Turkey- Check your Midnight Express stereotypes at the door - this is a rapidly modernizing country with one foot in Europe and one in the Middle East. It's not all oriental splendor, mystery, intrigue and whirling dervishes but it is a spicy maelstrom of history knocking up against a pacy present.
The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is a dream, and many Turkish cities are dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. And while costs are rising, Turkey remains one of the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destinations.
Greece- A deep respect for tradition, a deep love of good times. Having exported chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy before most nations were staying up late enough to want souvlaki, Greece boasts an unrivalled legacy. But don't expect a visit there to be a sober study of the ancient world - the Greek propensity for partying dates back to Dionysos.
From sometimes smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound the navel of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos and frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete.
Itinerary
Day 01: Mumbai - Istanbul (Visit Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market)
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. At noon depart for Egyptian Spice Market which is filled with the fragrances of the exotic East since the 1660s. Spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, lokum (Turkish delight) and other edibles fill most of the shops in Istanbul’s Misir Carsisi, along with jewelry and souvenirs. Later embark on the Bosphorus Cruise, through the magnificent waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments. Overnight is at your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 02: Istanbul (Full Day Istanbul Tour)
Full day Istanbul sightseeing including Topkapi Palace, Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc...(excluding Treasury and Harem sections), Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet, Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome., St Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, and Grand Bazaar, the most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leather ware and souvenirs. Overnight is at your hotel in Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03 to Day 08: Cruise
Enjoy a six night’s cruise which covers Greece Island & Turkey. The cities which are covered in Turkey are Istanbul and Kusadasi and the Islands covered in Greece are Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes and Heraklion.
Day 09: Athens (Lifestyle Holidays Recommends Athens By Night Tour)
Depart from Cruise and a representative will meet you at Athens port and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Lifestyle Holidays recommends you to enjoy Athens by night tour. Drive towards the port of Piraeus and stop at Mikrolimano to enjoy ouzo with Greek appetizers. Return to Athens and to, Plaka, the old quarter, for dinner at a taverna with bouzouki music and Greek folk dances (Drink not included at tavern). Overnight is at your Hotel in Athens.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Athens (Athens City Tour)
After breakfast, pickup from the hotel for your Half Day morning tour. A licensed guide will take you to see the city center, Syntagma Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Pan-Athenaic Olympic Stadium, Hadrians Arch, Temple of Zeus. On the Acropolis you will see the Propylaea, the Museum and the Temple of Parthenon. Rest of the day at is free at leisure. Overnight is at your Hotel in Athens.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Athens - Bombay
Free till departure transfer to the airport for the flight back home. Return home with wonderful memories of Greece & Turkey with Lifestyle Holidays!!!
Meals: Breakfast
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