16 days in Istanbul, Athens & Amsterdam Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Let the collections at Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) and Istanbul Modern Museum capture your imagination. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Istanbul: Erikli Waterfall (in Yalova) and Delmece Yaylasi (in Cinarcik). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sultan Ahmed Mosque, take in panoramic vistas at Galata Tower, hunt for treasures at Kapali Carsi, and take a stroll through Taksim Square.

To see ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Istanbul visit planning website .

Bengaluru, India to Istanbul is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Bengaluru to Istanbul due to the time zone difference. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Bengaluru in September: highs in Istanbul hover around 26°C, while lows dip to 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can travel to Athens.

One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.

Escape the urban bustle at Scuba & Snorkeling and Donkey's Land. Get a sense of the local culture at National Archaeological Museum and Plaka. There's lots more to do: take an in-depth tour of Acropolis Museum, explore and take pictures at Panathenaic Stadium, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, and delve into the distant past at Acropolis of Athens.

To find maps, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Athens trip itinerary planner .

You can fly from Istanbul to Athens in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. The time zone changes from Eastern European Time (EET) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Traveling from Istanbul in September, expect nights in Athens to be about the same, around 24°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 34°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Amsterdam.

Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.

Escape the urban bustle at Ronde Hoep Polder and Natuurgebied Zwanenwater. Do some cultural sightseeing at Rijksmuseum and Renssen Art Gallery. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Amsterdam: Oudeschild (De Hoge Berg & Fishing Charters & Tours), Uitkijkduin Petten (in Petten) and Hertenkamp Bloemendaal (in Bloemendaal). Spend the 28th (Sat) exploring nature at Kennemer Dunes National Park. Next up on the itinerary: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Duinreservaat Castricum, get engrossed in the history at Anne Frank House, explore the world behind art at Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House), and get lost in a book at Central Library (Openbare Bibliotheek).

To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Amsterdam online trip itinerary planner .

You can fly from Athens to Amsterdam in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Athens to Amsterdam, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Athens in September, with highs in Amsterdam at 22°C and lows at 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.