Istanbul Athens Vacation Package, balanced combination of Turkey and Greece.
Visit Istanbul and all of its famous monuments in one full and two half day sightseeing in the greater area. Get to know Athens, get a taste of the Greek Islands with visit to the nearby Islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra.
Visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Ancient Delphi in a full day tour.
DAY 1: ISTANBUL: Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL: After breakfast full day visit to Istanbul. We begin our tour from the 
Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Agia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses.
Next we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100.000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire.
The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Lunch in a local restaurant and continuation of our tour. Our afternoon will begin at Topkapi Palace which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Little Agia Sophia Mosque is known as one of the oldest standing churches in Istanbul dating back to 6th century. It is early domed-basilica architectural plan of famous Agia Sophia which was applied here first time in the history.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL – BOSPORUS: Half day cruise through Bosporus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges Disembarkation at the European part of Turkey and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 4: ISTANBUL – TWO CONTINENTS: Early departure for the intercontinental 
bridge of Bosporus, to continue to the Camlica hill at the Asiatic part of Turkey which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, Marmara Sea, Princes’ Islands and magnificent Istanbul. Then visit the Beylerbeyi Palace on the shore of the Bosphorus, one of the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces and boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls. and a typical fish village along the coast of Bosporus with time at leisure for shopping.
DAY 5: ISTANBUL – ATHENS: According to departure flight we will transfer you to Istanbul airport for the flight to Athens. Arrival in Athens and transfer to your selected hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 6: ATHENS: Morning sightseeing tour of Athens including all famous monuments: House of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Adrian’s Arch, Temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Academy, the University and the National Library. Tour will end by visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, “State of the art” in museum construction and very rich in content. On Mondays the new Acropolis Museum is closed.
Afternoon free to visit Plaka (The old Athens city) with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns.
DAY 7: ATHENS – AEGINA – POROS – HYDRA: This small cruise will take you to 
Hydra, Poros and Aegina and bring you back in the evening full of fun and with the taste of the Greek islands.
Morning transfer to the pier of Piraeus, to embark your cruise ship for your full day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Good opportunity to know a little bit of Greek Islands and visit a small part of Ancient Greece in the optional tour to the temple of Aphea Athina in Aegina.
On the return trip you enjoy a program with Greek music and songs and join the dancers on Greek folklore dancing. Included is the transfers to and from the port, port taxes and lunch on board.
DAY 8: ATHENS – DELPHI: Full day excursion to the Archaeological site of Delphi, once known as the centre of Earth. This tour will show you the ruins of ancient Delphi and also a big part of mainland Greece full of green places and beautiful villages. Ancient Greece was full of religious places like Delphi, also connected with athletics and medical services.
Delphi was the centre of Ancient World – the “Omphalos” (Navel of Earth) – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic World.
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.
Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.
You will have your lunch in a local restaurant and will return to Athens in the evening
DAY 9: ATHENS – AIRPORT:According to your departure flight, you will be transferred to the airport.
