10 Days Greece & Turkey Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day journey through Greece and Turkey, experiencing the best of both worlds. From the historical wonders of Athens and the breathtaking beauty of Santorini and Mykonos to the captivating allure of Istanbul, this trip promises an unforgettable adventure.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1800-2500
Best Time
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
60
Daily Avg
USD215/day
Cities
Athens (2d), Mykonos (1d), Santorini (2d), Mykonos (1d), Istanbul (4d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Explore iconic Greek islands and delve into the rich heritage of Istanbul, creating unforgettable memories.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 1: Acropolis Visit
Island Hopping
Day 2: Ferry to Mykonos
Sunset Views
Day 3: Little Venice Sunset View
Local Cuisine
Day 2: Try Souvlaki
Beaches
Day 3: Beach Time at Paradise or Super Paradise Beach
Shopping
Day 9: Grand Bazaar
Cultural Immersion
e.g., Greek Dancing Show, Turkish Cooking Class
Religious Sites
Day 8: Blue Mosque
Nightlife
e.g., Mykonos Beach Clubs, Athens Rooftop Bars
Boat Tours
Day 10: Bosphorus Cruise
Photography
Day 5: Photograph Santorini's Caldera
Museums
e.g., Acropolis Museum, Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
Greek and Turkish cuisine offer a vibrant tapestry of flavors, blending fresh Mediterranean ingredients with rich spices and time-honored culinary traditions. Expect generous portions, communal dining, and a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. From savory mezes to decadent desserts, there's something to delight every palate.
Must-Try Dishes
Grilled meat (pork, chicken, or lamb) on a skewer, often served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and fries. A classic Greek street food.
๐ Street food vendors, tavernas, restaurants throughout Greece
A layered baked dish with eggplant, potatoes, minced meat (usually lamb), and a creamy bรฉchamel sauce. A hearty and satisfying meal.
๐ Tavernas, restaurants specializing in Greek cuisine
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Variations exist in both countries.
๐ Bakeries, pastry shops, restaurants
Various types of grilled or roasted meat dishes. Adana kebab is spicy ground lamb, while Iskender kebab features thinly sliced dรถner meat served on pita bread with tomato sauce and yogurt.
๐ Restaurants, kebab houses, street food vendors
Food Neighborhoods
Traditional tavernas and souvenir shops
Street food, cafes, and vibrant nightlife
Known for its pistachios and rich culinary heritage
Seafood restaurants and waterfront dining
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially meze. Vegan options may require more searching or specifying. Halal meat is readily available in Turkey, but less so in Greece; inquire beforehand. Common allergens to be aware of include nuts (especially in desserts), dairy, and gluten (in bread and pastries). Clearly communicate any allergies to your server.
Greeks and Turks are generally warm and hospitable. Tipping is customary (around 10%) for good service. It's polite to try a little of everything offered when dining with a group. Be mindful of noise levels in quieter restaurants. In Turkey, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
Istanbul Tulip Festival
AprilCelebrates the blooming of tulips with displays across Istanbul.
Greek Easter
April/MayMajor religious holiday with processions and celebrations. Expect closures and higher prices.
Oil Wrestling Festival
JuneTraditional Turkish wrestling competition.
๐ฃ๏ธInteresting Detours & Side Trips
- ๐ถMetro Line 2 to Acropoli station.$25
10:00 AM - Acropolis Visit
Explore the iconic Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalking distance from Acropolis.$20
01:00 PM - Lunch in Plaka
Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in the charming Plaka district, known for its tavernas and shops.
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- ๐ถWalking distance from Plaka.$15
02:30 PM - Ancient Agora & Museum
Discover the Ancient Agora, the center of Athenian public life, and visit the museum to see artifacts found on the site.
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalking distance from Ancient Agora.FREE
05:00 PM - Monastiraki Flea Market
Wander through the Monastiraki flea market, browsing for souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts.
Book on Klook - ๐ถLocated in Monastiraki square.$25
07:00 PM - Dinner in Monastiraki
Enjoy dinner with a view of the Acropolis at one of the rooftop restaurants in Monastiraki.
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Plaka or Monastiraki
Central locations with easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and shops.
๐ Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The weather is generally sunny with comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Rainfall is infrequent, making it a great time to visit.
Spring and Autumn offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the summer peak season.
Religious holidays like Easter (Greek Orthodox Easter is often later than Western Easter) and Ramadan can affect opening hours and availability.
Getting Around
Istanbul has metro, tram, and ferries; intercity buses are reliable
Istanbulkart
Get an Istanbulkart for all Istanbul transit including ferries. Use BiTaksi for taxis.
Travel
USD 250-400Accommodation
USD 60-100 per nightFood
USD 40-60 per dayActivities
USD 30-50 per dayUtilize public transportation like buses and ferries to save on travel costs.
Consider staying in guesthouses or budget-friendly hotels outside the main tourist areas.
Eat at local tavernas and street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
- Purchase a local SIM card for easy communication and data access.
- Learn a few basic Greek and Turkish phrases.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping in markets.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Pack light, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
- Download offline maps for navigation.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- 1Lightweight clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Sunscreen
- 4Hat
- 5Swimsuit
Visa Requirements
Check visa requirements for your nationality for both Greece (Schengen Area) and Turkey well in advance. Some nationalities may require an e-Visa for Turkey.
Flights and Accommodation
Book international and domestic flights, as well as accommodation, at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak season or to popular islands/cities like Santorini, Mykonos, or Istanbul.
Ferry Tickets (Greek Islands)
Book ferry tickets for popular routes (e.g., Athens to Santorini/Mykonos) a few months ahead, especially if traveling in July-August, as they can sell out.
Popular Tours and Attractions
Secure tickets for high-demand attractions like the Acropolis in Athens, Hagia Sophia/Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, or Cappadocia hot air balloon rides 1-2 months in advance to ensure availability and avoid long queues.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. This is a non-negotiable essential.
eSIM/International Roaming
Arrange your mobile connectivity prior to arrival. Activating an eSIM online before you depart can save time and ensure you have data as soon as you land.
Currency Exchange / Bank Notification
Notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent your cards from being blocked. Research exchange rates and consider carrying some local currency for immediate expenses.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details โ such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options โ closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
๐ Airalo app or website
๐ Vodafone stores at airports or city centers
๐ Turkcell stores at airports or city centers
๐ Online rental with airport pickup/delivery
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in both Greece and Turkey. Public WiFi hotspots are also increasingly common in major cities, but the speed and reliability can vary. Check with your accommodation for their WiFi policy.
Useful Apps
Consider an eSIM for convenience upon arrival. Physical SIM cards can be cheaper but require more effort to acquire. Pocket WiFi offers unlimited data but adds extra equipment to carry. Check roaming charges with your current provider, but local SIMs are generally more cost-effective. Download offline maps and translation packs before you go.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10โ15% at restaurants
Round up to nearest TRY 5โ10
TRY 20โ50 per bag
Tipping is customary. Leave 5โ10% at casual restaurants, 10โ15% at upscale ones.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Greece and Turkey are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
155
112
110
156
Call 112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash useful at bazaars and small shops
Widely accepted in cities and tourist areas
Growing rapidly
Cards accepted in most places. Carry Turkish lira for markets and small vendors.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and rainy.
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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Trip Summary
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