Wings Over Greece & Turkey

Arrive in Athens, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner.

This morning, set out on a foodie walking exploration of Athens, visiting some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and experiencing its charming streets, street food and traditional dishes for a lively Chef’s Table outing. Devote your afternoon to leisure, perhaps exploring on your own. Later, explore the Parthenon and its museum, and then savor an A&K-exclusive dinner at a 19th-century private townhouse located on the oldest street in Europe. If the night is warm, dine on the rooftop to take in views of the illuminated Acropolis.

Board your private aircraft for the short flight to Crete. On arrival, enjoy lunch before visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, viewing items collected from across the island that date back 5,500 years and offer glimpses into the ancient Minoan civilization. Afterward, proceed to your hotel.

Explore the Palace of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. As you do, learn more about the Minoans, the people who built the palace sometime in the 17th century BC and who were named by historians for the mythical King Minos, remembered for constructing the labyrinth that imprisoned the monstrous Minotaur. After lunch at a Cretan winery, return to your hotel to enjoy its many amenities.

Today, set out on an exhilarating off-road safari to absorb fun information about Greek mythology as well as breathtaking views. Visit a local village and take in majestic vistas over Mirabello Bay. Journey to the plateau of Katharo, along winding dirt tracks, passing through the biggest forest on the island where the mountains soar to nearly 5,000 feet above the sea, perhaps stopping at a kafenio (café) for a refreshment. Later, wind down the mountainside to another plateau, where you savor an al fresco barbecue lunch served with wine. Continue along roads that can only be accessed by four-wheel- drive vehicle, crossing rivers and rugged terrain as you journey to the village of Krassi. Head back to your hotel, passing en route through the Selinari, an area noted for endangered vultures, which you may spot soaring overhead.

Depart for Turkey this morning on an illuminating day trip made possible by privately chartered flights. Touch down in Izmir, where you visit the ruins of ancient Ephesus, some of the most well-preserved remains of an ancient civilization anywhere in the world. Founded in the fourth century BC, the city has at times been ruled by the Persians and the Romans as well as the Greeks. It was home to Saint Paul for more than three years, and it was here that he established the church that became the head of the Seven Churches in Asia Minor. After your exploration of this history-laden site, with its ruins of temples, roads, baths, fountains and far more, re-board your aircraft and continue to Cappadocia.

Lift off on a hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia and explore the area’s volcanic stone “fairy chimneys.” Break for lunch while taking in views of the incredible Cappadocian landscape. Afterward, visit a pottery in Avanos to learn how the region’s renowned earthenware is created and observe master potters at their craft. Next, on an A&K-exclusive experience, enjoy private, after-hours access to the rock-carved churches of Goreme, and discover the stunningly restored Dark Church.

Explore one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities, which date to as early as the eighth century BC and include chapels, kitchens, air vents and living quarters carved out of volcanic rock. Then, get to know the Goreme Weavers Association on an engaging artisan visit. Next, meet with a local family and join them for lunch in their home. This afternoon, fly by private charter to Istanbul and settle into your luxuriously appointed hotel.

Rise early for a private, before-hours opening of the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum. See the Basilica Cistern, with its marble columns still standing since the sixth century, and then continue to the timeless Hagia Sophia. Marvel at the structure’s imposing façade, matched only by the grandeur of its towering, vaulted ceilings. Next, explore Suleymaniye Mosque and take in other highlights of the city, from the Golden Horn to the Hippodrome. This evening, privately cruise the glittering Bosphorus, toasting its beauty with a Scenic Sundowner.

Discover the marvels of Topkapi Palace and its harem, and then proceed to the Grand Bazaar, where you have lunch at a craftsman’s eatery. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

This morning, set out to explore the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace. Then, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Ferry to the Asian side of the City, strolling its vibrant food markets and staying for lunch. Explore Cultural Istanbul at the Pera Museum, the Galata shopping district and Karakoy’s coffeehouses. Indulge in a Historic Hammam Experience or simply relax in the spa at your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure, leaving you free to explore the city on your own. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.