Turkey & Greek Islands

All content by Intrepid

16 days (ex Istanbul)

Destinations visited: Turkey, Istanbul, Greece, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,210

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Description

Set sail on this captivating tour of Turkey and Greece. Start in Istanbul, one of the greatest cities on earth and home to the majestic blue mosque and the grand bazaar - the mecca of all markets. Travel down the coast of Turkey before heading out on the azure waters of the Aegean Sea on an island-hopping adventure. Visit the Greek islands of Lesvos, Chios and Rhodes before returning to Turkey. Tour through seaside towns, wander ancient Ephesus and dip your feet in the thermal waters of Pamukkale before travelling north back to Istanbul where this journey will come full circle.

Highlights

Visit the historic Sultanahmet.
Cycle to Lesvos's medieval castle .
Set sail through the Greek Islands.
Explore Rhodes's well-preserved Old Town.
Kick back in the seaside town of Fethiye.
Travel to ancient Ephesus.
Be healed by Pamukkale's thermal waters.
Take a ferry from Asia to Europe.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Istanbul

If arriving early, pound the pavement in Sultanahmet, dive into the pages of Middle Eastern history on a visit to Topkapi Palace or get into the spirit of the adventure with a glass of Turkey's famous apple tea.

Day 3 Ayvalik

Board a ferry to the laidback seaside town of Ayvalik. This evening we stay in a family guesthouse.

Days 4-5 Lesvos

Perhaps sample Ayvalik tost for breakfast - a tasty local speciality of toasted bread filled with sausage and cheese. Leave the beaches of Turkey on an evening ferry to the Greek island of Lesvos. Enjoy a stroll to a medieval castle and around the atmospheric Old Town.

Days 6-8 Chios

Discover Chios, an island largely untouched by tourism. While here, learn about the many uses of the indigenous mastic tree and, in free time, maybe hire a bike to explore the island further.

Days 9-11 Fethiye

Head across the water to Fethiye and pay a visit the ghost town of Kayakoy. Travel by ferry to the historic island of Rhodes to discover the imposing Palace of the Grand Master, the largest inhabited medieval Old Town in Europe and enjoy a refreshing ocean swim.

Days 12-13 Selcuk

Wander among the ancient colonnades and buildings of Ephesus including the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheatre. Upon arrival in Selcuk, don an apron and learn to cook gozleme (Turkish pastry).

Day 14 Pamukkale

Marvel at the gleaming travertines and thermal waters of Pamukkale, believed to have healing powers. Be treated to a reinvigorating soak in the thermal springs at Hierapolis.

Day 15 Istanbul

Travel back to Istanbul as the Turkey and Greek Islands journey comes to a close.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Budget

Allow EUR €450 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,210

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