DAY 01 – Arrival to Istanbul
Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and clearing customs, you will be met by one of our staff at the exit gate of arrivals hall & transfer your hotel. On the way, a brief stop by the 1700-year-old ancient city walls will be a great photo opportunity. There will be time to relax & rest before meeting the guide in the evening for an orientation walk with your guide around Sultanahmet by night. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 02 – Bosphorous Cruise and Asia Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at hotel, then meeting your guide at hotel lobby short drive down to Eminonu to visit Spice Bazaar with mystical smells of different aromas of variousspices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers,etc. Then walk to the harbour to embark on the Bosphorus Ferry for a cruise on the Bosphorus. We believe a visit to Istanbul is never complete if you haven't joined the Bosphorus Cruise. During the cruise you will see the city from a different perspective, the old wooden villas, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, both bridges linking Asia & Europe, (our banner is a glimps of what you will see) & much more. After lunch, continue on land to visit Camlica Hill for 360° panoramic views over the city & driving back to Europe over the Bosphorus Bridge we visit Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 340 rooms & 8 Turkish Baths the Imperial Residence of the last 6 Sultans, is sure to fascinate its visitors. At the end of the tour the guide will take you back to your hotel, evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 03 – Splendors of Empire Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast meeting tour guide at hotel lobby for full day tour of Istanbul. We start with the Ancient Hippodrome where chariots races and other sporting events took place from the 2nd century A.D. onwards. Then continue to Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its superb interior decoration and the hand made Iznik tiles reflecting its blue colours from the 16th century. We then continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown. Hagia Sophia dates back to 6th century; when it was built, its dome was the largest in the world. Now it is one of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture. We reach the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) after a short drive. Here you will be amazed with the variety of souvenirs such as rugs, leather, pottery, jewellery, spices you can find or just stroll around for the fun. We have lunch at a local restaurant serving Turkish Cuisine. Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 04 – Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Departure on the domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival to Izmir Airport and meet with your new guide depart on to the town of Selcuk to visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman Cities in the world. Depart for the House of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent the last of her days. After lunch in a local restaurant, the tour also includes a visit to the remains of Artemis Temple and if time allows a visit to the old Greek Village of Sirince. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. On your arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be met at the airport for the transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. Evening at lesiure. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 05 – Transfer to Istanbul Airport
Breakfast, check-out and meeting your transfer staff for drive to Istanbul International Airport
