Istanbul to Ephesus Cultural Odyssey - 6 Days

Welcome to the start of your adventure in Istanbul! Upon your arrival, we will ensure your smooth transfer to the hotel, where you have a chance to unwind and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, you can check the hotel reception boards for information about your upcoming tour. Whether you choose to explore the city during your free time or relax at the hotel, this day offers a perfect introduction to the vibrant culture and rich history of Istanbul. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Istanbul, we embark on an insightful city tour. Our first stop is the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul. We continue exploring the city's rich past with a visit to the ancient walls and the lively Golden Horn area, renowned for its bustling fishing district. We take a moment to admire the illustrious exterior of Hagia Sophia before moving on to Topkapi Palace. This historic site, once the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire, impresses with its stunning courtyards and opulent pavilions.

In the afternoon, you're free to delve deeper into the city's vibrant mix of cultures and history at your leisure. As evening approaches, we will arrange your transfer to Taksim, Istanbul's lively commerce hub. Here, you can indulge in dinner at one of the numerous local restaurants and catch a glimpse of the iconic old tram gliding through the district or perhaps explore the nearby Galata Tower.

Today, we set off on a captivating boat trip along the Bosphorus, enjoying tickets already included in our package. This two-hour cruise on a private vessel will take us through the bustling waters that divide Istanbul into its European and Asian parts. As we glide along the strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, we'll witness the dynamic scene filled with boats of all kinds. Our journey will take us under the two impressive bridges that unite Europe and Asia, offering views of magnificent Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and remarkable examples of Ottoman architecture. Once back in the heart of Istanbul, you'll have some leisure time to explore further at your own pace.

We'll embark on an early departure from Istanbul to continue our adventure through Turkey. By lunchtime, we'll arrive in Ephesus, regarded as the best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor. This city, which was home to 250,000 inhabitants two millennia ago, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Our visit includes entry to the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site, where you'll be immersed in the rich history. Following our exploration of Ephesus, we'll make our way to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town famous for its bustling atmosphere, commercial life, and picturesque castle. We'll settle in for the night in Kusadasi, with dinner included.

During the high season, from May through October, we'll instead stay in Izmir. In this case, after visiting Ephesus, we'll head directly to Izmir, delighting in a short panoramic tour of this Aegean coast gem. The next day, on our journey back to Istanbul, we'll stop in the charming traditional town of Balikesir, where there'll be time for lunch.

On day five, we begin our day with a journey to Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, famed for its modern, westernised spirit. Here, our guide will offer a brief tour, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis. Continuing our route inland, we'll stop for lunch before making our way to Bursa. This historic city, ranked as Turkey's fourth largest, is celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Site right in its city centre. As we explore, you will experience the charm of the city's traditional commercial districts, admire its mosques and religious schools, and discover the beauty of its public baths. Of particular note is the Green Mosque, a renowned architectural marvel.

We will head back to Istanbul, concluding the day amidst the blend of modernity and history that is uniquely Turkey.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey through Turkey.