Turkey and Greece Itineraries

Few travel experiences compare to exploring Turkey and Greece—two of the world’s most fascinating destinations where East meets West, and ancient history blends seamlessly with breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to Istanbul’s bustling bazaars, Cappadocia’s surreal valleys, or Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs, a combined Turkey and Greece itinerary promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

This guide presents the best Turkey and Greece itineraries, practical tips, and destination highlights to help you plan the perfect journey through both countries.

Why Combine Turkey and Greece?

Turkey and Greece share more than just the Aegean Sea—they share millennia of intertwined history, culture, and cuisine.
From the ruins of Ephesus, once a major Greek city on the coast of Anatolia, to the legendary Trojan War site in Troy, their stories are inseparable.

Combining both countries allows you to:

• Experience two continents in one trip (Europe and Asia)
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Enjoy diverse cuisine, from Turkish meze to Greek souvlaki
• Relax on some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines
• Travel easily by short flights or ferry connections

For travelers seeking variety—ancient wonders, natural beauty, and Mediterranean leisure—this is the perfect pairing.

How to Travel Between Turkey and Greece

There are two main ways to travel between Turkey and Greece:

By Air

The quickest option is by flight.

• Istanbul → Athens: about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Izmir → Athens: around 1 hour
• Istanbul → Santorini / Mykonos (summer only): direct seasonal flights available

By Ferry

If you prefer a scenic route, ferries operate between the Turkish coast and nearby Greek islands, such as:

• Bodrum → Kos
• Marmaris → Rhodes
• Cesme → Chios
• Kusadasi → Samos

This allows you to blend the cultural treasures of Turkey with a touch of Greek island relaxation.

Suggested Turkey and Greece Itineraries

Below are sample itineraries for different durations, suitable for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

10-Day Turkey and Greece Itinerary

Day 1–3: Istanbul, Turkey

Begin your journey in Istanbul, the bridge between continents.

• Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Stroll through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.
• Take a Bosphorus cruise for panoramic city views.

Insider Tip: Stay in the Sultanahmet district for easy access to major landmarks.

Day 4–5: Cappadocia, Turkey

Fly to Cappadocia and experience one of the world’s most unique landscapes.

• Explore Goreme Open-Air Museum and Pasabag Valley.
• Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
• Visit the underground city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu.

Optional: Enjoy a traditional Turkish night show with local music and whirling dervishes.

Day 6: Ephesus, Turkey

Fly to Izmir, then drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

• Visit Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, and House of Virgin Mary.
  Stay overnight in Kusadasi, a charming coastal town.

Day 7: Ferry to Samos Or Flight Izmir to  Greece – Athens

Take a morning ferry from Kusadasi to Samos, then connect by flight or ferry to Athens.
Enjoy your first evening in Greece with a walk around Plaka, the old town beneath the Acropolis.

Day 8–9: Athens, Greece

• Visit Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora.
• Explore the Acropolis Museum and Syntagma Square.
• Try authentic Greek dishes such as moussaka and gyros.

Day 10: Departure or Extension

You can either fly home or continue to the Greek Islands—Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete—for a relaxing extension.

14-Day Turkey and Greece Itinerary

If you have more time, a two-week itinerary allows you to explore at a slower pace.

Days 1–3: Istanbul

Same as above, but include Bosphorus Bridge, and a ferry ride to the Asian side

Days 4–6: Cappadocia

In addition to the main attractions, visit Avanos pottery workshops and take a Jeep safari through the valleys.

Days 7–8: Pamukkale and Ephesus

Drive to Pamukkale, known for its white travertine terraces.

• Visit Hierapolis Ancient City and the Cleopatra Pool.
• Continue to Ephesus for a full day of sightseeing.

Days 9–10: Ferry to Rhodes

From Marmaris, take the ferry to Rhodes, one of Greece’s most historic islands.

• Walk through the Medieval Old Town, a UNESCO site.
• Visit Palace of the Grand Masters and relax on Elli Beach.

Days 11–12: Santorini

Fly from Rhodes to Santorini for stunning views of the caldera.

• Explore Oia and Fira, known for their iconic blue-domed churches.
• Visit Akrotiri, the ancient Minoan settlement.
• Enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the Aegean.

Days 13–14: Athens

Spend the last two days exploring Athens or taking a day trip to Delphi or Cape Sounion.

Recommended 7-Day Highlights Itinerary

For those with limited time, a one-week itinerary offers a condensed yet fulfilling experience.

• Day 1–2: Istanbul (Old City & Bosphorus)
• Day 3–4: Cappadocia (hot air balloon & valleys)
• Day 5–7: Athens (Acropolis & Plaka district)

This short trip highlights the most iconic sites and fits perfectly with direct flights between Istanbul and Athens.

Top Attractions in Turkey and Greece

In Turkey

• Hagia Sophia, Istanbul – A symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur.
• Cappadocia – A dreamlike region of fairy chimneys and cave hotels.
• Pamukkale – Natural hot springs cascading down white terraces.
• Ephesus – Ancient ruins that rival those of Rome.
• Antalya – A Mediterranean paradise combining history and beaches.

In Greece

• Acropolis of Athens – The crown jewel of Greek civilization.
• Santorini – World-famous for sunsets and volcanic scenery.
• Mykonos – Known for its beaches and cosmopolitan nightlife.
• Delphi – The ancient sanctuary of Apollo.
• Crete – Home to the Minoan palace of Knossos and pristine beaches.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

Best Time to Visit

The ideal travel period for Turkey and Greece is April to October.

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds.
• Summer (July–August): Perfect for island hopping, but expect higher prices.
• Autumn (September–October): Warm seas and pleasant temperatures.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of many countries can enter both Turkey and Greece visa-free or with e-Visas.
Check the latest requirements before traveling.

Currency

• Turkey: Turkish Lira (TRY)
• Greece: Euro (EUR)

Credit cards are widely accepted in both countries, but it’s useful to carry some cash for local shops and taxis.

Transportation

• Domestic flights (e.g., Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Pegasus) are efficient.
• Intercity buses in Turkey are comfortable and frequent.
• Ferries connect Greek islands and Turkish coastal towns.

Cultural Insights and Local Experiences

In Turkey

• Try Turkish coffee and baklava in a local café.
• Visit a hammam (Turkish bath) for a traditional spa experience.
• Bargain in the Grand Bazaar—it’s part of the fun!

In Greece

• Enjoy a sunset dinner with grilled seafood and local wine.
• Experience a Greek night with live bouzouki music and dancing.
• Visit smaller islands like Naxos or Paros for authentic charm.

Sample Combination Tours with Magnificent Travel

Option 1: Classic Turkey & Greece (10 Days)

• Istanbul – Cappadocia – Kusadasi – Athens
• Includes guided tours, domestic flights, and inter-country connection.

Option 2: Aegean Wonders (14 Days)

• Istanbul – Ephesus – Rhodes – Santorini – Athens
• Ideal for couples and honeymooners.

Option 3: Historical & Cultural Journey (12 Days)

• Istanbul – Cappadocia – Pamukkale – Ephesus – Delphi – Athens
• A balanced itinerary combining archaeology and local culture.

Option 4: Island & Mainland Adventure (15 Days)

• Cappadocia – Antalya – Athens – Mykonos – Santorini
• Blends relaxation, adventure, and scenic landscapes.

Why Choose Magnificent Travel for Your Turkey & Greece Tour

At Magnificent Travel, we specialize in customized itineraries across Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, ensuring seamless coordination from arrival to departure.

• Expert local guides with deep historical knowledge
• Comfortable transportation and well-selected hotels
• Flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences
• 24/7 customer support throughout your trip

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a cultural expedition, our Turkey and Greece itineraries promise memories that last a lifetime.

Turkey and Greece Itineraries: The Perfect Mediterranean Adventure

A Turkey and Greece itinerary offers an extraordinary blend of ancient history, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
From Istanbul’s majestic mosques and Cappadocia’s fairytale landscapes to Athens’ timeless monuments and Santorini’s golden sunsets, this journey unveils the best of both worlds.

With careful planning—and expert guidance from Magnificent Travel—you can turn this dream itinerary into a perfectly crafted adventure across two legendary lands.