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Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure
History, mythology, cobblestone streets, golden beaches, and the legendary Mt. Olympus — what more could you ask for? Journey from west to east on this epic seven-day adventure from Athens to Istanbul. Walk in the footsteps of warriors at the Thermopylae battlefield, the inspiration for the movie 300, and dive into the myths and legends that make Greece so captivating over a spread of delicious local meze. Wander through the rugged beauty of Mt. Olympus National Park, standing in the shadow of the gods, before crossing into Turkey and arriving in Istanbul — a city where East meets West in a vibrant swirl of culture, history, and incredible food. One unforgettable week, two incredible countries, and memories to last a lifetime.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Merchandising: New Trips
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure - Itinerary
DAY 1
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.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Thermopylae and Information Center Visit:
Explore the Thermopylae site and Information Center, dedicated to commemorating the historic Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient Greek history. Learn about how Spartan warriors defended against a Persian invasion at this site in 480 BC through exhibits featuring multimedia presentations and artifacts.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Volos:
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, and ATMs, as well as point out some local sites.
Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates:
Set out on a walk with a local guide, learning of archaeology, mythology, and gastronomy as you sample local drinks and delicious plates of 'meze'. Witness the city's highlights and immerse yourself in Volos' unique culture.
Magnes Hotel Volos:
Magnes Hotel Volos
Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure - Itinerary
DAY 1
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.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Thermopylae and Information Center Visit:
Explore the Thermopylae site and Information Center, dedicated to commemorating the historic Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient Greek history. Learn about how Spartan warriors defended against a Persian invasion at this site in 480 BC through exhibits featuring multimedia presentations and artifacts.
Private Vehicle:
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk Volos:
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, and ATMs, as well as point out some local sites.
Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates:
Set out on a walk with a local guide, learning of archaeology, mythology, and gastronomy as you sample local drinks and delicious plates of 'meze'. Witness the city's highlights and immerse yourself in Volos' unique culture.
Magnes Hotel Volos:
Magnes Hotel Volos
What’s Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates, Vólos
- Visit Thermopylae Battleground Site and Information Centre
- Volos Orientation Walk
- Full-day village-hopping tour from Vilos
- Hike to centaur cave from Milies, Visit a women's coop in Vizitsa
- Visit Pinakates, Agios Georgios and beach time at Kato Gatzea
- Walk in Mount Olympus National Park
- Polycentric Museum of Aigai
- Thessaloniki Orientation Walk
- Walking exploration of Kavala's old town
- Alexandroupoli orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Hotels (6 nts).
- 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Private vehicle, walking.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide.
Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Apr 26 2026 | Sat, May 02 2026 | Open (1) | $1,691.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, May 10 2026 | Sat, May 16 2026 | Open (5) | $1,691.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, May 24 2026 | Sat, May 30 2026 | Open (4) | $1,799.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Jun 21 2026 | Sat, Jun 27 2026 | Open (15) | $1,597.15 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Jul 19 2026 | Sat, Jul 25 2026 | Open (11) | $1,691.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Aug 16 2026 | Sat, Aug 22 2026 | Open (4) | $1,691.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Sep 13 2026 | Sat, Sep 19 2026 | Open (14) | $1,799.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Sep 27 2026 | Sat, Oct 03 2026 | Open (16) | $1,799.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Oct 11 2026 | Sat, Oct 17 2026 | Open (4) | $1,574.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Oct 25 2026 | Sat, Oct 31 2026 | Open (11) | $1,574.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Adventure
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates, Vólos. Visit Thermopylae Battleground Site and Information Centre. Volos Orientation Walk. Full-day village-hopping tour from Vilos. Hike to centaur cave from Milies, Visit a women's coop in Vizitsa. Visit Pinakates, Agios Georgios and beach time at Kato Gatzea. Walk in Mount Olympus National Park. Polycentric Museum of Aigai. Thessaloniki Orientation Walk. Walking exploration of Kavala's old town. Alexandroupoli orientation walk. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Walk the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae—the origin of the movie 300, Stand in the shadow of mighty Mt Olympus—the mythical home of the gods, Indulge in traditional 'meze' while uncovering ancient myths on a cultural tour of Volos
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
