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Greece & Turkey

Greek Islands and Turkish Delights.

Yassou!

A dip in azure seas, a sip of pungent ouzo and a trip back in time to oracles and gods – Greece is the very essence of the alluring Mediterranean world. Greece is synonymous with islands – from history steeped Crete, awe-inspiring Santorini and windmill-studded Mykonos and many other gems scattered across the Mediterranean Sea. Feast on freshly caught fish, grilled lamb stuffed vine leaves and sweet baklava. Or devour some feta and figs, and some fresh tomatoes with salt and oil. Sip coffee in a harbour-side café as the fishing boats come into port, amble along country roads while families gather their olives and pat donkeys on their way to village markets with baskets laden with fresh tomatoes.

And then there’s Turkey, with its ethereal landscapes, archaeological sites, mosques, bazaars and fascinating ruins. The coast twinkles and Cappadocia delights. In the cities the air is alive with chatter and the thick scent of Turkish coffee, as well as sweet baklava which is best served like the generosity of its people. Warm.

Planning a Greece & Turkey holiday? Connect with a Greece & Turkey holiday travel specialist to create your dream holiday, today!

Flight time.

The flight from Auckland to Greece or Turkey usually takes about 24 hours, with a stopover. While it’s a long journey, the ancient history and beautiful coastlines make it worth the effort.

Best time to go.

The best time to visit Greece and Turkey is from May to October, when the weather is warm and dry, ideal for enjoying the beaches and historical sites.

Time difference.

Greece and Turkey are 9 hours behind New Zealand. The time difference will require some adjustment, but it’s manageable.

Our favourite things to do in Greece & Turkey

See magical "floating" monasteries

Visit the monasteries at Meteora, perched atop giant rock pillars.

Go Greek island hopping

Why settle for one Greek island when you can explore three?

Eat like a local

Bring your appetite – you’re in for a delicious adventure!

A hidden gem in Athens

Your new favorite sweet escape in the heart of Athens!

Step back in time at the Acropolis (a Must-Do!)

Visiting the Acropolis is an absolute must when in Athens.

Best. Sunset. Ever!

Get ready to witness a Santorini sunset like no other in Oia.

Float above Cappadocia and sleep in a Cave hotel

A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sail through Turkey on a traditional gulet

Hop aboard a traditional Gulet for a sailing adventure through Turkey’s stunning coastline!

Experience the ANZAC Dawn service at Gallipoli

For Kiwis a visit to Gallipoli is a once in a life-time trip.

Visit a local winery in Crete

Experience the charm of Crete by visiting a local winery, where you can taste exquisite wines and meet local families

Small groups big adventures

Delve into rich cultures, histories and cuisine with a fully-coordinated guided tour. Professionally led and planned to perfection, you're in great hands.

Milestone celebration holiday ideas

Whether you’ve got a big birthday coming up, planning a 3G holiday (aka a fun trip with three generations), or making the most of your family time before the kids head out into the world, we’ve got you covered!

6 destinations our consultants can't stop talking about

From Albania to Iceland here are the 6 must-visit destinations our consultants are raving about.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli

Middle East

Go Greek Island Hopping!

Greek Islands

Greece: Know before you go guide

A holiday packed with sunshine, salt air and endless shades of blue.

7 reasons why you should visit Greece in winter

You might not know it, but many parts of Europe aren’t solely splendid in summer.

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"Kristen listens to our needs and understands our wants. We have had Kristen's assistance for 3 holidays over the last several years now and quite honestly, I wouldn't dream of talking to anyone else. Everything is easy, well thought out and communicated clearly"

Kenneth

"Very obliging and professional"

Frank

"Very knowledgeable about offer, options and destination. Quick response to questions, great suggestions"

Melody

See all reviews

Meet our Greece & Turkey specialists

See all

Melanie Hubber

House of Travel Ferrymead

I am passionate about sustainable travel for the future.

My entire career of 30 years has been in travel sales and tourism. I have travelled overseas more than a hundred times to over 70 countries and 6 continents for personal holidays, business and leisure.

I've made my home in London, Dorset, Chamonix and Auckland. I settled back in my home town of Christchurch after being away for five years.

I love travel and how it enriches lives and provides a livelihood for people and communities around the globe. I love helping to inspire and inform clients, who care about the impact their choices have on local communities and the environment, and who want to have a great holiday.

Sustainable doesn't mean you can't have luxury! My personal holidays always have a sense of adventure, you will find me on a beach or mountain or taking in a cultural experience to make the most of a destination.

I personally rate train travel one of the best ways to casually explore, there's nothing I love more than checking in at a downtown railway station off to a new destination. I think travel provides new perspectives and respect for different cultures and values are par for the course. We can always find common ground when we are prepared to go out of our comfort zone.

Why book your travel with me? I am a CLIA certified Cruise Master and dedicated to helping you with your travel plans. I have the tools and the networks available to assist with all styles of travel experiences you may be looking for.

Mel

Eilish Colvin

House of Travel Te Awamutu

Hi, I'm Eilish – I have a love for exploring the world, with a soft spot for Europe, Bali and youth travel.

I love putting together smooth, personalised travel plans, using my organisational skills and fun, bubbly personality. Helping people turn their dream holidays into reality, making sure every detail is just right.

In 2024, I was proud to be named a Contiki Champ, which was a personal accomplishment with a brand I have tried and tested and love myself.

Whether it’s a group getaway or a solo journey, my goal is to help people discover new destinations, create lasting memories, and feel confident while exploring the world.

Eilish

Rachael Singh

House of Travel Morrinsville

My love for travel started with adventures shared with family and friends which taught me the importance and significance of creating meaningful memories.

Over the years I've been lucky enough to explore vibrant cities, serene countryside along with some memorable sporting events and horse racing!

Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway, a sports adventure or a family holiday, I'm here to make your dream trip a reality. With a keen eye for detail and a love for planning, I'll work with you to create a personalised itinerary that matches your interests, pace and budget.

Every adventure requires a first step...Lets make your next adventure unforgettable!

Rachael

Laura Hutchins

House of Travel Upper Riccarton

I am very passionate about travel that can immerse us into the cultures of the country we visit.

Being sustainable and giving back to these communities whilst we travel is so important to me and I have many tips and experiences to help do this on all holidays.

Laura