Hagia Sophia Visit

Day-wise Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival At Athens

  • Arrive at Athens, transfer to your hotel and dinner. If you arrive early, enjoy some free time at leisure.
  • Dinner Included.

Day 2: Athens City Tour: Akropolis & Syntagma

  • Tour Athens with visits to the Acropolis, the Archaeological Museum, and the Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro), the site of the first modern Olympic Games. Visit Syntagma Square to witness the ritual changing of the guards at the Greek Parliament. Enjoy free time for exploration in Monastiraki, the city’s oldest neighborhood.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 3: Excursion To The Temple Of Poseidon

  • Visit the Temple of Poseidon at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 4: Road To Nafplio: Corinth Canal, Mycenae & City Walk

  • Travel to Nafplio, considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Greece and the former capital of the Greek state. En route, stop at the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, and then visit Mycenae, home of King Agamemnon, including a tour of the royal tomb. Later, explore Nafplio and take a small boat to the island fortress of Bourtzi.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 5: Through Peloponnese: Dimitsana & Olympia, Overnight In Patras

  • Cross the Peloponnese from east to west with a stop in Dimitsana, a traditional mountain village. Continue to Olympia, the ancient site where the original Olympic Games began, for a guided tour of the archaeological area and local museum.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 6: Road Trip: Rio-antirio Bridge, Nafpaktos & Galaxidi

  • Begin the journey north, passing over the impressive Rio–Antirio Bridge. Visit Nafpaktos, the site of two crucial naval battles. Explore the local castle and enjoy time for coffee in the town. Continue along the coast with a stop for a swim before arriving in the charming town of Galaxidi for a relaxing evening at the hotel.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 7: Delphi Sightseeing & Arrival In Volos

  • Begin with a guided visit to the ancient site of Delphi, the seat of the famous oracle and considered the center of the ancient world. Afterwards, continue to Volos for accommodation. Enjoy time at local tavernas to experience traditional dishes and regional specialties.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 8: Meteora Monasteries & Arrival In Thessaloniki

  • Experience the breathtaking Meteora monasteries, perched on the dramatic rock formations of Thessaly. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about the area’s natural and religious significance. Later, continue to Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, for hotel check-in and free time in the Ladadika area.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 9: Thessaloniki City Tour: Landmarks And Museum

  • Enjoy a city tour of Thessaloniki, including stops at the White Tower, Gedi Kule Castle, the scenic sea promenade, and the Archaeological Museum, where the treasure of Philip II is on display. Savor time for coffee and take in the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 10: From Thessaloniki To Xanthi Via Kavala

  • Start your journey towards Turkey and Istanbul. Make your first stop in the picturesque city of Kavala to see one of the largest fishing fleets in Greece. Continue to Xanthi—a unique blend of Greek and Ottoman cultures—where you will wander through narrow streets and enjoy time in the town before continuing onward.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 11: Arrival In Istanbul: Byzantine & Ottoman Splendor

  • Cross the border into Turkey and arrive in Istanbul, historically known as Constantinople. Experience the city’s unique fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, explore its neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy free time for shopping and personal exploration.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 12: Istanbul City Tour: Hagia Sophia, Patriarchate & Dolmabahçe Palace

  • Embark on a guided city tour starting from Hagia Sophia, the iconic masterpiece of Byzantine Hellenism. Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate, stroll through the palace district, and tour Dolmabahçe Palace, the “Versailles of the East.” See the impressive clock tower and mosque at the palace entrance.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day Cruise To The Princes' Islands

  • Take a full-day cruise to the Princes’ Islands (Pringiponisia). This peaceful archipelago, with impressive 19th-century mansions and car-free streets, offers a tranquil escape from Istanbul’s busy life. Explore charming villages and lush green landscapes across the islands.
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included.

Day 14: Departure From Istanbul

Breakfast Included and Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.

What to Expect

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  • This is a culturally rich and immersive journey through Greece and Turkey, ideal for travellers seeking a blend of ancient history, scenic landscapes, and vibrant city experiences.
  • The itinerary follows a multi-city format, covering Athens, the Peloponnese region, central and northern Greece, and Istanbul, with regular hotel changes to explore each destination in depth.
  • All sightseeing and transfers will be conducted in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring smooth travel throughout the journey.
  • The itinerary is moderately fast-paced, combining guided tours of archaeological sites, historic landmarks, scenic drives, and cultural experiences with limited leisure time.
  • You will explore key highlights including Athens and its ancient landmarks, the Peloponnese region with sites such as Mycenae and Olympia, Delphi and Meteora, Thessaloniki, and the cultural and historic attractions of Istanbul along with a scenic cruise experience.
  • This journey involves a moderate to high level of physical activity, including walking at archaeological sites, city tours, and visits to historic locations, along with travel between multiple destinations.
  • Meals, shopping, and personal expenses other than those specified in the inclusions are not covered, allowing flexibility based on individual preferences.
  • Hotel rooms in European cities are generally compact in size compared to other international destinations.
  • Tap water in most European cities is safe to drink, though bottled water may not be provided complimentary at all hotels.
  • Visa appointment support will be provided; however, visa approval remains solely at the discretion of the respective embassy or consulate.

Exclusions

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  • City tax payable directly at hotel. (€6–€10 per person per night for 3–4 hotels)
  • Tips for the driver, tour manager, and local tour guide are to be paid separately.
  • Any increase in airfare, visa fees, airport taxes, fuel surcharges, government levies, or newly introduced taxes post-booking.
  • Charges for airline seat upgrades, hotel room upgrades, or flight deviation requests.
  • Fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate leading to a rise in land arrangement costs prior to departure.
  • Pre- or post-tour hotel accommodation and services not included in the itinerary.
  • Additional expenses due to route changes, airline amendments, date changes, or accommodation modifications arising from unforeseen or force majeure circumstances.
  • Porterage, laundry, telephone calls, personal shopping, alcoholic beverages, and meals or snacks not specified in the group menu.
  • Expenses arising from personal illness, medical emergencies, hospitalization, or accidents during the tour.
  • Charges for optional activities, excursions, or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • For direct joiners, airport transfers are not included and must be arranged independently for arrival and departure.
  • No refund will be provided for unused services, missed sightseeing, or any activities not availed during the tour.

Terms and Conditions

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  • 1. Pricing Structure
  • All tour prices are composed of two components: Euro (€) and Indian Rupee (₹). The final payable amount will be calculated based on the Euro exchange rate prevailing on the date of payment. Prices are subject to adjustment in case of exchange rate fluctuations.
  • 2. Booking & Payment
  • 2.1 Payments Within India
  • 45+ days before departure: ₹30,000 per person at booking + ₹45,000 per person within 7 days
  • Within 45 days of departure: ₹75,000 per person deposit; balance payable at least 21 days prior
  • Within 21 days of departure: 100% payment required at booking
  • Failure to adhere to timelines may result in automatic cancellation and forfeiture.
  • Pricing: Prices are per person on a twin-sharing basis. Single travelers must pay the applicable single supplement. Rates remain subject to change until full payment is received.
  • Non-compliance may result in non-confirmation or cancellation.
  • 3. Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
  • TCS is calculated on the total tour cost and payable with the final payment:
  • Flat 2% effective 1 April 2026
  • 4. Cancellations & Refunds
  • 4.1 Bookings Within India
  • 120+ Days Prior to Departure: 10% of tour cost
  • 120–60 Days Prior: 25% of tour cost
  • 60–30 Days Prior: 50% of tour cost
  • 30–15 Days Prior: 75% of tour cost
  • Within 15 Days: 100% cancellation (non-refundable)
  • 4.2 Visa Rejection Policy (Bookings Made in India):
  • In the event of visa rejection, ₹10,000 per person plus flight cancellation charges as per actual, visa fees, visa assistance charges, and insurance costs are non-refundable.
  • 4.3 Operator Cancellation
  • If cancelled due to operational reasons, low participation, or force majeure, a full refund of tour cost will be issued. Ancillary expenses (visas, insurance, domestic travel) are not refundable.
  • 5. Travel Insurance
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Proof may be requested prior to departure.
  • 6. Passport, Visa & Immigration
  • Guests must hold valid passports (minimum 6 months validity beyond return date) and obtain required visas. Visa fees are non-refundable. The operator is not responsible for visa denials or delays.
  • 7. Flights, Hotels & Operations
  • Flights may involve up to two stops from major Indian hubs; schedules are tentative with layovers up to 8 hours.
  • Baggage allowance as per airline policy.
  • Hotels will be of similar category; standard check-in 4 PM / check-out 11 AM.
  • Tours operate with a minimum of 20 passengers. Itineraries may change due to operational or weather conditions. Alternate sightseeing will be arranged if attractions are closed.
  • Luggage Limit: Due to coach capacity, guests are limited to one check-in bag and one handbag per person.

Starting From

$ 1,989

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