Find a Tour > Greece & Turkey Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

Greece & Turkey Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

(35 days, Athens - Amsterdam, 2012)
Greece & Turkey Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
This 35 day tour includes 20 days exploring the ancient empires of Greece and Turkey plus a 15 day luxury river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam via Austria and Germany.

This amazing 35 day tour begins in Athens where you will explore the Acropolis and its famous Parthenon. You will travel to Olympia, Delphi and Kalambaka before returning to Athens for your included flight to Istanbul. Whilst in the Turkish capital you will visit the most magnificent example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia, as well as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

You will then travel through the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI landings by the Allies, including the ANZAC troops, before continuing onto Canakkale and enjoying a tour of Homer’s Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan Wars. In Kusadasi you will have the chance to visit the incomparable Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city, which once housed the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your Turkish leg also includes Pamukkale, Antalya and Cappadocia, home to the incredible underground cities, of which there are estimated to be more than 200.

Finally you will return to Istanbul to experience Turkish cuisine at its finest at the stunning Hamdi Restaurant. Next is Hungary where you will tour both sides of the capital, Buda and Pest, during a guided tour of the city. You will cruise through the beautiful landscapes of Austria includes Vienna where you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese concert at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

In Germany you will discover the charming cities of Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg and Würzburg. You will also witness the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castle and vine-covered slopes and explore the Old Town of historic Cologne and dine at a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle.

Finally you will make your way to Amsterdam, where you can choose to take a guided bicycle tour, wander along its picturesque canals or view the once-in-a-decade 2012 Floriade in Venlo.

  • 22% more space onboard
  • Portobello’s fine dining – one of 3 dining venues
  • Relax in our 3 viewing areas
  • Experienced Cruise Director
  • ALL meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on cruise
  • Coffee, premium teas, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
  • Beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner
  • Wonderful local entertainment
  • Airport transfers
  • Spacious full size balcony suites
  • Complimentary bicycles
  • Whisper Headset for all Guided tours
  • Exclusive private butler service on all Danube Deck cabins
  • ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant located in the Plaka area
  • Journey to Cape Sounion and visit the Sanctuary of Poseidon
  • Visit the Greek villages of Galaxidi and Nafpactos
  • Enjoy a sample of traditional “formaela” cheese in the mountain village of Kalambaka
  • Visit the stunning Greek island of Samos
  • Enjoy a Whirling Dervish performance of traditional Islamic dancing in a 13th century Caravan Inn in Cappadocia
  • Enjoy the sounds of the mosque calls with views over Istanbul’s Golden Horn whilst dining in Istanbul’s famous Hamdi Restaurant
  • Over a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert
  • Enjoy an exclusive organ recital during a tour to Melk Abbey
  • Scenic Village Cultural Experience: Interact with the locals and experience daily life in a German village followed by home-grown entertainment and specialised cuisine exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • A private tour and Medieval Banquet dinner at Marksburg Castle

Included Scenic FreeChoice

  • A traditional Turkish cooking class; or a tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine past; or a visit to an Ottoman Yali
  • In Budapest relax at the Thermal Bath & Spa; or explore the lime stone caves of Labyrinth; or a Liszt Classical music experience
  • In Vienna tour Schönbrunn Palace; or see the key sights of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava; or the Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or to watch the horses exercise
  • Enjoy the sights of Passau; or excursion to Salzburg; or excursion to Cesky Krumlov
  • Learn about Nuremberg’s past and present; or Relive history on a WWII dedicated tour; or a self-guided bike tour
  • A walking tour of Würzburg including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
  • Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam; or a guided bicycle tour; or take an excursion to ZaanseSchans and Edam; or visit Venlo to witness the 2012 Floriade spectacle

Included Scenic Dining

  • 87 super meals including 34 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 2 Highlight Lunches - two course table d’hôte (HL), 19 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 9 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 23 Dinners three to four course table d’hôte (D)

Included Scenic Free Time

  • Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Budapest, Vienna, Regensburg, Bamberg, Cologne and Amsterdam at your leisure

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • The Museum Hotel is breathtakingly located partly underground in ruins carved into a hilltop

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Enjoy a guided tour of the Acropolis and visit the Parthenon in Athens
  • Visit the ruins of Agamemnon’s Palace in Mycenae
  • See the Temple of Zeus and walk on the sporting arena at Olympus
  • Visit the Temple of Apollo in Delphi
  • Visit two monasteries at Meteora
  • Take a guided tour of Istanbul
  • Embark on a private boat cruise on the Bosphorus
  • Take a guided tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula including Anzac Cove
  • Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins of Troy
  • Take a guided visit of Pergamon
  • Traditional seafood dinner in Izmir
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Ephesus
  • Enjoy a guided visit of Hierapolis and see the sunset
  • Visit Antalya’s archaeological museum
  • Enjoy guided visits to Perge, Aspendos and Side
  • Visit the Mevlana Museum
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Cappadocia
  • Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Old Greek House Restaurant in Sinassos
  • Visit Agzikarahan Caravanserai in Anatolia
  • Take a guided tour of Ankara
  • Visit the exotic spice markets of Istanbul

Land Touring Exclusive Inclusions

  • Luxury 40 seat coach
  • Small group touring experience
  • Professional Tour Director
  • Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
  • All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included

Day 1: Athens (HD)
Welcome to Athens. You will be met at Athens International airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers. SCENIC ENRICH Enjoy a festive dinner in a popular Greek restaurant located in the atmospheric Plaka area.
Two Night Special Stay: Athens
Day 2: Athens (FB,HD)

This morning enjoy an Includedguided tour of the Acropolis, whose famous Parthenon dates to the 5th century B.C. Also see amongst other buildings the Propylaea, the majestic gates of the complex. SCENIC ENRICH This afternoon journey to Cape Sounion and visit the Sanctuary of Poseidon, where you will admire stunning views of the Aegean Sea.Later enjoy a fabulous dinner at a seaside restaurant that offers unsurpassed water views.

Day 3: Athens - Olympia (FB,L,D)
Your first stop today will be the city of Mycenae, famous for its remarkable pottery. Continue to Nafplion, a delightful seaside town and first capital of modern Greece. Your journey continues to Olympia, where tonight’s accommodation is set in a prime location. 
Overnight Stay: Olympia
Day 4: Olympia - Delphi (FB,D)

Today visit the ruins at Olympia, site of the ancient games from at least 776 B.C. Depart Olympia and cross the Corinthian Gulf either by ferry or over the tallest hanging bridge in the world. SCENIC ENRICH This afternoon visit the picturesque and iconic seaside villages of Galaxidi and Nafpactos and savour a cup of delicious Greek coffee before arriving in Delphi.
Overnight Stay: Delphi

Day 5: Delphi - Kalambaka (FB,D)
After breakfast, visit the ruins of Delphi including the Temple of Apollo. A relaxing drive out of Delphi will take you through the Plain of Thessaly, the breadbasket of Greece. SCENIC ENRICH You’ll call in at Arachova, a traditional mountain town famous for its local produce including “formaela” cheese, a staple diet for the 3,000 townsfolk. Continue on to Kalambaka, situated beneath the majestic limestone pinnacles of Meteora.
Overnight Stay: Kalambaka
Day 6: Kalambaka - Athens (FB,HD)
As early as the 11th century AD hermit monks were known to live in the caves of the limestone pillars. This morning you’ll visit two of the rock monasteries at this UNESCO site. Arrive back in Athens in time to relax before our farewell dinner at a stylish local restaurant, the perfect way to say goodbye to Greece.
Overnight Special Stay: Athens
Day 7: Athens - Istanbul (FB)
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel you will transfer to the airport for your Included flight to Istanbul. Arrive in this exotic city and transfer to the hotel. This evening meet for a welcome drink.
Two Night Special Stay: Istanbul
Day 8: Istanbul (FB,HD)
After breakfast, you’ll embark on an Included tour of this amazing city. Highlights of the day include a visit to the most magnificent example of Byzantium architecture, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. You’ll have time to wander the evocative Grand Bazaar. This special day concludes with a delicious seafood dinner on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.    
Day 9: Istanbul - Canakkale (FB,L,D)
Today travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI landings by allied forces including ANZAC troops on the morning of April 25, 1915. Explore the sights and gain an understanding of this unforgettable and sombre location, set amongst steep cliffs, dead-end canyons and barren ridges. A picnic lunch is provided before  time to wander the landmark sites such as ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Lone Pine and Shrapnel Gully.
Overnight Stay: Canakkale
Day 10: Canakkale - Izmir (FB,L,HD)
The day’s sightseeing begins with a fascinating tour of Homer’s Troy, a legendary site of the Trojan Wars and home to a replica of the infamous Trojan Horse. Continue your historic journey in Pergamon for lunch. Visit the magnificent Acropolis, which contains the ruins of Pergamon’s acclaimed 200,000 volume library. Depart for Izmir, where this evening a spectacular dinner has been organised at one of the best seafood restaurants in the city.
Overnight Stay: Izmir
Day 11: Izmir - Kusadasi (FB,D)
A treat awaits as we visit incomparable Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city that once housed the Temple of Artemis, completed in 550 B.C and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Here among other amazing sites such as the Library, we will visit the House of Virgin Mary.
Two Night Stay: Kusadasi
Day 12: Kusadasi - Samos - Kusadasi (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH Today briefly leave Turkey behind and journey to the Greek island of Samos. Your local guide will show you around Samos town before you learn about the local industries of ceramics and ouzo. Head into the fertile hills, covered with vineyards to visit one of the many beautiful ancient monasteries on the island, Agia Triada. Arrive in Pythagorion, birthplace of the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras which also boasts the largest manmade marina in the Mediterranean. Lunch is followed by our ferry ride back to Turkey.
Day 13: Kusadasi - Pamukkale (FB,L,D)
Following breakfast,  travel to Aphrodisias. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing to remarkable Pamukkale (Hierapolis). Tonight, watch the sunset over the white cliffs for a truly unique and memorable sight.
Overnight Stay: Pamukkale
Day 14: Pamukkale - Antalya (FB,L,HD)
Enjoy the thermal waters at the hotel before you depart for Antalya, Turkey’s principal holiday resort which is situated on a cliff over the Mediterranean and surrounded by mountains. You’ll get a chance to visit the large archaeological museum rich in Classical, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk artefacts, which includes ‘God Gallery’. Your Included dinner tonight is at an exquisite restaurant in the centre of town.
Two Night Stay: Antalya
Day 15: Antalya (FB,HD)
The region around Antalya abounds with astonishing natural beauty and awesome historical treasures. First visit Perge with an Acropolis dating back to the Stone Age. Nearby, Aspendos is famous for its exceptionally preserved theatre built in 155 A.D. Continue to Side, overflowing with archaeological wonders and surrounded on both sides by the deep, blue water of the Mediterranean before returning to Antalya. Tonight an exclusive dinner has been planned at the renowned Club Arma, located near the old town.
Day 16: Antalya - Cappadocia (FB,D)
This morning drive to Konya, a traditional caravan stop and home of the Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group. Visit the Mevlana Museum, former monastery of the Dervishes which contains the tomb of the groups 13th century spiritual leader, and the Karatay Medrese, a Seljuk school constructed in 1251. Enjoy some leisure time before you head off to Cappadocia.
Three Night Special Stay: Cappadocia
Day 17: Cappadocia (FB,D)
Visit the main sights of this amazing location, including the surreal moon-landscape of Göreme with its rock chapels carved by early Christians in hiding. Next is the Byzantine monastic complex of Zelve which reached its zenith in the 9th and 13th centuries and the towering peak of Uchisar Castle, a sublime rock formation riddled with a network of tunnels and caves.
Day 18: Cappadocia (FB,HL,D)
Today explore the incredible underground cities of Cappadocia, of which there are estimated to be over 200. Visit picturesque Sinassos, which is surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards and was a Greek settlement until 1923 when a population exchange between Turkey and Greece took place. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Old Greek House Restaurant. SCENIC ENRICH  Be entertained by a Whirling Dervish performance in a 13th century Caravan Inn, where you will be entranced by the intricate dancing and music that is as old as the building you are seated in.
Day 19: Cappadocia - Ankara (FB,HL)
This morning visit Agzikarahan, site of a well preserved Seljuk caravanserai, where for hundreds of years camel caravans traversing ancient trade routes would stop overnight. En-route to Ankara, view the famous Salt Lake of the fabled Silk Road as you drive through the Anatolian countryside. At Ankara, visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir and the mausoleum of Ataturk. A unique luncheon venue awaits in an ancient castle of this historic city. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Ankara
Day 20: Ankara - Istanbul (FB,HD)
After breakfast cross from Asia into Europe and return to Istanbul. Choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a traditional Turkish cooking class where you’ll learn the art of making delicious plates of meze, after which you get to eat them, of course; or (2) an insightful tour of Istanbul’s glorious Byzantine past including visits to the Chora museum with its fine mosaics and frescoes and Zeyek Mosque, second only in size to Hagia Sophia as a Byzantium monument; or (3) a visit to an Ottoman Yali, the fashionable summer palaces of the wealthy built mainly in the latter half of the 17th century during the Empire’s glory days. Meet the current residents who’ll chat with you about the building’s history whilst you enjoy homemade refreshments. Tonight, a special treat awaits you as you enjoy your farewell dinner at the stunning Hamdi Restaurant, where outstanding views over the Golden Horn are accompanied by the call to prayer echoing from numerous surrounding mosques.
Overnight Special Stay: Istanbul
Day 21: Istanbul - Budapest (FB,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for your short Included flight to Budapest. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception with your fellow travellers.   
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Day 22: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (2) Explore the lime stone caves under the Castle Labyrinth; or (3) Explore the history of classical music in Hungary.
Day 23: Vienna (FB,L,D)

As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the three lounge and viewing areas onboard. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

Day 24: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options to choose from: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Take a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) Witness the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions refining and perfecting their skills during their routine morning exercise program or a guided tour of the oldest Classical Dressage riding school in the world (not available all departure dates).
Day 25: Dürnstein - Melk (FB,L,D)
Dürnstein at leisure. Guided Tour of Melk Abbey. SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks.
Day 26: Linz - Passau (FB,L,D)
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm (1) a tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg; or (3) an excursion to Cesky Krumlov. 
Day 27: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
On your Included guided walking tour, see the Old Chapel and world’s oldest sausage kitchen.
Day 28: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE: (1) WWII sites followed by the Documentation Centre; or (2) Nuremberg’s past and present; or (3) A self-guided bicycle tour.   
Day 29: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of Bamberg on your Included city tour.
Day 30: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours:(1) A guided walking tour or (2) enjoy an excursion to Rothenburg.
Day 31: European Village Life (FB,L,D)

SCENIC ENRICH: Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience Village life just for a day- Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Choose from a selection of activities from everyday life like cooking onion pie, or be welcomed into private castles and family wineries. Enjoy home-grown entertainment as you are invited to dine with the locals and relish on their specialities and delicacies prepared just for you.

Day 32: Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Marksburg Castle (FB,L,HD)
Today in Rüdesheim  board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Step back in time and enjoy a private tour of the castle.
Day 33: Cologne (FB,L,D)
Set sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and monuments.
Day 34: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)

Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) A bicycle tour; or (3) A visit to the windmills at ZaanseSchans; or (4) A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012).

Day 35: Amsterdam (FB)

After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Your Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.

At a glance
Duration
35 Days
From
$
per person twin share
Dates

Interested?

Enquire now or call 1300 723 642 Download the brochure

Related tours

Splendours of France Tour
Splendours of France (Paris - Paris, 2012 - 2013)
Explore the incredible splendours of France on this 17 day tour, including Paris, Chamonix, Burgundy, Carcassonne and the Loire Valley, plus a 2 day visit to Monte-Carlo.
Tour information
Prague to Paris & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
Prague to Paris & Jewels of Europe River Cruise (Prague - Paris, 2012 - 2013)
This 21 day tour takes you on an amazing journey from Prague to Paris and includes a 15 day Jewels of Europe River Cruise on board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’.
Tour information
Christmas Markets River Cruise & Prague Tour
Christmas Markets River Cruise & Prague (Amsterdam - Prague, 2012 - 2013)
Spend 18 days travelling from Amsterdam to Prague, including Vienna, Budapest and an trip to Cologne to visit one of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Germany.
Tour information
 
Close