Istanbul Kusadasi Pamukkale Exploration

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we begin the Istanbul City Tour with a visit to the Hippodrome, once the centre of chariot races and home to three notable monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Next, we visit the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its striking interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Opposite the mosque stands the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally the Church of Divine Wisdom and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. For over a thousand years, it was the worlds largest church, famed for its 6th-century golden mosaics. After lunch, we take you to Asil Efendi, a lively shopping area where you can browse exotic spices, traditional Turkish sweets, coffee, souvenirs and more at reasonable prices. Following the tour, we transfer you back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel for a traditional Bosphorus cruise along the waterway dividing Europe and Asia. From the boat, you will see a variety of historic sites including the elegant Dolmabahce Palace, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace, and the impressive marble faade of Ciragan Palace. Passing Ortakoy, a neighbourhood known for its religious harmony with a church, mosque and synagogue side by side, we continue to Rumeli Fortressbuilt in 1452 to control the Bosphorus and a fine example of military architecture. On the Asian shore, admire Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman sultans, complete with original furnishings and gardens including the Harem. We pause for lunch at a Turkish restaurant before heading to the Grand Spice Bazaar, where you can browse local spices, foods and souvenirs. After the tour, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in and dinner. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we collect you from the hotel for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the worlds best-preserved ancient sites. En route, we visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman Baths, Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre. Following lunch, we visit a carpet weaving centre where this traditional craft continues to thrive. Next, we explore the village of ?irince, known for its distinctive Anatolian Greek architecture with original white-painted houses. ?irince is also famous for its fruit wines; here, we visit local vineyards and learn about the winemaking process from Turkish producers. Later, you will have the chance to test your new knowledge of fruit wine production. On the return journey, we stop at a renowned leather workshop offering quality products at factory prices. This guided tour ensures a relaxed shopping experience without the usual market pressure, allowing you to appreciate the skills of local artisans. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Ku?adas?.

After breakfast, we set off for a full-day tour to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the striking calcium terraces known as the Cotton Castle. We then visit the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, wandering through this remarkable archaeological site. You will have the option to relax in the warm waters of the natural thermal springs. After the tour, we return to your hotel in Ku?adas? where dinner awaits.

After breakfast, we transfer to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (not included). Upon arrival, you will make your onward journey home. We hope you have enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the future.