Turkey and Greece Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect 10-Day Trip

The Republic of Turkey and the Hellenic Republic neighbor each other; however, each country is a totally different experience. In 10 days, one may travel around both countries, but it is possible only in case of a smooth itinerary where every transfer has its meaning. The first-timers usually have a lot of places on their itinerary and spend half of the time at airports and ports. The well-established Turkey Tours use less bases and more days of staying, and the same method can be applied to the self-made itinerary.

First of all, choose your season. April, May, September, and October are the perfect months to visit because temperatures will be nice and sites will not be overcrowded. During July and August, the weather can exceed 35 degrees Celsius and the Acropolis will become difficult to appreciate past midday. Ferry boats depart from Kusadasi to the island of Santorini from October to May only a few times per week, while in November-March some hotels will be closed.

How to Split the 10 Days

The itinerary is Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Athens, and Santorini in that sequence. Six days will be spent in Turkey while four will be in Greece due to greater distance and wider distribution of attractions in Turkey. Istanbul and Cappadocia are located at a distance of more than 700 km and thus a flight would be the only option. The trip will be relatively easier in case of Greece where Athens and Greek Islands are connected via shorter flights. Plans often include Pamukkale but a tourism site estimates the journey from Pamukkale to Samos in over five hours. Leave it for next time.

Days 1 to 5: Istanbul and Cappadocia

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Days 1 to 3 should be spent in Istanbul. Istanbul Airport is 50 kilometers away from the historical part of Istanbul, so it takes almost an hour to get there. The idea is to arrive at your hotel before lunch and not stress the first night too much. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern are all located next to each other in Sultanahmet. These can be visited on Day 2, starting early because lines are building up fast after 10 a.m. Also, all mosques require covered shoulders and knees, and a scarf for ladies.

Use Day 3 for a Bosphorus ferry ride, the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and Topkapi Palace is usually closed on Tuesdays, so check the days before you fix the order. Turkey uses the lira, and Greece uses the euro. Cards work in most shops, but small stalls and tea houses often prefer cash.

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On Day 4, fly to Cappadocia. The flight takes about 80 minutes to Kayseri or Nevsehir, and the road transfer to Goreme adds 40 to 70 minutes. Hot air balloons rise at sunrise and fly for about an hour, but wind cancels many trips. Keep Day 5 open as a backup date. Use the rest of that day for the Goreme Open Air Museum, with its rock churches, and the Derinkuyu underground city, which has several levels below the ground.

Days 6 to 10: Ephesus, Athens and Santorini

Day 6 will see you flying to Izmir. Since there are few direct flights available, it is advisable to find out their schedules well in advance and be prepared for a stopover at Istanbul. It will take you about one hour to get to Selcuk from where you can reach Ephesus after a little drive. Make sure that you get there on time since tour groups start arriving after noon. Do not forget to visit the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre capable of accommodating around 25,000 spectators, and Terrace Houses requiring separate tickets.

On day 7, board a ferry from Kusadasi to Samos. This journey takes about 30 to 90 minutes depending on the port of departure and the company operating the vessel. Costs range from €30 to €45 depending on whether you are traveling one way. Get to the port early to undergo passport screening procedures. From here, board a flight to Athens, a one hour journey. Ensure there is an interval of at least three hours between the two, because being late for the ferry means missing your seat. Some people find a Turkey & Greece travel package better.

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Day 8 for Acropolis and its museum. Get there when the gates open in order to avoid the heat and secure a ticket for your visit online. Walk around Plaka afterwards for lunch. Fly to Santorini on day 9. It will take you 45 minutes by plane but five hours by ferry. Explore the caldera trail from Fira to Oia for day 10, which covers 10 km and takes between three to four hours. There are lots of stairs in Oia, therefore, take a backpack with you.

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Entry Rules, Flights and Costs

The conditions for entering both countries are different. Since Greece is included in the Schengen zone while Turkey is not, a Schengen visa does not allow one to enter Turkey. The passports which require an e-visa to enter Turkey vary from those which do not. There has also been some change in the entry system for the Schengen countries in recent times.

The four flights will need to be reserved well in advance since short flights tend to fill up during high demand periods. Note the luggage allowance for each flight since short domestic flights have tighter allowances compared to long flights. Divide your budget among the following three things: flights, ferry, and entry tickets, and hotels. Santorini hotels that are close to the caldera are more expensive than hotels in Athens and should be booked earlier. The two mistakes people often make are the sixth stopover and the time pressure on the ferry day.

Conclusion

Turkey and Greece can be accommodated within 10 days if the travel path is not complicated. The cities of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Athens, and Santorini provide a good balance of historical sights, landscape, and views of the seas without traveling back. Make your flight bookings ahead of time, allow a buffer on the day of the ferry, and ensure that the season is ideal for your selected dates. Check out the visa requirements for your passport prior to making any payments.