Greek Island Hopper with Istanbul

Welcome to Athens! At 6 pm, meet your Globus Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Marvels & Myths Wake up in Athens for the start of your Greek Odyssey! Guided sightseeing is composed of an orientation drive to see Athens’ main landmarks, including Syntagma Square, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium, plus a visit to the iconic Acropolis. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore the heart of Ancient Greece, in the historic city where 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, never fail to amaze! See the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the venues of the first modern Olympic Games.

Sweet Luck This morning, head to the bustling port and board a ferry for a scenic crossing to Mykonos, one of the most celebrated of the Cyclades Islands. Later, join a guided walking tour of Mykonos Town that includes a visit to the charming church of Agia Kiriaki and a sweet treat – [LOCAL FAVORITE] an Amygdalota (traditional Mykonos dessert) tasting. This evening, become more acquainted with the local cuisine during a delicious dinner of typical specialties at a local restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Traditional Greek Amygdalota cookies are often served at weddings as a gesture of new beginnings, prosperity, and good luck. It’s our good fortune and happiness to share this delicious sweet almond confection with you on the magical island of Mykonos.

Aegean Gem Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the island. See the iconic 16th-century windmills that dot the hillside, and the colorful homes of Little Venice. Browse the charming streets and stores and try some of the local delicacies. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The white buildings that populate the Greek islands are iconic and emit idyllic vibes. However, the whitewash also has a purpose – it has disinfecting properties and was introduced in the 1930s when there was a cholera outbreak. It was also easy to know who lived where in Mykonos – fishermen had blue doors, farmers green doors, and everybody else had a red door.

Mediterranean Magic Enjoy another full day at leisure on this idyllic island. Why not admire the stunning scenery of the pristine waters while you relax on one of the beautiful beaches? Alternatively, choose an optional excursion to explore further afield. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more with an optional excursion from Mykonos to discover the ancient treasures of the nearby island of Delos. Known as the birthplace of the immortals in Greek mythology, this island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis– rendering it sacred- that no mortal is permitted to be born, live, or die here, the island and its magnificent archaeological site may only be visited.

Sights & Sips Bid farewell to Mykonos as you board a high-speed express ferry to Santorini. Start to get acquainted with the island during a walking tour of Fira, the island’s capital, perched on the cliffs of the Caldera that includes a photo stop at the Cathedral and [LOCAL FAVORITE] a glass of ouzo. Free time this evening to explore more. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Ouzo and Greek culture are perhaps linked more closely than any other beverage on the islands. The signature liquorice taste of this iconic aperitif is actually derived from anise, herbs and remnants of winemaking grapes. It’s wise to sip slowly when visiting any of the many ouzeries (ouzo bars) in Greece!

Sun, Sand & Sea The spectacular landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity, have turned Santorini into one of Greece’s most famous islands. Some of the idyllic beaches stand out for the different colored sand. During your day at leisure, why not relax on one of these beaches or visit Oia, one of the most famous villages on the island, renowned for its sunset views. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT With its postcard-like scenery, the lofty volcanic footprint of Santorini’s Oia caldera landscape embodies the essence of the Cyclades Islands. Spend free time amid azure seas and white and blue houses that line the maze of alleyways.

Bright & Beautiful Santorini isn’t just about beauty; it has been inhabited for thousands of years and has its fair share of history and culture. Why not learn more about the Minoan civilization and join an optional excursion to the archaeological site of Akrotiri. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT There are many ways to spend your day in Santorini. Explore the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, meander the charming streets browsing the shops, or laze on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. All of this and much more awaits you on the spectacular island of Santorini.

Aloft to Athens Today, board your flight back to Athens. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Perhaps visit a museum or take the tram to the coast. In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tavernas in the old Plaka district with its narrow streets and the sound of bouzouki music. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more with countless ways to enjoy free time in the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and the philosophy of Western civilization! Explore the urban landscapes and lively restaurants in this historic capital and enjoy the sunny slopes of this iconic city. Stroll in the shadow of the Acropolis in the village atmosphere of Plaka. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to browse jewelry stores and ceramics shops, then linger in a sidewalk café or taverna to celebrate your Greek adventure.

East Meets West This morning, bid farewell to Athens as you board your flight to the unique and fascinating city of Istanbul. Your first introduction to Istanbul is a visit to the Spice Market. Marvel at the vibrant colors of the spices and local produce while admiring the stunning architecture. Get a taste for local specialties when you sample some authentic Turkish Delight. Later, admire Istanbul from a different perspective when you take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, dividing the city and straddling two continents – Europe and Asia. This evening, enjoy free time to try some typical dishes for dinner. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, later known as Constantinople, and today called Istanbul, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.

The City on Seven Hills This morning, continue your discovery of Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there, marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior, stand under the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, and enter a shopper’s paradise at the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4,000 shops! This afternoon and evening enjoy some free time to explore more. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Sometimes referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, mainly due to its magnificent dome, the Hagia Sophia hasn’t had it easy. Since it was first constructed back in the 4th century, it has been destroyed by riots and damaged by an earthquake. Starting out as a Basilica during the times of the Roman Empire, it has also been a mosque and a museum.

Inspired Istanbul Enjoy a free day in Istanbul – there’s still plenty to discover. Absorb more history and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores, or try an authentic Turkish coffee experience accompanied by a delicious baklava. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME Explore more of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” an underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then-city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent, vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the most famous “recycled stones” that can still be seen, is the upside-down head of Medusa.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)