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.