Grand Tour Greece 10Days 7Nights GOGR9966

05:10 a.m. Arrive in Istanbul for a layover.
07:25 a.m. Depart for Thessaloniki Airport on flight TK1881. Breakfast is served on board (approximately 1.30 hours flight).
08:40 a.m. Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport. Proceed through immigration and customs.
Explore Thessaloniki, the second largest city and port in northern Greece. Take photos of the White Tower, a large tower towering by the sea and a symbol of the city. Built around the 15th century, it served as a fortress, a military training ground, and at one time a prison. Visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses many important historical artifacts. Take photos of the Arch of Galerious, built in 298 AD to celebrate Galerius Caesar's victory over the Persians. Take photos of the old Byzantine walls. The tour begins with a visit to the ancient and remarkably well-preserved Hamza Bey Mosque, built in the 15th century, for photo opportunities.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit St. Demetrius Church, built in the 5th century. The cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1917 and later restored in 1948. Inside, you'll find beautiful original mosaics dating back to the 5th century. Next, visit St. George's Rotonda, an ancient church built around 300 AD by Galerius Caesar. It features beautiful architecture and was once used as a mosque in the 1590s.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Check into Capsis Astoria Hotel **** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Kalambaka (229 km, approximately 3.30 hours), the world-famous city of hanging monasteries, located in the Trikala province of Greece. It has a rich history dating back to the 10th century and is considered a pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Originally, Meteora had 24 monasteries situated on mountaintops, but today only 6 remain inhabited and open to tourists. Explore the Meteora Monasteries, located on mountaintops that are home to some of the most unique monasteries in the world. These mountaintops have unusual shapes created by the erosion of the Pineios River over millions of years.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
We will take you to your hotel, Amalia Hotel Kalambaka **** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Delphi (229 km, approximately 3.30 hours), formerly known as the "Navel of the Earth," and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Apollo, considered the temple of the god of light, theater, and music. Located on Mount Parnassus, this temple represents the Greeks' faith in their gods. It was the place of worship for Apollo, the god of light who gave prophecies about life's destinies, influencing the hearts of all Greeks. See the Delphi Theater, considered the center of the ancient Greek society. The ancient Greeks believed Delphi was the center of the world.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Check into Amalia Hotel Delphi **** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Patras (124 km, approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes), the third largest city in Greece after Athens and Piraeus. We will pass by and take photos of St. Andrew's Church, another magnificent church towering over the old city, built in the 20th century. Then, we will travel along the Corinth Canal (132 km, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes), a man-made canal connecting the Corinth Gulf and the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. The idea for this canal dates back to around 700 BC. However, actual excavation began in 1830 and the canal was completed in 1893.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the ancient city of Corinth, one of Greece's greatest former ports, built in the 10th century BC and ruled by the ancient Roman Empire under Julius Caesar. Then, travel to Athens (83 km, approximately 1 hour travel time), the capital and largest city in Greece. Named after the mythological goddess Athena, it is one of the oldest cities in the world, spanning over 3,400 years.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a Chinese restaurant.
Check into Stanley Hotel Athens **** or similar.
(Please prepare two small bags for your stay in Santorini and Mykonos. Your large suitcases can be left at the hotel.)

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (Box Breakfast).
06:00 a.m. Transfer to Piraeus Port to board a ferry to Mykonos Island.
07:00 a.m. The ferry departs from Piraeus Port and arrives at Mykonos Port.
09:45 a.m. The ferry docks at Mykonos Port.
Visit Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, a beautiful area with white houses contrasting with the churches and the sky, surrounded by flower-lined balconies and groups of colorful boats—a rare sight to behold.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos Island, one of the beautiful Cyclades. Take photos with the Kato Myloi windmills, lined up along the coast, a symbol of local ingenuity given the island's strong winds and waves almost year-round. **Mykonos Island** It's fully equipped with lights, sounds, and nightlife, with pubs and bars all over the island. You'll have free time to take photos and admire the beauty of Mykonos Island.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant.
Then, check into your hotel: Hotel Aphrodite / Hotel Porto Mykonos or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 a.m. Transfer to Mykonos port to board the ferry to Santorini.
09:50 a.m. Ferry departs from Mykonos port.
11:55 a.m. Arrive at Fira port, Santorini.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Note: During the winter months of November to March each year, there is no ferry service between Mykonos and Santorini. The company will arrange a return ferry between Mykonos and Athens and a domestic flight between Athens and Santorini instead.
Afternoon: Visit Oia Village, located in the north of Santorini Island. Oia Village is considered the Queen of the Cyclades Islands because it is admired worldwide for its unique and beautiful scenery. This volcanic island was formed by a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC. Oia Village is known as the most beautiful village on the island, embodying the imaginative beauty of a Greek island. White houses and domed church spires are surrounded by vibrant blue on all sides—the sea, the sky, and even the brightly colored door and window frames. Enjoy free time for shopping and taking photos at your leisure.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant.
Check into your hotel: Santorini Palace / El Greco Hotel **** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Imerovigli Village, another village on the island of Santorini that offers a closer view of the volcano than other villages. Stop for photos at the Church of Anatasis and have free time to photograph this white village nestled on the hillsides of Santorini. Then, visit another charming village, Firostefani Village, a small village in the northern part of Santorini built in tiers along the hillside. Enjoy free time to stroll around and take photos at your leisure.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a Chinese restaurant.
Afternoon: Travel to Fira, the capital of Santorini (also pronounced Thira). Visit the local market, which offers a variety of souvenirs and other goods for tourists along a long street lined with cliffs, offering views of cruise ships anchored in the sea below. Enjoy free time to photograph the beauty of Santorini Island or shop for local products available in the many narrow streets and alleys.
04:00 p.m. Transfer to Santorini Airport.
06:35 p.m. Fly to Athens Airport (approximately 1 hour flight time).
07:20 p.m. Arrive at Athens Airport (Flight times may vary during winter between Santorini and Athens).
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Check into Stanley Hotel Athens **** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Acropolis, believed to be the dwelling place of the goddess Athena. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. See the Parthenon, a sacred temple built in honor of Athena. Constructed entirely of marble and surrounded by Doric columns, it is considered a masterpiece of Greek architecture from the Classical Age (approximately 450-300 BC). Then, travel to Plaka, the old town at the foot of the Acropolis. This area is a popular tourist destination, with its bustling streets and alleys filled with shops, bars, and restaurants, lively day and night. Enjoy free time for shopping for souvenirs and gifts. The Plaka area is the final destination. This is a new urban area rich in world-class luxury fashion stores and beautifully organized pedestrian streets.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a Chinese restaurant.
Afternoon: Take photos at the Olympic Stadium, which was renovated and used for the first time in the 1896 Olympic Games. We will pass by Syntagma Square, the location of the National Parliament and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Then, we will go shopping at McArthurGlen Athens, a large outlet mall offering 30-70% discounts and featuring over 120 brand-name stores. Inside this outlet, you will have ample time to shop for various brand-name products such as Armani, Burberry, Gucci, Scotch & Soda, Nike, and many more.
07:00 p.m. Transfer to Athens Airport.
10:10 p.m. Depart for Istanbul Airport on flight TK1844 (1.30 hour flight). Meals, drinks, and rest will be served on board.
11:40 p.m. Arrive at Istanbul Airport for a layover.