Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7:30 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner

Embark on a city tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Begin with a visit to the Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Continue on to the newly renovated Blue Mosque, showcasing an impressive combination of blue Iznik tiles and intricate stonework. Afterward, head to Basilica Cistern, an extensive underground cistern commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. Then, tour St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Begin with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries, including the Harem section. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Continue to the Grand Bazaar in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. Following a carpet weaving demonstration, wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewelry, leather goods, carpets and more. Afterwards, explore the Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Istanbul early this morning and travel to Edirne, an important gateway between Europe and the East. On arrival, visit Üç Serefeli Mosque with its four strikingly unique minarets. Explore the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum, Grand Synagogue of Edirne and browse the shops at Ali Pasa Covered Bazaar. Then, visit the old train station with its maginficent architecture. The station also houses a small museum, showcasing artifacts and memorabilia from the railway's heyday. Later, check into the hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Edirne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, leave Edirne behind and cross into Greece, stopping along the way for lunch. After border formalities, continue on to Kavala. Arrive and check into the hotel
Overnight: Kavala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient site and view monuments representing Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian periods. Highlights include the acropolis, Hellenistic theater, agora, octagonal church, dedicated to St Paul and Roman cistern, where Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Later, travel through the scenic Greek countryside, past charming villages to Thessaloniki. On arrival, check into the hotel and spend leisure time before dinner tonight
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Embark on a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors and historic landmarks. Learn about the regional cuisine and sample Greek meze dishes and freshly baked goods. Visit the open-air market, with its charming paved alleys, stalls filled with fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, dairy products, and many local specialties. After lunch at a taverna, spend free time at Aristotelous Square. In the evening, take a boat tour around the Thermaikos Gulf and admire views of Thessaloniki and the beautiful coastline. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Thessaloniki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Thessaloniki this morning, and head to the archaeological site of Vergina in Central Macedonia. Considered one the most extraordinary finds of the 20th century, Vergina was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. Visit the Royal Tomb of King Phillip (father of Alexander the Great) and view the famous "Vergina Treasures" including gold urns, jeweled wreaths, unique art, ivory, and armor. Continue to Kalambaka or Larisa for overnight
Overnight: Kalambaka or Larisa
Meals: Breakfast

Visit Meteora, meaning "suspended in the air", with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries incredibly nestled perilously close to the edge of massive rock formations. Admire the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art and stop at a workshop of Byzantine icons and souvenirs. Enjoy the panoramic vistas over the Peneios Valley. Following lunch, embark on a scenic drive that takes you along the coast, past Thermopylae to Athens. Arrive and check into your hotel
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The exploration of Athens begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building built at the base of the monument where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Be sure to walk to Constitution Square, where you might catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast