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Overview

Looking for something a little different? This travel package includes the standard highlights of Istanbul & Ephesus but adds in a taste of a lesser known gem located on the North Aegean Coast - quaint seaside village of Assos. While making your way from Istanbul to Ephesus we will explore the mythological site of Troy, seaside villages of Assos & Ayvalik and ruins of Ancient Pergamum. Please note that the 2 day section from Troy through Pergamum is available on private guided basis only. This itinerary can be tailored.

Tour itinerary

DAY 01 - Arrival:
Arrival to Istanbul Airport and meet for transfer on to the hotel. Rest of the day is then at leisure (as per your flight arrival time). Overnight in Istanbul
meals: none

DAY 02 - Sultanahmet Istanbul Tour:
Breakfast at hotel then meet to join on regular group tour (private guided available on request) to explore some of the most important sights in the historical area. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). After the tour, return to hotel with evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
**Additional days & tours (example Bosphorous Cruise) can be added to Istanbul if required.

DAY 03 - Troy and Assos:
Breakfast, check out and depart from Istanbul to Eceabat/Canakkale. On arrival break for lunch in a local restaurant then meet with private tour guide and continue on to visit Troy, the legendary site of "Helen of Troy" and the "Trojan Horse". Continue to Assos, a quaint, cobble-stoned seaside village. Overnight in Assos.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included

DAY 04 - Ayvalik and Pergamum:
After breakfast we depart to visit the ruins of Assos and then travel on to Pergamum. En-route stop in Ayvalik for views. On arrival to Pergamum we visit the ruins of the Acropol, Asclepion and theatre. End of the days touring with arrival to Kusadasi with evening at leisure. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included

DAY 05 - Ephesus & Virgin Mary:
Breakfast then depart on a full day tour which includes a visit the remains of Artemis Temple, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Then visit Ephesus Ancient City where you explore the Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, the famous Celsius Library, Roman baths, the Grand Theatre and Marble Street. After lunch break depart for House of Virgin Mary and visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
**Choose your own ending: stay another night in Kusadasi, travel on to Greece, travel back to Istanbul by flight or overnight bus or continue on to other areas of Turkey. Choice is yours - just let us know your preferences when completing the enquiry form.

What's included?

  • Hotel accomodation (BB and/or HB basis)
  • Sightseeing tours, mix of regular group & private
  • Main entrance fees to sights visited
  • Lunch during full day tours
  • Domestic transport Istanbul through to Ephesus
  • Airport transfers on arr/dept in each area
  • Taxes and handling services

Notes

  • Available year round, January to December
  • Istanbul & Ephesus sections using regular group day tours (private basis on request)
  • 02 day covering Troy, Assos, Ayvalik & Pergamum on private guided basis only
  • Extra days/nights and additional tours can be added (for example add on Pamukkale)
  • Suitable for individuals and groups

Create a tailormade package

Feel free to ask our professional travel planners any questions you might have so far. Receive reply as quickly as possible (max. 24 hours).

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From our past customers

We are back at home now, and wanted to let you know that overall the trip was a great success. Alice was very responsive and helpful - she really did an amazing job keeping track of everything for us while we were in Greece. We also wanted to thank you for all of your hard work in organizing everything. Please feel free to use us as a reference in the future.We were most pleased with the Marianna Pension in Naplion, the Amalia Hotel in Delphi, and the Porto Fira Suites in Santorini. The transfer arrangements went off perfectly smoothly, and having all the tickets and vouchers was extremely helpful too. A question: do you only make arrangements for Greece and Turkey, or do you work in other countries as well (i.e. Spain, Italy)? Oh yes - the Mykonos Palace Hotel was truly fabulous as is their restaurant Notos. The beach itself at Platis Gialos was also quite wonderful - we hope to return there sometime.

-Jeptha

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