ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Arrive to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2: Tour to Ancient Istanbul – Byzantine and Ottoman Relics

Today will be very impressive with specific history scenery and culture. Ancient Istanbul tour starts from the Sultan Ahmet, the heart of the “ancient city” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, Symbol of Christian history is one of the extraordinary examples of architecture, was built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, was dedicated to the Sultan Ahmet.Hippodrome was the center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar is a massive shopping center and the largest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, souvenirs. Topkapi Palace was imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy. Overnight stay in Istanbul. (B, L)

Day 3: Half Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise

Another beautiful day is waiting for you. Bosphorus is separating Europe and Asia from each other. While you are in Bosphorus you can see both European and Asian sides of Istanbul with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments, Rumeli Fortress, Historical military base built by the Conqueror to control and protect Bosphorus. Free afternoon for leisure Overnight stay in Istanbul. (B)

Day 4: Istanbul – Ephesus Tour – Istanbul

Early morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival, you will be met and proceed to ancient Roman city of Ephesus. En route there is a visit to the impressive Isa Bey Mosque. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing The Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at a Turkish restaurant. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the shrine of Mother Mary, the home believed to be where she spent the last years of her life, Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Then it’s back to Izmir airport, where you board your flight back to Istanbul. (B, L)

Day 5: Departure

Free time till transfer to airport or extend your holiday with one of Istanbul ephesus tour packages in Turkey or pickup combined tours to Turkey, Greece and Egypt. (B)

Prices & Departure Dates

Minumum 2 participants