12 DAYS EXPRESS TURKEY TOUR WITH GREEK ISLANDS CRUISE / Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided walking tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia (interior visit is not included), Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.

Today you will visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Spice Bazaar, and take a boat trip on the Bosphorus. The Rüstem Paşa Mosque, located in the Eminönü district, is known for its stunning Iznik tilework featuring intricate floral and geometric patterns. Built in the 16th century by the famous architect Mimar Sinan for the Grand Vizier Rüstem Paşa, it is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The Spice Bazaar is also in Eminönü. It is one of the oldest covered bazaars in Istanbul, renowned for its herbalists. In addition to traditional products such as natural medicines, spices, flower seeds, rare plant roots, and shells, the bazaar offers dried nuts, delicatessen products, and various foodstuffs. The Spice Bazaar is also open on Sundays. The boat trip on the Bosphorus is an amazing cruise between two continents, Europe and Asia, along the Bosphorus. You'll see landmarks like the Beylerbeyi Palace and wooden villas lining the shore. After the tour, we will transfer you to the Istanbul Airport and you will take your flight to Cappadocia. Upon your arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight Cappadocia

Marvel at the lunar landscape with a fully guided tour of Cappadocia, visiting Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy chimneys. Drive to pasabag (Monk’s Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Drive to the city of Avanos. In the afternoon visit another beautiful open-air museum at Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Lastly, before returning to your hotel, visit the natural castles at Uchisar. After the tour, we will be back at our hotel. Overnight Cappadocia

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will again depart for a full day Cappadocia tour. Depart from your hotel to visit Red valley, and explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike 5 km through the Güllüdere valley. Then visit Cavusin village. This village is famous for the houses and churches of the Christian clergymen. After lunch Drive to the pigeon valley. In the afternoon visit Kaymaklı underground city. Where early Christians lived in fear and faith. After the tour, we will transfer you to Cappadocia airport and you will take your flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival, we will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight Kusadasi

After breakfast, you heading to the magnificent White calcium terraces, known as Cotton Castle (Pamukkale) where you also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. This city was used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Today bring your swimsuit with you because you will have time to enjoy the thermal water of Pamukkale. Overnight Kusadasi

Absorb yourself in history today. Today you visit Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Feel the mystical atmosphere of ancient times. Ephesus is one of the most important ancient cities in the World and it was the capital of Asia Minor. Overnight Kusadasi

After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye and transfer to the cruise port. Your cruise begins in Kusadasi (Ephesus), where your Turkey exploration has been ended. The ship departs at 13:00. Later in the day, you'll arrive at Patmos, Greece, at 16:30. You'll have a few hours to enjoy this charming island before the ship departs at 21:30. Overnight Cruise

The ship arrives in Rhodes, Greece, at 07:00. You’ll have the entire day to explore this beautiful island, rich with ancient history and stunning beaches. Departure is scheduled for 18:00. You can book a shore excursion as optionally if you prefer. Overnight Cruise

In the morning, the ship will dock in Crete (Heraklion), Greece, at 07:00. You'll have a few hours to visit the island's capital and possibly explore the ancient Minoan ruins before the ship departs at 12:00. Later in the day, you will arrive in Santorini, Greece, at 16:30. You'll be able to take in the breathtaking views of this iconic island until the ship leaves at 21:30. Overnight: Cruise

Your day starts early in Athens (Lavrio), Greece, with the ship arriving at 06:00. You have until 13:00 to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Athens. In the evening, the ship will dock in Mykonos, Greece, at 18:00. You’ll have the evening to enjoy this lively island before the ship departs at 23:00. Overnight: Cruise

The cruise concludes back in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, with the ship arriving at 07:00. Upon arrival we will meet you at the cruise port and transfer to the Airport.