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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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Group
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15 - 25
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Airplane
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English
Overview
Discover the wonders of Turkey on this 5-day adventure through Istanbul, Pamukkale, and Ephesus. Immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty of these iconic destinations. From ancient ruins to unique landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s highlights. Book your Turkish getaway today!
Highlights:
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul
- Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle and thermal pools
- Ancient city ruins of Hierapolis and Ephesus
- Convenient domestic flights included
- Authentic Turkish cuisine experiences
Tour Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show (optional, additional cost). This experience includes a delightful evening cruise on the Bosphorus, complete with dinner and live entertainment.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request, so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.
The tour begins with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures.
Next, you will visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This active place of worship is a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.
From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other grand events. Here, you’ll see notable monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
After visiting these historical landmarks, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Turkish cuisine.
Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Explore its vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.
The day concludes with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, it offers an exciting experience with its array of spices, carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and more.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Istanbul further or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request, so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Pamukkale, where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
The tour starts around 10:45 AM with a visit to Karahayit to see the famous Red Spring Waters, renowned for their unique thermal properties. Next, you’ll proceed to Pamukkale and begin exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key sites include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater.
Afterward, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. Following lunch, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore Pamukkale’s natural wonders at your own pace. During this time, you may opt to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools (optional, at your own expense), where you can relax in the thermal waters amidst ancient ruins.
Later in the afternoon, regroup with your guide and take a walk along the stunning Cotton Cliffs (travertines), marveling at the cascading white terraces formed by mineral-rich waters.
After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, arriving around 7:30 PM for check-in. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Kusadasi: Efe Boutique Hotel, Derici Hotel, Neopol Hotel Deluxe, or Marina Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel at around 8:30 AM. You will be picked up for a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities, which was once a major Greek port and cultural center.
Your tour begins with a walk along Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading to some of its most remarkable sites. The first stop is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure featuring intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing onward, you will visit the impressive Great Theater, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is renowned for its incredible acoustics. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its use for gatherings, dramatic performances, and even gladiatorial contests.
Next, you’ll explore the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire detailed carvings and learn about its importance in the city’s water supply system.
After a lunch break at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a peaceful hillside. Believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus, this modest stone house remains a pilgrimage site and a serene spot for quiet reflection.
You will then visit the Temple of Artemis. While only a few columns remain, this site was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, symbolizing the grandeur of ancient Ephesus.
The final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, an exquisite example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture, showcasing a blend of cultural influences through its courtyards and intricate tile work.
After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request, so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is required before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This marks the end of our tour and services.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
- Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul to Denizli and Izmir to Istanbul, as specified in the itinerary.
- 3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- English-speaking guide during tours.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- Local taxes and service charges.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets.
- Visa to enter Turkey.
- Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
- Services not mentioned in the program.
- Drinks with meals.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
Important Information:
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
- This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
- The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
- Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
- For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
- For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
- For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
- For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
- For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
- Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
- During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After reviewing the detailed tour itinerary, you can make an online reservation by following these steps:
- Select Your Tour Details:
- Go to the tour itinerary page.
- On the right side of the page, find the online booking form.
- Select the number of travelers and your desired tour start date.
- Choose Extra Options (Add-Ons):
- Proceed to the next step to view available add-ons.
- Choose any extra options you wish to include in your tour package.
- Provide Your Information:
- Continue to the checkout page.
- Fill in the required personal information.
- Click the “Book Now” button.
- Enter Passenger Details:
- In the final step, provide the necessary passenger information using your passport details.
- Submit the form to complete your reservation request.
- Confirmation and Payment:
- After submitting, your reservation request will reach us.
- Within 24 hours, we will send you a secure payment form link via email.
- Complete the payment form by entering your credit card information.
- Once the required deposit amount is charged to your credit card, your tour reservation will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
Deposit Payment
- For most tours in Turkey, a 30% deposit is required to guarantee your reservation. However, for certain tours, full payment may be requested to confirm your booking.
- A 30% deposit payment is requested when booking online. Once the deposit is paid, your reservation is secured.
Remaining Balance Payment
- The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival in Istanbul.
- You can pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or Euros) to our company representative.
Credit Card Payment Option
- Alternatively, you may pay the remaining balance using a credit card, such as Visa or MasterCard.
- Please note that a 5% bank processing fee will apply if you choose to pay by credit card.
Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.
Yes, you can swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during your free time. This activity is optional and comes at an additional cost. The tour guide will provide you with the exact meeting point and time for rejoining the group afterward.
On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.
Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.
Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour starts. In this case, the cost of all flight and bus tickets—which are non-refundable—will be deducted from your paid balance, and the remaining amount will be refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the tour, the full amount paid will be considered non-refundable, as a “no-show” policy will apply.
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