8 days in Turkey, Greek Isles & Greece Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips Europe tour planner
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1
Istanbul, Turkey
— 1 night
Fly
2
Pamukkale, Turkey
— 1 night
+3
Taxi to Denizli, Bus to Marmaris, Ferry to Rhodes, Fly to Heraklion
3
Heraklion, Greece
— 1 night
Ferry
4
Fira, Greece
— 2 nights
Fly
5
Athens, Greece
— 2 nights
Fly

S M T W T F S
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24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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Istanbul, Turkey — 1 night

Queen of Cities

Start off your visit on the 26th (Wed): browse the eclectic array of goods at Kapali Carsi, contemplate the long history of Basilica Cistern, then admire the landmark architecture of Hagia Sophia Mosque, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Suleymaniye Cami . Keep things going the next day: admire the masterpieces at Chora Museum, steep yourself in history at Galata Tower, and then get engrossed in the history at Topkapi Palace.

To see traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Istanbul tour itinerary planner.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are İstanbul Airport, İstanbul Atatürk Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. In April, daily temperatures in Istanbul can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) to allow time to fly to Pamukkale.
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Find places to stay Apr 26 — 27:

Pamukkale, Turkey — 1 night

Cotton Castle

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Fri): push the limits with an extreme tour and then take in the natural beauty of Pamukkale Thermal Pools.

For ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Pamukkale journey maker tool.

Getting from Istanbul to Pamukkale by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can travel to Heraklion.
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Nature · Parks · Adventure · Tours
Find places to stay Apr 27 — 28:

Heraklion, Greece — 1 night

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sat): take an in-depth tour of Heraklion Archaeological Museum, observe the fascinating underwater world at CRETAquarium, and then steep yourself in history at The Palace of Knossos.

To see maps, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Heraklion online driving holiday planner.

You can do a combination of taxi, bus, ferry, and flight from Pamukkale to Heraklion in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. Traveling from Pamukkale to Heraklion, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In April in Heraklion, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 14°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to catch the ferry to Fira.
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Historic Sites · Parks · Zoos & Aquariums · Museums
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 28 — 29:

Fira, Greece — 2 nights

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Sun): delve into the distant past at Akrotiri, enjoy the sand and surf at Red Beach, and then kick back and relax at Kamari Beach. On the next day, surround yourself with nature on Santorini Sailing, contemplate the waterfront views at Amoudi Bay, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Ekklisia Panagia Platsani.

For maps, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Fira travel website.

You can ride a ferry from Heraklion to Fira in 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in April, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Athens.
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Parks · Outdoors · Beaches · Nature
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 29 — May 1:

Athens, Greece — 2 nights

The Birthplace of Democracy

On the 2nd (Tue), wander the streets of Plaka, then don't miss a visit to Plateia Syntagmatos, and then delve into the distant past at Acropolis of Athens. On the next day, take an in-depth tour of Acropolis Museum, pause for some photo ops at Temple of Olympian Zeus, and then explore the world behind art at National Archaeological Museum.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Athens trip itinerary builder.

You can fly from Fira to Athens in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and taxi; or ride a ferry. Expect a daytime high around 29°C in May, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) so you can catch the flight back home.
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Historic Sites · Museums · Neighborhoods
Find places to stay May 1 — 3:

Turkey travel guide

4.4
Rich in culture and customs and brimming with hospitality, natural beauty, and historical heritage, Turkey serves as a crossroads between Asia and Europe. The landmass known as Anatolia on which Turkey thrives has been home to numerous civilizations and their faiths and cultures, as attested by the 13 World Heritage Sites and countless religious sites you'll find here. Relive the ancient world through the ruins, customs, and traditions that are among the nation's most precious heritages. Adventure-seekers have plenty do to here, including mountain climbing, scuba diving, rafting, and skiing. A holiday to Turkey is incomplete without a cup of Turkish coffee, the pinnacle of Turkish cuisine inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
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Greece travel guide

4.3
Few places manage to capture the world's imagination quite like Greece, a land of sun-kissed coastlines, tranquil whitewashed villages, lively seaside towns, and well-preserved ancient sites. One of the world's top tourist destinations since ancient times, the country draws nearly 20 million visitors each year. Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, continues to attract the biggest crowds and serves as a base for exploring the country and its 227 inhabited islands. Away from its cities, Greece features a picturesque countryside of olive groves, vineyards, and tiny settlements nestled against rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. Explore the old mainland on foot and discover the islands on a guided boat or ferry tour.
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