Planning to take a combined trip to Greece and Turkey and don’t know where to start? Many travelers wonder if it’s possible to visit both in one itinerary. After planning this exact route myself, I found that these two countries fit surprisingly well together.
Greece is all about sun-soaked islands, whitewashed towns, and ancient ruins perched above the sea. Turkey offers something totally different, from the colorful markets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.
This 14-day Greece and Turkey travel itinerary will help you see the highlights of both, from top destinations to travel tips and more.
Can I Do Greece and Turkey Together in One Trip?
Yes, and I actually highly recommend it. Turkey and Greece are closer together than many people realize. Frequent flights and ferries connecting the two make it easy to hit both in one trip.
14-Day Greece and Turkey Itinerary
Days 1–2: Athens
Start your trip in Athens. Greece’s historic capital is home to the Acropolis, Parthenon, and lively neighborhoods like Plaka. Spend your first day exploring the city’s ancient ruins and landmarks.
On your second day, visit the Ancient Agora and Temple of Olympian Zeus. End your day with sunset views on Lycabettus Hill before heading to the islands.
Top things to do in Athens
- Acropolis and Parthenon
- Acropolis Museum
- Plaka neighborhood
- Ancient Agora
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Lycabettus Hill for sunset views
TIP: PLEASE make sure you buy tickets for popular attractions in advance – especially the Acropolis and Parthenon. The last time I was in Athens, I saw so many people turned away because they didn’t plan ahead.
Days 3–5: Santorini
From Athens, fly or take a ferry to Santorini, one of the most famous Greek islands. Spend your first afternoon exploring Fira, the island’s main town, with its cliffside paths and caldera views.
On day four, visit Oia for its iconic blue-domed churches and postcard sunsets (you may even want to do a sunset cruise). Day five is perfect for a boat tour of the volcanic islands, a winery visit, or relaxing on Santorini’s unique black-sand beaches.
The top places to stay in Santorini are Fira, Oia, or Perissa (near the black sand beaches). I chose Perissa for easy beach access and a quieter atmosphere. This area also has excellent hotels at more affordable prices.
Top things to do in Santorini
- Oia village and sunset – Arrive early because it gets BUSY.
- Fira town and caldera views
- Boat tour to the volcanic islands
- Santorini wineries – Santo Wines was my favorite!
- Red Beach and Perissa Beach
- Ancient site of Akrotiri
Days 6–7: Mykonos or Naxos
From Santorini, take a ferry to your next island stop. Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, stylish beach clubs, and whitewashed alleys in Mykonos Town. Naxos offers a quieter, more traditional experience with golden-sand beaches, local tavernas, and ancient ruins.
Personally, I preferred to end my time in Greece in Naxos, but either option works well with this itinerary.
Note: Mykonos is pricier and has more of an “influencer” vibe during peak season. Use my Greek Island Comparison Guide to help you decide which islands are best for you!
Top things to do in Mykonos
- Wander Mykonos Town’s winding alleys
- Visit the famous windmills
- Beach day at Psarou or Paradise Beach
- Sunset from Little Venice
- Boat trip to the Delos archaeological site
Top things to do in Naxos
- Relax on Agios Prokopios or Plaka Beach
- Explore Naxos Town (Chora)
- Visit the Portara (Temple of Apollo)
- Drive to mountain villages like Halki and Apiranthos
- Hike Mount Zas, the highest point in the Cyclades
Days 8–10: Istanbul
Fly from Mykonos or Naxos (via Athens) to Istanbul. Flights are usually the fastest and most convenient option, taking about 1–2 hours from Athens. Ferries do run from some Greek islands to the Turkish coast, but they’re not practical for reaching Istanbul.
Spend your first evening in Turkey settling in and exploring Sultanahmet Square. The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque light up beautifully at night – don’t miss this!
Use the next two days to explore Istanbul’s highlights. Start with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern in the historic center, then wander through the Grand Bazaar for endless stalls of spices, textiles, and souvenirs. Take a ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side for a different perspective of the city, or visit the opulent Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace.
Make sure to try local cuisine like meze, kebabs, and baklava. I highly recommend prioritizing local family-run restaurants as the food is usually top-notch. Turkish coffee is also excellent and worth trying.
Top things to do in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapi Palace
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Bosphorus ferry ride to the Asian side
Days 11–12: Cappadocia
Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir airports). Spend your first afternoon visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum and exploring the fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley.
On your second day, take an early morning hot air balloon ride for panoramic views of the valleys – do not skip this! This is a must-do for anyone traveling to Cappadocia.
You can also explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, or hike through Ihlara Valley or Rose Valley.
Top things to do in Cappadocia
- Hot air balloon ride at sunrise
- Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Pasabag (Monks Valley)
- Underground cities (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli)
- Sunset at Red or Rose Valley
Day 13: Ephesus or Coastal Turkey
From Cappadocia, fly to Izmir to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. This well-preserved archaeological site is home to the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and marble streets that date back thousands of years. A half-day is enough to explore the main ruins before enjoying a relaxed evening nearby in Selçuk or Kusadasi.
If you’d rather end your trip with more beach time, visit the Turkish coast instead. Bodrum and Fethiye both offer crystal-clear waters, lively harbors, and plenty of seaside cafes.
How to decide: If you are tired and ready to relax, head to the coast. If you are interested in history, I urge you to visit Ephesus – it truly is remarkable.
Top things to do in Ephesus
- Library of Celsus
- Great Theatre of Ephesus
- House of the Virgin Mary (nearby)
Top things to do on the Turkish Coast
- Bodrum Castle and marina
- Fethiye’s Ölüdeniz Beach and Blue Lagoon
Day 14: Return to Istanbul
Fly home (or to the next leg of your trip) from Izmir, Bodrum, or Dalaman (depending on where you ended your trip) via Istanbul.
If you have an overnight layover in Istanbul, I recommend staying in the Sultanahmet or Karaköy areas. Both are about 45–60 minutes from the airport by taxi, so keep this in mind if you have an early morning flight.
Only Have 10 Days? Here’s How to Adjust the Itinerary
If you’re short on time, focus on just one or two destinations in each country.
Start with Athens for a full day, then head straight to either Santorini or Mykonos for two to three days. From there, fly to Istanbul for three days, and finish with Cappadocia or the Turkish coast.
For a 10-day Turkey and Greece itinerary, reducing the number of stops will help you waste less time in transit.
Travel Tips for Visiting Both Countries
- You may consider Turkey and Greece tour packages that include flights, ferries, and guided excursions. This is a good option if you are traveling with a group.
- A Greece and Turkey cruise is also an option. This may be worth considering if members of your group cannot walk long distances.
- Bring some euros (for Greece) and Turkish lira (for Turkey), although many places accept credit cards.
- Pack modest clothing for visiting religious sites, particularly in Turkey, where mosques require covered shoulders and knees. If visiting during the summer, I usually pack a long skirt and a short-sleeved shirt, which is sufficient for most places.
- Check visa requirements for Turkey before you go. Many travelers can apply online for an e-visa in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far is Greece from Turkey?
Greece and Turkey are separated by the Aegean Sea, with distances ranging from just a few miles to everal hundred.
Athens to Istanbul is about 350 miles (563 km) by air, with direct flights taking roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. The shortest route is between the Greek island of Kos and the Turkish resort town of Bodrum, just 3 miles apart and about 20 minutes by ferry.
When is the Best Time to Visit Greece and Turkey?
The best time to visit Greece and Turkey is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). This time of year offers warm, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the busy summer months.
I recommend deciding whether or not you plan to spend time on the beach. If not, you can be more flexible with your travel dates.
How to Travel Between Greece and Turkey
The most common way to travel between Greece and Turkey is by air. Direct flights connect Athens and Istanbul in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. I typically prefer a short flight over a full day of traveling by ferry.
Ferries operate between several Greek islands and the Turkish coast, such as Kos to Bodrum or Rhodes to Marmaris, but these routes are best if you plan to explore coastal towns on both sides.
How Many Days Do You Need in Greece and Turkey?
To see highlights in both countries, plan for at least 12 to 14 days. This gives you enough time to visit one or two destinations in each country.
If you only have a week to 10 days, focus on fewer stops and prioritize the places that interest you most.
I recommend creating a “must-do” list and a “would like to do” list, and planning your trip around that.