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.
(B) Breakfast -
(L) Lunch - (D) Dinner
PLEASE NOTE:
This tour is guaranteed departure and run on any
day all year around. Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays; Topkapi Palace on
Tuesdays; Grand Bazaar on Sundays & public holidays. On these specific days
they'll be substituted with other museums/sites depending on the convenience of
the program and schedule. Order of the visits may be changed for the convenience of the
tour. Cappadocia - Pamukkale track is a long drive. Depending on seasonal
occupancies Izmir stay may be swapped to Kusadasi and vice versa.
ALL TRAVEL SERVICES FOR THIS TOUR ARE BEEN ARRANGED BY A GOVERNMENT LICENSED
& RELIABLE TRAVEL AGENCY
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