The Parallel Lives of Two Countries

16 Days / 15 Nights

Athens, Ioannina, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Cappadocia

Two countries with more things in common than you could ever imagine. Two peoples with more to unite them than divide them. The history and culture of Greece and Turkey have been intertwined throughout the centuries. This itinerary invites you to find Greece in Turkey and Turkey in Greece by wandering around some of the most fascinating cities, all of which bear the mark of the two peoples' shared past. In terms of architecture, cuisine, and traditions, there's a very thin line that separates these two cultures, making this itinerary all the more exciting. This trip is sprinkled with outdoor activities, too, for a taste of the splendid nature of Greece and Turkey.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, which includes all the necessary information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a wide selection of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

3 Nights in Athens

3 Nights in Athens

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Athens

Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Athens

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Olive oil, vegetables, fish, and feta are key ingredients in Greek cuisine. Fresh vegetables, honey, fish, lamb, and cheese are added to create typically Greek flavors. Tzatziki, souvlaki, gyros, dolmathakia, spanakopita, loukoumades, authentic Greek yogurt, and amygdalota are just a few options to be enjoyed in local cafes and restaurants. We've picked some of the most delicious food tours for you to choose from.

Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Seeking an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow an expert food guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? A wine tasting focused on indigenous local varieties (plus ouzo!)

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Delicious Athens Food Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

The Great Eats and Streets Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Athens came together through a mixture of cultures across the centuries, and there’s still a lot of that history around, in the food as well as in the city's neighborhoods. This tour explores the city's complex heritage, and its effects on contemporary Greek culture and cuisine.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 5 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Ioannina by Private Transfer

Today you will leave Athens and travel to Ioannina. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you on a 4-hour journey to Ioannina. Please note this is a non-guided transfer.

We also offer the following excursions in Athens

Acropolis for Families Private Tour

Moderate2 hours

Ancient Corinth Tour & Nemea Wine-Tasting Private Tour

Moderate9 hours

Athens Highlights Mythology Private Tour

Moderate4 hours

Athens Markets and Chronicles Small Group Tour

Light4 hours

3 Nights in Ioannina

3 Nights in Ioannina

Small but charming, Ioannina's history is closely linked to Ali Pasha, the ruthless and divisive provincial leader who made Ioannina into a center of Greek culture in the late 18th century, at great cost. Ioannina's castle, a lakeside Byzantine fortress with earlier elements, was made into a palace by Ali Pasha, with generous green spaces and historical monuments, mosques, and museums covering the town's cosmopolitan past. Ioannina's modern museums cover topics from its Christian, Islamic, and Jewish past, to Byzantine history and art, and the town's famed silversmiths. Lake Pamvotis is home to tiny Ioannina Island, which somehow manages to fit seven monasteries, forming Greece's third largest monastic community. Here, you'll also find the Museum of Ali Pasha, in the monastery where he was assassinated at the end of a failed rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Ioannina

Upon arrival to Ioannina, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Ioannina

Cosmopolitan Ioannina

Included in your vacation package price.

This VIP group tour with a certified tour guide will get you to know Ioannina, the crossroad of four consecutive civilizations. You will board the luxury VIP bus to the ancient theatre of Dodona and Dodona Oracle; the next stop is at the archaeological museum where findings of the Oracle are kept. You will then proceed to the castle of Ioannina and the Silversmithing museum. Finally, you will board the boat to the island where Ali Pasha’s house is located and where you will have the time to stroll around the cobbled streets. There is also the option to visit the famous Perama Cave.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 6 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Ioannina

Pop by the Castle and Fethiye Mosque

Suggestion to explore on your own

Enrich your visit in Ioannina with a relaxing walk through the Castle, a crossroads of cultures and religions. The castle and Fethiye Mosque are where the Byzantine and Ottoman heritage of the town is the clearest. Enter one of the castle's gates, and explore every corner, taking in signs of Ioannina's time as an intellectual center as you visit its citadels, museums, and tomb.

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Thessaloniki by Private Transfer

Today your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Ioannina and take you to Thessaloniki. The direct transfer takes around 3 hours. Please note this is a non guided transfer. For additional fee we can arrange a stop on the way. We highly recommend visiting the village of Metsovo, so called Greek Switzerland, Meteora or Royal Tomb of Phillip II, UNESCO listed site.

We also offer the following excursions in Ioannina

Meteora Religious Private Tour

Light8 hours

Metsovo, Aoos Lake E-biking and Wine Degustation Private Tour

Moderate6-8 hours

Rafting at Voidomatis River Group Tour

Light3 hours and 30 minutes

Walking Byzantine and Ottoman Private Tour

Light4-5 hours

3 Nights in Thessaloniki

3 Nights in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, offers urban sophistication and cultural diversity. With its ancient roots, Thessaloniki, also known as Saloniki and Salonica, offers a delightful amalgam of historical, culinary, and cultural activities. Due to its prime location, this city has had many rulers, from the Venetians to the Saracens to the Ottomans. For centuries, Thessaloniki was Byzantium's second largest and wealthiest city, after Constantinople, and it even served as a "co-capital" at times. Thessaloniki was a haven for Sephardic Jews fleeing Spanish persecution, a group that for a time formed most of the city's population, and which is still visible in the city's diverse architecture, music, and cuisine. While compact in size, Thessaloniki is home to 15 UNESCO-listed monuments. The expansive harbor is its heart and soul, offering magnificent views of Thermaikos Bay. This urban waterfront is the center of many of Thessaloniki’s happenings, as well as the location of its iconic landmarks, such as the White Tower and the Monument of Alexander the Great. Its former warehouses now house the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, and the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Thessaloniki

Upon arrival to Thessaloniki, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Thessaloniki

The Nymph of the Thermaic Gulf

Included in your vacation package price.

Cosmopolitan Thessaloniki has been a crossroad of Greek, Jewish, Turkish, and Slavic cultures for millennia (indeed, in the late 19th century, it was even the only European city where Jews were in the majority). Let a local guide show you around, and help you discover why the city was a treasure fought over countless times, as you take in the White Tower, Galerius Arch, Rotunda monument, Old Town, and city walls, where you can take in a memorable view of the city!

Thessaloniki Walking Half Day Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Thessaloniki Evening Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover vibrant neighborhoods of Thessaloniki, including their lifestyles and culture. Visit a mix of modern and local venues and enjoy interesting stories shared by your local host. Learn how to make a cocktail with local ingredients, and taste unique, specially selected drinks and bites. This experience is perfect for relaxation after a busy day and for those who like exploring the city in the evening.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Thessaloniki

A Thousand Years of Unique Architecture

Suggestion to explore on your own

Thessaloniki offers many religious sights, especially its showy and well-preserved Byzantine churches, from as far back as the 8th century. One of the oldest churches in the country, Thessaloniki's UNESCO-listed Agia Sofia is also the city's largest church. The church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos is beloved for its frescoes, which cover the whole interior. One of the most valuable examples of Byzantine architecture is the church of Panagia Chalkeon, built near the city's ancient agora. During your visit in Thessaloniki, be sure to visit at least one Byzantine temple, to get to know the city's culture and history.

Day 10

Day 10 - Traveling to Istanbul by Airplane

To get from Thessaloniki to Istanbul, the best option is to book a flight on a low-cost airline. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival: Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. If you prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. Moreover, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

We also offer the following excursions in Thessaloniki

Byzantine Walks - Meteora Monasteries Private Tour

Light9 hours

Into St.Paul's Footsteps: Amfipoli, Filippi and Kavala Private Tour

Light8 hours

Macedonian Tresures: Pella, Edessa, and Vergina Private Tour

Light8 hours

Meteora Day Trip from Thessaloniki by Train

Moderate12 hours

3 Nights in Istanbul

3 Nights in Istanbul

Istanbul is a sprawling city of 15+ million people that contains two continents and a wealth of history. From the Byzantines to the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic, Istanbul has seen the churn of history throughout the centuries, and the remains of all these eras live alongside the ever-changing face of contemporary Turkey. The Hagia Sophia, formerly a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a Republic-era museum, before reverting recently to a mosque, is Istanbul’s most significant site, located in the heart of Sultanahmet. The hip districts of Beyoglu, Besiktas, and Kadikoy overflow with restaurants and cafes, and the central boulevard Istiklal Caddesi serves as the main artery for shopping, food, and nightlife in this buzzing city.

Day 10

Day 10 - Arrival in Istanbul

After your flight arrives at Istanbul Airport, a driver will meet you at the airport to bring you to your accommodation. The drive from the airport lasts around 50 minutes.

Day 11

Day 11 - Your First Full Day in Istanbul

Highlights of Istanbul Full Day Private Walking Tour

The Best of Istanbul in a Day

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you are about to delve into the rich history of a city like no other, a city that sits at the crossroads of East and West, the enchanting Istanbul. During this 6-hour tour, you will visit top-rated attractions, such as the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Moreover, you will marvel at breathtaking views of the city from some of the best viewpoints in Istanbul. End the tour among locals in one of the world's most famous markets, the colorful and historic Grand Bazaar.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 7 hours

Day 12

Day 12 - Your Second Full Day in Istanbul

Tasting Istanbul

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

At the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and diverse cities. With influences from the many different people that co-existed within the Ottoman Empire for centuries on end, Turkish food is equally diverse. Apart from world-renowned savory and sweet specialties, such as kebabs or baklava, Turkish cuisine features countless other delicious dishes. One of the best ways to get to know Istanbul is through the city's unique tastes during a 5-hour private tour that will take your tastebuds on an unparalleled culinary trip, focusing on the city's unique desserts but also some savory staples. Alternatively, join a small-group cooking class to learn how to prepare some staple Turkish specialties and bring your new skills back home with you, keeping Istanbul in your heart forever in the most delicious way.

Istanbul Small Group Cooking Class

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and tie on a cooking apron. During this 3-hour cooking class, you will learn how to prepare five delicious authentic Turkish recipes and then enjoy them for lunch or dinner in a traditional restaurant with a glass or two of local wine. This is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling cultural experiences you can enjoy in Istanbul.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 3 hours

Sweet Tooth of Istanbul Private Walking Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Experience the culinary delights and rich history of Istanbul on our signature food tour. This tour takes you on a journey through the city's diverse neighborhoods, including the Asian side, to sample the best pastries and desserts Istanbul has to offer. This signature tours will take you to favorite desert spots of locals while still covering the history of the city and the lifestyle of its vibrant population. Join this unique excursion combined the history of the city with the tastes you will remember until eternity.

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 4-5 hours

Day 13

Day 13 - Traveling to Cappadocia by Airplane

To get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, the best option is to take a flight on a low-cost airline. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:

Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. If you prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flight is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

We also offer the following excursions in Istanbul

Backstreets of Istanbul Private Walking Tour

Strenuous8 Hours

Bazaars and Inns of Ottoman Empire Half Day Private Tour

Strenuous4 hours 30 minutes

Bosphorus Tour with a Private Yacht

Light2 hours

Cumalikizik and Bursa Private Full Day Tour

Moderate11 hours 30 minutes

3 Nights in Cappadocia

3 Nights in Cappadocia

With a name drawn from the region’s ancient Christian history, Cappadocia combines stunning natural landscapes with a complex and still-visible history. Cave churches throughout the region boast still-colorful frescos and a shady respite from the Cappadocia sunshine. In Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, underground cities twist and turn in a knot of hidden hallways, preserved throughout hundreds of years. Above ground, the volcanic landscape seems to change every few miles, curling into stunning new rock formations and undulating hillsides around every turn. This is a perfect place to be in nature, with the quiet sounds of birdsong and wind filling the big open sky.

Day 13

Day 13 - Arrival in Cappadocia

Upon your arrival at Kayseri Airport, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation. The drive lasts about one hour.

Day 14

Day 14 - Your First Full Day in Cappadocia

Hot Air Balloon Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

A magical hot air balloon flight is an incredible experience to cherish for life. If you've always dreamt of peacefully gliding over the otherworldly scenery of Cappadocia at sunrise, this group tour is what you need to render your trip to Turkey all the more memorable.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 -3 hours

Day 15

Day 15 - Your Second Full Day in Cappadocia

Going Off-Road in Cappadocia

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Exploring the stunning scenery of Cappadocia from an open-top jeep is one of the most fascinating things to do while there, and this is why we recommend booking an off-road jeep safari during your trip to this unique region. With views of dramatic valleys and visits to traditional villages and impressive churches, Cappadocia offers the perfect setting for an off-road experience like no other.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours

Day 16

Day 16 - Departure Day

Sadly your time in Turkey draws to a close, but you'll have left on a high note! We'll arrange for a driver to transfer you to Kayseri Airport for the first leg of your journey home.

We also offer the following excursions in Cappadocia

Cappadocia Full Day Hiking Private Tour

Strenuous7 hours

Cappadocia Full Day Private Green Tour

Strenuous8 hours

Cappadocia Full Day Private Red Tour

Moderate8 hours

Cappadocia Half Day Hiking Private Tour

Moderate4 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Athens

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Athens Airport Transfer

Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

Athens - Ioannina Private Transfer

Ioannina

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

All Day VIP Private Tour

Ioannina - Thessaloniki Private Transfer

Thessaloniki

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Thessaloniki City and Museum Private Walking Tour

Thessaloniki Evening Private Tour

Thessaloniki Airport Transfer

Thessaloniki - Istanbul Flight (Non-Refundable)

Istanbul

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Istanbul Airport Transfer

Highlights of Istanbul - Old City Walk Private Tour

Istanbul Airport (IST) Private Transfer

Istanbul - Cappadocia (Kayseri) Flight (Non-Refundable)

Cappadocia

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Kayseri Airport (ASR) Private Transfer

Hot Air Balloon Group Tour

Kayseri Airport (ASR) Private Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

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