Turkiye & Greek Cruise

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Join us on the trip of a lifetime to Turkiye and Greece.  See the beautiful Mediterranean, Istanbul and enjoy a cruise around the Greek Islands, including Santorini.  The tour is fully accompanied by our expert and experienced guide, Rose.

Price per person

US$ 2997 

20th Aug - 4th Sep 2024

16 Day tour

Turkiye & Greek Cruise

Turkey – Istanbul , Cappadocia , Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Istanbul. Greek Cruise Ports – Patmos. Crete , Santorini , Athens , Mykanos

A unique Country, set at the crossroads of Continents, Turkey offers the exotic allure of the Orient, enhanced by the luxurious Comforts of the West.

A potent blend of ancient and modern, Turkey’s history stretches back 9,000 years, almost to the beginning of time itself. Home to many of our best-loved myths and legends, a visit to Turkey will bring to life such evocative names as Halicarnassus and Constantinople.

Yet Turkey is a young dynamic Country, cosmopolitan and eclectic with stylish hotels, state of the art technology and sophisticated restaurants.

Rose Profile Image

Rose

Get In Touch

Our Destination Specialist – Rose, offers you a wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment to serve with passion. She has served the Travel Community since 1989 and personally escorts most Group Tours.

Colorful hot air balloons in Goreme national park, Cappadocia, Turkey.

Hagia Sophia in the Istanbul skyline, on a beautiful evening.

Highlights

  • Hagia Sofia and the Bosphorus Cruise
  • Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque
  • Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
  • Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys
  • Pamukkale with its Cotton Castles
  • Visits to the House of Virgin Mary and Rumi Mausoleum
  • 3 Night All inclusive Greek Cruise with Santorini Excursion and Mykanos Shuttle
  • 3 Nights All Inclusive Beach Resort in Antalya

About Lux Journeys

Lux Journeys was founded by Rose to provide exclusive, guided tours to select groups, visiting some of the world’s most incredible destinations.  Each tour’s itinerary is designed to immerse the traveller in the culture and history of the countries being visited, delivering unforgettable memories and experiences.

These tours are fully escorted and personally guided by Rose herself.  

Gulzar Amlani

I travelled on a back to back trip to Egypt and Turkey with Exotic Vacations and was impressed with how well organized the tour leader’s arrangements were (confirmation of tours, procurement of airline tickets etc. ) I can’t say enough good things about our tour leader’s interpersonal skills, attention to details and general ability to be aware of the need of each individual traveler. It exceeded my expectations. The tour guides were excellent and very knowledgeable. Our drivers were extremely punctual , reliable and skillful. I felt safe and well looked after at all times. I was impressed with the quality and service of the Hotels. Meals were all fantastic. The program gave us the right time of free time as well as organized activities. It is not possible for me to indicate how excellent the tour was. Everything was perfect and I would have to say it was the vacation of my life. I will highly recommend it to the people I know.

Thank you so very much Shyrose ,for having arranged the magnificent trip we took

Colette

We got back from India last night and this is a thank you letter to let you know that everything went extremely well. We were always well looked after from the airport, to the guides, to the drivers (they are amazing drivers considering the traffic in India), to the train. The drivers and guides were always on time, knowledgeable, pleasant, ready to help us.

Looking back on our trip, it was an amazing experience, as Liz said “there are some things that cannot be described, only experienced” this is so true of India. The hotels we stayed at were extremely luxurious, always welcoming. The lunches at all the different hotels we went to, were well prepared, delicious, very tasty.

Thank you very much Rose, for making our trip to India one of the most exciting, colourful, meaningful experience.

Fias

Shy, Mansoor, Arif and Shehzad were amazing and we really had a grand time, Thank You for all the help, we had a very positive experience.

You and the Boys in Dubai are the Best – You Guys Rock!

Kendrea

Just wanted to send you a thank you for helping me organize my early flight back. I’m happy to let you know that the airport taxi was in front of the hotel at precisely 7 am for me and was very helpful and friendly. You made what was a stressful time for me a little bit easier and I am extremely appreciative.

Mel

I wanted to thank you so much for such a wonderful trip to India. You made my first experience to India so memorable. I really can’t thank you enough. You went beyond my expectations.I hope to do more trips with you in the future

Ira

Rose, there are no words to explain how lucky I was to have you supporting us on our trip. I know you do that to all clients – you got it or not !!! You definitely Got It !!!

Tu Anh Khong

Thank very much for the tour to Turkey. It was perfect about every thing,hotel,food,seesights… every things. The tour guide,mr. Tunc and the Driver,mr. Birol are very nice,too I have a perfect trip,the best trip so far.. So,thank you very much again.

Dan and Velta Smith

Just to let you know that we retrieved the passports and flew into Istanbul OK. What a huge relief. We never thought such a thing would happen to us as we have travelled as independent travellers many many times all over the world, but as my husband likes to say “never say never” !!

Lorena & Emil

I also wanted to say thank you for an amazing trip in Dubai, we really enjoyed the tours included, the hotel, and the guides and driver. we only wish there was more time 🙂

we definitely look forward to future exotic trips with your company.

Doris Thompson

Just arrived back from Dubai and I am writing to thank you for the great vacation. It was truly remarkable, well organized and upto a high standard. The tours were all very well picked and totally showed the ambiance and hospitality of the Emirates.Everything was remarkable and thank you for the hard work you put into such a great memory.

Dr. Robert R., Mrs. Susan R.

We recently toured Turkey and Dubai with Exotic Vacations, and we thoroughly enjoyed both trips.

The cost was reasonable, and in the time available we experienced much more of the culture and history of these areas than we could have if we had been travelling on our own.

The local guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Having worked on occasion as tour leaders ourselves, we understand what is involved and we salute Rose for her dedication.

Avrum and Susan

Just a short note to say that we had a really good time in Turkey. The food exceeded my expectations and our tour leader was truly exceptional. Not only was he very knowledgeable and articulate but he bought history alive for us with his passion and enthusiasm. Overall the trip was both educational and enjoyable.

Thank you for putting together such a well thought out and interesting tour!

Inclusions

  • Welcome and assistance at airports
  • Well appointed hotels and transfers
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • Services of professional English speaking guide.
  • Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts and Lunch OR Dinner daily

Exclusions

  • International Flights. Though we will happily help you source and book suitable flights
  • Mandatory insurance
  • Tips to tour guides and drivers
  • Optional Tours within cities
  • Drinks with meals
  • Items of Personal nature

Hotels Envisaged or similar

Istanbul – Point Hotel, Taksim
Antalya  – Miramor Hotel and Spa ( All Inclusive )
Kusadasi – Korumar Deluxe
Pamukkale – Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal
Cappadocia – Exedra Cave Hotel

Cruise prices listed above are “from prices,” and are in U.S. Dollars (unless noted otherwise), per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare, taxes, government charges, or any other additional charges.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tues , Arrive Istanbul, Turkiye

Meet and Assist Transfer to Hotel for check in Remainder of the day at leisure to catch up on jetlag.

Day 2 - Wed, Visit to Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar

Am -Soak up the opulence of Topkapi Palace The Topkapi Palace (Turkish:Ṭopḳapu Sarāyı), in Istanbul, is one of the oldest historical palaces in the world. It served as the main place of residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries ( between the 15th and 19th ) It was turned into a museum in 1924. The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans , priceless Chinese porcelains of the palace and approximately 300.000 archive documents, bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era. Topkapi Palace is an interesting attraction point for tourists from all around the world with a huge impact on visitors who want to discover the history of Ottoman Empire 

PM -Visit to the World-Famous 15th century Grand Bazaar End the day at the Grand Bazaar, in the Old City, a favorite place for shopping. You can wander the labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops displaying jewellery, leather goods, carpets and more. Enjoy the art of bargaining and shop to your heart’s content. 

Evening –  Dinner  Cruise  &  Show – Overnight Istanbul

Day 3 – Thur, – Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Cruise

AM– Blue Mosque , Hagia Sophia

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, was completed in 1617 just prior to the untimely death of its then 27-year-old eponymous patron, Sultan Ahmet I. The architect Mehmet dedicated the mosque to Sultan Ahmet 111. The Mosque dominates Istanbul’s majestic skyline with its elegant composition of ascending domes, six slender soaring minarets and 21,043 pieces of blue tiles 

The Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” was built by Justinian. It is a domed monument originally built as a Cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) in the sixth century A.D. It contains two floors centered on a giant nave that has a great dome ceiling, along with smaller domes, towering above. The magnificent St. Sophia, with its massive dome was a daring engineering feat in the 6th century – architects still marvel at the buildings many innovations, once considered the greatest church in Christendom. It was proclaimed a Mosque soon after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans in 1453, that later was converted to a Museum You can witness Christian Mosaics with Islamic Scrolls throughout.

PM – Enjoy Cruising the Bosphorus

In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages, wooden Ottoman villas and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. 

Shopping at Spice Market

 Afterward, visit the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas and shop till you drop ( for nuts, herbs ,Turkish Delight etc)

Evening  – Dinner at a Restaurant in Kumkapi .    Overnight Istanbul

Day 4 - Fri – Fly – Istanbul - Cappadocia

AM –  Post breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight to Cappadocia 

                  Meet & assist upon arrival – Transfer to Hotel for check in

            PM –  . Half day shopping tour of ceramic town in Avanos.   

Dinner & Overnight Cappadocia

Day 5 -Sat, Cappadocia with its incredible fairy Chimneys

am – Optional  Hot Air Balloon Ride over the fairy chimneys. 

Fairy Chimney Rock Formations

Today, post breakfast we embark on a full day exploration of Cappadocia with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. . Visit Göreme Valley, a magical little village set amid the surreal Cappadocia landscape with its spectacular view. Drive to the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx. Continue sightseeing by visits to the Uchisar Castle and Urgup Town with wonderful views of the City Our journey continues with visit to the Rose and Red valley, Cavusin old cave village and the Basilica of St. John.

We then explore the underground city of Ozkonak , where the early Christians escaped the persecution of the Romans by hiding in the intricate network of caves.Marvel at the ingenuity of the early settlers who hand-carved their homes into a volcanic rock.

Dinner and Overnight Cappadocia

Day 6 – Sun, Visit to Mevlana Rumi Mausoleum

 Drive to Antalya – enroute via Konya 

​Konya, the old biblical city Iconium, where St. Pavlus stepped, was also the capital of Seljouk Kingdom. Upon arrival in Konya, we visit the Monastery of Whirling derwishes and the Mausoleum of Mevlana Celalledin Rumi .He was a 13th-century Persian poet, an Islamic dervish and a Sufi mystic. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual masters and poetical intellects. Born in 1207 AD, he belonged to a family of learned theologians. He made use of everyday life & circumstances to describe the spiritual world. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings.

                       Stay 3 nights at a Beachfront Resort

                                  Dinner & Overnight Antalya

           

Day 7 – Mon , Sightseeing tour of Antalya

Today on our sightseeing tour of Antalya, we visit the landmarks such as the Republic Sq, which is the testament to Türkiye’s journey to Independence and formation of its Republic .The old City Kaleci, which has structures dating back from Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras. Followed by visit to the Hadrian Gate, a memorial built by Roman Emperor Hadrian upon his visit in 130 CE as well as the Broken Minaret, which belongs to the ruined Korkut Mosque. And finally to one of the most famous waterfalls , the Karpuzkaldiran Waterfalls

     We head back to the hotel for Dinner and Overnight

Day 8 – Tue, In Antalya - At Leisure

Dinner and Overnight Antalya

Day 9 – Wed, Drive to Legendary site of Pamukkale

Arrive at Hotel- Check in . remainder of the day at  leisure

        Optional – Hammam ( Turkish Bath & Massage ) 

        Dinner and Overnight Pamukkale

Day 10 – Thur, Pamukale - Kusadasi

Visit Pamukkale with its fascinating chalky terraces & cotton castles

            

Post breakfast, visit the old greco roman city of Hierapolis , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its famous Necropolis, the Theatre Agora , the Martyrium of St. Philip and last but not least the Pools of Cleopatra presented to her by her beloved Marc Anthony as a wedding gift. 

Sightseeing of the Cotton Castles continue -. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving white terraces (the ‘cotton’). It;s been used as a spa since the 200 BC. Though you won’t be able to bathe in these travertines, you can take a walk through them (after removing your shoes).

Later in the afternoon, drive to Kusadasi

Dinner and Overnight Kusadasi

Day 11 – Fri, In Kusadasi

Visit to the Cottage of Virgin Mary 

St. Mary, mother of Jesus, supposedly spent the last years of her life in Ephesus. According to this tradition, Mary arrived at Ephesus together with St. John and lived there until her Assumption (according to the Catholic doctrine) or Dormition (according to the Orthodox beliefs). The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi in Turkish) which can still be visited today. It is a place where, according to the beliefs of many people, Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life.

Optional visit to Ephesus, a stunning preserved ancient city followed by visit to the Temple of Artemis, which was then one of the seven wonders of the World Enjoy a display of latest leather fashion show
Dinner and Overnight Kusadasi  

Day 12 – Sat , Board 3 Nights Greek Cruise -All Inclusive

Celestyal  Olympia  Iconic Aegean     Ports of Calls 

Kusadasi – Patmos – Heraklion – Santorini – Athens – Mykonos – Kusadasi

Santorini Excursion

Ports of Calls – Kusadasi – Patmos – Heraklion – Santorini – Athens – Mykanos – Kusadasi

Santorini Excursion

Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim

First, you head up to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character. We will continue on to the east, in the background, you will have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved.

Day 13 - Sun , On Greek Cruise
Day 14 –Mon, On Greek Cruise

 Greek Cruise includes:

Cabin accommodation
Full board (Breakfast – Lunch –Dinner)
All inclusive drinks package
Complimentary shuttle bus service in Mykonos
Entertainment on board
Port charges security and other services (gratuities)

                                  Santorini Excursion

            Spectacular Oia Village perched on the caldera rim

First, you head up to Megalochori village, one of the most authentic and unspoiled villages of the island with its distinctive architecture and character. We will continue on to the east, in the background, you will have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have plenty of time to stroll through the marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved.

Day 15 – Tues , Deboard Cruise . Fly to Istanbul

     Dinner at a fine restaurant. Overnight Istanbul

Day 16 Wed, Check Out

Post breakfast, check out and transfer to airport for onward journey.

Book by 24th May to secure your place

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