Greece/Turkey Excursion 2026

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Metal Immersion - Greece & Turkey

Location
Greece and Turkey
Date
Sept. 21 - Oct. 3, 2026
Currently taking deposits to hold your place. ($650)*
Reserve your spot

Join me on a memorable journey across the Eastern Mediterranean, where ancient history meets breathtaking natural wonder! We will begin in Greece on the iconic isle of Santorini, where you marvel at the sunsets over the magnificent Caldera from our hotel before exploring the ruins of the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora in historic Athens. Then, the journey continues with a transition to Turkey, where we will float above the lunar landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, followed by an exploration of historic Istanbul, where we will visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, the ancient Basilica Cistern, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.


Highlights

Here are a few of the attractions we have on the list (not limited to and are subject to availability).

Part 1 - Greece: Santorini and Athens

  • *We will stay in Oia, where we will enjoy stunning views of the sunset and the Caldera from the hotel.
  • *Explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri.
  • *Visit Athenian antiquity: the Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
  • *Visit a winery or two in Santorini
  • *Caldera Cruise: Take a Catamaran cruise around the island of Santorini and take a dip in the Aegean Sea.
  • *Shop the largest gold market in Greece

Part 2 – Turkey: Cappadocia and Istanbul

  • *Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
  • *Take a birds-eye view of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon. (add on +$295)
  • *Attend a “twirling Dervish” meditation ceremony (Sema).
  • *Visit the 5th largest gem and jewelry show.
  • *Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Binbirdirek Sarnıcı
  • *Explore the Grand Bazaar (one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets) and the famous Spice Bazaar.
  • *Possible craft class tba...that means I am still working out the details. If this does not work out, we will take a walking food tour.
***Schedule subject to change due to availability, weather and governmental restrictions.***

$6650/per person double occupancy* see details below

$7550/per person single occupancy

What the price will include (may be subject to change):

  • *12 nights hotel stay (*note: double occupancy rooms may be one queen and one pull out)
  • *Entry to all attractions and sites listed above, and then some.
  • *Ground transportation via private van. NOTE: We will be using public transportation when possible (not included), you will need to budget approximately $50 cash.
  • *Boat rides/cruises, including the Santorini Catamaran cruise.
  • *Three flights: Santorini to Athens; Athens to Cappadocia; Cappadocia to Istanbul. Includes one check-in bag and one carry-on bag per flight.
  • *Breakfast included every day at the hotels.
  • *Private licensed guide through the historical sites in Athens and Istanbul.

What you should know about this trip

  • *We will be traveling to two countries, Greece and Turkey.
  • *Transportation for the trip will be a mix of airplane, private van, public bus/tram, and boat.
  • *Much of our sightseeing will be outside and on foot once we arrive on location. Both Santorini and Istanbul are very hilly; expect walks to include inclines. There will also be some hiking in Cappadocia to see the Fairy Chimneys.
  • *There will be a few very early morning excursions (as early as 5:00 AM, such as the hot air balloon ride).
  • *Our goal is to enjoy the local flair of the Eastern Mediterranean: food, music, art, and culture.
  • *Bring a bathing suit, there will be opportunities to swim.
  • *You are welcome to deviate from the itinerary at any time at your own expense.
  • *Consider checking the CDC for suggested vaccinations.

Other important info

  • *You must arrive no later than September 21, 2026 in Santorini, Greece (JTR). We will start the first excursion on September 22, 2026. You are responsible for airport transfer to the hotel.
  • *Departure is October 3, 2026 from Istanbul, Turkey (IST). Hotel check out is 11am. You are responsible for airport transfer from the hotel.
  • *If you are joining us from the US, you must allow 1-2 travel days to reach Santorini.
  • *Please note double occupancy rooms with two beds, at times will be configured with one queen and one pull-out.
  • *All participants are required to have a data plan throughout the excursion and a Whatsapp account.
  • *Van space is limited, luggage will be limited to one carry-on and one checked bag. Remember the rule of thumb, if you can not carry your luggage 2 flight of stairs, leave it behind. 
  • *None of the hotels will have an elevator, expect to walk up 2-3 flights. 

What the price will NOT included

  • *Transportation to Greece and from Turkey.
    *Airport transfers to and from first and last hotel.
    *Meals except those listed.
  • *Additional nights before and/or after.
  • *Souveniers
  • *Tips 

 Payment in full will be requested by April 1, 2026.  

Cancellation and Refunds

  • *$650 deposit to save your place (applied to the final fee). This deposit will be non-refundable after
    April 1, 2026.
  • *Refunds made on payments will incur a 3% chargeback fee.
  • *No refunds after June 1, 2026.

This excursion is subject to cancel at anytime due to Covid, political unrest, and safety advisory published by the US state department. Our criteria for cancellation will be based on, but not limited to, travel restrictions imposed by either the government of the US, Greece and/or Turkey. 

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