ISTANBUL & AEGEAN HIGHLIGHTS

(7 Nights/8 Days)
Daily departure

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.


DAY 02 - Guided tour of Istanbul:
After breakfast at hotel meet with the guide to depart on a full day regular group tour to explore the most important sights in Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, the Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). After the tour, return to hotel with the evening then at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.


DAY 03 - Bosphorous Cruise and Asia:
After breakfast again meet with guide to depart on another full day regular group (or private) tour. Depart from the hotel for a mornings cruise on the Bosphorous which seperates the East from West. During the cruise visit the Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar and Rumeli Fortress. At the end of the cruise the tour then continues on land taking you to visit the Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorous Bridge and Camlica Hill for wonderful panoramic views. Overnight in Istanbul.


DAY 04 - Ruins of Pergamum Tour:
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport for the morning flight departure to Izmir. On arrival meet with guide and car 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. Overnight in Kusadasi


DAY 05 - Priene, Didyma and Miletus:
Today meet in the hotel lobby and 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. Lunch is included in the tour as well as transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.


DAY 06 - Hierapolis Ruins in Pamukkale:
After breakfast at hotel meet in the lobby and 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 during the days tour the guide will take you to visit the ruins of Hierapolis. Return drive to Kusadasi and overnight stay.


DAY 07 - Ancient Ephesus Tours:
Breakfast, check out and depart on the full day Ephesus Sightseeing Tour. The Ancient City of Ephesus is known as one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities. 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; where she is said to have spent the last of her days, and the remains of Artemis Temple which was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. At the end of the tour, collect luggage from the hotel and transfer on to Izmir Airport for the return flight to Istanbul. Arrival, transfer to hotel and evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.


DAY 08 - Departure:
Breakfast, check out and as per your flight time transfer to Istanbul International Airport.