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7-Day Istanbul, Ephesus & Pamukkale

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Overview

Spend one week exploring a country where continents collide bringing you incredible cuisine, a rich history and outstanding scenery on this Turkey itinerary.

Over the course of seven days, you'll explore several of Turkey's key cultural and historical destinations including the city of Istanbul, the ancient city of Ephesus, the incredible landscape of Pamukkale and the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Aphrodisias.

Journeying through Turkey's diverse landscapes, whilst learning of its succession of fascinating empires and romantic and mysterious ruins with a local guide will leave you with a love for the country.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Food & Drink
Wellness
Cruising

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Istanbul!

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Welcome to Istanbul!

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you'll be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have the rest of the day to relax in your hotel or head out to explore Istanbul by yourself.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Levni Hotel & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    IstanbulOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Istanbul Airport to İstanbul

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fatih

    Istanbul

Day 2

City Tour of Istanbul & Turkish Bath Experience

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City Tour of Istanbul & Turkish Bath Experience

After breakfast this morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day tour of the old city of Istanbul. During the tour, you will visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and finally, the Grand Bazaar where you can haggle and shop 'til you drop. At the end of the tour, you'll be dropped off back at your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a typical Turkish bath experience with a 40-minute massage and traditional bath atmosphere.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Levni Hotel & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hagia Sophia

    Topkapi Palace

    Sultan Ahmed Mosque

    Hippodrome of Constantinople

    Grand Bazaar

    Turkish Bath Experience

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fatih

    Istanbul

Day 3

Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise & Local Food Tour

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Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise & Local Food Tour

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a full-day city tour of Istanbul. During the tour, you'll visit the Spice Market, one of the most famous covered shopping complexes in Istanbul, after the Grand Bazaar. The market is home to 85 stalls selling various spices, Turkish delight, sweets, jewellery, souvenirs, and dried fruits and nuts. Afterwards, you'll jump on a two-hour private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus followed by a local tastes food tour in the afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Levni Hotel & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Spice Bazaar

    Private Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus

    15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)

    Local Tastes Food Tour of Istanbul

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fatih

    Istanbul

    Üsküdar

Day 4

Fly to Izmir & Full-Day Ephesus Tour

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Fly to Izmir & Full-Day Ephesus Tour

This morning, you'll check out and transfer to the airport early in the morning for your flight to Izmir. You'll be met at their airport on arrival and you'll drive to Ephesus for a full-day tour. You'll visit Ephesus Ancient City, the House of Virgin Mary, the St John Basilica and Sirince Village. At the end of the tour, you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Kusadasi.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kusadasi4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ephesus

    House of Virgin Mary

    Basilica of Saint John

    Sirince Village

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from İstanbul to Istanbul Airport

    Plane from Istanbul Airport to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

    Private Driver from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Ephesus Ancient Theatre

    Private Driver from Şirince to Kuşadası

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fatih

    Selçuk

    İzmir

    Kusadasi

Day 5

Pamukkale & Aphrodisias Tour

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Pamukkale & Aphrodisias Tour

After breakfast, you'll check out and meet your driver for your drive to Pamukkale, home to the famous Cotton Castle salt terraces. You'll then embark on a full-day tour during which you'll visit Hierapolis Ancient City, explore the incredible Cotton Castle and visit the UNESCO-listed Aphrodisias Ancient City which dates back to the 3rd century BC. At the end of the tour, you'll transfer to airport for your evening flight to Istanbul.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Levni Hotel & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hierapolis

    Pamukkale

    Aphrodisias

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kuşadası to Pamukkale

    Private Driver from Aphrodisias Amphitheatre to Denizli Airport

    Plane from Denizli Airport to Istanbul Airport

    Private Driver from Istanbul Airport to Levni Hotel & Spa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kusadasi

    Denizli

    Pamukkale

    Aydın Province

    Fatih

Day 6

Free Day to Explore Istanbul

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Free Day to Explore Istanbul

Today, you'll have the entire day free to spend as you wish in Istanbul; this will be your chance to visit any of the landmarks or key sights you have yet been able to. Visiting Istanbul is nothing short of an extraordinary cultural experience. Due to its strategic location, it’s east meets west theme permeates every corner of the city. From its endless list of minarets to its mosaic-adorned Byzantine churches to its famously hospitable people, a trip to Istanbul is on to remember for most.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Levni Hotel & Spa5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    IstanbulOptional Activity

    Dolmabahce PalaceOptional Activity

    Golden HornOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fatih

    Istanbul

    Turkey

Day 7

Goodbye Istanbul

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Goodbye Istanbul

Today your Turkey itinerary comes to an end. When you're ready, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from İstanbul to Istanbul Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Fatih

Included in Price

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 17 activities
  • 6 breakfasts and 4 lunches
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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