Our English-speaking cultural tour guide will meet us at the airport and take us directly to our beautiful hotel with star-rated comfort in the Kuşadası area, where we will spend the first night.
In the morning, we drive to Limontepe, where we take a photo stop and enjoy a breathtaking view over the idyllic bay of Izmir. Afterwards, we look forward to a panoramic ferry ride across the blue Gulf of Izmir, before exploring the picturesque centre of Izmir and the famous Kordon promenade during some free time. Following this, we visit the traditional Kemeraltı Bazaar. Between narrow alleys and small cafés, you can feel the real Izmir – vibrant, diverse and full of history. In the late afternoon, we head to Mamaris, where we stay overnight. On the way, we marvel at the charming landscape, vast fig plantations and the impressive Gökova Valley, one of the most beautiful natural backdrops of the Aegean.
After breakfast, we take a wonderful catamaran crossing to the sun-drenched island of Rhodes, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. During an orientation tour, we explore the fascinating history of one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in Europe. The old town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we stroll through the alleys with historical relics from antiquity, we are transported back to that era. We admire Mandraki Harbour, where the monumental Colossus of Rhodes – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – is believed to have once soared over 98 ft into the sky. The two statues of the stag Elafos and the doe Elafina are well-known landmarks. Other highlights of the city include the Street of the Knights, the Bishop’s Palace, the Murad Reis Mosque and the famous Grand Master’s Palace. The imposing city walls of Rhodes are also a highlight. We drive to our star-rated hotel, where we will spend the next two nights.
On the 4th day, we explore Lindos, which is considered the pearl of Rhodes. Lindos conveys the millennia-old Greek tradition, which is closely linked to music, dance, ouzo and coffee, in all its naturalness and openness. After a panoramic drive along the coast, we reach the picturesque village, which, with its snow-white houses, the towering acropolis and the magnificent bays, is rightly the most popular place on the entire island. During a stroll, we marvel at the medieval old town and become part of the Greek philosophy of life. The many small shops and coffee houses, as well as the sociable locals, enchant us with their southern flair. Not far from the acropolis lies one of the most beautiful bays on the entire island of Rhodes, Lindos Agios Pavlos Bay, where St. Paul is said to have been shipwrecked.
On the 5th day we have time to explore the island on our own. In the evening we enjoy a breathtaking panoramic crossing on a modern catamaran. Marmaris and the enchanting Turkish Aegean welcome us with their magnificent islands, forests and bays. At the beginning of the 6th day we drive past beautiful landscapes over the Taurus Mountains onwards to Pamukkale. The travertine terraces have formed over thousands of years through calcium-rich thermal springs and are now a very special attraction. Here we make a photo stop at the impressive terraces, which were designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1988. We spend the night in our beautiful thermal hotel in Pamukkale.
We discover the ancient city of Aphrodisias (admission included) early in the morning, the fabulous capital of historic Caria. It is considered the home of artists and sculptors and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world – rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mighty stadium, the impressive Tetrapylon, the Agora and the theatre are just some of the treasures of this remarkable cultural site. Next, we visit a traditional carpet weaving workshop. We admire this centuries-old craft and may even acquire a favourite piece. Then we drive through the beautiful Meander plain to Kuşadası.
Today, the treasures of the Ephesus region (UNESCO World Heritage) await us. First, we visit the remains of the legendary Temple of Artemis (admission included), also one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, on Ayasoluk Hill, we admire the impressive fortress of Selçuk (admission included) and the Basilica of St. John (admission included), which was built over the tomb of the Apostle John. Afterwards, we enjoy a brief stop at the statue of the Holy Mary with a magnificent view. In the afternoon, you have free time to visit the ancient city if you wish. The excavation findings range from Ancient Greece to the Roman Empire. Afterwards, we experience a tour around Ephesus covering the entire World Heritage area. Then, the tradition of craftsmanship leads us to a jewellery and a leather workshop. Here we learn interesting facts about the production and have the chance to purchase a personal holiday souvenir. Then we drive to the sun-blessed Aegean coast, where we check into our 5-star luxury hotel for the second week.
In the coming days, we will relax wonderfully in our exclusive 5-star beach hotel. We enjoy the tranquillity, make use of the many amenities of our luxury hotel, take a break at the outdoor pool or in the indoor pool, or stroll leisurely along the beach. After two unforgettable holiday weeks, on the 15th day there will be a direct transfer to Izmir airport and a pleasant return flight home. We have marvelled at many things, had a great rest and also made new holiday friendships. One thing is certain: We want to see each other again on the next fascinating cultural tour.
Package includes:
incl. hotel and airport transfers
– 7 nights in a double room in selected 4- and 5-star hotels (national category)
– 7× tasty breakfast
– Fascinating round trip in our modern air-conditioned travel coach with continuous comprehensive support by our qualified, English-speaking cultural tour guide
– Panoramic crossing by catamaran from the Turkish Aegean to Rhodes and back
– Spectacular range of excursions incl. admissions (as per itinerary), with:
• Izmir
• Marmaris
• Rhodes (World Heritage)
• Mandraki Harbour
• Colossus of Rhodes (World Wonder)
• Lindos
• Pamukkale (World Heritage)
• Aphrodisias (World Heritage)
• Meander plain
• Treasures of Ephesus (World Heritage)
• Agias Pavlos Bay
• Temple of Artemis (World Wonder)
• Selçuk Fortress
• Basilica of St. John
• Statue of Holy Mary
– 7 nights in a double room in an exclusive 5-star luxury hotel (national category)
– Attractive outdoor pool, hotel-owned beach and much more
– Qualified, English-speaking tour guide
The package includes a delicious buffet every evening with international specialities during the 8-day cultural tour: only £159 p. p.
Single room surcharge: £ 349 per person (subject to availability).
Example hotels
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Izmir | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 14 | 17 | 15 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Rhodes: 4ᵗʰ-largest Greek island, belonging to the Dodecanese group of islands
Türkiye: on the Mediterranean Sea on the border of Europe and Asia
Greece: Parliamentary Republic
Türkiye: Republic/Parliamentary Republic
Greece: Athens
Türkiye: Ankara
Greece: Predominantly Orthodox
Türkiye: Predominantly Islam
Greece: Greek as official language
Türkiye: Turkish as official language
Greece: Sunny, Mediterranean climate
Türkiye: Hot Mediterranean climate
Greece: 230 V alternating current, 50 HZ. An adapter is necessary.
Türkiye: The supply voltage is 220 V, 50 HZ. An adapter is necessary.
Greece is 2 hours ahead of UK time, all year round. The time difference with Türkiye is +3 hours in winter and +2 hours in summer.
The country code for Greece is 0030 (+30) and for Türkiye 0090 (+90) with the zero cancelled before the area code. If you are calling the UK from Greece or Türkiye, please dial 0044 (+44) and the area code without the zero.
Few countries have such a rich history as Greece and Türkiye. No trip to Türkiye would be complete without a visit to the Turkish bazaars to soak up the oriental flair. The handmade carpets, jewellery and leather goods are an integral part and to some extent centuries-old tradition of the oriental culture – which is why our tour also includes a visit to a jewellery maker, a leather merchant and a traditional carpet weaver. Here you will find out fascinating facts about the Turkish art of carpet weaving and see how hand-woven carpets have been made throughout the generations. In interesting demonstrations, you will learn more about preparing the silk threads, natural wool dyeing and very intricate and elaborate tying with the renowned ‘Turkish knot‘. You will then get to spend 1 – 2 hours in the respective factories looking at the works of art and products.
Bartering is a typical Turkish custom. If you are not interested in buying anything, the traders will also accept a clear no. No bartering takes place in department stores and supermarkets, or at markets where local farmers sell their vegetables.
In Türkiye and Greece, it is customary to give tips. Similar to the USA, this forms part of their income for people working in the sector. Moreover, it symbolizes recognition for the service provided. One can tip chambermaids around £1 per night. In a restaurant or taxi, tipping around 10% of the billed sum is customary. Tips are not given in shops. On group trips, the suggested sum for a tour guide could be £2 per person per day. While for bus drivers the appropriate sum is around £1 to £2 per day per person. Of course, everyone may decide for themselves whether and how much of a tip they wish to give.
British Citizens travelling to Greece and Türkiye for tourist purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) and should be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive (in Türkiye) and there should be a full blank page for the Turkish entry and exit stamps. Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Greece as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. Regulations in respect of passport and visa requirements for Greece and Türkiye are the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose Website is for:
Greece: https://www.mfa.gr/en/index.html
Türkiye: www.mfa.gov.tr
Since 12 October 2025, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) of the European Union has been in force. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to:
• Have your fingerprints and your photo taken
• Answer the Schengen Border Code questions
EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts. For more information, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
In addition, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to come into force at the end of 2026. This is valid for three years or until the expiry date of the passport (whichever comes first) and entitles the holder to stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Further information on fees, requirements and how to apply for ETIAS can be found on the official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
Nationals of other countries are advised to enquire at the Greek and Turkis embassies about the entry requirements applicable to them.
Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied.
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of the landscapes that Greece and Türkiye has to offer, and learn all about the countries and their people.
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet package: The package includes a delicious buffet every evening with international specialities during the 8-day cultural tour: only £159* p. p.
Explorer package: The package includes 2x lunches during the round trip, and the excursions ’Kuşadası by Night’ and ’Grand Island Tour on Rhodes’: only £85 p. p. (bookable on arrival).
* Package prices may vary when booking on site.
In Greece, from March 1 to October 31, a climate protection tax of up to €15 (approx. £13) per room per night is levied for 4- and 5-star hotels. Outside this period, a tourist tax of up to €4 (approx. £3.50) per room per night applies. Furthermore, a port tax of currently €5 (approx. £4) per person must be paid onsite for the crossing (status as of July 2026).
Greece is a member of the EU. The currency is the Euro. Exchange rate (as of July 2026): 1 GBP = 1.16 EUR; 1 EUR = 0.86 GBP.
According to the Greek authorities, there are no special restrictions on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn using debit cards (Girocard) issued by foreign financial institutions. Credit card payments and ATM withdrawals are widely accepted.
Türkiye: The currency is called the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rate (as of July 2026): 1 GBP = 61.69 TRY; 1 TRY = 0.02 GBP.
Money can be exchanged at currency exchange offices. Purchases can be paid for in cash or with common credit cards. Card payment is often, but not always, possible. The symbols of the accepted cards are usually displayed at the entrance to the shop. High fees may be charged by the respective bank for cash withdrawals. For further information on using your bank cards abroad, please contact your bank.
Greece: There are a number of products which have entry or exit limitations in Greece from outside the European Union. These include cultural goods, wild fauna and flora and products derived from these, vegetables and plant products, weapons and ammunition, medicines, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (please note the alcohol and cigarette allowances). You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. In terms of medications, only those necessary for personal use are allowed, and they must be accompanied by a copy of the prescription or medical report.
Türkiye: The import of foreign currency is unlimited. As for exporting currency, a total amount of 5,000 USD (approx. £3,700). or the equivalent in TRY is permitted. Travellers may import and export personal jewellery to a total value of 15,000 USD (approx. £11,100). Any value higher than this must be declared when entering the country. Documentation is required for purchases made in Türkiye. In addition, the following goods may be carried per person when entering the Republic of Türkiye (does not apply to transit passengers): Personal belongings: Items for personal use, including medical items (devices) and medicines, as well as gifts up to a total value of 430 EUR (approx. £375).
More detailed customs information on importing goods can be obtained from the embassy of your destination country. Only there will you receive legally binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: http://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Greece: The acquisition, possession, import or export of drugs (even in small quantities) is severely punished. Photographing military installations and important civilian facilities (airports / ports) is prohibited due to the risk of spying. Violations will be prosecuted. For cases of theft, deliberate or negligent damage, illegal excavation and removal from the site (i.e. without permission or notification to the authorities) of archaeological finds, prison sentences of up to several years can also be imposed on foreigners, depending on the severity of the offence.
Türkiye: The purchase, possession and export of ‘cultural and natural properties‘ is severely punished (prison sentence of up to 10 years), as these properties are regarded as state-owned assets. In case of violation, several months of custody and high bail fees (currently approx. £7,000) are common procedure for tourists, too, even if they hold antiques or old objects of supposed small value. In individual cases, prison sentences are imposed. You are therefore urgently warned not to acquire or take along antiques, old coins, fossils, etc. from retailers.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest countryspecific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries). Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Caution is advised when eating uncooked food, unpasteurised milk (e.g. fresh milk, ice cream) and fruit that cannot be peeled. Please avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks! Rule of thumb: do not eat anything that cannot be cooked or peeled!
Greece: Anyone entitled to free healthcare in the UK is also entitled to treatment in Greece – if it is urgently required – from doctors, dentists, hospitals, and so on that are approved by the foreign statutory health insurance company. You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC it will still be valid as long as it remains in date. You can also contact your health insurance company for information on current regulations. Nonetheless, you are urgently recommended to take out travel health insurance for the duration of your holiday which covers risks not assumed by the statutory health insurance companies. Such policies usually also offer benefits not covered by state health insurance companies, e.g. the costs of repatriation.
Türkiye: Medical treatment options in the country‘s major cities and tourist regions have improved significantly in recent years. In particular, the large number of private hospitals offer a level approaching that of Europe. In many cases, medical care in rural areas cannot be compared to Western Europe and can be problematic in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. Any valid health insurance cover you may have (foreign health insurance certificate) is often not sufficient. In private clinics, it is common to ask for a covered credit card or cash before starting treatment. An individual first-aid kit should be taken along and appropriately protected from the hot temperatures while travelling. An individual consultation with a tropical medicine doctor or travel medicine specialist is also advisable.
It is strongly recommended to take out international health insurance with the option of medical repatriation to the UK.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: July 2026
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