Orient Express

Welcome to Turkey

Transfer service direct from Kusadasi Harbour, Izmir Airport or local bus stations to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in the Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

You will be picked up from your hotel in the Ephesus Region at approximately 7:30 AM and travel to Pamukkale.

Visit the famous white travertine terraces and explore the Ancient City of Hierapolis, once known for its thermal waters and healing centres.

After the tour, you will return to the Ephesus Region and be transferred back to your hotel.

The journey between Ephesus and Pamukkale takes approximately 3 hours each way.

Overnight in the Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Today you get to start to explore the wonders of Ephesus. You are picked up from your accommodation and taken out to see some of the best-preserved marble ruins in the modern world – Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the Ancient Capitals of Roman Asia - the second largest ancient city of the world! A city where over 200,000 people lived over 3,000 years ago. You also get to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. An important place for the Christian faith, as it is believed it is where Mary spent the last years of her life. You will also visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – The Temple of Artemis.

Transfer From Ephesus To Pergamon
Rise and shine early in the morning and depart from your accommodation in the Ephesus region for your journey to Pergamon.
Upon arrival, you will visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the Library, the Gymnasium, and the Temple of Trajan. Other highlights include the Hellenistic Theatre, which could accommodate up to 10,000 people, and the Temple of Dionysus in the Lower Agora.
Take a break for lunch before continuing your journey to Troy.

Transfer From Pergamon To Troy
Upon arrival in Troy, you will begin your tour with the region's most iconic landmark: the Trojan Horse. You will then explore the Houses of Troy, built between 3,000 B.C. and 2,500 B.C., and see the Sacrificial Altars.
Visit the Senate Building, known as the Bouleuterion, and the concert hall known as the Odeon. You will also see the remains of the different settlements, from Troy I to Troy IX.

Transfer From Troy To Gallipoli
Once the tour is finished, you will continue your journey to the Gallipoli region. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Overnight in the Gallipoli region.

After breakfast and some time to relax, you will be picked up from your hotel around midday for a guided tour of the Gallipoli battlefields.

During the tour, you will visit Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair.

Your guide will explain the major events of the Gallipoli Campaign and the stories of the Turkish, Australian, and New Zealand soldiers who fought here.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Istanbul.

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 Straits, which cuts a 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, Whirling Dervishes 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

Today your tour officially ends. If you require any assistance with onward travel within Turkey, accommodation bookings, or queries, please let us know & we will be happy to assist.