7-Day Turkey & Greek
Isle Gems

Istanbul

The splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating
features. It is the only city in the world reaching across two
continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul
situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also
unique in having had capital status during two successive empires,
Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both
is visible in the modern city today.

Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as
a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of
the Roman Empire, Constantinople, as it was known, became extremely
desirable as a centre of world trade, until Mehmet the Conqueror
claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the
imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the
capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the
commercial, historical, and cultural heart of Turkey today.

The charm and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety
and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating history has
bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins,
splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams
(bath-houses), and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy
bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant
suburbs.

Çanakkale

Çanakkale is the nearest major urban center to the ancient city of Troy, which (together with the ancient region of the Troad) is located inside Çanakkale Province. The wooden horse from the 2004 movie Troy is exhibited on the seafront.

Izmir

Turkey's third largest city, Izmir is a busy port,
commercial centre, and gateway to the Aegean Coast. Despite its
size and importance, it still retains enough holiday atmosphere to
cause visitors to stay amongst the population of around three
million.

Lively and cosmopolitan, Izmir is also scenic thanks
to its palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful
avenues with attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of
the surrounding mountains.

Visitors come to see the sights, haggle in the
colourful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many
waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient
and dates back to around 3,000 BC. But today it is thoroughly
modern having been almost obliterated by a fire in 1922 and
subsequently rebuilt.

There is some worthy sightseeing to be done in the
city, like the 19th century clock tower, the 18th century Konak
Cami Mosque, and an archaeology museum. A must-see is the city's
landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit
of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning
view across the city and the bay. The best way to enjoy Izmir is a
balmy evening stroll or horse-drawn carriage trip along its
promenade between Konak Meydan and Alsancak.

Pátmos

Located in the Dodecanese Archipelago's north, Patmos is off the
beaten path for most people holidaying in Greece. Its lovely
landscapes and peaceful atmosphere make it worth visiting.

Patmos is home to around 300 churches, scattered in villages and
on hillsides. Greek Orthodox icons occupy nearly every wall, which
may account for them being the island's most popular souvenirs.

Patmos' devout aura is partly due to its biggest attraction: the
Cave of the Apocalypse. The location is reputedly where John the
Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations. He was exiled on Patmos for
several years and supposedly founded the Monastery of St John.

The island's main towns are Skala and Hora. Both are charming
villages with rows of whitewashed houses and 17th to 18th-century
mansions. Visitors should be respectful of the traditions and
beliefs of the local population and dress modestly. That is, women
are required to wear long skirts and cover their shoulders, while
men must wear long pants. Patmos lacks any sort of nightlife or
rowdy attractions, but offers tourists a glimpse of a simpler way
of life.

Rhodes

Knights once used Rhodes to protect the Christian west from the
east. Today, the island remains subject to invasion, though from
tourists rather than intruders.

Said to be Greece's sunniest island, Rhodes has a well-preserved
and picturesque old city. The legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of
the Seven Wonders of the World, guarded its harbour in antiquity.
Present-day visitors will find statues of deer. Nevertheless, the
old city has plenty of wonders to offer.

The rest of the relatively large island offers miles of beaches,
interesting archaeological sites and natural beauty spots. The best
beaches are on the east coast. Lindos is especially attractive.
Faliraki, on the other hand, is a developed resort area, bustling
with young visitors.

Spetses

Spetses is a charming and picturesque island located in the Saronic Gulf of Greece. It is part of the Argolis region and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. With its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and vibrant nightlife, Spetses offers a delightful experience for every traveler.

One of the main attractions of Spetses is its stunning beaches. The island is blessed with beautiful sandy and pebble beaches, surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Kaiki Beach, Agia Marina Beach, and Vrellos Beach are some of the most popular options, offering a perfect combination of relaxation and water activities such as snorkeling and diving. Many of these beaches have beach bars and taverns where visitors can enjoy delicious Greek cuisine and refreshing drinks.

Spetses is also a great destination for history enthusiasts. The island has a rich historical past with influences from various civilizations. The most iconic landmark of Spetses is the Bouboulina Museum, which was once the home of the famous Greek heroine, Laskarina Bouboulina. The museum displays a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and personal belongings of Bouboulina, giving visitors a glimpse into the island's struggle for independence.

Another historical landmark worth visiting is the Spetses Museum. Located in the historic mansion of Chatzigianni Mexi, this museum houses a collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that depict the island's history and culture. From ancient artifacts to traditional costumes, the Spetses Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the island's heritage.

For those seeking adventure, Spetses provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. The island is relatively small but offers beautiful hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, secluded beaches, and lush green landscapes. One of the most popular trails is the "Old Spetses Trail," which takes you through the traditional settlements, hidden monasteries, and ancient ruins. Cycling is also a fantastic way to explore the island, with rental shops available for visitors.

Spetses is renowned for its vibrant and lively nightlife. The island has a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer a diverse range of entertainment options. The Old Harbor area is particularly famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars and cafes lining the waterfront. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or enjoy a laid-back evening with live music, Spetses has something to offer for everyone.

When it comes to accommodation, Spetses offers a wide range of choices, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. The island's main town, Dapia, is the most convenient location to find accommodation, with plenty of options within walking distance to the harbor and local amenities. There are also a few boutique hotels and resorts scattered around the island, providing a more secluded and tranquil stay.

Getting to Spetses is relatively easy. The island is accessible by ferry from Piraeus, which is the main port of Athens. The ferry journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, and there are multiple daily departures available. Once on the island, transportation is mainly done by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage, as private cars are not allowed, contributing to the island's peaceful atmosphere.

In conclusion, Spetses is an idyllic holiday destination with its beautiful beaches, rich historical heritage, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, this Greek gem has it all. So pack your bags and get ready to indulge in the beauty of Spetses.

Piraeus

Athens exudes a unique charm through its mix of street markets,
vine-covered tavernas, souvenir stalls, ancient monuments and
high-rise buildings. For tourists, a plus is that most of the
capital's attractions are accessible by foot.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
According to mythology, she won the city after duelling against
Poseidon, god of the sea. Indeed, Athens can chart its history back
thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of Western
civilisation. More specifically, it's democracy's birthplace, and
where philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

The city declined after the Classical Age, dwindling to nothing
but a town in the colourful area now known as the Plaka. It emerged
as independent Greece's capital in 1834.

Today, the city is bustling. And though the pollution, frantic
gridlock and dingy buildings are a striking contrast to the open
beauty of Greece's coast and islands, Athens is truly the country's
beating heart. Ancient wonders like the Acropolis, the Parthenon,
and the Temples of Zeus and Hephaestus ensure that the city will
always lure travellers.