Day 1 : Arrive Istanbul (no meal)
Arrive in Istanbul Ataturk airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 : Full Day Istanbul Classic City Tour (breakfast-lunch)
Pick-up from your hotel. You will visit the main attractions of Istanbul (capital of the Ottoman Empire untill 1923) by this full day tour. Hagia Sophia; magnificent Byzantine church and the unique sample of Byzantine architecture, Blue Mosque; one of the biggest mosque of the Istanbul from 17th century and famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets,The Ancient Hippodrome where once chariot races were held. The main monument left today is the impressive Egyptian obelisk, carved in Egypt around 1,500 BC and brought to Constantinople in 390 AD. Our tour will continue with a visit to Topkapi Palace; it was once the residence of Ottoman sultans and their harem. We will finish the tour with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays and at Feast days). End of the tour return to your hotel and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 : Half Day Bosphorus Cruise (breakfast)
Pick-up from your hotel. Our first stop is Rustem Pasa Mosque then walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) (Closed at Feast days). You will find here mystical smells of different aromas of various spices and many shops selling vegetables,fruits,fish and flowers. The Bosphorus cruise takes about 1.5 hour. The Bosphorus strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia. During this excursion you will see the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maidens Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 : Troy / Canakkale (breakfast-lunch- dinner)
After breakfast , depart for visiting the famous and mythological site of Troy, home of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. You will also see Sacrificial Altars,the 3500 years old city walls, houses of Troy I (3.000 B.C- 2.500 B.C), the Bouleterium (Senate building), the Odeon (Concert Hall), current excavations in progress and remains of the various cities of Troy. After the tour drive to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale.
Day 5 : Pergamon /Thyatira / Izmir (breakfast-lunch-dinner)
After breakfast depart for Pergamon to visit the city of Pergamon in the north of the Aegean of West Anatolia with the frontiers to ancient Mysia, forms a significant part of the Aegean and AsiaMinor history with Acropolis, one of the centres of Hellenistic and Roman ages. Continue to ancient Thyatira.Thyatira became an early center of Christianity. The apostle Paul visited the city on a number of occasions during his missionary travels. Lydia, the woman converted by St. Paul at Philippi, was from Thyatira (Acts 16:13-15), and the church at Thyatira was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Overnight in Izmir.
Day 6 : Sardis / Philadelphia / Hierapolis / Pamukkale (breakfast-lunch-dinner)
Today you will be able to visit Sardis; once the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus. Here the first coins were minted. Then visit the ancient Philadelphia listed among the seven churches by John in the Book of Revelation. Philadelphia is the sixth church of seven. After visit we will head to Hierapolis; Necropolis (cemetery) of Hierapolis which is one of the biggest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia with 1,200 graves, Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, the Main Street, Byzantian Gate. Then, you can take a walk to the natural warm water terraces which were formed by running warm water that contains calcium. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7 : Laodicea / Aphrodisias / Kusadasi (breakfast-lunch-dinner)
After breakfast we will drive to Laodicea. Explore the recently excavated theater of Laodicea. The Laodicean church was established in the earliest period of Christianity, and is probably best known for being one of the seven churches addressed by name in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 3.14-22). Then head to Aphrodisias which is best-preserved example of a Hellenistic civilization in Turkey. You will visit the ruins of ancient Aphrodisias ; Roman Stadium, An Odeum, Temple of Aphrodite, Bishops Palace, Theatre, Roman Baths Streets and public squares, several churches, Sebasteion Propylon and Aphrodisias Archaeological Musuem. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8 : Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour (breakfast-lunch-dinner)
After breakfast drive to House of Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. Then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. After lunch you will visit the Basilica of St. John and Ephesus museum. End of the tour return back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 9 : Departure (breakfast)
You will be transferred to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. (flight from Izmir to Istanbul is not included ). End of our services.
No extra hidden cost..!
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What’s Included
8 nights accommodation according to your selection as 3, 4 or 5 star.
All mentioned (Group) transfers in the program.
All mentioned (Group) tours in the program including transportation with air-conditioned buses, guidance and entrance fees.
English speaking guide during the tours.
(You can ask for other language options for groups).
All meals as described in the itinerary.
All local taxes.
What’s Not Included
Tips (optional).
International flight tickets.
Visa (if needed).
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
No extra hidden cost !
