ISTANBUL & IZMIR TOUR

 

Day 1: ARRIVE Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul for a 3-night stay. Meet your escort and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at guests’ expense. 

Day 2: Istanbul

After breakfast start your visits of the Highlights: The Hagia Sophia Church, built in the 6th century AD by Justinian and became the largest church in the world for many centuries until its conversion into a mosque by the Ottoman Sultan where you can see beautiful mosaics of Byzantine art. The Byzantine Hippodrome where horses and chariots raced once upon a time. The Blue Mosque, famous for its tiles and interior decorations, the most important mosque of the city. Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for about 400 years. The Grand Bazaar for a leisure afternoon with more than 4,000 shops. (B-L)

Day 3: Istanbul - Izmir – Ephesus - Izmir

Following breakfast transfer to the airport for a short flight to Izmir. Upon arrival drive to Selcuk town to visit Ephesus, ancient capital of Asia Minor with its magnificent theater, library, agoras, temples and baths. The city was the largest port-city in Asia Minor and today is one of the most attractive archaeological sites in Turkey. The Temple of Artemis nearby was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, dedicated to goddess Artemis, known as Diana in Rome. After lunch visit the House of Virgin Mary which is a place of pilgrimage for Christians where there is a small church as well. It’s believed that Mary spent last years of her life there, and it’s recognized as a shrine by Vatican. Short drive back to Izmir and check-in to your hotel. Dinner at guests’ expense. (B-L)

Day 4: Izmir – Pergamon – Izmir - Istanbul

Breakfast in the hotel and drive to Pergamon to visit this great civilization dating back to the 4th century B.C. The Acropolis has a great view over the valley and the temple of Trajan is the most impressive building on top of a very steep theater. The Aesclepion was an important healing center/hospital dedicated to Aesclepius, god of medicine. Especially mentally ill people tried to get a cure here while it became the second most famous Aesclepion after the one on the island of Cos. After lunch drive to Izmir airport for a short flight back to Istanbul. Arrive at Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at guests’ expense. (B-L)

Day 5: Istanbul 

At leisure today, or possibility of participating an optional Bosphorus cruise and Asian side tour.(B)

Day 6: DEPART Istanbul

In the morning transfer to the airport and depart. End of services. (B) 

It’s possible to combine this tour with Cappadocia Mini Package, or extend your stay in Istanbul. 



PLEASE NOTE: This tour is guaranteed departure and run everyday. Prices can be in US Dollars or Euros. Travel Agents and Tour Operators, please contact us for details. Rooms are run-of-the-house. Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace on Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar on Sundays. On these specific days they’ll be substituted with other sites depending on the convenience of the program and schedule. 

First Class hotels are: Lion, Crystal, Aygun, Nippon or Golden Age in Istanbul, Anemon or Kaya Prestige in Izmir. 

Deluxe hotels are: The Marmara in Istanbul, Hilton in Izmir.

 

Istanbul & Izmir Tour (5 nights)

 

First Class Hotels

Per person in DBL

Single Supplement

01.Nov - 31.Mar

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25.Dec – 04.Jan

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01.Apr – 31.Oct

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Deluxe Hotels

Per person in DBL

Single Supplement

01.Nov - 31.Mar

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25.Dec – 04.Jan

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01.Apr – 31.Oct

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01.Jul – 31.Aug

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Included: 5 nights accommodation and meal plans as outlined in the itinerary. Licensed tour guide during tours and transfers. All transfers. Entrance fees to the sites outlined in the itinerary. Service charges and all taxes. Transportation by car/van/bus depending on the number of participants.

 

Not included: International flights. Domestic flights in Turkey. Beverages during meals. Visas. Gratuities for guides and drivers. Personal expenses. 

 

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