Aegean Wonders

Welcome to Turkey!

When you arrive at Istanbul Airport, you will be taken to your hotel. You will get a meet-and-greet with your guide and driver for the duration of your holiday.

-Evening-
OPTIONAL TOUR: BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
Enjoy an evening sailing the Bosphorus, passing bridges from different periods of history and viewing iconic sights like the Dolmabahce and Ortakoy mosque. While sailing this beautiful river, you will indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine while enjoying some of the best entertainment. Including but not limited to Belly Dancing, Turkish Folk Dance, and Whirling dervish.

Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast, meet your professional local guide at the hotel and begin your walking tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City.

Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the iconic Hagia Sophia. Continue to the colourful Grand Bazaar and explore the aromatic Spice Bazaar, filled with spices, Turkish delights, teas, dried fruits, and local products.

An optional visit to the Basilica Cistern can also be arranged. The entrance fee is not included.
 
Highlights
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Optional Basilica Cistern

Overnight in Istanbul.

Important Notes:
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays due to prayers; we are unable to enter

OPTIONAL TOUR: BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
In the evening, we will drive you to the water's edge for an evening that will show you some amazing places. You will enjoy great food and also some fantastic traditional Turkish entertainment.
The mighty waterway of the Bosphorus Strait, which cuts the city into two sides, Europe and Asia, and as you sail along the city's banks, you will pass under the iconic Bosphorus Bridge and also sail by incredible ancient buildings such as Kucuksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. The night's entertainment will take you on a journey across Turkey with Belly Dancing, Folk Dancers, and some stirring music played on traditional instruments. Your meal will be a great introduction to the food of this country, with classics such as Baklava, mezzes, and Turkish coffee; all you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.

After breakfast, meet your professional guide at the hotel and visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
 
Explore the palace courtyards, imperial chambers, historical collections, and panoramic views over the Bosphorus.
 
After the palace visit, enjoy a scenic two-hour Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia. Along the way, admire Istanbul’s waterfront palaces, mosques, fortresses, traditional Ottoman mansions, and spectacular skyline.
 
Highlights
Topkapi Palace
Golden Horn
Galata Tower
Dolmabahce Palace
Cıragan Palace
Ortakoy Mosque
Bosphorus Bridge
Rumeli Fortress
European and Asian shores
 
Important Notes:
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

Overnight in Istanbul

You will depart from Istanbul for a full-day sightseeing tour of Bursa.

Bursa is known throughout Turkey for its rich heritage and green surroundings. Beautiful parks, tree-lined areas, and the green mountains surrounding the city have given Bursa its famous name, “Green Bursa.” The city’s natural character has also influenced its architecture and decorative style throughout history.

Two of the most important landmarks associated with Green Bursa are the Green Mosque and the Green Tomb. The Green Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Mehmet I and decorated by some of the finest artists of the period. Its handcrafted tiles and detailed interior make it one of Bursa’s most remarkable examples of Ottoman architecture.

Nearby, the Green Tomb was built as the resting place of Sultan Mehmet I. Decorated with distinctive tiles both inside and outside, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable historical monuments.

After completing your Bursa sightseeing tour, you will return to Istanbul in the evening.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Today your Turkey private tour departs for Canakkale.

After Canakkale, you will head to the area of Gallipoli. Here you will visit Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the Mehmetcik Statue, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), the Nek, Chunuk Bair New Zealand, and Memorial Turkish 57. Infantry Regiment Cemetery. 

These heartfelt places are peaceful and beautiful, a perfect place to remember the sacrifice that these people made for the good of the world. All around are beautiful beaches, and the crystal turquoise waters offer spectacular views. On the 25th April, different monuments hold memorial ceremonies to honour those who rest here and remember their courageous acts.

Overnight in Canakkale.

Today you will continue your Turkey tour with a journey to Troy followed by a tour of Pergamon. You will then stay overnight in Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Beginning your day with a city of Troy Tour. This city is shrouded in mystery and mythological stories, here you will be visiting the famous Trojan Horse. This giant hollow statue was, as the story tells, used to smuggle in a small group into the city from the invading army outside. Once inside they opened the exterior gate while people slept.

The city of Troy has actually been rebuilt 8 times on top of the original build.  Some of the original building can be seen in their ruined state, however, most of the remaining building come from as late a Troy IX. While this destination is fascinating to view there is always something new to see, as the current excavation progress can be seen during the tour. There are three major landmarks that show the grandeur of the city. The Bouleuterion - which was the Senate building, The Odeon – a theatre and concert area, and Sacrificial Altars. Along paths and what would have been statically placed you can find the ancient walls which kept invaders at bay until they had to come up with strategies such as the Trojan horse.

After your tour of Troy, it is time to head to Pergamon. This ancient site is spectacular for many reasons but a truly memorable one is the Acropolis, modelled after the site in Athens. From the site of the Acropolis at the top of the hill is a stunning view of the surrounding area. Another special building is the Athenaeum Library, where they once held 200,000 volumes and was considered outstanding as Marc Anthony offered it to Cleopatra as a wedding present.

The Temple of Trojan, an immense marble building once used as a place of worship. Unlike most ruins, this one has been partially rebuilt from the basic layout and the existing materials found at the site.

Down the valley from the Acropolis, you will find the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Here a large fountain can be found, legends tell that this fountain would show those who bathed in it how to cure their illnesses.

Overnight in Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Today your Turkey private tour will travel to Ephesus, take a tour of this ancient city and say overnight.

The ancient city of Ephesus is a marvel to behold, while the city now stands in ruins it is still one of the best-preserved cities and amongst the largest in Turkey. During the period that the city was still alive around 3000 years ago, it has been said to have homes 200,000 people. At the height of its power and prosperity is was considered second to only Rome itself.

This city was once a coastal city with a history of ocean trade and building warships, the coast is now seven kilometres away but the original harbour can still be seen by the entrance to the city. The city was built around a centralised marble street. As you walk this street there are many different buildings that can be seen and explored. At the start of the tour, you will come to the Great Theatre, which was built so large it could seat 25,000 people at a time leading to it being one of the largest in Anatolia. As the theatre is so large it was used for more than just acting but for gladiator fights, animal fights, and religious, political and philosophical talks.

As you continue down the marble street there is a clear organisation to the cities main street. The Library of Celsus and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and can be found right here in Ephesus, while it now stands as a facade the grandeur is not lost due to the size and that it was left standing after many earthquakes that had destroyed new buildings. Along the sides of the marble street, there stand many buildings which vary in how well they have survived. Some of the buildings that have been known what their uses were, include the Scholastica Baths, Mosaic sidewalk, Public Toilets, and even a brothel. Towards the other end of the city and the second entrance is some of the best-preserved gates and monuments.

After visiting this monumental city, you will be visiting a unique destination, The Virgin Mary’s house. This humble house was where Mary, mother of Jesus, lived after coming to the area. The house gives a feeling of the church more than a place to live, with a small living area with a separate room for candles and an area to pray.

Overnight in Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Today tour Turkey private tour travels to Pamukkale, where you will tour the beauty of the falls. You will stay overnight in Pamukkale.

Pamukkale’s draw is the naturally formed stepped pools that are filled with hot springs. These hot springs are unusual as they have left glacier style due to their high mineral content.  As the limestone and travertine flow over the steps mixed with the water, they leave particles behind which have built up to create the falls that are popular today. Across Turkey, they are compared to cotton, which is where the name came from, as Pamukkale translates as ‘Cotton Castle’.

After relaxing in the sun in the pools or taking a walk around, you will head to the ancient town of Hierapolis. Around this town, there are ruins in various states of decay, but these are being preserved for future generations. As the town is of Byzantine origin, arts and religion were important, as can be seen by the large theatre that had to be rebuilt twice after the first was destroyed by an earthquake. The second was then built by digging into a hillside before adding the seating area. This building style worked well for the theatre, as evidenced by the fact that most of the seating, stage, and VIP areas are still in place.

At Hierapolis, there is 1 temple and another unusual place of worship. While the Temple of Apollo has only a small amount left it is easy to see the magnificent size of the temple to the god of the sun, music, and poetry.  The second place of worship, however, is not a temple but rather a small cave called the Plutonium. This cave is small, only big enough for one person, and there are toxic gas pockets; deeper into the cave, there is fast-flowing water. With these signs, it was thought to have been sent by the god of the underworld. Those who survived the gas were thought to have divine protection.

Close to Hierapolis is the Necropolis, one of the largest and best-preserved in Turkey. The area it extends is two kilometres and holds roughly 1200 tombs, weathered by the elements but clear and standing strong.

OPTIONAL TOUR: PAMUKKALE PARAGLIDING
Pamukkale’s vistas are stunningly unforgettable; however, the contrast between the natural wonders and ancient ruins is spectacular when laid out beneath you. Paragliding offers a fantastic way to view the region from above while indulging in a heart-racing activity.

Overnight in Pamukkale

Today you are dropped off at the airport, as this marks the end of your private package tour of Turkey. We hope you had an unforgettable holiday and wish to explore more of Turkey with us for your next vacation.