From Istanbul to Ephesus
An upgraded itinerary through ancient, Ottoman and Byzantine Turkey
In Brief
| Istanbul - 2 nights. Canakkale - 1 night. Izmir - 2 nights. Bursa - 1 night. Istanbul - 2 nights. |
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Istanbul for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Legacy Ottoman, close to the Spice Bazaar in Old Istanbul (Mar 6 & Nov departures at President Hotel, close to the Grand Bazaar).
Day 2 Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace including the Harem. Enjoy an ‘Ottoman Dinner’.
Day 3 Travel to Gallipoli (4 hrs) and sites of the Anzac landings. Cross the Dardanelles by boat. Overnight at the 4-star Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.
Day 4 Visit the ruins of legendary Troy. Travel to Pergamon (3 hrs) to visit the ancient acropolis with its Zeus Temple. Continue to Izmir for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Mövenpick in central Izmir close to the waterfront.
Day 5 A morning excursion to Ephesus. Later visit the Ephesus museum and House of Virgin Mary.
Day 6 Travel to Bursa to visit the Green Mosque and Tomb of Sultan Murat II, the Great Mosque of Ulu Cami, the Muradiye Mosque and tombs of the Ottoman Sultans and Princes and the silk bazaar. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Kervansaray-Thermal (perhaps try its historic Turkish Baths with natural hot springs).
Day 7 Visit the Byzantine walls and Basilica of Iznik, the centre of Ottoman ceramics. By ferry across the sea of Marmara to Istanbul for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Legacy Ottoman (Mar 6 & Nov departures at President Hotel).
Day 8 Cruise along the Bosphorus, passing palaces, mosques and wooden waterside villas (yali). Also visit the Dolmabahce Palace of the Sultans and Grand Bazaar.
Day 9 Return flight.
Extension – Istanbul
Two nights at the 4-star Hotel Legacy Ottoman with breakfast daily. Located in Old Istanbul, close to Spice Bazaar, facilities include restaurants, bars, indoor pool, jacuzzi, Turkish bath and gym. 170 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
