Private arrival and departure transfers from/to airports in Istanbul and in Izmir
Accommodation for 4 nights in Istanbul, in selected hotels sharing double occupancy in standard double room on bed and breakfast basis
Full day, guided Istanbul tour visiting Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar
Full day, guided tour visiting the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Bosporus boat trip, Underground Cistern
Round trip economy air tickets from Istanbul to Izmir to Istanbul
Guided Ephesus tour visiting the Artemission Temple and the House of Virgin Mary. Lunch included
Professional, licensed English speaking guide
Transportation with private AC vehicle
All entrance fees for the guided tour included in the itinerary
All service fees and local taxes
24-hour assistance telephone service
Departs: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Visiting: Istanbul, Hipodromme, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Underground Cistern, Spice Market, Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, Artemission Temple. (Optional additions: St. John's Basilica, the Museum and Sirince)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Istanbul Arrival at Istanbul Int'l airport. Welcome and briefing by our representative who will meet you at the airport with your name on a company sign. Private transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul
Day 2: Full-day Istanbul tour After breakfast, at approximately 09:00am, pick up from your hotel and your journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - its three names span more than 2,600 years, nearly 1,600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known; the Byzantine and the Ottoman. We visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping. Overnight in Istanbul (B)
Day 3: Full-day Istanbul tour - Bosporus boat trip After breakfast, at approximately 08:30am, pick up from your hotel and start our tour by first visiting the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Continue with a Bosporus boat trip; a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and small fishing villages. Afternoon visit to the Underground Cistern. Overnight in Istanbul (B)
Day 4: Istanbul - Ephesus Tour - Istanbul 07:15am pick up from your hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for a 09:10am morning flight to Izmir. Arrive in Izmir airport at 10:00am. Met by your tour guide and drive to Ephesus (a 45 minutes drive). First visit the Artemission Temple, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Then on to visit Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia (an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor) located near Izmir. Known in antiquity for its sacred shrines, notably a famous temple (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) to goddess Artemis, or Diana, the city was also an important center of early Christianity. After Ephesus, lunch will be served in the garden of a local handicraft center. Here you can see some of the traditional carpet weaving techniques used and enjoy viewing some splendid displays of beautiful carpets. After lunch visit the House of Virgin Mary. This house is located on the Aladag mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus. During the 3rd Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967 Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed here. 17:00pm drive to Izmir airport for your flight back to Istanbul at 19:00. After an hour's flight arrive in Istanbul at 20:00. Welcome by our representative and transfer to your hotel for overnight (B)
Day 5: Istanbul - Departure After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul Int'l airport for departure
Notes
Rates upon request for higher class hotel accommodation
Greek phrase of the day
po'so ka'nei ?: how much does it cost ?
Did you know that...
pythos was used to carry wine, olives and figs but it also served as a ballot box?
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