Greece and Turkey — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour Highlights
- Head for an Aegean escape starting in Kusadasi. Combine the relaxing natural beach landscapes of Santorini with the small-town island charm of Mykonos, all while weaving in historical sites from across the two nations. Marvel at the Acropolis or enjoy the mecca of Ancient Greece on the island of Delos on a Greece and Turkey tour that marries culture and history.
- Gaze at the wonders of the Mediterranean by hopping across the stunning Greek islands and taking in the incredible architectures and temples that have stood for millennia at Delos and Samos. Travel via ferry between the sun-drenched and historic isles of Santorini and Mykonos, before journeying across to Kusadasi in Turkey.
- Commence your 15-day of cycling tour on the stunning Greek island of Rhodes, before tracing the coastline around Turkey on an active Greek and Turkey tour. Discover Turkish cuisine in Patara, visit the ancient city of Myra, where the tour gets biblical, and keep yourself inspired as you gazer out across the turquoise sea.
- A classic escorted tour of Greece and Turkey can hit all the hotspots from the naturally occurring geological wonders of Pamukkale to the historic ruins of Athens and Ephesus. Explore the natural landscapes, learn more about history, or just kick back and relax on the beach.
- For one of the best cultural tours in Greece and Turkey, follow a historical and biblical Greek and Turkey tour that winds through towns and cities of the past. Learn about the ancient art of carpet weaving, see the Temple of Apollo, and wander the hallowed and famous steps along the Silk Road.
Travel Tips
- One of the best ways to get around Turkey and Greece is by boat. As there are so many islands and huge stretches of coastline, the water is the way forward.
- Although there are a lot of ATMs in main towns and cities, many small businesses and restaurants still do not accept cards, especially for small purchases like coffee.
- Despite the reputation that Greece and Turkey have for scorching weather, the winter months are drastically colder, with Turkey receiving snowfall in its prominent ski resorts.
- Most travelers can visit Greece visa-free, but not Turkey. So make sure you apply for a Turkey visa well in advance.
Recommended Duration for a Greece and Turkey Tour
To enjoy the best combined tour of Greece and Turkey, we recommend setting aside at least 14 days. The duration affords you ample opportunity to live out your Mamma Mia fantasies on Mykonos, explore the ruins of Ephesus, stretch your legs on the Lycian Way, and chill out on the beaches of Santorini.
Best Times to go on a Greece and Turkey Tour
The best times to visit Greece and Turkey are in either April-May, or September-November. This way you can avoid the oppressive heat and crowds of the summer months. Also, a lot of coastal businesses and resorts shut down in the low season (November-March) due to the lack of tourism, so it is best to avoid this period unless you are visiting a ski resort in Turkey.
FAQs for Greece and Turkey Tour
Is it easy traveling between Greece and Turkey?
It is relatively easy to travel between Greece and Turkey, with plenty of ferries going between Greek islands and the Turkish mainland. If you are traveling from the Greek mainland, you can either fly, drive, or take one of the many regular buses. Unfortunately, there is no longer a train route between the two countries.
How do I arrange a visa for a combined Greece and Turkey tour?
Greece is in the Schengen Zone so many nationals, including the US, Canadian and Australian, can enter the country and stay for up to 90 days. You will, however, need a visa to enter Turkey. As Turkey has an e-visa service, you can apply online before you travel to the country.
How long is the ferry between Greece and Turkey?
Depending whereabouts in Greece you are departing from, ferries to Turkey can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Of course, some of the Greek islands are much closer to the Turkish mainland than others, and some have more established routes that may be faster and more regular.