Overview
Fully flexible travel package giving you the chance to step through centuries ... stroll along the marble streets of Ancient Ephesus; make a pilgramage to the House of Virgin Mary; give your feet a treat in the natural formation of travertens in Pamukkale; marvel at the many awe inspiring structures of Istanbul's historical Sultanahmet area. Package arranged according to your travel dates and areas can be added/excluded to better suit what you would like to do.
Tour itinerary
DAY 01 - Arrival:
On arrival to Istanbul Ataturk (or SAW) Airport meet for transfer to hotel. You then have remainder of the day/evening free at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
meals: none
DAY 02 - Istanbul Historical Tour:
Meet in the hotel lobby with regular group tour (private guided on request) and begin a full day tour taking you to explore some of the most important sights in the historical area of Sultanahmet. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). Evening free at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
***Additional days & tours (example Bosphorous Cruise) can be added to Istanbul if required.
DAY 03 - Tour Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary:
Depart on morning flight to Izmir. On arrival join on full day regular group tour (private on request) taking you to explore Ephesus, known as one of the best preserved Greco-Roman ancient cities. Here you have the chance to walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and Grand Theatre, just a few of the many buildings and fountains found in this open air museum. The day will also include visits to the House of Virgin Mary; where she is said to have spent the last of her days, and remains of Artemis Temple one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 04 - Pamukkale & Hierapolis ruins:
Today head to Pamukkale and enjoy a visit to the natural travertens (Cotton Castle) formed by lime deposits, one of the most visted of Turkey's natural wonders. Also explore the ruins of Hierapolis. Please note that drive to/from Pamukkale is around 3hours each way. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
*If suitable/required we can instead arrange for you to stay this night at a hotel in Pamukkale and then fly back to Istanbul from Denizli the following day ...or... arrange for you to fly from Denizli to Istanbul on this evening and spend night in Istanbul instead.
DAY 05 - Departure:
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Izmir Airport for most suitable domestic flight to Istanbul, arrive and connect with your international departure (or if you wish to travel on to Greece or another country we can make alternative arrangements accordingly).