Greece Turkey Egypt Tour - 11 days

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred to the hotel in one of our vehicles.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free to begin discovering this fascinating city, where East and West meet among imperial mosques, centuries-old bazaars, and the unmistakable rhythm of the Bosphorus.

Greca Tip: You can also head to Ortaköy, the area for upmarket chic. There, you will find a strip of stands serving “kumpir,” Turkey's answer to the jacket potato. Pick your spud and toppings and savor the seaside views while you eat on your feet.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will get ready to begin our tour of the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. The excursion includes pick-up from centrally located hotels or, depending on the location of our accommodation, from the nearest meeting point, which will be communicated to us in advance.

Accompanied by a guide, we will explore the historic district of Sultanahmet, the seat of power of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Our first stop will be Hagia Sophia, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece built as a basilica in the 6th century by order of Emperor Justinian. We will then continue to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its delicate İznik tiles and six minarets.

Next, we will visit the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of sporting competitions and political activities during the Byzantine era. Here, we will discover historic monuments such as the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, which evoke the splendor of ancient Constantinople.

Finally, we will explore the fascinating Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most iconic traditional markets, with thousands of shops selling jewelry, gold, carpets, antiques, leather goods, and local souvenirs. We will have the opportunity to discover local craftsmanship and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic marketplace. The excursion will end at the Grand Bazaar, where we can continue exploring independently.

In the afternoon, we will have free time to enjoy Istanbul at our own pace. We can stroll through the charming streets of Sultanahmet, browse small handicraft shops, or take a break at a traditional café to enjoy a cup of Turkish tea while soaking up the city's atmosphere.

For those wishing to explore further, we can visit the Spice Bazaar, famous for its enticing aromas, sweets, and local products, or take a walk through the lively district of Eminönü, near the Golden Horn.

To complete the experience, we recommend adding a Bosphorus cruise to your booking. This is a unique opportunity to admire Istanbul from the water and discover its palaces, mosques, historic waterfront mansions, and bridges connecting Europe and Asia. It is an unforgettable way to experience another side of this fascinating city.

Greca Tip: Take your time exploring the Grand Bazaar’s winding passageways and discovering its traditional crafts. On Sundays, when the market is closed, the visit will be replaced by a stop at authentic shops in the surrounding area.

After breakfast, we will start our day at around 08:00 a.m. with a fascinating half-day excursion that will allow us to discover some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and cruise along the strait that separates Europe from Asia. The experience includes pickup from hotels located in the city center or from a designated meeting point, depending on the location of our accommodation.

Our first stop will be the Golden Horn, the historic natural harbor that divides the ancient peninsula from the modern part of Istanbul. From the bus, we will explore this area steeped in history, where the first colonies were established during the Byzantine period and Jewish communities, Italian merchants, and other religious and cultural minorities once lived side by side.

We will continue to the Balat neighborhood, known for its diversity and historical heritage. Along the way, we will see the Iron Church of St. Stephen, the Or-Ahayim Jewish Hospital, the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and the ancient Byzantine city walls, an impressive defensive structure that protected the city for centuries. Later, we will visit the Spice Bazaar, where the aromas of oriental spices will surround us as we discover stalls selling local products, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other specialties.

The experience will culminate in a Bosphorus cruise, along the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea and separates Europe from Asia. During the journey, we will admire magnificent marble palaces, old Ottoman wooden mansions, and elegant modern residences stretching along both shores. We will also admire the Rumeli Fortress from the boat, an imposing military structure built to control and protect the strait. The fortress will be viewed from the outside, with no interior visit.

At the end of the excursion, we will have the afternoon free to continue enjoying Istanbul at our own pace. We can stroll through its historic streets, discover traditional shops, relax at a typical café, or explore other corners of this fascinating city that bridges two continents.

Greca Tip: Make the most of your free afternoon by exploring Sultanahmet or enjoying a Turkish tea with views of the Bosphorus. It is a wonderful way to extend your experience of a city where East and West meet at every turn.

When it's time, we'll make sure you reach Istanbul International Airport smoothly for your flight to Athens.

Upon your arrival in this historic European capital,you will be greeted with a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our vehicles, where your professional and friendly English-speaking driver will ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Later in the afternoon, at an agreed time, one of our representatives will meet you at the hotel to provide all the essential details of the rest of your trip. They will also offer a captivating presentation of the city, sharing insights into its everyday way of life. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions and have any doubts dispelled, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the rest of your trip.

You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and explore Athens at your own pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Greca Tip: Want a breathtaking view of Athens that stretches to the coastline? Hop on the funicular railway to Lycabettus Hill and treat yourself to a panoramic vista that's sure to leave you in awe.

Today, you will enjoy a delightful breakfast and prepare for a wonderful day as you discover the city of Athens and its fascinating blend of history and modernity.

During the panoramic tour, you will admire the Athenian Trilogy (National Library, University, and Academy of Athens), the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the Zappeion, the majestic Temple of Olympian Zeus, which for centuries was one of the largest temples in Greece, and Hadrian’s Arch, built in honor of the Roman emperor.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Acropolis, symbol of the classical world and home to the Parthenon, a masterpiece of Greek architecture; the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatids; and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. You will admire the history and legends surrounding these monuments while enjoying panoramic views of Athens from the hill.

The tour concludes at a central point in the city, ideal for continuing to explore Athens at your own pace. Later, you will head at your own rhythm to Monastiraki to join the “Athens by Night” tour, enjoying a walking tour through Plaka and Anafiotika, admiring the illuminated Acropolis, and passing by iconic sites such as Athens Cathedral and Ermou Street, while discovering how the city comes alive under the moonlight.

Greca Tip: At the Acropolis, mythology, architecture, and unique Athens panoramas come together. See how the Parthenon has inspired architects for over two thousand years and discover the stories of the ancient gods and heroes who dwell in these monuments.

Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Athens, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for an enchanting experience, you can opt for a captivating one-day cruise to three stunning islands nestled in the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

On the one hand, if you choose to embark on the full-day cruise, you will be conveniently transferred to the port, where your adventure begins. The itinerary includes visits to three remarkable islands: Aegina, renowned for its delightful assortment of pistachios; Poros, celebrated for its scenic beauty; and Hydra, the greenest among these islands, boasting elegant stone mansions, a tranquil atmosphere, and car-free streets.

On board the ship, you can indulge in a delectable lunch accompanied by traditional Greek music and dance. At the end of the day, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless experience.

On the other hand, if you decide to spend the day in Athens, you will have the freedom to explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks at your own leisurely pace.

Greca Tip: You can add the cruise during step 1/3 while booking. If you do, make sure to try the different varieties of pistachio nuts grown on the famous island of Aegina!

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will have a free day to explore the city of Athens at your leisure. Take the opportunity to visit the city's renowned attractions, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring museums and archaeological sites, and wander through the charming alleys of the historic city center.

Alternatively, if you wish to venture beyond Athens, you have the option to spend a day (or even several days) exploring the Peloponnese peninsula or visiting Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Greca Tip: If you prefer to explore Athens independently without organized tours, we recommend taking the pedestrianized Apostolou Pavlou path to reach the ancient Agora and Monastiraki areas. Another option is to ascend Mount Lycabettus for breathtaking views of the city. This way, you can discover Athens at your own pace and create your unique experience.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Athens International Airport to fly to Egypt.

After you arrive in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a person from our English-speaking team will be waiting to assist and inform you of all the details of your trip and clear any type of doubt that you have and give you a brief presentation of the city and its day to day. The transfer to the hotel will be carried out by one of our private air-conditioned vehicles.

At the hotel, the assistant will help you with the registration. The rest of the day will be for relaxing and enjoying the comforts of the hotel.

Greca Tip: If you want to occupy your time on your days off, ask about excursion options, such as dinner with dance and light and sound shows.

After enjoying a delicious and hearty breakfast featuring traditional regional products, we will begin our journey through the most iconic landmarks of the largest metropolis on the African continent.

Accompanied by our official English-speaking guide, we will start with the majestic Pyramids of Giza, where the only surviving wonder of the ancient world still stands: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This extraordinary funerary complex is guarded by the legendary Sphinx, bearing the head of Pharaoh Khafre and the body of a lion. We will admire it both from the panoramic esplanade and from up close. 

As an optional experience, we may include lunch and an excursion to the Saqqara necropolis, home to the extraordinary Step Pyramid of Djoser—the first monumental stone structure built in Egypt. This impressive site was conceived as a city for the king’s eternal life.

To end the day in style, you may choose to witness the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile—both optional and available upon request with your travel assistant.

Greca Tip: Beyond its famous pyramid, Saqqara also shelters richly decorated mastabas and tombs of nobles and high priests—hidden gems of ancient Egyptian art and history.

In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will continue our adventure with a full-day visit to Cairo.

Our morning will begin with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in the heart of the city. Countless invaluable artefacts are showcased there. Among them, we will find the treasures of Tutankhamun, sarcophagi, mummies, and sculptures of unimaginable beauty.

Next, we'll enjoy lunch. With renewed spirits, we'll personally explore the Coptic quarter, with its melting pot of religions. Highlights include the Hanging Church, the Church of St. Sergius, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country.

Following that, we'll head to historic Cairo, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the 10th century, it has been the area of the Caliphs and their mosques. The Saladin Citadel stands out there, a walled citadel.

Before returning to the hotel, we'll visit the Khan El Khalili bazaar. At this point, we'll have free time to test our bargaining skills.

To conclude, we'll return to the hotel to enjoy its amenities and rest.

Greca Tip: At the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, don't forget to spend time with its most famous pieces, including the treasures found in Tutankhamun's tomb, which include his famous golden funerary mask, as well as numerous statues, sarcophagi, papyri, and everyday objects from other Egyptian pharaohs and dignitaries.

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Cairo International Airport to check in your luggage and, if necessary, process any tax refund on tax-free products that you have purchased.

From Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: “Rihlat Jayida!”.

Greca Tip: If you feel that your stay in Egypt has not revealed all its secrets yet, you can add more nights to this fantastic city.