Who isn’t captivated by the charm of Greece and Turkey? These two countries have long been on many travelers’ bucket lists, and it’s no wonder why. Just imagine, in one trip, you can enjoy the exotic beauty of Greek islands, then continue exploring historic cities in Turkey. Pretty awesome, right?
The Uniqueness of Greece and Turkey
Greece is a paradise of mythology and ancient history. Here, you’ll be amazed by the remains of ancient civilizations that still stand strong. Not to mention the incredibly blue sea views that make you want to dive right in. Meanwhile, Turkey has its own charm with its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Its magnificent architecture, combined with the friendliness of the locals, makes Turkey a destination not to be missed.
Why visit both countries in one trip
So, why should you combine Greece and Turkey in one trip? The answer is simple: time efficiency and a richer experience! These two countries are close to each other, so you can save time and transportation costs. Plus, you’ll get a more diverse cultural experience in one go. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
Preparation Before Departure
Before we start this exciting adventure, there are a few things that need to be prepared to ensure your journey goes smoothly.
Travel documents
First things first, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the return date. For Indonesian citizens, we need a Schengen visa to enter Greece and a Turkish visa to enter Turkey. The visa process can take time, so start arranging it well in advance!
Best time to visit
When’s the best time to go to Greece and Turkey? It really depends on individual preferences. But if you want comfortable weather and fewer tourists, try coming in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The temperature is still pleasant, not as cold as winter, and not as hot as summer.
Budgeting and saving tips
Talking about budget, a 14-day trip to Greece and Turkey can be quite costly. But don’t worry, here are some tricks to save money:
- Book flight tickets and hotels well in advance
- Look for accommodations with kitchens so you can cook your own meals
- Use public transportation instead of renting a car
- Take advantage of student discounts if you have an international student card
With thorough preparation, you’re ready to start this epic adventure!
Days 1-3: Athens, Greece
Let’s start our journey in the historic city of Athens!
Exploring the Acropolis
On the first day, head straight to the Acropolis! This is the most famous landmark in Athens. Imagine, you’ll be walking around a place that has stood for thousands of years. The majestic Parthenon will surely leave you in awe. Pro tip: come early in the morning to avoid long queues and scorching heat.
Plaka and Monastiraki
After exploring the Acropolis, let’s go down to the Plaka and Monastiraki areas! Here you can feel the charming vibe of old Athens. The streets are narrow, full of cute cafes and souvenir shops. Don’t forget to stop by Monastiraki Square to see the bustling and colorful flea market atmosphere.
National Archaeological Museum
On the third day, it’s time to learn history at the National Archaeological Museum. Here, you’ll find a super comprehensive collection of ancient Greek artifacts. From statues of gods and goddesses to gold jewelry from the Mycenaean era. It’s really exciting!
Days 4-5: Santorini, Greece
Next stop: Santorini! Get ready to fall in love with the beauty of this island.
Enjoying sunset in Oia
Your trip to Santorini wouldn’t be complete without watching the sunset in Oia. Seriously, this will be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. Imagine the view of white houses with blue domes, backdropped by a colorful evening sky. So Instagrammable!
Unique beaches of Santorini
Santorini has several unique beaches. Try visiting Red Beach with its red sand or Black Beach with its black sand. It’s quite different from the beaches we usually see, right?
Local culinary tour
Don’t forget to taste Santorini’s local dishes. Try Fava (a kind of hummus from beans), Tomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), or the refreshing Santorini Salad. And while you’re at it, why not go wine tasting too? Santorini is famous for its delicious white wine.
Days 6-7: Meteora, Greece
Get ready to be amazed by the natural beauty and architecture in Meteora!
Stunning monasteries
Meteora is a place where monasteries are built on top of high rock formations. Seriously, the view is incredible! There are six monasteries that can be visited. Each has its own uniqueness, but the most famous one is the Great Meteoron Monastery. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because this place is super photogenic!
Hiking and photography
For adventure lovers, Meteora also has cool hiking trails. You can walk among the unique rock formations, while taking photos with epic natural backgrounds. Sunrise or sunset here is truly magical. In short, be prepared for your camera memory to be full!
Days 8-10: Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Istanbul! This city, which is the meeting point between Europe and Asia, has so many interesting things to explore.
Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
On your first day in Istanbul, go straight to Hagia Sophia. This building, which was originally a church, then became a mosque, and is now a museum, has awe-inspiring architecture. Don’t forget to stop by the Blue Mosque across the street. Its interior, full of blue ceramics, is really beautiful.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
Get ready to shop at the Grand Bazaar! This is the largest covered market in the world. Here you can find all sorts of things, from traditional carpets to jewelry. After that, continue to the Spice Market to buy Turkish spices. The aroma is mouth-watering!
Bosphorus Cruise
Your trip to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without trying the Bosphorus Cruise. Ride a boat, cruising along the Bosphorus strait that divides Istanbul into European and Asian parts. The view of the city from the boat is truly stunning. Especially if you take the cruise at sunset, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable moment.
Days 11-12: Cappadocia, Turkey
Now, we’re entering one of the highlights of this trip: Cappadocia!
Hot air balloon
You must be eager to ride a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, right? This is an experience you must try once in your lifetime! Just imagine, you’re floating above a unique landscape, with hundreds of colorful balloons around you. True, you have to wake up very early. But trust me, it’s totally worth it!
Goreme Open Air Museum
After enjoying the flight, it’s time to explore the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here you can see ancient churches carved into the rock. The wall paintings inside are still clearly visible, even though they’re hundreds of years old.
Derinkuyu Underground City
If you’re tired of walking above ground, let’s go underground! Derinkuyu Underground City is an underground city built thousands of years ago. Can you imagine how people in ancient times built a multi-layered city underground? It’s mind-blowing!
Days 13-14: Pamukkale and Ephesus, Turkey
In the last two days, we’ll visit two equally awesome places: Pamukkale and Ephesus.
Pamukkale travertine pools
Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish, and once you see the place, you’ll immediately understand why. The natural hot spring pools that are terraced with white color really look like cotton or snow. You can soak in these pools while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Ancient city of Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walking here is like time traveling to the Ancient Roman era. The magnificent Library of Celsus, the incredible Great Theatre, even the ancient public toilets, you can see all of them here. It’s really exciting for history buffs!
House of Virgin Mary
Not far from Ephesus, there’s a place believed to be the last house of Virgin Mary. The place is quiet and peaceful, perfect for self-reflection at the end of your journey.
Travel Tips
Transportation between cities and countries
For transportation between cities in Greece and Turkey, there are several options:
- Plane: Fastest, but can be expensive
- Bus: Cheap, but takes a long time
- Train: In Turkey, trains are a comfortable and affordable choice
- Ferry: For Greek islands, ferries are the main option
To move from Greece to Turkey, the most practical option is to fly from Athens to Istanbul.
Accommodation recommendations
- Athens: Look for hotels around Plaka or Monastiraki to be close to main attractions
- Santorini: Oia is expensive, but worth it for the sunset experience. For cheaper options, try Fira or Imerovigli
- Meteora: Kalambaka or Kastraki are good bases for exploring Meteora
- Istanbul: Sultanahmet is ideal for first-timers, close to many landmarks
- Cappadocia: Goreme has many unique and affordable cave hotels
- Pamukkale: Stay in Pamukkale Town for easy access to the travertine pools
Local etiquette and things to avoid
- In Greece and Turkey, people are generally very friendly. But still, we must respect their culture
- When entering churches or mosques, ensure your attire is modest. Ladies, prepare a scarf to cover your head when entering mosques
- Don’t take photos carelessly in places of worship, especially when people are praying
- In Turkey, bargaining is common in markets. But in modern shops, prices are fixed
- Avoid sensitive topics like politics or conflicts between countries
Must-Try Cuisine
Greek specialties
- Moussaka: Greek-style lasagna with eggplant and minced meat
- Souvlaki: Juicy meat skewers, usually served with pita bread
- Tzatziki: Fresh yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic
- Baklava: Sweet pastry with layers of phyllo and nuts, drizzled with honey
Traditional Turkish food
- Kebab: Classic! Grilled savory meat, delicious eaten with rice or bread
- Pide: Turkish-style pizza with various toppings
- Manti: Meat dumplings with yogurt sauce
- Turkish Delight: Chewy sweet candy with various flavors
Souvenirs and Gifts
Unique items from Greece
- Replicas of Greek gods and goddesses statues
- Olive oil or olive oil products
- Handmade leather bags or sandals
- Komboloi (Greek worry beads) for those who like unique accessories
Typical Turkish souvenirs
- Turkish carpet or kilim (rug)
- Turkish eye (evil eye amulet)
- Ceramic or decorative plates
- Turkish coffee set for coffee lovers
Conclusion
That’s the 14-day journey exploring Greece and Turkey. From the majestic Acropolis in Athens, breathtaking sunsets in Santorini, magical monasteries in Meteora, to flying with hot air balloons in Cappadocia, this trip will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Greece and Turkey are indeed different countries, but both have charms that will make you fall in love. Rich history, mesmerizing natural scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and most importantly, the friendliness of the locals, all of these will make you want to come back again and again.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip now! Who knows, your next adventure could be longer and more exciting. For sure, Greece and Turkey are always ready to welcome you with open arms. Enjoy your journey, and don’t forget to bring home a million beautiful memories!
FAQ
- Q: Do I need to know Greek or Turkish to travel there?
A: Not really! In tourist areas, most people can speak English. But learning a few basic words like “thank you” in the local language can make your experience more fun. - Q: Is it safe for solo travelers, especially women?
A: In general, Greece and Turkey are quite safe for solo travelers. But still, always be vigilant and use common sense, just like in other places. - Q: What’s the most practical way to move from Greece to Turkey?
A: The most practical way is to fly from Athens to Istanbul. Many airlines provide this route at fairly affordable prices. - Q: How much budget should I prepare for this 14-day trip?
A: It depends on your travel style. But for a rough estimate, prepare around $2000-$3000 per person, including flight tickets, accommodation, food, and activities. It can be cheaper if you’re smart in finding promotions and staying in hostels. - Q: Do I need to book tourist attractions well in advance?
A: For some popular places like hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia or sunset cruises in Santorini, it’s better to book well in advance. But for most tourist spots, buying tickets on the spot is also possible.
