Istanbul And Ephesus

Welcome to Turkey

You will be picked up from the airport and transferred directly to the hotel for check-in. Stay 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

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

After a relaxing breakfast, you will check out of your hotel by 11:00.

According to your flight time, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in the Ephesus region.

Hotel check-in is available after 14:00. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to explore Selcuk or Kusadasi and enjoy lunch and dinner at your own leisure.

Overnight in Selcuk or Kusadasi.

Today you will get the opportunity to explore the grand, ancient city of Ephesus, which is considered to be one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the modern world. This former capital of Roman Asia is also the second-largest ancient city in the world, where 200,000 people lived during its heyday.

In addition to being a city of many modern inventions, this city played a key role in the spread of the Christian faith; it is said that the House of the Virgin Mary is where the mother of Christ spent the last years of her life. But the most magnificent sight in all of the city is the Temple of Artemis, which is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This temple, which was named in honour of Artemis, the Greek Goddess, and daughter of Zeus and Leto, was destroyed multiple times over the centuries but was finally rebuilt with marble. It is believed to be the very first temple to be built of such material. You'll also visit the massive amphitheatre that could fit 25,000 people at once.

Overnight in the Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Transfer From Ephesus To Pamukkale
After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and depart for Pamukkale, which in Turkish translates to "cotton castle". On arrival, you will instantly understand why: laid out before you are pools of white stacked one on top of the other; you will have lunch before taking in the magnificent views of the “cotton castle” travertines and dipping your toes into these refreshing pools. You will have a guided tour over the white cliffs of Pamukkale and then of the ancient, historical ruins of the city of Hierapolis, constantly under excavation as this immense and wealthy city of over 3000 years ago gives up its secrets to us.

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 the Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Transfer To Izmir Airport and Return Flight To Istanbul

Following your breakfast, you will be dropped off at the airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul, where your tour will come to an end.