TURKEY & GREECE
Duration: 9 Nights/10 Days
Places: Istanbul → Cappadocia → Istanbul → Athens → Delphi → Athens
Day 1-3: Istanbul
Istanbul, historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium, is Turkey’s most populous city as well as its cultural and financial hub. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Istanbul’s strategic position has given it a cosmopolitan populace, although less so since the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923. In addition to seeing the big four attractions (Aya Sofya, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar), leave enough time to explore the other sights and enjoy the local life of the city.
Day 4-6: Cappadocia
Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and elsewhere. Other notable sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The main ‘must-see’ attractions are the two large open-air museums and the best of the underground cities. However, there are also many small, all-but-forgotten rock-cut churches and monasteries, splendid hiking trails, several spectacular caravanserais and many dramatic rock formations well worth going out of your way to visit.
Day 7/8: Athens
The capital and largest city of Greece, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. The city flourished during classical antiquity and was the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles. The Acropolis is one of the world’s most breathtaking ancient ruins and the city’s exceptional archaeology museums display fascinating artifacts uncovered at local sites. Discover the dazzling Byzantine churches found all over the city and the village-like neighborhoods north of the Acropolis. You will also enjoy getting lost in the Plaka district’s narrow pedestrian streets.
Day 9/10: Delphi/Athens
Delphi is located approximately 180 kms from Athens. During ancient times, Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world and the place where heaven and earth met. In Mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles, released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Where they met indicated the center of the earth. Delphi is also known as the center of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi ranks with the Acropolis in Athens, Olympia, and the island of Delos as one of the most important sites of the classical period of Greece.