2-Night Independent Athens Experience from Istanbul with Round-Trip Flights

Your 2-night independent Athens trip includes return flights from Istanbul, airport transfers, plus two nights’ accommodation at a 3-, 4- or 5-star central Athens hotel. A 24-hour ticket for the city’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour, plus two breakfasts are also included, but other meals and drinks, and additional activities, are at your own expense.

Day 1: Istanbul - Athens
Begin with a transfer from your European-side Istanbul hotel to Istanbul International Airport. After your 1.5-hour flight, enjoy a transfer from Athens International Airport to your central hotel.
Check in and enjoy some free time to discover Greece’s atmospheric capital. Perhaps shop for souvenirs and ease into Greek culture with a coffee near Syntagma Square, home to the Parliament Building and National Gardens. Later, select from Athens’ many restaurants for dinner (own expense) where you can enjoy local staples such as moussaka (aubergine-and-meat bake).

Overnight: 3-star Hotel Arethusa or similar; 4-star Hotel Athenian Callirhoe or similar; or 5-star Hotel Njv Athens Plaza or similar in Athens

Day 2: Athens (B)
After breakfast, enjoy the day at your leisure. Either look around under your own steam or make the most of your 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket.
Hop off at any of the 15 stops to experience stellar sights such as the Temple of Zeus, Panathenian Stadium and the Changing of the Guard at Parliament House. Be sure to hop off at the city’s main must-see — the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire its stunning ancient buildings, including the Parthenon, Propylaea gateway and Temple of Athena Nike, and perhaps finish at the nearby Agora, once ancient Athens’ commercial hub.
Learn about Athens' history from the fascinating onboard audio commentary, and perhaps stay on the bus for the full 1.5-hour (red route) circuit for panoramic city views.
In the evening maybe head for the district of Plaka – the Old Town – where the lanes buzz with tavernas and bars. Enjoy dinner wherever you choose and perhaps finish at a lively bar or club.
Overnight: 3-star Hotel Arethusa or similar; 4-star Hotel Athenian Callirhoe or similar; or 5-star Hotel Njv Athens Plaza or similar in Athens

Day 3: Athens (B)
After breakfast, check out and enjoy a transfer to Athens Airport. Return by air to Istanbul, where your trip ends with a transfer to your European-side hotel.