Destinations & Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel, remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 Ottoman Byzantine Relics Tour – Istanbul
We will leave hotel in the morning to visit the Sultanahmet Square and the spectacular Blue Mosque decorated with beautiful 17th century Iznik tiles. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were once held. Continue with the Hagia Sophia / St. Sophia and Museum. An early Christian church, later converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule, this magnificent temple now serving as a museum with all the artefacts from the Byzantine era intact, is especially famous for its mosaics. After lunch, we will visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the legendary Ottoman Sultans, now converted into a museum. It consists of several exhibition halls, such as the Treasury, the porcelain section, Armoury and Holy Relics. We will complete this historical day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) and return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 3 Bosphorus and Two Continents Tour – Istanbul
We will take you to Spice Market, still in use as one of the world’s largest spice bazaars since 1665. Next, we will board the ferries across the Bosphorus which will take us to both European and Asian sides of the city. This beautiful voyage will take you along the shores of Bosphorus and you will see the Rumeli Fortress from the 15th century as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique wooden houses of the area, as well as the natural beauty of the forests above. The last stop on the cruise is the fishing village of Sariyer, close to the Black Sea. From there on we will drive you by coach via the world’s only Intercontinental Bridge Bosphorus Bridge to take you to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Camlica is the highest tip in Istanbul where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul. We will visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the royal Ottoman family with original furniture and magnificent gardens. After the tour, you will be transferred your hotel.
Day 4 Flight to Izmir – Ephesus Tour – Flight to Istanbul
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport Internal Terminal for flight to Izmir. Upon arrival to Izmir Airport, meeting tour guide at airport and drive to Ephesus. Ephesus, the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia, will come alive to you as you explore the ancient ruins of this magnificent site. You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed according to its original form by the architect Friedmund Hueber in the 1970′s. You will also see the Grand Theater, the most spectacular building of Ephesus, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators. It is there that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Hill Houses, homes of Ephesus’ wealthy citizens. The city was also the hometown of great philosopher Heraclitus. Then continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into Heaven; other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place. After lunch visit the Basilica of St. John and see the ruins of Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited while it was being constructed in 335 B.C. End of tour and after arranging a meeting point and time with your guide free time in Kusadasi. Transfer to Izmir Airport for flight back to Istanbul. Evening arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 5 Departure Transfer
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport.
Please take note of the following:
* The order of visiting sights, may vary slightly from time to time
* Clothing: Entrance to Mosques and Churches visited in our tours is not allowed to gentlemen and ladies with no proper outfit
* You are kindly requested to present your self at the pick up point 15 minutes prior the pre advised pick up time.
* Smoking is not permitted but all tours make frequent stops.
* Optional Dinner and Oriental Belly & Folk Dance Show
What’s Included:
* Airport Return Transfer to hotel
* 5 Nights Hotel Accommodation + 5 Hotel Breakfasts
* Domestic flight tickets between Istanbul- Izmir -Istanbu
* Personal Travel Insurance in Turkey l
* Fully guided tour with the services of an experienced and qualified professional tour guide
* Luxury non-smoking air-conditioned coach
* On ground support and access to True Blue Tour Istanbul offices should you require any further assistance
* All Admission Fees.
* Lunch On Tours
* V.A.T.
