Rome to Istanbul: through Italy, Greece and Turkey
Explore the wonders of Italy, Greece and Turkey in this 16-day journey over land and sea. See the ancient icons of Rome, see where democracy began in Athens, experience the collision of East and West in Istanbul.
From £1820 (Maximum group size 14)
Greentraveller's Travel Advice: Enjoy views of stunning landscapes when you avoid flying by starting and finishing this exciting overland holiday with train journeys from the UK.
>> For full details, see: Train from London to Rome
>> For full details, see: Train from Istanbul to London
Overview of this Overland Holiday from Rome to Istanbul
See the icons of the Eternal City, visit the home of pizza, and frolic in the Aegean Sea. Discover the old capital of the civilised world, sip ouzo in Santorini and experience the colour and calamity of Istanbul. Relish the freedom to plan your days as you please, mingle with locals along the way and indulge in an array of delicious foods. Summary Itinerary The start point 'Hotel Bianca' is located minutes from the Termini station which connects to many European destinations. All rooms are non-smoking and have air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, satellite tv and safety deposit box at the front desk.
Day 1 Rome: See Michelangelo's handiwork inside the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or meet the locals in a piazza-side cafe.
Days 2-3 Naples: The birthplace of pizza is raucous, unruly and, above all, fun. Visit the street markets, spend a day in nearby Pompeii or head down the Amalfi Coast to the playgrounds of the rich and famous.
Day 4 Bari/ Overnight Ferry: Catch a train to Bari and board a ferry to Greece.
Days 5-6 Corfu: Cool off in the sparkling waters and feast on the day's freshest catch. Perhaps hike to Mt Pantokrator for an outstanding view.
Days 7-8 Athens: Discover the birthplace of Western democracy and experience a collision between ancient and modern cultures.
Days 9-10 Santorini: Take a ferry to an island paradise. Find a good spot to see the sunset and end the day with a glass of ouzo or two at a local tavern.
Day 11 Mykonos: Fill up on some of Greece's best gyros or check out the island's popular beaches. This island has a holiday vibe like no other.
Days 12-13 Lesvos: Known as the Emerald Island, Lesvos is home to over 11 million olive trees, a scattering of coastal resorts and a fascinating fossilised forest.
Day 14 Ayvalik: Take a ferry to a Turkish town settled comfortably on the Aegean coast. Stay overnight in a traditional pension.
Days 15-16 Istanbul: Experience the colour and chaos of the Grand Bazaar, stroll through the dusty backstreets of Sultanahmet and perhaps conclude the adventure with a final Turkish feast.
What price includes
- Trip accompanied by a group leader
- Hotels (12 nights) & Guesthouse (1 night)
- Overnight ferry (2 nights)
- Travel by ferry, train , bus and by foot
- No meals are included so we can chose to eat locally
- Carbon emissions offset: 522 kgs per person
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hotel Bianca, Rome
Rome Stazione Termini Train Station
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Rome Stazioni Termini Station is a 5-10 minute walk or a 2 minute taxi ride from the start point 'Hotel Bianca' on Via Volturno.
How to get there:
Train from London to Rome
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Intrepid is currently contracting a great new hotel in a central and convenient location in Istanbul. Please check the detailed itinerary for details.
Istanbul's Sirkeci station
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
How to get back:
Train from Istanbul to London
