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.
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!
DID YOU KNOW?
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
Explore ANZAC Day Digger Tour
Turkey
ANZAC Day Digger Tour
4 Nights
Sightseeing
Transfers
from
$
2085
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Highlights of Greece
Athens - Olympia - Delphi - Kalambaka
Highlights of Greece
6 Nights
Breakfast daily
from
$
2138
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Divine Cyclades
Greece
Divine Cyclades
7 Nights
Breakfast daily
from
$
5694
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Aegean Charm
Mykonos, Paros & Santorini
Aegean Charm
9 Nights
Breakfast daily
Ferries
from
$
1948
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Touch of Paradise
Mykonos & Santorini
Touch of Paradise
6 Nights
Breakfast daily
Ferries
from
$
1640
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Around the World by Luxury Train
Vancouver to Singapore
Around the World by Luxury Train
60 Days
Luxury Rail Travel
Sightseeing
from
$
199,000
AUD
Per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Taste of Athens
Athens
Taste of Athens
3 Nights
Sightseeing
Breakfast daily
from
$
925
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Windstar Cruises
Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greece, Northern Europe, Tahiti, and more
Windstar Cruises
Travel Solo the Windstar Way
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
Explore Turkey à la carte
Turkey
Turkey à la carte
12 nights
Transfers
Sightseeing
from
$
7659
per person share twin. Flights are additional
ONLY AT HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Explore Taste of Greece
Taste of Greece
Discover the timeless beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean on a captivating journey roundtrip from Piraeus. Wander the iconic whitewashed streets of Mykonos, uncover the ancient wonders of Kusadasi, and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul.
After a relaxing day at sea, marvel at the breathtaking cliffs and sunsets of Santorini before returning to Athens.
Blending iconic destinations, ancient history, and stunning island scenery, this voyage is the perfect Mediterranean escape.
9 Night Stay & Cruise Package
from
$
2299
per person share twin Inside Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Royal Caribbean
Departs 12 May 2027
ONLY AT HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Explore From Croatia to the Amalfi Coast via Sicily
From Croatia to the Amalfi Coast via Sicily
The beauty of Croatia, Italy & Greece
Discover sun-soaked coastlines, ancient ruins and vibrant cultures on this unforgettable 9-night Adriatic and Mediterranean cruise.
Sail from Dubrovnik through Split and Hvar, across to Italy’s charming Puglia region, then on to Corfu, Sicily and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Your journey ends in Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome—an incredible finale to this scenic and culture-rich voyage.
9 Night Luxury Yacht Cruise
from
$
11,945
per person share twin Stateroom
Flights are additional
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Departs 16 Oct 2027
Explore Ancient Empires
Ancient Empires
Walk in the footsteps of philosophers in ancient Athens during a two-night hotel stay before cruising the Eastern Mediterranean with Azamara Cruises. Discover Alexandria’s rich heritage, Türkiye’s sun-soaked harbours and the captivating charm of the Greek Isles.
Cruise on Azamara Onward, your boutique hotel at sea, where practically everything is included and the atmosphere is laid-back. You can relax onboard on sun-drenched decks, in the refreshing pool, and revitalizing spa. There's never a dull moment onboard with celebrations, cultural performances, and cocktails!
13 night Stay & Cruise package
from
$
6699
per person share twin
Oceanview Stateroom
Flights are additional
Oceanview Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Azamara Cruises
Departs 1 Apr 2027
Explore The Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Discover the timeless charm of the Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide past cliff-clinging villages, historic ports, and iconic landmarks, from the blue-domed churches of Santorini to the monumental treasures of Rome and the Vatican. Aboard your luxurious superyacht, unwind as you explore charming harbours, pristine beaches, and centuries-old traditions, all with the signature comfort and service of The Ritz-Carlton experience.
2026 Sailings
Sun-drenched Rivieras
Cruising with
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departs 3 Sep 2026
Explore Cruises from Malta
Cruises from Malta
Sailing from Valletta, Malta’s cultural gem, P&O Cruises UK takes you on an unforgettable Mediterranean journey. Explore the stunning coastlines and vibrant cultures, where ancient ruins, charming villages, sun-kissed beaches, and delectable cuisine await.
View Cruises from Malta
2026 Sailings
2027 Sailings
P&O Cruises UK combines British charm with modern cruising comforts. Enjoy elegant dining, West End-style entertainment, and a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the fleet. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, sampling afternoon tea, or catching live music under the stars, every moment at sea feels effortlessly easy and wonderfully familiar.
2026 & 2027 Sailings
Sun, History & Shores
Cruising with
P&O Cruises UK
Departs 3 Sep 2026
Explore Mediterranean Icons
Mediterranean Icons
Set sail on an unforgettable 14-night Mediterranean adventure with Celestyal Cruises. Departing from Athens, these curated itineraries blend history, culture and stunning coastlines. Discover iconic destinations including Venice, Dubrovnik, Crete and Kusadasi, with overnight stays in Santorini and Mykonos to soak up the local charm.
View Mediterranean Icons 2026 Sailings
View Mediterranean Icons 2027 Sailings
Enjoy ultimate value with Celestyal One fares which include complimentary WiFi, meals and soft drinks throughout the day - amenities that are always included. For beverages from the bar and specialty dining there is CelestyalPay, your dedicated food and drink tab when you're onboard. Plus, when you pre-pay you'll get an extra bonus on Celestyal!
2026 & 2027 Sailings
Fantastic Value
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Celestyal Cruises
Departs 29 Aug 2026
Explore Greek Islands
Greek Islands
Set sail with Celestyal Cruises on a fantastic Greek island hoping cruise and explore charming seaside villages, medieval treasures, and iconic sunsets. Whether it's a thrilling 3-night weekend, or a 7-night adventure, with departures from Athens, Crete, Thessaloniki, and Kusadasi, there's a cruise for you.
View Greek Islands 2026 Sailings
View Greek Islands 2027 Sailings
Enjoy ultimate value with Celestyal One fares which include complimentary WiFi, meals and soft drinks throughout the day - amenities that are always included. For beverages from the bar and specialty dining there is CelestyalPay, your dedicated food and drink tab when you're onboard. Plus, when you pre-pay you'll get an extra bonus on Celestyal!
2026 & 2027 Sailings
Fantastic Value
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Celestyal Cruises
Departs 6 Sep 2026
David Williams
House of Travel Christchurch City
In the 28 years of owning House of Travel Christchurch City, I have successfully developed a passionate and award-winning team of travel specialists. Our holiday specialists can take you to the destinations that you have dreamed of and let you know inside information that will enrich your travel experience. The highly experienced business travel division will exceed your expectations leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless travel experience every time. We also have a fantastic HOT Events team that can take care of your conference, team building or any event requirement you might have from a planned dinner event to incentive or recognition programme.
From my beginnings in customer sales and service, travelling to over 60 countries, my primary focus is overseeing all divisions, and growing our every popular Sporting Events Programmes. A highlight is delivering a highly successful games campaigns with our New Zealand Olympic Travel team. This includes all New Zealand Team Athlete Travel to providing a family and friends programme as well as a world class corporate offering for sponsors.
I am however most proud of the team for us being awarded three top awards at the National Travel Industry Awards - Best Retail Travel Agency in New Zealand, Best Travel Consultant in New Zealand, Best Groups Team in New Zealand.
Great holidays are made better together with the House of Travel Christchurch City team.
David
Charlotte Campbell
House of Travel Papamoa
Travel
has been an integral part of my life for over 20 years, and I can't imagine
pursuing anything else. This year, I proudly celebrate my 17th year with
House of Travel Papamoa, where I truly love being a 'hottie.' Our store boasts
a fantastic team culture that makes coming to work a joyful experience every
day.
I find immense satisfaction in crafting bespoke itineraries that
transform my clients' dreams into reality. While the USA remains my favourite
destination, my travels have also taken me through the stunning landscapes of
New Zealand, the enchanting South Pacific, vibrant Australia, diverse Europe,
and picturesque Canada and Alaska. This year (2024), I had the incredible
opportunity to experience the magic of South Africa, where witnessing wildlife
in their natural habitat is nothing short of breath-taking. Being on safari
brings you so close to majestic animals, just meters away, creating
unforgettable memories.
Remember, your holiday begins the moment you step through our
door. I invite you to share your vision of the perfect getaway—how it looks and
feels, any research you've conducted, and your essential must-haves. The more
we delve into your aspirations together, the more extraordinary your holiday
will be!
Charlotte
Fiona Muir
House of Travel Whanganui
You know how some people collect handbags or shoes, well I have a love of collecting passport stamps! I developed a bit of a passion for adventure travel since working in the States at a summer camp in my early 20’s. I have travelled to over 40 countries, doing everything from eating scorpions in China, snorkelling the Silfra fissure in Iceland, to skydiving in Namibia.
Fiona
Maree Thompson
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!
I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!
I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!
I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.
I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.
I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.
I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.
My Travel Tips
- I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.
- Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!
- Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.
- Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.
The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.
Maree
Our Greece & Turkey travel blogs
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