Day 1: ARRIVE Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, meet your escort and transfer to your hotel. Lunch and Dinner at guests' expense.
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, start your visits of the Highlights: The Hagia Sophia, built in the 6th century AD by Justinian and became the largest church in the world for many centuries until its conversion into a mosque by the Ottoman Sultan where you can see beautiful mosaics of Byzantine art. The Byzantine Hippodrome where horses and chariots raced once upon a time. The Blue Mosque, famous for its tiles and interior decorations, the most important mosque of the city. Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for about 400 years. The Grand Bazaar for a leisure afternoon with more than 3,000 shops. Dinner at guests' expense. (B-L)
Day 3: Istanbul - Izmir - Ephesus - Izmir
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Izmir which is known as "The Pearl of the Aegean". Upon arrival, drive to Selcuk town to visit Ephesus, ancient capital of Asia Minor with its magnificent theater, library, agoras, temples and baths. The city was the largest port-city in Asia Minor and today is one of the most attractive archaeological sites in Turkey. The Temple of Artemis nearby was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, dedicated to goddess Artemis, known as Diana in Rome. After lunch, visit the House of Virgin Mary which is a place of pilgrimage for Christians where there is a small church as well. It's believed that Mary spent last years of her life there, and it's recognized as a shrine by Vatican. Short drive back to Izmir and check-in to your hotel. Dinner at guests' expense. (B-L)
Day 4: Izmir - Pergamon - Izmir - Istanbul
Breakfast in the hotel and check-out, drive to Pergamon to visit this great civilization dating back to the 4th century BC. located in a large valley. The Aesclepion was an important healing center dedicated to Aesclepius, god of medicine. Especially mentally ill people tried to get a cure here while it became the second most famous Aesclepion after the one on the island of Cos. After lunch, drive to Izmir airport for a short flight back to Istanbul. Arrive at Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at guests' expense. (B-L)
Day 5: Istanbul
At leisure today, or possibility of participating an optional Bosphorus cruise and Asian side tour. You can see our daily city excursions when you click the link. Lunch and Dinner at guests' expense. (B)
Day 6: DEPART Istanbul
In the morning, transfer to the airport. End of services. (B)
(B) Breakfast - (L) Lunch - (D) Dinner
It is possible to combine this tour with Cappadocia Mini Package, or extend your stay in Istanbul.
Important Notes
- This tour is guaranteed departure and run on any day all year around.
- Order of the visits may be changed for the convenience of the tour.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar on Sundays & Turkish public and religious holidays. On these specific days, they'll be substituted with other museums or sites depending on the convenience of the program and schedule.
- Depending on seasonal occupancies, Izmir stay may be swapped to Kusadasi or Selcuk.
- This tour operates with a minimum of 8 participants!
ALL TRAVEL SERVICES FOR THIS TOUR ARE BEEN ARRANGED BY A GOVERNMENT LICENSED & RELIABLE TRAVEL AGENCY