Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul

Classic Mainland Greece: Athens to Istanbul

• Trip code: 424X024
• Dauer: 14
• Stil: Classic

Two weeks, two incredible countries, and a journey through history, culture, and cuisine — this 14-day adventure from Greece to Turkey has it all. Marvel at the Acropolis and Parthenon, wander the charming streets of Nafplio, and stand on the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae, the inspiration behind the movie 300. Dive into Greek flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens and a meze tasting in Volos before crossing into the dynamic crossroads of East and West—Istanbul. From ancient ruins to vibrant cityscapes, breathtaking scenery to unforgettable meals, this trip is packed with epic moments and new friends to share them with.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts)

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12

Introduction

Two weeks, two incredible countries, and a journey through history, culture, and cuisine — this 14-day adventure from Greece to Turkey has it all. Marvel at the Acropolis and Parthenon, wander the charming streets of Nafplio, and stand on the legendary battlefield of Thermopylae, the inspiration behind the movie 300. Dive into Greek flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens and a meze tasting in Volos before crossing into the dynamic crossroads of East and West—Istanbul. From ancient ruins to vibrant cityscapes, breathtaking scenery to unforgettable meals, this trip is packed with epic moments and new friends to share them with

Meals Included

13 Frühstück, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD500-650 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Athens
- Besuch auf dem Syntagma-Platz (Verfassungsplatz) (Gratis)
- Besuch des Archäologischen Nationalmuseums (12EUR pro Person)
- Ancient Agora Visit (20EUR pro Person)
- Besuch im Akropolis-Museum

Meteora
- Ausflug nach Meteora bei Sonnenaufgang (30EUR pro Person)
- Guided Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour
- Naturkundemuseum Meteora (7EUR pro Person)

Náfplio
- Festung Bourtzi (7EUR pro Person)
- Archäologisches Museum (10EUR pro Person)
- Kriegsmuseum (3EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Festung Acronafplia (Gratis)
- Besuch der Palamidi-Festung (20EUR pro Person)
- Besichtigung von Tiryns (10EUR pro Person)

Epídavros
- Führung durch Epidavros (20EUR pro Person)

Mycenae
- Besuch von Mykene (20EUR pro Person)

Thessaloníki
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- Nea Paralia

Start / Finish

Athens nach Istanbul

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Besuch bei Shedia Home und ein Getränk, Athens
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cooking Class Athens, Athens
Dein Foodie-Moment: Cultural Walk and Tavern Visits with Meze Plates, Vólos. Athens orientation walk. Guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Acropolis and Parthenon entrance fees. Visit the site of Thermopylae Information Centre. Guided tour of Ancient Delphi. Visit the Corinth Canal. 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

Highlights

Step back in time at the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, Walk the legendary Thermopylae battlefield—the origin of the movie 300, Master Mediterranean flavours with a hands-on cooking class in Athens, Sink your toes into the golden sands of the beach at Kato Gatzea

Transport

Taxi, private bus, train, walking

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

Arrive at any time

Day 2 Athens

Explore the city on a guided walking tour to the Parthenon and Acropolis with a refreshment stop at a local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home, along the way. Enjoy a free afternoon to immerse yourself deeper into this historical city; opt to visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, or the National Archaeological Museum. Later in the evening attend a cooking class with a local chef and enjoy a dinner of your creations

Day 3 Athens/Meteora

Travel north from Athens by bus and train to Kalampaka, the perfect base for visiting the monasteries and the area of Meteora

Day 4 Meteora

Spend a full free day in the area. Head out and visit the mountain top monasteries on your own by bus or pre-book the Meteora Monasteries Hiking Tour to do it on foot with a local guide

Day 5 Meteora/Delphi

After breakfast, transfer to the site of Thermopylae and Information Centre to learn of the famous battle that helped create the Greece we know today. Continue on to Delphi for an orientation walk before touring Ancient Delphi with a local guide. Spend the evening as you wish with free time

Day 6 Delphi/Náfplio

Travel Nafplio with a stop at the Corinth Canal on the way. Take part in a brief orientation walk then spend the evening exploring the cobblestone streets with free time. Opt to climb the Acronafplia to take in the views

Day 7 Náfplio/Athens

Enjoy free time to explore Napflio and the surrounding areas. Choose to visit Epidavros, as well as the nearby site of Mycenae then transfer in the late afternoon to Athens for the night

Day 8 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

Day 9 Vólos

Head out from Volos today on a day of exploration and cultural immersion, hopping village-to-village. Explore Milies and take a short hike to a cave, stop by a women's co-op in Vizitsa then visit the town of Pinakates and have beach time at Kato Gatzea before returning to Volos in the evening. Each stop provides a unique glance into the daily life in this beautiful corner of the world

Day 10 Vólos/Thessaloníki

Drive north from Volos, stopping at Mount Olympus National Park for a short walk near the mountain that was home to the gods in Greek mythology. Continue to the Polycentric Museum of Aigai to tour the tombs and see the archaeological artifacts before carrying to Thessaloniki. Join your CEO for an orientation walk and enjoy a free evening

Day 11 Thessaloníki

Take advantage of a free day to explore Thessaloniki. Discover historic landmarks like the Roman Forum, visit museums or take a walking food tour, sampling dishes like Greek 'meze' and other regional specialties. In the evening, head out for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots

Day 12 Thessaloníki/Kavala

Wave goodbye to Thessaloniki this morning and drive to the city of Kavala. Settle in and orient yourself with a CEO-led orientation walk of the old town with the option to walk up to the castle for great views of the city and of the sea. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring or to relax

Day 13 Kavala/Istanbul

Depart Kavala in the morning and drive east to the city of Alexandropoli. Take a short walk with the CEO to explore the area and have some time for lunch before continuing on to the Turkish border and onwards to Istanbul, arriving in the evening

Day 14 Istanbul

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 Athens

Day 3 Athens/Meteora

Perched on high cliffs there are monasteries built on immense natural pillars and make for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Day 4 Meteora

Day 5 Meteora/Delphi

Travel through mountain scenery around Mt Parnassos to Delphi.

Enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Delphi, then spend the evening exploring the charming little town or relaxing in a small café enjoying the views of the nearby valley.

Day 6 Delphi/Náfplio

Described as one of Greece's prettiest towns, the narrow pedestrian streets of old town are begging to be strolled upon.

Day 7 Náfplio/Athens

There is a wealth of ancient sites to explore within easy reach of Nafplio on a free day such as Epidavros, which is highly regarded as one of the most renowned of Greek ancient sites. Or choose to visit the famous Mycenae, also close by, with its spectacular treasury and ruins, or for another lesser-known Mycenean site visit Tiryns, just in the suburbs of Nafplio itself.

Day 8 Athens/Vólos

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.

Day 9 Vólos

Day 10 Vólos/Thessaloníki

Between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, the Polycentric Museum will be closed. If you are travelling during these dates, the visit will be replaced by the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

Day 11 Thessaloníki

Day 12 Thessaloníki/Kavala

Day 13 Kavala/Istanbul

Day 14 Istanbul