Rome Athens and Istanbul City Package Tour by Indus Travels

13 daysDuration

Independent TourPrivate tour for one or two travelers

2 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Rome, Italy

Ends

Istanbul, Turkey

Highlights

Have a chance to discover the Ancient Rome sites like The Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum

Use the opportunity to explore the Vatican City and the unique Christian sites of Rome

Explore the picturesque scenery of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens

Experience the exhilarating nightlife of Athens and taste traditional Greek delicacies

Bask in the magnificence of Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century church converted into a mosque

Visit the Topkapi Palace Museum: book admission to explore the extravagant interior

Itinerary

Discover the enduring allure of Europe’s ancient capitals with the "Rome Athens and Istanbul City Package." This 13-day self-guided city sightseeing tour is tailored to seasoned explorers who value cultural depth and relaxed pacing. Begin your journey in Rome, the Eternal City, where you’ll encounter millennia-old ruins, masterful art, and legendary cuisine. Then, fly to Athens, Greece’s bustling capital, where the Acropolis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus offer glimpses into a storied past. Savor Greek culinary delights and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere before your adventure carries you to Istanbul. Here, traverse 2,500 years of history as you visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, bustling Grand Bazaar, and the aromatic Misir Carsisi spice market. This independent trip ensures comfortable accommodations, smooth transportation, and included meals, allowing you to discover each city’s highlights at your own pace. What sets this package apart is its seamless blend of three iconic civilizations—Roman, Greek, and Ottoman—presented with flexibility for meaningful, immersive experiences. Perfect for travelers eager to unravel the rich tapestry of Europe’s historic metropolises while enjoying the comfort and freedom of a thoughtfully arranged tour package.

day 1 - Rome Arrival

On arrival at Rome–Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport make your own way to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Rome

Optional: Half day tour of Classic Rome (3H)
Available: Daily

The first stop is Esquiline Hill where our guide will show you some of the treasures inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, before continuing by coach to see the Holy Staircase and the Lateran Palace. Visit the Basilica of San Giovanni, the cathedral of Rome (inside visit). Then proceed along the Ancient Appian Way, passing the Chapel of “Domine Quo Vadis” before arriving at the Catacombs, the ancient underground cemeteries and first hiding places of the Christians. A visit to either the Catacombs of San Callisto, Santa Domitilla, or San Sebastiano is included, depending on seasonal conditions. The tour will end with a view of the Baths of Emperor Caracalla. End of the tour and return by bus to the main central points of the city (Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Della Repubblica, and Termini Rail Station).

Optional: Half-day tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & ST. Peter Basilica – Morning (3H)
Available: Daily except Sunday

Navigating your way through the massive collection at the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming and cut an entire day out of your time in Rome. With this tour, save hours with priority entrance and visit with a guide to focus on the gallery highlights in just a few hours. See major works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and other masters and linger to marvel at the Sistine Chapel at the end of the tour.

Optional: Half-day visit of Gladiator’s Gate: Special access Colosseum tour with Arena floor (3H)
Available: Daily

Get a gladiator’s view of the Colosseum, then explore the Roman Forum on a walking tour of ancient Rome. With a skip-the-line ticket, avoid the long entrance lines and access the arena via the Gladiator’s Gate. Stand where gladiators once fought, hear tales of ruthless crowds and emperors, then explore the Colosseum’s first level with your guide. Finish with a tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, with stories that bring the ruins to life.

day 2 - Rome

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring this fascinating city; perhaps opt for an optional tour, making the most of your Luxury Italy vacations with exclusive experiences tailored to your tastes and interests.

Overnight in Rome

Optional: Classic Rome Segway Tour (3H)
Available: Sun, Mon, Tue, Fri & Sat

Explore the classic sights of Rome with ease on a Segway tour, which allows you to cover more ground than you would by walking but still be outside to soak up the local atmosphere and views. Starting in the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood, cruise through Rome’s historical center to see squares and landmarks like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. The tour is limited to only six people to provide a small-group experience with a guide.

Optional: Crypts and Roman Catacombs Guided Tour with Coach Transfers (3.5H)
Available: Daily

The Catacombs of Rome are a popular attraction—bypass the long lines outside with this Roman Catacombs and Crypts Skip-the-Line Small-Group Tour. This tour also gives you skip-the-line access to Capuchin Crypt and Basilica San Martino Ai Monti, making it a great pick for travelers short on time. See Rome's mysterious side with a guide who knows the history well so you can get more out of your visit.

Optional: Visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum
Walk in the footsteps of Roman emperors and citizens on a tour of Ancient Rome, with a VIP entrance to the Roman Forum first: The Colosseum will be the last part of your tour. Before you visit the Archeological area, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient Roman times with this intense 25-minute multimedia video showing the before and after effects of all the best sites of Rome including the Colosseum and Underground, Pantheon, Circus Maximum and the Vatican area. The video is ideal to view before taking your tours as one can appreciate the splendor of how the ruins were in the Ancient Roman Times. Skip the long line at the entrance and access the Roman Forum: walk along the Via Sacra and immerse yourself in Roman history. The main path through the Roman Forum, the Via Sacra once sparkled with festivals and triumphal processions. Ends at the Temple, which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at the site to this day. Before reaching the Colosseum, you can have a general overview of Palatine Hill where legend has it Romulus founded the city of Rome. The hill looks down over the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus chariot-racing circuit. Once inside the Colosseum, your expert guide will teach you about the amphitheater's bloody past, with tales of gladiators, mock sea battles, and executions.

day 3 - Rome

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring this fascinating city; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Rome

Optional: Full-day tour of Capri (08H)
Available: Daily

Departure Time: Approx. 9:30 am

The island of Capri, situated in the Gulf of Naples and surrounded by an emerald and turquoise sea, is often called the pearl of the Mediterranean. Leaving Rome in a southerly direction motor along the “Highway of the Sun” crosses the fertile Roman countryside and the area is known as “Castelli Romani”. Approximately halfway along the highway, you will be able to see the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino, noted for the famous battle and its complete destruction during the Second World War. Arriving in Naples you will board a hydrofoil for the 45-minute crossing to Marina Grande on Capri. Minibuses are then used for a panoramic drive to reach Anacapri, situated 280 meters above sea level from where you will have a wonderful view of the Bay of Naples. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will have some free time to take unforgettable photographs and purchase local products before returning to Marina Grande to board the boat back to Naples. Entering the port of Naples, don't miss the opportunity to admire the splendid Maschio Angioino (a fortress dating back to the 12th century), the Certosa of San Martino and the Royal Palace. After disembarking you will then take the coach for the return journey to Rome, approx. 3 hours. Return to the vicinity of your hotel. **PLEASE NOTE: During the journey from Rome to Naples, it will not always be possible to make a comfort stop, but the boats for Capri have bar and restroom facilities. Comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended. During high season there may be delays in boarding the boats and minibuses and we ask you to pay attention to your guide to avoid getting separated from your group.

Optional: Full day tour of Tuscany from Rome (12H)
Available: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat

Travel to Tuscany on a day trip from Rome, and discover a region of stunning hilltop towns, farms, and wineries. With a guide, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pienza, a beautiful example of a Tuscan hill town. Continue to an organic farm for lunch, sourced straight from the field, then climb the lookout towers at nearby Montalcino. Finish on a high note with a wine tasting at a prestigious winery, then return to Rome.

Tour Highlights

•   Day trip to Tuscany from Piazza della Repubblica in Rome

•   Explore the shops of Pienza, a UNESCO-listed hill town

•   Visit an organic working farm in the Val d’Orcia region

•   Satisfy your appetite with lunch, produced by the farm

•   Climb the towers of the castle at Montalcino

•   Sip on several prized wines at a Tuscan wine estate

*Numbers are limited to just 18 people for a small-group experience.

day 4 - Rome

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring this fascinating city; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Rome

Optional: Half-day tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & ST. Peter Basilica – Afternoon (3H)
Available: Daily except Sunday

The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica can be intimidating for first-time visitors, both for the wealth of its art and for the vast area they cover. With this tour, see the highlights with a guide for a comprehensive introduction to the Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica that won’t overwhelm you. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore St. Peter's Square, and even climb the dome for views over Rome.

Optional: Rome by Vespa: Classic Rome Tour with Pick up (3H)
Available: Daily

Zip through the bustling streets of Rome as the Romans do — on a Vespa! Hang on for the ride as your private driver and guide whisks you around on a vintage scooter for an exciting half-day tour of Eternal City highlights. Wind through traffic circles and mazelike streets, easily hopping off for a closer look at Imperial monuments and baroque piazzas. Learn about the history of Rome, from ancient emperors to the modern metropolis, and get an insider’s glimpse at some of the city’s best-kept secrets.

day 5 - Rome - Athens

Today make your way back to Rome–Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport to check in for your morning flight to Athens, Greece. On arrival at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos make your own way to the hotel. Enjoy the remainer of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Athens

Optional: Athens by Night
Available: Daily

Fuel your appetite with a night-time tour of Athens and its port and then relax with a Greek dinner show at a typical tavern in the renowned Plaka district. It’s the perfect way to spend a night out in the city of Athens! An air-conditioned vehicle will transport you to the tavern and back to your hotel so you can drink, dance, and dine without worrying about hailing a cab or using public transportation.

day 6 - Athens

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring this city of history; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Athens

Optional: Athens One Day Tour with lunch
Available: Daily

From the Acropolis to Omonoia Square, you will see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens on this comprehensive tour. Offering a perfect overview of the modern city, this guided tour will help you get your bearings if this is your first visit to Athens. Start your day with a panoramic city tour, visiting the Acropolis, the most famous monument in history, the Parthenon and the New Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum's main attractions such as Votives, Artifacts of everyday life, Statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you. After lunch, depart for a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens’ most beautiful suburbs and visiting the Temple of Poseidon.

Optional: Athens city tour with the New Acropolis Museum
Available: Daily

This tour starts with a short stop to Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. Continue with a panoramic drive passing by the Royal Palace, Zappion Hall, Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, National Temple of Hadrian Arch, St. Paul’s church, Tomp of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House, Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University and National Library. Make our way to the archaeological site of the Acropolis, a UNESCO world heritage monument and visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion with its porch of Maidens and of course the Parthenon. Continue with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysus Theatre, to visit the Acropolis Museum. Main attractions such as votines, artifacts of everyday life, statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.

day 7 - Athens

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring this city of history; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Athens

Optional: Athens Sightseeing
Available: Daily

The tour begins with a panoramic drive around Syntagma Square, passing by the National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House, Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, Russia Orthodox Church and National Library. Continue with a short stop to Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. Pass by the Prime Minister’s Residence, ex-Royal Palace and Zappion Hall. Proceed, passing by the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus. Continue to the archaeological site of Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage monument and visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion with its porch of Maidens and of course the Parthenon.

Optional: Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Available: Daily

The New Acropolis Museum is considered one of the most important archaeological museums in Athens and ranks among the most important museums in the world. For the first time ever all the surviving treasures of the Acropolis will be seen together in one place. Works currently held in storage or in another museum in Greece and all over the world are now together in one brand new museum close to their original location. The Acropolis Museum's main attractions such as Votives, Artifacts of everyday life, Statues from the archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon Hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.

day 8 - Athens

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring this city of history; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Athens

Optional: Cape Sounion Tour
Available: Daily

Depart for a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, exploring Attica beyond Athens. Cape Sounion is only 45 miles (70 km) from Athens, making it the perfect lazy afternoon destination. The Cape’s Temple of Poseidon is perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking the sea. The view across the Aegean is magnificent with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world, extending all the way to Keal and the Peloponesse on a clear day.

Optional: Full Day Delphi with Lunch
Available: Daily

Explore one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites with a day tour from Athens to the magical Delphi. Depart via the national highway passing by Thebes, Levadia for a short stop, you will arrive in Delphi at around noon. Famous for its theatre, Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Delphi was considered the center of the earth and the universe and played a central role in the classical Greek world. Pass by Castalia Spring, visit at the archaeological site of the Temple of Apollo famous for its oracle, the Athenian Treasure and the Museum of Delphi with its spectacular finds, including the unique bronze Charioteer the Naxian Sphinx and the Statue of Antinoos. After the lunch break, return to Athens via the picturesque village of Arachova, built on the south slopes of Parnassus, well known for its attractive hand-woven carpets, rugs and quilts, as well as for its wine and cheese.

day 9 - Athens - Istanbul

Today make your own way back to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos to check in for your flight to Istanbul, Turkiye. On arrival at Istanbul International Airport make your own way to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Istanbul

Optional: Half day tour of Istanbul by Night (04hrs)
Available: Daily

You will be taken to an exclusive nightclub where you will enjoy the spectacular Oriental show and the dinner. The party includes belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers and two soft drinks / half a bottle of wine. You will be transferred back to your hotel.

Optional: Cooking Class in Istanbul (04hrs):
Available: Daily

Whether tucking into a tasty kebab, feasting on mezes or indulging in sweet baklava – Turkish cuisine is a treat for adventurous foodies. Uncover Istanbul’s culinary secrets on this 3-hour cooking class and learn to cook your traditional dishes under the guidance of an expert chef.

Optional: Istanbul by Night with boat on the Bosphorus (05hrs)
Available: Daily

After a short drive, you will be taken to a private boat where you will taste the joy of famous Turkish cuisine on the Bosphorus. During dinner and cruise, a spectacular oriental show will be performed by well-known belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers.

day 10 - Istanbul

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the city that straddles both Europe and Asia; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Istanbul

Optional: Full Day Classical City tour of Istanbul (08hrs):
Available: Daily

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Finish your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

Optional: Half-day tour of Ottoman Heritage (04hrs)
Available: Daily

A guided tour exploring the ancient city includes Topkapi Palace,(Closed on Tue) main residence of Ottoman Sultans, a Blue Mosque visit (from the courtyard, interior parts of the mosque are excluded, closed on Fridays due to Friday prayer) and then continue to the Grand Bazaar.

day 11 - Istanbul

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the city that straddles both Europe and Asia; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Istanbul

Optional: Full-day tour of Princes Island (08hrs)
Available: Daily

Boat trip across the Marmara Sea to Buyukada. A very colourful and charming summer resort, where the beauties of nature and traces of history are harmonized. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, a chariot tour, then time for leisure and finally take a ferry back to your hotel.

Optional: Full-day Backstreet tour of Istanbul (08hrs)
Available: Daily (Except Wednesday)

Istanbul has more than its fair share of Byzantine monuments, but few are as gorgeous as this mosaic- and fresco-laden Chora Museum (Church of the Holy Saviour). Originally a church and later converted into a mosque in the 16th century, the beautiful Byzantine mosaics depicting the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary were covered in plaster. This protected them for several centuries until during World War II and the church-turned-mosque became a museum soon after. We continue to Suleymaniye Mosque, an exquisite blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural design that overlooks the waters of the Golden Horn estuary. After a lunch break, we cross the bridge over the Golden Horn to commence a walking tour of old Taksim. Starting on Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) which is a hive of activity any time of day or night, we'll weave through the backstreets, an often-neglected sightseeing route dotted with historic buildings, crumbling churches, hip cafes, swanky restaurants and market stalls. The area is one of the most colorful districts in the city. Continuing downhill we arrive at Karakoy and cross the Unkapani Bridge, before arriving at the Egyptian Spice Market where free time is given for you to buy sticky Turkish delight, baklava, dried fruit, nuts and salted fish if you like. You may prefer to just grab a fresh Simit (bread stick toasted with sesame seeds) take a seat and watch the hubbub of activity that surrounds the area before our tour concludes and we return to our hotel.

day 12 - Istanbul

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the city that straddles both Europe and Asia; perhaps opt for an optional tour.

Overnight in Istanbul

Optional: Half Day tour of Camlica & Beylerbeyi (04hrs):
Available: Daily

We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge, which for a time was the world's longest suspension bridge, and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands. From here a short drive takes us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls with Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Sevres and Chinese vases, including a main salon with an indoor fountain. The sultans' guests at the palace included Empress Eugenie of France, Shah Nasruddin of Persia and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia

Optional: Half Day tour of Street Food (04hrs):
Available: Daily

We will start our tour from the Spice Market area learning about spices which dominated Ottoman cuisine. We will try sherbet (spice juice), Turkish Delight and nuts. We will experience the smells and the colours of Istanbul. Then we will walk through Galata Bridge to Galata area. We will stop to taste ethnic dishes from all regions of Anatolia. Galata district is coming a cultural centre with design shops, heute culture designers, wine cellars, boutique hotels. We taste Turkish coffee cooked on charcoal, maybe sesame pretzel and roasted chestnuts on the way to Beyoglu. Beyoglu has little labyrinth like streets with hidden tastes of different Greek mezes, Black Sea style Turkish pizza, fried mussels, pickles, tripe soup etc. We will conclude our tour with desert, either mastic rice pudding to assure or elastic ice cream or Beyoglu chocolate. OR taste all of them if you have a sweet tooth. Late after midnight, check out and transfer to the airport for next day early morning flight to Male. Enjoy meals and services on board the flight.

Optional: Half-day tour of Byzantian Heritage (04hrs)
Available: Daily

A guided tour exploring the ancient city includes Saint Sophia Basilica (Closed on Mon), the ancient seat of the Byzantine Church, then Roman Hippodrome once used for chariot races; Underground Cistern, and finally the Grand Bazaarpray) and then continues to the Grand Bazaar.

day 13 - Istanbul -

Today make your own way back to Istanbul International Airport to check in for your homeward.

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What's Included

Accommodation

12 Nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis at the listed hotels or similar

Transport

One-way flight from Rome to Athens (Economy Class)One-way flight from Athens to Istanbul (Economy Class)

Others

All currently applicable local taxes

What's Excluded

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