7 Days Istanbul, Ephesus , Pamukkale , Priene, Miletus, Didyma & Aegean Tour
Highlights
- ✓Istanbul’s Ottoman & Byzantine Relics – Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern.
- ✓Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary – Walk through the ancient streets of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities, and visit the sacred home of the Virgin Mary.
- ✓Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Witness the breathtaking white terraces of Pamukkale and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.
- ✓Priene, Miletus & Didyma – Visit the less-crowded yet historically rich sites featuring Greek temples and ruins.
- ✓Bosphorus Cruise & Egyptian Bazaar – Sail between Europe and Asia on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise and enjoy shopping in the spice-scented Egyptian Bazaar.
- ✓Golden Horn – Discover the historical harbor of the Golden Horn, which played a key role in Istanbul’s past.
Overview
Experience
the best of Turkey in
just 7 days, exploring the fascinating blend of Ottoman and Byzantine history,
ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in Istanbul, where you’ll
walk through the iconic landmarks of the Ottoman
and Byzantine empires, cruise along the Bosphorus, and explore
the vibrant Egyptian
Bazaar.
Then,
journey to Ephesus,
one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary.
Marvel at the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale,
uncover the wonders of Hierapolis,
and explore the lesser-known yet historically rich sites of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma.
From Istanbul’s grand mosques to the
Aegean’s ancient wonders, this tour is a perfect combination of history,
culture, and scenic beauty.
Route
Itinerary
(Dinner included)
Arrive at Istanbul airport and transfer to the hotel. This seven-day trip to
Ephesus, Diyma, and Pamukkale promises a beautiful blend of ancient history,
stunning landscapes, and cultural exploration. After checking in at your hotel,
explore Istanbul yourself. Accommodation in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, you will meet your tour guide and discover Istanbul's
Byzantine and Ottoman treasures. First, we will visit St. Sofia (Hagia Sophia),
built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD as a church and later
converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. We will
stroll the historic Hippodrome Square, a meeting place for chariot races during
the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi and the
Egyptian Obelisk. Next, we will visit the Sultanahmet Mosque.
Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, has blue Iznik tiles and six
unique minarets.
We will have lunch in a local restaurant.
Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans, to see its fabulous
treasure chambers in the Harem section.
We’ll continue the tour with the Grand Bazaar, which has 4,000 shops and 60
streets and is known as the world's largest “souk.”
Return to the hotel, and we will get dinner on a Bosphorus cruise.
BOSPHORUS
DINNER CRUISE (07:30 – 24:00 Optional)
Menu: Grill fish or meatballs or chicken, cold and hot appetisers,
Beverages.; Unlimited soft and alcoholic ( Raki, Beer, Wine, vodka)
Program: Music, Folklore performance, Whirling Dervishes show, Traditional
wedding ceremony,
Oriental belly dancer Show, and more.
Transfer: Round trip transfer from the hotel. 19:30 – 24:00
Accommodation in Istanbul
(Breakfast
and Dinner included)
Take
an early flight from Istanbul Airport and arrive at Izmir (ADB) Airport. (
Economy Class) Meet your guide at Izmir Airport. After 75 km, we discover
ancient Ephesus.
Ephesus is on the WORLD HERITAGE List. The ancient
capital of Asia Minor is one of the best preserved from antiquity. It is where
the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Trajan, the Grand Theater, and the Library
of Celsus are located.
Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world, which was
destroyed by earthquakes and remained
underground, consisting of the remains of a few columns.
One of the seven churches in the Revelation is the Ephesus Church. St. Paul
wrote the Gospel in Ephesus, later exiled to the island of Patnos and completed
the writing of the Bible in Patnos. (Terrace House entrance extra)
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where the Virgin Mary lived in her last
years.
We have a lunch break at a local restaurant. Then we visit the Isabey Mosque
and Temple of Artemis.
We cover our day by taking a short souvenir shopping break and watching the
Leader fashion show at the Leather Clothing Factory Outlet Center.
Accommodation in Kusadası
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
(Today's Group tour) After breakfast, we drive through Pamukkale. After a
pleasant journey (220 km) through citrus and Fig Gardens, cotton fields, olive
and vegetable gardens on fertile plains, and the lovely villages and towns of
the Aegean, we arrive at Pamukkale.
Pamukkale takes its name from the white travertine terraces. This natural
formation was formed by the hardening of calcium carbonate from hot springs
over time. With their dazzling whiteness and stepped structure, travertines resemble
a cotton pile. You can swim in the Cleopatra pool (Extra payment).
Lunch break in a local restaurant.
Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city. Founded by the Kingdom of Pergamon
in the 2nd century BC, it has become famous as a health centre, mainly due to
its thermal waters. The main structures in
Hierapolis includes the Antique Theater, Necropolis (Cemetery), Cleopatra Pool,
Frontinus Gate, and Frontinus Street. Visit the Martyrium of Apostle Philip,
who was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. At the end of the
tour, return to Kusadasi.
Accommodation in Kusadasi.
(Breakfast
and Dinner included)
Today,
we will explore some of the ancient cities of Ionia, departing toward Priene.
Priene was established 2,500 years ago at the foot of Mykale Mountain. It
was a port city featuring marble streets, water channels, the Priene Theater,
and the Temple of Athena Polias, a gift from Alexander the Great. Priene is
famous for the Temple of Athena, its magnificent view of the Söke Plain, and
being the world's first planned city. The sound of partridges singing in the
mountains gives you a unique peace. After a 20-km ride, we'll visit the ruins
of Miletos.
Miletus is an Ionian city. We will stroll the ancient theatre, which can
seat 15,000, the Miletus Museum, the Temple of Serapis, and the Faustina Bath,
constructed by Marcus Aurelius. A sacred marble road links Miletos to the
Temple of Apollo in Didim, which we will reach next.
The Lade naval battle, which took place in 949 BC between the Persians and
the Ionians, is one of the most significant naval battles in history. The
Persian king Datis won the battle, which saw 303 warships sink.
Lunch break in a local restaurant in Didyma
Didyma is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful golden sand
beach. It was also home to the Temple of Apollo, built in 600 BC. We’ll visit
this impressive temple, which has stunning marble columns.
After a lunch break at a local restaurant, we will head
to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be
transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation in Istanbul
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Today, we will begin our
tour after breakfast at 8:45 AM. Our first stop will be the Egypt Bazaar. This
vibrant market has an oriental atmosphere and specialises in products such as
spices, desserts, nuts, and small souvenirs.
Afterwards, visit Rüstem Pasha Mosque. One of the most beautiful examples
of Ottoman architecture, the mosque is a unique work decorated with rich
examples of Iznik Tile art.
Bosphorus boat tour: The Bosphorus Cruise is the best way to get to know
Istanbul.
The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea
to the inland Sea of Marmara. During the cruise, you will see essential
landmarks, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque,
Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and beautiful historic wooden mansions, as
well as the Maiden Tower on the water.
After the cruise, you have free time to shop or have leisure.
Accommodation in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
Free time until your
airport transfer. Our tour concludes with your final transfer to Istanbul
Airport. Hope to see you on another holiday in Turkiye.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Guide
- ✓Meals
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
- ✓Hygiene protocol
Not included
- ✕Flights
- ✕Insurance
- ✕Other not included
Need help or have a question about this tour?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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