Greece & the Republic of Türkiye
A UNESCO Luxury Tour
Explore the ancient wonders of Greece and Turkey on this UNESCO luxury tour by Ker & Downey. From Zagori and Meteora in Greece, to Cappadocia and Troy in Turkey, natural and cultural treasures abound on this two-week private tour.
Athens
Your UNESCO luxury tour first begins in Athens, the ancient capital of Greece. Should time allow, we recommend setting out on a privately guided tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum upon arrival. Alternatively, visit the National Archaeological Museum, considered one of the greatest museums in the world with its rich collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity, worldwide.
Zagori
Next, continue your private tour of Greece in Zagori, a UNESCO-protected area of immense natural beauty. From your mountain resort, tour Ioannina with your guide, and walk from Kokori Bridge to Plakidas Bridge. The beautiful villages of Dilofo, Megalo, and Mikro are indeed highlights, as is a soak in the natural rock pools of Rokovo.
Metsovo
Your UNESCO luxury tour then moves to Metsovo for two nights. En route, stop at the Oxia viewpoint for a glimpse of the breathtaking Vikos Gorge. You will also enjoy a private truffle hunting experience with an expert truffle hunter. Your luxury mountaintop accommodations in Epirus place you within easy reach of the Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. An optional hike to the lesser-known parts of Meteora can also be arranged. Finally, explore Metsovo with your private guide, and taste the delicacies of the region during a cheese tasting and a special wine tasting and dinner at a local winery.
Cappadocia UNESCO Luxury Tour
After Meteora, continue your UNESCO luxury tour in Turkey, or the Republic of Türkiye, traveling to Cappadocia via Istanbul. Immediately enjoy a private tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its famous “fairy chimneys.” You will also explore the Goreme Open Air Museum with its rock-cut churches and 10th century frescoes.
Of course, you will also have a chance to experience a hot air balloon ride to see Cappadocia from above. Additional highlights during your time here include a traditional pottery demonstration in Avanos, a tour of Kaymakli Underground City, and a lunch with a local family in their home.
Kusadasi
Fly onward to the coast to continue your UNESCO private tour at Ephesus. Enter through the Magnesia Gate, and explore this Roman provincial capital with your guide. Witness the Odeon, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and the Grand Theater. Also visit the Terrace Houses, the finest examples of Roman domestic life in the world. Next, stop at the Ephesus Museum, followed by the Temple of Artemis, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
Ayvalik & Canakkale
Travel to Pergamum, with its acropolis and Great Theatre, considered the steepest in the ancient world. Additionally, visit the Red Basilica and the Asclepion, the famous medical center of antiquity. After an overnight in Ayvalik, tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy as well as the ancient city of Assos. The Archaeological Site of Troy has 4,000 years of history. Assos, in the meantime, is where the Apostle Paul rejoined his companions after walking across the headland.
Istanbul
Finally, conclude your UNESCO private tour in Istanbul, driving through the beautiful Dardanelles en route. Upon arrival in Istanbul, visit the Spice Market and the Egyptian Bazaar, famous for selling the best spices in Istanbul. An entire day is dedicated to touring the main highlights of the city and its many UNESCO treasures. This includes the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome, once the site of a Roman circus that rivaled the Colosseum. Later on, peruse through the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered marketplace in the world.
Book a UNESCO Private Tour with Ker & Downey
Interested in seeing the ancient wonders of Meteora, Cappadocia, Ephesus, or Troy? Your Ker & Downey designer can help you craft your own custom UNESCO luxury tour that encompasses all you wish to experience. Contact a Ker & Downey Travel Professional to begin planning, and read more about seasonality and pricing in Southern Europe. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.