As you approach Symi by boat, the first sight that greets you is a picturesque scene of brightly colored little houses, a far cry from the luxurious whitewashed buildings of Santorini or Mykonos.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a land of myth, history, and stunning natural beauty.

Santorini is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway, and it's a great place to spend Valentine's Day.

The Greek islands are a paradise for travelers, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

The Athenian Riviera has it all: Centuries-old historic sites, stunning geological formations, big city life, and great beaches.Good To KnowAthens itself is great for a trip even during winter, with crowds being smaller, wait times to the sights shorter, and mild temperatures.

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens, the Greek capital, has many incredible places to visit.

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a beautiful island located in the Ionian Sea in western Greece.

Santorini, the iconic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings, and deep blue waters.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes of Turkey and Greece! 🇹🇷🇬🇷 From ancient ruins and bustling cities to serene beaches and picturesque villages, this guide will help you explore the best of both countries.Stops along TurkeyIstanbulBegin your adventure in Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents and is brimming with history, culture, and delicious food.SightsHagia Sophia: Marvel at this architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing stunning mosaics and a vast dome.Topkapi Palace: Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, with its beautiful courtyards, treasury, and harem.Blue Mosque: Admire the intricate blue tile work of this historic mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.Grand Bazaar: Get lost in one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, offering everything from spices to jewelry.Cappadocia (1.5-hour flight from Istanbul)Next, head to Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides.SightsGoreme Open-Air Museum: Discover ancient cave churches adorned with beautiful frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Hot Air Balloon Ride: Float over the stunning landscape of fairy chimneys and valleys at sunrise.Kaymakli Underground City: Explore this extensive subterranean city, which provided refuge during times of invasion.Uchisar Castle: Climb to the top of this rock fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia.Pamukkale (1-hour flight from Cappadocia)Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is famous for its white travertine terraces and ancient ruins.SightsTravertine Terraces: Walk on the surreal white terraces filled with thermal waters, a natural wonder.Hierapolis: Explore the ruins of this ancient Roman spa city, including a well-preserved theater and the Necropolis.Cleopatra’s Pool: Swim in this thermal pool surrounded by ancient columns, rumored to have been visited by Cleopatra herself.Pamukkale Antique Pool: Enjoy a dip in these hot springs with submerged Roman ruins.Ephesus (2.5-hour drive from Pamukkale)Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.SightsLibrary of Celsus: Admire this iconic structure, once home to thousands of scrolls and a symbol of Ephesus.Great Theatre: Stand in awe of this massive ancient theater that could hold up to 25,000 spectators.Temple of Artemis: Visit the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.House of the Virgin Mary: A pilgrimage site believed to be the last residence of Mary, mother of Jesus.Stops along GreeceAthens (1-hour flight from Izmir, near Ephesus)Begin your Greek adventure in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and home to iconic ancient landmarks.SightsAcropolis: Explore this ancient citadel, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.Acropolis Museum: View artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis in this modern, beautifully designed museum.Plaka District: Wander through this charming neighborhood with its narrow streets, shops, and tavernas.Ancient Agora: Discover the heart of ancient Athens, with ruins of temples, stoas, and the impressive Stoa of Attalos.Santorini (45-minute flight from Athens)Fly to the stunning island of Santorini, known for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and breathtaking sunsets.SightsOia: Watch the sunset from this picturesque village, famous for its blue-domed churches and stunning views.Fira: Explore the bustling capital with its narrow streets, shops, and cafes perched on the caldera’s edge.Akrotiri: Visit this ancient Minoan city, preserved by volcanic ash, often called the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”Red Beach: Relax on this unique beach with its striking red volcanic sand and cliffs.Crete (2-hour ferry from Santorini)Travel to Crete, Greece’s largest island, known for its diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture.SightsKnossos Palace: Explore the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, believed to be the center of Minoan civilization.Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Discover one of the most important museums in Greece, housing artifacts from the Minoan civilization.Samaria Gorge: Hike through this spectacular gorge, one of the longest in Europe, with stunning scenery and wildlife.Rethymno Old Town: Wander through this charming town with its Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and lively harbor.Rhodes (1-hour flight from Crete)Finally, visit Rhodes, an island known for its medieval architecture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches.SightsRhodes Old Town: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval walls, Palace of the Grand Master, and cobbled streets.Lindos Acropolis: Climb to the top of this ancient site for panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscape.Butterfly Valley: Visit this lush valley, home to thousands of butterflies during the summer months.Prasonisi: Experience this unique spot where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.Good to KnowLanguage: Turkish is the official language of Turkey, and Greek is the official language of Greece.

The Peloponnese is a stunning region in southern Greece, filled with ancient ruins, picturesque villages, stunning coastlines, and delicious cuisine.

Corfu is a beautiful island located in the Ionian Sea, off the coast of Greece.

Milos, also known as Melos, is a Greek island that is known worldwide for its beaches.

Paros is one of the quieter Cyclades islands and still has everything you could wish for from a trip to the Greek islands.

Kos is a Greek island located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, close to the coast of Turkey.

Mykonos, located in Greece's Agean Sea, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a combination of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and charming traditional architecture.

A hidden gem in the Aegean Sea, Chalkidiki is a destination that captures the essence of Greece.

Welcome to Kefalonia, a dazzling gem in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.

Oia or Ia is a small village and former community in the South Aegean on the islands of Thira (Santorini) and Therasia, in the Cyclades, Greece.

Firá is the modern capital of the Greek Aegean island of Santorini (Thera).

Kamari is a coastal village on the southeastern part of the Aegean island of Santorini, Greece, in the Cyclades archipelago with a population of approx.

Imerovigli is a village on the island of Santorini, Greece, situated north of the island capital Fira.

Perissa is a village on the island of Santorini, Greece.

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos.

Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea.

Chora or Hora, officially Ios, is the capital town of Ios Island in Greece and is the largest settlement on the island.

The island of Delos, near Mykonos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece.

Piraeus is a port city within the Athens urban area, in the Attica region of Greece.

Kythnos, commonly called Thermia, is a Greek island and municipality in the Western Cyclades between Kea and Serifos.

Sifnos is an island municipality in the Cyclades island group in Greece.

Serifos is a Greek island municipality in the Aegean Sea, located in the western Cyclades, south of Kythnos and northwest of Sifnos.

Naxos is a Greek island and the largest of the Cyclades.

Sitia is a port town and a municipality in Lasithi, Crete, Greece.

The Lasithi Plateau, sometimes spelt Lassithi Plateau, is a high endorheic plateau, located in the Lasithi regional unit in eastern Crete, Greece.

Matala is a village located 75 km south-west of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Chania, also spelled Hania, is a city in Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit.

Heraklion or Herakleion, sometimes Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion regional unit.

Plakias is a village on the south coast of the Greek island of Crete, in the Rethymno regional unit, about 21 kilometres south of the city of Rethymno.