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Greece/Turkey

The Ancient Aegean: Discover the Best of Greece & Turkey

Program No. 22725RJ
From the ruins of the Acropolis to the mosaics of the Hagia Sophia, trace history along the Aegean Sea as you discover the ancient wonders of Greece and Turkey.
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Small Group
Length
15 days
Rating (4.91)
Activity Level
Starts at
5,049
Flights start at
1,150

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
32 meals ( 13B, 10L, 9D )
3 expert-led lectures
28 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Note: Upon arrival at Athens Airport, clear passport control, claim your bags, go through Customs and the sliding doors, and look for a Road Scholar representative who will be holding a Road Scholar sign in front of the airport’s pharmacy. Walking up to 1/2 mile, mostly flat terrain, sidewalks, some uneven terrain. Hotel check-in from 2:00 pm. Rooms may not be available for occupancy before 2:00 pm.
Afternoon:
The Group Leader will be in the hotel reception hall to assist with safekeeping luggage after check-in. After getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation meeting. Orientation: 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the reception hall. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. Educational leadership will be provided by our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts. Program-related land travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 3.5 miles throughout the day, extended periods of standing during field trips; steep and uneven steps in combination with ramps to upper levels of Acropolis; Acropolis south slope mix of dirt and paved paths. The order of visits is subject to change. Good walking/hiking shoes recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to the superb Acropolis Museum that opened in 2009. As we view the museum’s rich collection, we will learn about the evolution of the ancient Greek sculpture, as well as following historical events that inspired the ancient artists to create these magnificent pieces of art. We will then walk along the Acropolis south slope where ancient Athenians established the principal shrine of Dionysus and, most importantly, the theater where Greek drama was born. We will learn about the age-old Athenian agora while viewing it as we walk up to the Acropolis. We’ll then explore the world-renowned Acropolis monuments, universal symbols of the classical spirit that formed the greatest architectural and artistic complex Greek antiquity granted to the world.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel after lunch.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 95 miles, approximately 3,5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; partly steep paved and dirt ramps, some steps, uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Attica is a peninsula extending into the Aegean Sea. Athens is the main city in this ancient land where one of the world’s most extraordinary civilizations developed. There are also many other iconic sites resonant with myth and legend. We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader and ride along the beautiful Apollo coast, known as the Greek Riviera, to Cape Sounio on the southernmost tip of Attica. It has been considered a sacred place since the Bronze Age. We will explore the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon — god of the sea — dating back to the 5th century BCE and built on the foundations of an even earlier temple. Sixteen of the original 38 columns have survived and, as we enjoy superb views to the Aegean Sea, we will learn about the fascinating history and mythology of this place. We’ll then ride to Lavreotiki, the area that was the main center of silver mining in Greece from the Bronze Age until the 20th century. The exploitation of the silver mines in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE was an important basis for the rise of Athens to the leading power in Greece. Most of the Lavreotiki region is protected by law as an archaeological & historical site and as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Lavrio.
Afternoon:
Moving on, we will ride to the site of Thorikos, a metalliferous region where we shall visit the oldest surviving theater in Greece with an unusual elliptical-angular shape. Here, we’ll learn about the birth of the ancient Greek theater, as well as its role in the social and political life of ancient Greece. Returning to Athens, we will ride along the Mesogaia road.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the foods of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 25 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Getting on/off an aircraft, flight approximately 45 minutes. Walking up to 2,5 miles, uneven terrain including some dirt and cobble stone paths. Good walking shoes are recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, ride to the Athens Airport, and board our flight to Chios. Upon arrival, we will board a motorcoach and ride to our hotel at the port entrance to heck in. Take some time to freshen up and relax.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We will regroup in the hotel lobby and board our motorcoach for our afternoon field trip to the old quarter of Chios town and the Byzantine Monastery of nea Moni. Surrounded by its medieval walls, the old town of Chios with its narrow and picturesque alleys will help you step back in history. We’ll explore it on foot and then we’ll board again our motorcoach for driving to the Byzantine Monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site for the unique artistic achievement of its impeccable 11th century mosaics.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2,5 miles; uneven terrain, some uneven steps, cobblestone streets. Good walking shoes are recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Mastiha (mastic) is an aromatic resin that comes from the trunk of the mastic tree (Pistacia Lentiscus). Herodotus mentioned it as the world’s first chewing gum. It is only in certain villages on Chios — Mastihochoria — that this special kind of mastic tree is cultivated. We will board our motorcoach and set out on a field trip to explore the medieval Mastiha villages of south Chios. Our first stop will be the Mastiha Museum located on a beautiful hilltop near the village of Pyrgi. The museum’s multi-faceted exhibitions present the history and culture of mastiha cultivation that has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We will also meet a local producer who will show us how this precious aromatic resin is collected from the trees and how the production process develops. Then, we’ll have a short ride to the picturesque village of Pyrgi, known as the “painted village” thanks to the distinctive façades of its houses decorated with geometrical motifs called “ksysta.” There are clues that Pyrgi — ruled by the Republic of Genoa from 1346 to 1566 — relates to Christopher Columbus. Whether he was a nobleman from Chios or not, we don’t know. But it was recorded that at the very least Columbus lived on Chios for a time, obtaining maps and charts and finding crew members for his westerly journey to the Indies.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a meze style meal featuring local dishes and an opportunity to savor mastiha the traditional Chios liqueur.
Afternoon:
We’ll then visit one of the loveliest and best-preserved medieval villages on the island. Mesta. Due to its elaborate Byzantine architecture, the village has been protected and architectural changes are prohibited. We’ll explore its unspoiled medieval atmosphere by walking through its narrow cobbled alleyways and visit (when open) its beautiful main church. Returning to the hotel, we will gather in the early evening for a briefing about our passage to Turkey.
Dinner:
On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour round-trip riding time. Walking approximately 1.5 miles; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to Kambos, lush and verdant with flowers and citrus trees, where local aristocrats and Genoese colonists have lived since the 14th century. Beautiful stone mansions of a unique and original architectural style were secluded by high fences to preserve the privacy of the owners as well as to protect the trees and flowers from the winds. Kambos is one the most beautiful and distinctive areas of Chios and in spring (late April-May) the fragrance of the blooming citrus trees turns it to a magical place. We’ll walk through citrus orchards to an estate that will open especially for us. We’ll explore the mansion’s courtyard with its elaborate cistern with its wheel-well, where animals once turned water wheels that irrigated the orchard. Along shady paths, jasmine and bougainvillea create a special atmosphere. We’ll indulge our senses with an al fresco taste of a traditional Greek coffee and a traditional Chios fruit preserve before returning to the hotel.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests each of us most.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy our last evening of the program in Greece.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Turkey in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours riding time. Getting on/off a ferry; ferry journey approximately 45 minutes. Standing in line while clearing immigration and customs in Greece and Turkey. Walking up to 3 miles; generally even terrain, sidewalks, walkways. Wear good walking shoes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After an early morning breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel, have a short ride of approximately 10 minutes to the port where we’ll go through passport control. We’ll then board the ferry and after a 50 min. ferry ride we’ll reach Cesme, Turkey. Upon arrival we’ll go through passport & Turkish visa control and then we’ll enjoy a short comfort and coffee stop where we’ll be welcomed to Turkey by our Turkish Group Leader. We’ll also learn about the impressive Cesme fortress, built in 1508 to protect the harbor from the Venetians who attacked twice, in 1472 and in 1501. Later in the morning, we will drive to a private olive oil producer's workshop, learn about the history of olive oil production in the region and enjoy a tasting of different kinds of olive oil.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in the charming town of Urla
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will get on our bus to ride to Kusadasi. On route, we will learn about the Ionian civilization that flourished along the Aegean Coast 3,000 years ago. Moving on, we will stop briefly at the weekly farmers' market in Selcuk and witness the fresh and delicious produce on sale at the market. Check in to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel's restaurant
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 6 miles throughout the day. There will be some walking on uneven dirt grounds and stones at the archaeological site of Ephesus. Extended periods of standing while visiting Ephesus. Climbing steep stairs required to visit the Terrace Houses at Ephesus. Good sturdy walking shoes highly recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach with our Group Leader on a field trip to explore the mesmerizing ancient site of Ephesus, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. We will gain in-depth knowledge of this unforgettable city that one had a population of 250,000. We will also visit the Terrace Houses, a museum within the site where the rich and famous of Ephesus once lived. Road Scholar and Baltac have provided support for excavations and restorations at the Terrace Houses.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
Next, we will explore the Ephesus Archaeological Museum that houses important artifacts excavated here during periods comprising pre-history through the Mycenaean, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. Among its treasures are statues of the fertility goddess Artemis. We will briefly stop at the Temple of Artemis and explore the remaining ruins that was once one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day. There will be some walking on uneven cobblestone streets at the village of Sirince. Good sturdy walking shoes highly recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach to ride about 10 miles through lush hills and valleys to the small and charming village of Sirince (population 500). We will learn about the Exchange of Citizens between Greece and Turkey that took place in the 1920s and the story of the resettlement at this charming village. The village is famous for its fruit wines and we will get to taste some of the local wines. We will then drive to a local winery that continues the centuries long tradition of the area and taste some of their wines after a tour of the winery.
Lunch:
At the winery
Afternoon:
Those who wish to return to the hotel can reboard the bus. There will be an elective opportunity to visit a local handcrafts center to learn about Turkish carpets. Those who would like to do so can try a hand at rug weaving. Free time in the afternoon to discover the resort town of Kusadasi on your own.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Istanbul in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Getting on and off an aircraft and time spent at two airports embarking/disembarking the airplane. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; generally even terrain, pedestrianized sidewalks. Crowds and possible lines entering sites such as Hagia Sophia. Shoes will have to be removed before visiting mosques. Order of visits may vary depending on many factors such as crowds, traffic, etc.
Breakfast:
Early at the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out early with our luggage, board a bus, and ride to the Izmir Airport for our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will transfer to Sultanahmet, the center of the old city.
Lunch:
On board the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we will walk to the extraordinary Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church in Byzantium — built in 537 CE — and a great mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. We will learn about the unique architecture as we stand in awe at its size and dazzling beauty. Hagia Sophia was the world’s largest cathedral for a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was built in 1520. We will have some time for independent exploration before walking back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles on urban terrain and cobblestone streets. Participants need to be able to walk up a mildly steep street to reach the center of the old city from the hotel. Good walking shoes highly recommended. Standing for extended periods while touring ancient sites and palaces. Removal of shoes is required before entering Blue Mosque. Order of visits may change for practical reasons.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will spend the day exploring on foot due to traffic restrictions in the old city. For our first walking field trip, we’ll set out for Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years and a testimony to the power and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. We will also visit the amazing Treasury and the Harem to catch a glimpse of what daily life was like behind these closed doors. Next, we will walk to explore the monuments at the Hippodrome, the civil center of Byzantine, and the impressive Underground Cisterns, built in the 6th century to store water under the ground. As we explore, we will learn about the city’s Byzantine history. At the Hippodrome, learn about the chariot racing that took place here 2,000 years ago and the architecture of the building.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will set out on a field trip to explore the Blue Mosque, famous for its magnificent 16th century Iznik tiles and learn about mosque architecture and Islam. Still a functioning house of worship, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built from 1609 to 1616 and is known for its hand-painted blue tiles, six minarets, and 13 primary and secondary domes: a testament to the golden age of Ottoman architecture.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles throughout the day, approximately total of 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles and standing during field trips; generally flat terrain, sidewalks and walkways. Wear good walking shoes. Order of visits may change.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will take a bus ride along the imposing 5th century city walls that protected Constantinople for many centuries. We’ll learn about the armies that wanted to conquer the city of world’s desire.For our next field trip, we will explore the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by the longest ruling and powerful Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The architect of the building was Sinan, a master of geometry and architecture. We will end the morning excursions with a stroll down pedestrian Istiklal Street in Pera and learn about the “other” side of the city.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time on your own to explore the city.
Dinner:
On your own to have what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; city driving, about 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 4 miles and standing during field trips. Crowded conditions at Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will ride to the amazing Grand Bazaar and stroll through its maze-like streets dating back to the 15th century. There are now about 4,000 small shops and vendors for all kinds of crafts, textiles, hand-made arts, and jewelry. Next we will explore the Spice Bazaar — in Turkish, the “Egyptian” bazaar — constructed in 1663 and second in fame only to the Grand Bazaar. The scents and aromas will enliven our senses immediately.
Lunch:
At a restaurant near the Spice Bazaar.
Afternoon:
Next, we will visit the lovely Rustem Pasha Mosque. Often described as a miniature Blue Mosque, it was designed by Sinan who passed away before it was completed in 1563. It is covered in splendid Iznik tiles in beautiful patterns. We will end the day with a study cruise on the Bosphorus, the natural waterway that separates Istanbul, linking the Black Sea of Europe with the Sea of Marmara of Asia. We will see opulent palaces, mansions, ancient fortresses, and modern suspension bridges as we hear expert commentary from our group leader.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 2:00 p.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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