Your 10-Day Greece & Turkey Itinerary

For Greece (Schengen Area), US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens can enjoy visa-free stays for up to 90 days. For Turkey, most nationalities including US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens typically require an e-Visa, which can be applied for online at evisa.gov.tr before departure. Indian citizens usually need separate visas for both Greece (Schengen) and Turkey. Always check current requirements based on your nationality prior to travel.

Both Greece and Turkey are generally safe for solo female travelers. In Greece, major cities and tourist islands are accustomed to visitors, but vigilance is advised in crowded areas to avoid petty theft. In Turkey, cities like Istanbul and coastal areas are welcoming; however, it's always wise to exercise caution at night, especially in less-populated areas, and use reputable transport services like BiTaksi. Overall, serious crime is rare in both countries, but common sense precautions are always recommended.

In Greece, the official currency is the Euro (EUR). In Turkey, the official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It's advisable to carry some cash in both currencies for smaller purchases, local markets, and places that might not accept cards. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments in both countries, especially in tourist areas.

In Greece, tipping is discretionary. You can round up taxi fares or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, though it's not strictly expected. In Turkey, tipping is more customary than in Greece; a 5-10% tip for restaurant staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers is generally appreciated if service is good and a service charge isn't already included in the bill. Always check your restaurant bill first.

Given the Mediterranean climate and cultural considerations, essential packing includes lightweight, breathable clothing, modest coverings (shawls/long sleeves) for religious sites, comfortable walking sandals for ancient ruins and cities, a wide-brimmed sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and swimwear. Also pack any necessary motion sickness medication for ferry rides and winding roads, and a light jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors.

The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the most pleasant weather (20-28°C) for exploring both countries, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Summers (June-August) are very hot (30-40°C), especially inland and on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and attract the largest crowds, particularly to the Greek islands. Winter (November-March) is cooler, quieter, and can be ideal for city exploration, though some island services may be limited.

From Athens Airport (ATH): Take the Metro Line 3 (blue line) directly to Syntagma Square (~40 min, €9) or the X95 express bus to Syntagma Square (~60 min, €5.50). From Istanbul Airport (IST): Use the M11 metro line to Kağıthane (then transfer to M7 to Mecidiyeköy) or take a Havaist shuttle bus directly to various city centers like Taksim Square or Sultanahmet (~60-90 min, ₺170-200). Taxis are also available but more expensive in both cities.

Both Greece and Turkey primarily use Type F and Type C electrical outlets. These are characterized by two round pins, with Type F also having two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. Travelers from countries with different plug types (e.g., US, UK, Australia) will need to bring a universal travel adapter.