Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
Day 2: Istanbul
A sightseeing tour of the city awaits us. On our tour, we´ll enter the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, we´ll explore the ancient walls, the Golden Horn, the bustling fishing district and we´ll marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Our tour also includes tickets to visit the Topkapi Palace, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. There, you´ll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and see the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.
Day 3: Istanbul
Today, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.
Day 4: Istanbul - Ephesus - Kusadasi
We’ll leave early from Istanbul and continue our route through Turkey. Around lunch time, we’ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Two thousand years ago, it had a quarter of a million inhabitants. We’ll visit the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included). After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Ephesus, we’ll proceed to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant atmosphere, commercial life, and quaint castle. We’ll stay the night in Kusadasi, and dinner will be included.Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.
Day 5: Kusadasi - Bodrum - Marmaris
We’ll leave early to visit one of Turkey´s natural wonders, Lake Bafa, and take a moment to admire its serene beauty. Our journey will then continue to Bodrum, a stunning fortified city of Greek origin. Here, you can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. After lunch, we’ll proceed to Marmaris, another picturesque coastal tourist destination known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.
Day 6: Marmaris - Rhodes
We’ll set off towards Greece early in the morning and board the express ferry to Rhodes. The journey will last about an hour. We’ll undergo standard border-crossing procedures. Once in Rhodes, we’ll embark on a tour of its remarkable walled city and historic quarter, which reflect a rich tapestry of cultural influences—from Greek and Roman to Byzantine, Knights of St. John, Ottoman, and Italian. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure.Please note: The ferry schedule between Rhodes and Marmaris is subject to frequent changes and does not operate daily (except during summer months). Accordingly, this part of the itinerary may need to be adjusted.
Day 7: Rhodes - Ferry rodas athens
Today, we’ll depart from Rhodes city for an excursion to explore the rest of the island (included). Our first stop will be Filerimos, situated atop a hill, where you can visit its monastery amidst stunning landscapes. From there, we’ll journey to Lindos to explore its fortress and Acropolis, offering breathtaking views of the sea. You can stroll through its charming, whitewashed streets, relax on one of its beaches, or opt for a traditional donkey ride up to the Acropolis. Later, we’ll reconvene at the port of Rhodes and board a ferry to Athens.
Day 8: Ferry rodas athens - Tripoli - Olympia - Patras
Arrival in Athens. We’ll disembark and travel to the Peloponnese, making a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive engineering marvel from the late nineteenth century. Continuing through the mountains, we’ll reach Tripoli, the capital of the Arcadia region. Here, we’ll take a break to explore the bustling Aeros Square, known for its cafes and restaurants. Our journey will then take us to Olympia, where we’ll visit the Archaeological Site with a local guide (ticket included). The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 B.C., attracting athletes from all over Greece and its colonies. Highlights of the site include the Temple of Zeus, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, and the Arena. Next, we’ll proceed to Patras, the third largest city in Greece, with a remarkable medieval fortress and the largest cathedral in the country. Adjacent to the cathedral is the small church of St. Andrew, a significant place of pilgrimage. Dinner will be included.
Day 9: Patras - Nafpaktos - Mycenae - Corinth - Athens
After breakfast, we’ll cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge, a spectacular cable-stayed bridge that connects the Peloponnese with the Greek mainland. Our first stop is Nafpaktos, located on the Gulf of Corinth. Its Venetian fortress overlooking the city is a reminder of its historical significance as Lepanto, where the Christian and Turkish fleets clashed in battle—a conflict during which the famous Cervantes lost his arm. You’ll have free time to stroll around its picturesque harbor and explore the beautiful old town. Continuing along the Gulf of Corinth, we’ll reach Mycenae, a colossal citadel dating back to the 18th century BC, considered the cradle of European civilization (admission included). Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the site. Next, we’ll visit the imposing Fortress of Acrocorinth (tickets included), where the remains of an ancient temple of Aphrodite stand on the highest point of the settlement. We’ll then continue our journey, making a brief stop at the Corinth Canal. We’ll arrive in Athens in the evening.
Day 10: Athens
Enjoy a free day to take in the charm of this city, exploring and discovering its memorable places.
Day 11: Athens
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
