Overview
For those that love exploring ancient ruins this is truly the package for you. Covering Ephesus Ancient City, Acropolis & Asclepion of Pergamum, the three Ionian cities of Priene, Miletus & Didyma - each day will be steeped in centuries of history. Not to be forgot is a brief interlude in Istanbul as well as a dip in the travertens of Pamukkale. This package can be adjusted to suit the number of days you have available and additional areas can be added or some excluded if you wish - just ask and we will advise accordingly.
Tour itinerary
DAY 01 - Arrive Istanbul:
Meet in the arrivals hall of Istanbul Ataturk Airport and transfer to hotel. We arrange airport transfer according to your flight arrival time so any time of the day or night suitable. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: none
DAY 02 - Ottoman Relics Tour, Sultanahmet:
After breakfast meet in hotel lobby to join on full day tour taking you to visit the must see sights for any first time visitor of Istanbul. Guided sightseeing tour of the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). Evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast & lunch included
*Additional days & tours (example Bosphorous Cruise) can be added to Istanbul if required.
DAY 03 - Flight to Izmir & Pergamum Tour:
Check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport for a morning flight to Izmir. On arrival meet with guide and depart to explore the ruins of Ancient Pergamum which was the renowned cultural and political center used by the Romans as an administrative center for the province of Asia. Here visit Asclepion, Acropol and theatre. End of day with arrival to hotel in Kusadasi and overnight stay.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 04 - Priene, Miletus & Didyma:
Depart in the morning for Priene which in its time was one of the most spectacular of all the Ancient Ionians Cities. After the visit here we then travel on to Miletus with its magnificent theatre and the Byzantine fortress on the acropolis above. Last, but not least, visit Didyma. Here you find the largest Ionic Temple in the world, that of Apollo. Also in Didyma lies the huge, cracked head of Medusa which long ago fell from the frieze. Overnight in Kusadasi.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 05 - Pamukkale & Hierapolis:
After breakfast depart for Pamukkale where you will have the opportunity to visit the natural formation of the travertens which are formed by lime deposits. Pamukkale literally translated means "Cotton Castle". Also visit the ruins of Hierapolis. Return to Kusadasi for overnight stay.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 06 - Ephesus Sightseeing & return to Istanbul:
The most impressive sight of the Aegean, today visit the Ancient City of Ephesus. Here you have the chance to walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and the Grand Theatre, just a few of the many buildings and fountains that can be found in this open air museum. The day will also include visits to the House of Virgin Mary and the remains of Artemis Temple. End of tour with transfer to Izmir Airport for return flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner included
*If you are planning to head on to Greece or other areas of Turkey we can make alternative arrangements - just let us know your preferences when completing the enquiry form.
DAY 07 - Departure:
Breakfast, check out and per your international flight depature time transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport