8-Day From Istanbul to Athens With Saronic Islands
Tour Overview
Quick Answer
This 8-day Turkey and Greece tour includes Istanbul, Athens, Delphi, Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with 4-star hotels, guided tours, Bosphorus cruise, international flights, private transfers, and daily breakfast.
Experience two of the eastern Mediterranean's most historic destinations on an itinerary that combines cultural landmarks, archaeological sites, and scenic coastal landscapes. Explore Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, cruise along the Bosphorus, and continue to Athens to discover the Acropolis and other classical monuments. Beyond the capital, enjoy a full-day cruise through the Saronic Gulf, visiting Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, before exploring the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Delphi. The tour combines guided sightseeing with free time, making it suitable for travelers seeking history, culture, and island scenery in a single journey.
📋 Tour at a Glance
| Tour Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Countries Covered | Turkey • Greece |
| Main Destinations | Istanbul, Athens, Hydra, Poros, Aegina & Delphi |
| Tour Style | A multi-country cultural journey combining guided sightseeing, a scenic Saronic Gulf island cruise, and the legendary archaeological site of Delphi. |
| Travel Style | A well-balanced itinerary featuring guided excursions, international flights, cruise experiences, private transfers, and leisure time for independent exploration. |
| Guide Language | English-speaking licensed local guides |
| Group Type | Private Transfers & Small Group Guided Tours |
| Maximum Group Size | Up to 14 guests. Small groups are used during scheduled sightseeing tours. Flights, transfers, cruise experiences, and leisure time are arranged independently. |
| Accommodation | 7 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed & breakfast basis. |
| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts and 3 lunches, as specified in the itinerary. |
| Flights Included | International flight from Istanbul (Turkey) to Athens (Greece), as specified in the itinerary. |
| Cruise Experience | Scenic cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina is included. |
| Starting Price | From €1,990 per person. |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour departure date. |
| Best Travel Season | Available all year round. |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate. Daily sightseeing involves walking through archaeological sites, museums, historic city centers, and island ports with occasional stairs and uneven surfaces. |
| Recommended For | First-time visitors, history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, archaeology lovers, scenic cruise travelers, and those seeking a balanced Turkey and Greece itinerary. |
Highlights
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
Experience a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia while viewing historic palaces, mosques, and waterfront landmarks.
Visit Athens' most important classical monuments, including the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Cruise through the Saronic Gulf and discover the distinctive islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in a single day.
Discover Delphi's Sanctuary of Apollo, ancient theatre, stadium, and renowned archaeological museum.
Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul, a fascinating city that bridges Europe and Asia. Upon landing at Istanbul Airport or arriving at the cruise terminal, you will be greeted and privately transferred to your hotel. Hotel check-in begins at 1:00 PM. After check-in, your travel advisor will meet you to provide information about your tour and upcoming arrangements. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city independently.
Following breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide at approximately 10:00 AM for a privately guided exploration of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. During the tour, you will visit some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including:
• The ancient Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople
• Historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain
• The magnificent Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant blue İznik tiles
• Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s greatest architectural treasures
• Topkapi Palace, former imperial residence of the Ottoman Empire
• The vibrant Grand Bazaar, featuring thousands of traditional shops and local products
The excursion ends in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, followed by a return transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a relaxed morning before your afternoon cruise experience. Around 14:00 PM, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise with lunch served onboard. Sail along the famous waterway connecting Europe and Asia while admiring Istanbul’s skyline and historical waterfront landmarks.
Highlights along the route include the Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridges, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the legendary Maiden’s Tower. After the cruise, transfer back to your hotel for the evening.
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your international flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Greece’s historic capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for personal activities, shopping, or discovering the local atmosphere of Athens.
Begin the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Athens, featuring the city’s most iconic attractions. Discover important landmarks including the Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Parliament House, and Syntagma Square.
Continue to the Acropolis, the legendary hilltop monument that symbolizes the heritage of Ancient Greece. You will also visit the impressive Acropolis Museum, home to priceless archaeological collections. After the tour, enjoy free time to wander through Athens’ lively neighborhoods or relax at a local café.
Today, set sail on a full-day cruise through the beautiful Saronic Gulf. Your first stop is Hydra, a picturesque island known for its stone mansions, narrow alleys, and car-free charm. Continue to Poros, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the famous Clock Tower.
The final island stop is Aegina, the largest of the three islands, offering time to stroll through local streets and seaside areas at your leisure. Lunch will be served onboard during the cruise. On the return journey to Athens, enjoy traditional Greek music and folk dancing performances.
Travel to Delphi, one of Greece’s most important archaeological destinations and once believed to be the center of the ancient world. Explore the remarkable Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Theatre, and the Stadium.
You will also visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where significant artifacts such as the famous Charioteer of Delphi are displayed. Enjoy lunch in the modern village of Delphi before returning to Athens in the evening.
Depending on your flight departure time, enjoy some final free time in Athens before your transfer to the airport. Your unforgettable journey through Turkey and Greece comes to an end with wonderful memories of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Included
Excluded
Additional Notes
- Combines two countries with historic cities, archaeological landmarks, and island experiences.
- Includes guided sightseeing at major cultural and historical attractions.
- Features both mainland exploration and a full-day Saronic Islands cruise.
- Private airport transfers provide convenient travel between destinations.
- Offers free time alongside organized tours for independent exploration.
- Upgrade to premium or boutique hotel accommodations.
- Add extra nights before or after the tour.
- Arrange private guided sightseeing instead of small-group tours.
- Include additional island stays or Athens extensions.
- Personalize airport transfers and room categories.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as archaeological sites include uneven stone surfaces.
- Carry sun protection during spring and summer sightseeing.
- Visit the Grand Bazaar with cash and cards for greater shopping flexibility.
- Bring a light jacket for Bosphorus cruises, as conditions can be breezy even in warmer months.
- Start photography early in Delphi and on Hydra for softer light and fewer crowds.
Visa requirements for Turkey and Greece may differ based on your nationality and country of residence. We recommend reviewing the most current entry rules, visa policies, and passport requirements before your departure.
For many travelers, Turkey provides visa-free access or the option to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa). Greece, as a member of the Schengen Area, may require travelers from certain countries to obtain a valid Schengen visa before arrival. Please ensure that your passport meets the required validity conditions, which generally means having at least six months of validity remaining from your entry date.
After your reservation is completed, our experienced travel team can assist you with updated visa information and entry procedures to help you prepare for a comfortable and seamless trip.
- This tour is available for Daily all year round
- Tour Can be customized.
- Price per person, based on a minimum of 2 adults.
- Price does not include international flight tickets.
- Transfers are considered with 1 luggage per person.
- Once domestic air tickets are issued cannot be modified and a 100% fees will apply in case of cancellation
- Domestic flights schedule may change.
- Domestic Flights Baggage Allowance (including 15 kilos of luggage + 8 kilos of hand luggage)
- Step 1: Booking Request & Confirmation
Once we receive your official request to book your chosen tour package, our team will check local availability and confirm all services (hotels, ferries, and transfers) accordingly.
- Step 2: Official Itinerary Review
Once everything is verified, we will email you your official, final tour itinerary detailing every aspect of your day-by-day journey.
- Step 3: Secure Your Reservation
Upon your review and explicit confirmation of this itinerary, we will proceed to the secure payment process to finalize your booking.
- Payment Schedule:
To lock in your dates and secure your hotels/transfers, a 50% booking deposit is required at the time of confirmation. The remaining 50% balance will be automatically and safely charged 3 weeks (21 days) prior to your scheduled tour start date.
🔒 100% Encrypted & Hassle-Free Bank Payment Gateway
- No Card Sharing Required: Your financial security is our top priority. You are never required to share your credit card numbers, CVV, or sensitive information via email, chat, or over the phone.
- How the Secure Link Works: We generate a unique, secure payment link directly through our bank’s certified merchant system. This link is pre-set specifically to your exact due invoice amount.
- The Process: You simply open the link, fill in your credit card information on the bank’s fully encrypted payment form, and the transaction is completed instantly.
- Instant Digital Receipts: The moment your payment is processed, our system automatically generates and emails you an official digital receipt for your financial records.
- Accepted Cards: For your security, we accept VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards only. Please note that debit cards, prepaid cards, or other payment cards are not supported by our secure payment gateway.
Reservations may only be canceled by submitting a formal written notice sent via email or certified mail directly to our agency. Because we pre-pay and secure local boutique hotels, high-speed ferries, and domestic flight entities well in advance on behalf of our travelers, our cancellation policy is strictly structured based on the timeline below:
- ⚠️ DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & FERRIES ARE 100% NON-REFUNDABLE: Once domestic flight or ferry tickets are officially issued, they cannot be modified, and a 100% cancellation fee applies to that portion of the package immediately, regardless of when the cancellation notice is received.
- ⏳ Land Portion Cancellation Scale:
For the remaining land portion costs that are legally recoverable from our local hotel and transfer entities, refunds are calculated as follows:
- Notice received 31 days or more prior to arrival/tour start date: 100% Refund (No cancellation fee applies to the land portion).
- Notice received between 31 and 21 days prior to scheduled tour: 75% Refund of the land portion.
- Notice received between 21 and 14 days prior to scheduled tour: 50% Refund of the land portion.
- Notice received 13 days or less prior to scheduled tour: No Refund will be issued.
Is the international flight included?
Yes. The flight from Istanbul to Athens is included in the tour package.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. Private airport and hotel transfers in both Turkey and Greece are included.
Are the Saronic Islands included in the itinerary?
Yes. A full-day cruise visits Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with lunch served onboard.
Is Delphi included as a guided excursion?
Yes. The itinerary includes a full-day guided tour of Delphi with entrance to the archaeological museum.
What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour includes 7 nights in 4-star hotels with daily breakfast.
What is the maximum group size?
Scheduled guided excursions operate with groups of up to 14 guests.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before the scheduled tour date.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. It covers the principal historical highlights of Istanbul and Athens together with Delphi and the Saronic Islands in one itinerary.
