Back

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

"Christine was very helpful and considerate of our needs."

Alastair

"Jen was helpful, practical, responsive and enthusiastic about our plans"

Anthony

"Very friendly, professional and helpful. Made good suggestions."

Peter

See all reviews

Meet our Greece & Turkey specialists

See all

Kirsty Stalker

House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)

With over 12 years in the industry I have always had travel and tourism in my blood, including working as cabin crew for nearly 8 years. I was so lucky to visit so many great destinations while working and on personal trips.

When I'm not working you will find me at home cooking and spending quality time with my young family and friends.

Kirsty

Alison Jenkins

House of Travel Calder & Lawson

Having a love of travel, I completed a Bachelor of International Tourism Management in 2013.

After a 6 month stint working at Walt Disney World in Florida I returned to NZ and started my career in the travel industry.

After three years I was feeling the itch to travel again so I decided to embark on my second OE and moved to the UK. Living and working there allowed me to travel Europe extensively and my favourite country to date would be Poland. I returned to NZ in 2020.

Alison

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Leaving home at 19 with a one way ticket to London to start my OE, it's fair to say I've had the travel bug for years!

Living overseas for 8 years, and in London for four years, I travelled extensively around Europe. Barcelona is my favourite city!

Then living in Melbourne for four years after that, this is where I started my career in travel in 2004. It was my dream job all those years ago and I still smile every day when I come to work now, I LOVE this job!

Nothing brings me more joy then hearing of clients travel plans, putting together itineraries and making their travel experience run as smooth as possible from start to finish.

I like to think I am a friendly, bubbly personality, a good listener and I will take on board your needs while also guiding you with helpful advice and suggestions when needed. I live on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and three young children, I understand the #mum-life juggle and the need to get away and escape for a holiday sometimes! Having travelled to nearly 40 countries, I have lots of experience that I cant wait to share it with you. Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Sarah

Nicky Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

I have had a lifelong love affair for exploring the world. Raised in a family that prioritised travel, I inherited a passion for all things travel. I have lived in different countries (London, USA, Argentina) and I am fascinated with the rich tapestry of culture, people, religion and food in new places.

My love for travel has taken me to some of the world’s most amazing places!

From Mauritius to Bahamas and all in between, I have been privileged to experience the world and being able to speak and understand 5 languages English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German and Greek) certainly comes in helpful.

I have grown up in South Africa, spending most of my adult life there, being able to show my clients what makes this region so unique is a privilege. Africa was my backyard after all and even after living in NZ for almost 12 years, my heart still beats to the African Drum.

For me, choosing a favourite destination is impossible. But .. Bali has literally captivated my heart, and even though I have been there 20+ times, I still always find new things to uncover. As does the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, these islands just have the “it” factor

I also love ocean cruising, especially Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Cruising offers such a great variety and a chance to see multiple destinations and experiencing iconic landmarks and locations from your hotel on the sea.

I WOULD SAY MY PASSION IS MAKING MY CLIENTS DREAM HOLIDAYS COME TRUE AND I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY EFFICIENT SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.

Nicky