From Istanbul to Ephesus
An upgraded itinerary through ancient, Ottoman and Byzantine Turkey
In Brief
| Istanbul - 3 nights. Canakkale - 1 night. Kusadasi - 2 nights. Pamukkale - 1 night. Antalya - 1 night. |
Itinerary 1 - 2011
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Istanbul and transfer to the 4-star Barceló Eresin Topkapi for three nights.
Day 2 Cruise along the Bosphorus. Visit St. Sophia. Enjoy an ‘Ottoman Dinner’.
Day 3 A full-day tour includes the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Dinner at a local ‘meat and grill’ specialities restaurant.
Day 4 Travel to Gallipoli (4 hrs) and sites of the Anzac landings. Cross the Dardanelles by boat and overnight at the 4-star Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.
Day 5 Visit the ruins of legendary Troy. Travel to Pergamon (3 hrs) to visit the ancient acropolis. Continue to Kusadasi (3 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Kismet.
Day 6 A morning excursion to Ephesus. Later, visit the Ephesus museum and House of Virgin Mary.
Day 7 Drive through the valley of the River Meander, visit Aphrodisias and continue to Pamukkale, renowned for its travertine terraces and calcified waterfalls. Visit the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis. Overnight at the 4-star Pan-Thermal or Colossea-Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 8 A demonstration of the art of handicraft carpets en route to Antalya for a tour of the old city and overnight at the 4-star Dedeman.
Day 9 Return flight to London Heathrow.
Extension – Antalya
Four nights in Antalya including half board and an excursion to Perge, Aspendos and Antalya's Archaeological Museum. Stay at the 5-star Talya Hotel overlooking Antalya Bay, 2 km from the old town. Restaurants, bars, heated outdoor pool, private beach and Turkish bath. 204 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, satellite TV and balcony.
