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Athens to Cappadocia thru Bucharest and Istanbul - 3 Flights Included - Small Group Tour

4.8 607 reviews 🏆 Travelers' Choice 2026
/ 7
Duration
12 days
Max Group Size
30
Departure Type
Guaranteed
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical Level
Moderate
Operated In
English, Spanish
Age Requirement
18 - 84 Ages

Highlights

  • Begin with a guided tour of the Acropolis, delving into ancient Greek civilization
  • Visit the archaeological site of Delphi, followed by an overnight stay in Kalabaka to explore the Meteora monasteries perched atop towering rock formations.
  • Discover the city's landmarks, including the iconic White Tower.
  • En route to Sofia, explore this UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and frescoes.
  • Experience the capital's blend of Eastern and Western cultures, with visits to notable sites.
  • Journey through Bulgaria's historic city before arriving in Romania's capital, Bucharest, often called the "Paris of the East."
  • Embark on an enchanting experience, visiting medieval castles and picturesque towns.
  • Fly to this transcontinental city to explore its rich history, including a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.
  • Conclude with a flight to Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscapes and cave dwellings, before returning to Istanbul.

Overview

Route

Journey 9 stops

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, a private transfer to the hotel is provided where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. (In case your flight is delayed, there is no reason to worry because our driver will meet you accordingly. There are no additional charges for flight delays). After checking in, enjoy some leisure time to explore Athens at your own pace. Wander through the city’s charming streets or relax and soak in the local ambiance before retiring for a restful overnight stay in the heart of Athens.

Accommodation: Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day guided tour of the capital city of Greece, Athens and the Acropolis Museum. During a scenic coach journey, Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Greek Parliament and Panathenaic Stadium. Delve into the rich history of Athens with a walking tour of the Acropolis, home to the majestic Parthenon.

Return to your hotel for another night in Athens, filled with the city’s vibrant energy.

Accommodation: Ilissos Hotel or Boss Boutique Hotel Athens.

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visits: Athens City tour with Licensed local Guide

After a hearty breakfast, set out on a luxurious bus journey to Delphi, renowned for its ancient archaeological treasures. Explore the famed Temple of Apollo and other historic ruins. Following a satisfying lunch, continue through Central Greece to Kalabaka, nestled beneath the dramatic rock formations of Meteora. Experience the awe of Meteora’s monasteries, perched high on cliffs, during an overnight stay in this picturesque town.

Accommodation: Alexiou Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner at hotel.

Note: Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Licensed Guided tour at Delphi

Delphi Entrance ticket is included.

Route Athens to Delphi 213km-Delphi Meteora 220km (Notice: This day is the longest journey of our tour)

Start your day with breakfast before visiting the UNESCO-listed Meteora Monasteries. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore these cliff-top Byzantine marvels. Meet your Ajdinis Guide at Kalabaka and join the group to continue your journey to Thessaloniki, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover landmarks such as the White Tower and Arch of Galerius, then unwind with a comfortable overnight stay in Thessaloniki.

Accommodation: Hotel Egnatia, Thessaloniki

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Monastery entrance ticket is included (Note: To enter in the monasteries, appropriate clothing is required. Ladies should not wear short skirts and must have long sleeves. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.)

Route: Meteora-Thessaloniki 228km

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a scenic journey towards to the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. En route, make a significant stop at the Rila Monastery, an architectural and spiritual gem nestled in the Rila Mountains. As Bulgaria’s largest and most celebrated Eastern Orthodox monastery, Rila Monastery is renowned for its intricate frescoes, stunning architecture, and serene mountain setting. Explore the monastery's rich history and artistic treasures before continuing your journey.

Upon arrival in Sofia, visit the awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a monumental symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, and the historic St. Sofia Basilica, one of the city’s oldest churches, Continue your exploration with National Art Gallery, Presidential Palace, known for its impressive architecture and ceremonial significance.

With the guide decision, the Sofia city tour can be postponed the next day morning!

In the evening, check in to your comfortable hotel and unwind after a day of exploration with an overnight stay in this vibrant city.

Accommodation: Best Western Terminus Hotel Sofia

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Rila Monastery ticket is included. Guided City Tour.

Route: Thessaloniki-Rila Monastery 232km; Rila Monastery-Sofia 117km

After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll head off on a comfortable transfer to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital. On your way will have lunch another beautiful Balkan city In the town known as the capital of the former Bulgarian Empire – Veliko Tarnovo.

Once you arrive at Bucharest , check into your hotel and then enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. It’s a great opportunity to start soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Accommodation: Peakture Hotel Bucharest

Meal Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the driver on the route.

Route: Sofia-Velika Tarnovo 219km, Velika Tarnova-Bucharest 180km

Following breakfast, set out on full-day trip(optional-120eur, per person) to the enchanting region of Transylvania. Optional tour includes visits to Bran (Dracula) Castle, the medieval town of Brașov, and the stunning Peles Castle. Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Transylvania.

Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Transylvania before heading back to Bucharest to wrap up your incredible trip.

Make sure to sign up for these tours in advance if you’re interested.

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Note: Lunch and dinner will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visit: Bran Castle and Peles Caste tickets are included. Licensed tour guide.

Route: 377km

Start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then set out on a guided tour of Bucharest’s highlights. Explore iconic sites like Revolution Square, the Romanian Atheneum, and the charming Old Town. Take in landmarks such as Manuc’s Inn and the Old Princely Court. After your tour, relax and reflect on the day's discoveries before spending another night in Bucharest.

Accommodation: Peakture Hotel Bucharest

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Bucharest city tour with Licensed local guide.

After the breakfast, board a flight (included, with variable departure times) to Istanbul, Turkey. Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore the city at your own pace.

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Self Transfer to airport!

Istanbul flight ticket is included.

Istanbul Airport to hotel transfer is included.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, pick up for a half day guided city tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, explore the stunning Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque, and discover the historic Hippodrome. Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Conclude your day by enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul.

Accommodation: Dosso Dossi Hotel or Recital Hotel Istanbul

Meal: Daily Breakfast

Lunch will be purchased additionally at local restaurants directed by the guide on the route.

Visits: Istanbul city tour with licensed tour guide.

Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Cappadocia (North of Cappadocia). Discover the region’s natural wonders including Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Monk Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar Castle. After the tour, check into your cave hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Flight: Included

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, enjoy a second-day tour of Cappadocia, visiting Kizilcukur, Cavusin Village, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ortahisar, and Catalkaya.

For an additional experience, join an early morning hot air balloon ride(optional) at 05:30 am.

After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight back to Istanbul, arriving at 20:50.

End of services.

See you on your next adventure with Ajdinis Travel.

Meals: Daily Breakfast

Flight: Included

Trip includes

Included

Stay in 4 or 3-star hotels: Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the expedition in double or twin rooms.

Bed and Breakfast Service: Start each day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your explorations.

Hotel

Flights included.

Day 9: From Bucharest to Istanbul.

Day 11: From Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Day 12: From Cappadocia to Istanbul.

Daily breakfast provided at the hotels.

Transportation:

Seamless Transfers: Transportation is included for the entire journey, ensuring smooth transitions between destinations.

Comfortable Travel: Travel in style and comfort as you explore the Europe and Balkans.

We customize our vehicle selection according to group size and needs. Sedans are deployed for smaller groups of up to 3 people, while minivans accommodate groups of up to 8 individuals. For larger groups exceeding 8 passengers, we rely on Sprinter vans. This special approach has been designed to ensure the comfort and efficiency of all passengers, regardless of group size, providing a seamless travel experience for everyone onboard.

Mini-coach

Immerse in Culture:

Engage with the local culture through visits to historic sites, museums, and old town areas.

Free Time for Exploration:

Personalized Exploration: Enjoy free time in each location for self-guided exploration, shopping, and savoring local cuisine.

Flexibility: Strike the perfect balance between structured tours and independent discovery.

Excluded

Professional Guide:

A guided tour in Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Bucharest, Istanbul and Capadokia, covering iconic landmarks and historical sites with local guide.

Professional and knowledgeable guides accompanying you from Day 4 in Meteora through to Day 5 in Sofia, ensuring an insightful and enriching experience throughout your journey.

Guiding Method Fully guided

English Spanish

Not included, yet highly recommended.

Important reminder:

Museum and historical site entrance fees belong to the guests.

City tax in hotels in Greece is cash and belongs to the guest.

Enhance your experience with optional excursions:

  • Visiting and testing Local Winery 55eu Greek Taverna;
  • Transylvania full day - 120 eu;
  • Balloon ride at Cappadocia - depending on season.

Need help or have a question about this tour?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.

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Availability

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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before departure.

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Tripadvisor
4.8
Based on 607 traveler reviews
🏆 Travelers' Choice 2026 #38 of 1,226 in Istanbul
Read all 607 reviews
Traveler Stories

What our travelers say

Real, verified reviews from travelers who explored Turkey with us — straight from Tripadvisor.

May 2026

“We had an incredible experience on the 14-day ANZAC Gallipoli and Türkiye tour. The real highlight was our guide, Mert — outstanding from start to finish.”

S
Sharon H
Australia
Nov 2025

“The Travelshop team made our trip to Istanbul truly unforgettable. Everyone was extremely professional, from the first message to the last day.”

H
Hikmet G
Reviewed on Tripadvisor
Oct 2025

“Our recent tour of Türkiye was an unforgettable experience, made truly exceptional by our highly knowledgeable and personable guide, Ash.”

B
Bruce M
Reviewed on Tripadvisor
Jan 2026

“Mrs. Derya Buyukgol stepped up with extraordinary commitment and professionalism, securing full refunds across all our services. Truly grateful.”

R
Roaming Routes
India

Reviews are sourced from our verified Tripadvisor profile.