Best Of Aegean

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, a prearranged transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Your first overnight stay in Istanbul awaits, preparing you for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Classic City Tour (Breakfast-Lunch)
Today marks your first exploration into the hidden history of Istanbul. You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:30 am to visit Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. With its decorated interior composed of mosaics and marble pillars, Hagia Sophia holds significant artistic value. The Blue Mosque, situated just across from Hagia Sophia, is recognizable by its six minarets. Built between 1609 and 1616, it is adorned with 21,043 tiles from Iznik, giving it its name. The tour continues to the Ancient Hippodrome, which hosted chariot races and houses three famous monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Moving on to Topkapi Palace, the former home of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, you'll explore its exquisite collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, sultans' robes, and the Holy Mantle containing relics of the Prophet Mohammed. The day concludes with a short drive to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets globally, boasting 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops. An arranged transfer will take you back to your hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Half Day Bosphorus Cruise (Breakfast)
After a hearty breakfast, a transfer will pick you up at 08:15 am from your hotel reception. The first stop is the Spice Market/Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with enticing aromas of various herbs and spices. Following some free time for exploration and shopping, you'll join the Bosphorus Tour By Boat, sailing along the coastline that separates Europe and Asia. The boat trip offers views of old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. Highlights include Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Camlica Hill. After the boat tour, you'll be taken back to your hotel, and the evening is yours. (Breakfast Included)

Day 4: Istanbul – Izmir / Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour (Breakfast-Lunch)
Today, you'll head to Kusadasi to see the world's most wonderful ancient city, Ephesus, and Virgin Mary’s House. After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival at Izmir airport, you'll be transferred to Selcuk for your Ephesus tour. Explore the spectacular excavations, including the Odeon, Fountain of Trajan, stream baths of Scholastika, Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theater. The tour concludes with a visit to the Mosque of Isa Bey. Enjoy lunch in Ephesus and continue your day by visiting The House of the Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain. The tour concludes with a transfer to the resort of Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Hierapolis and Pamukkale (Breakfast-Lunch)
In the morning, your first visit will be to Hierapolis. The Necropolis (cemetery) of Hierapolis is one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, featuring 1,200 graves. Other structures to explore include the Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, Main Street, and Byzantine Gate. From Hierapolis, take a short stroll to Pamukkale, which translates to ‘Cotton Castle.’ Drawing the weary and curious for more than 23 centuries, Pamukkale is known for its thermal springs. The snow-white cliffs, shaped by calcium deposits from mineral springs, create an extraordinary surface. Legend has it that the formations are solidified cotton left out to dry by giants. Mineral-rich water drips down the mountainside, foaming and collecting in bowls, spilling over petrified cascades of stalactites into milky pools below. While in Pamukkale, don't miss the healing dip in the sacred fountain of Cleopatra’s Pool. The warm, clear, fizzy water bubbles from the spring's source. Although the pool is now blocked off to prevent divers from disappearing into its hidden depths, you can still clearly see the ancient remains of Roman columns on the pool's bottom surface—an oasis in Pamukkale. Your day concludes with a return to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Kusadasi / Bodrum (Breakfast)
As the morning arrives, it's time to move on to your next destination, the resort of Bodrum. After enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel, it's time to make your departure. The journey to Bodrum will take approximately 3 hours. While Bodrum is famously known for its nightlife and paparazzi-haunted summers, few realize that the city also holds a lot of hidden history. Bodrum is recorded as the birthplace of Herodotus and is now home to one of the most prestigious Museums of Underwater Archaeology, housed in the renovated Bodrum Castle. Numerous shops offer ideal opportunities for gift shopping, and if you prefer to relax and have a cool swim, there are plenty of beaches to choose from to spend your day, capturing the perfect sunset. (Overnight stay in Bodrum).

Day 7: Bodrum (Breakfast)
Today is free for your leisure, so you might be wondering, 'What's the best way to spend the day in Bodrum?' Don't worry; we have some ideas for you. Consider visiting the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a great achievement by Carian King Mausolus. The site features relaxing gardens, and ancient friezes are incorporated into the castle walls. Explore the Castle of St. Peter, built using marble and stone from the famed Mausoleum, offering spectacular views. Inside the castle, pass by a carved marble Crusader, and explore the main court centered on an ancient mulberry tree. Watch artists create glass bottles and jewelry resembling those found on ancient and medieval underwater wrecks—a unique present for someone! Other historical sites worth visiting include Myndos Gate, The French Tower, Shipyard, and Myndos Kapisi. Since you're in Turkey, why not head to a Hamam (Turkish bath) for a deep steam clean or spend your day on a boat cruise along the clear sea waters... The day is entirely yours to decide!

Day 8: Bodrum / Marmaris (Breakfast)
After breakfast at your hotel in Bodrum, we will then depart for Marmaris. Upon arrival in Marmaris, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in. While in Marmaris, take the chance to explore the resort further. Additionally, you can consider taking the daily ferry over to Rhodes (ask for advice from your specialist). Overnight in Marmaris.

Day 9: Marmaris (Breakfast)
Today is a leisure-free day, allowing you to spend your time exploring the resort of Marmaris. Here are some ideas for how to spend your day:
Visit the Ataturk Statue: Explore this landmark statue in Marmaris.
Explore Marmaris Castle & Museum: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Marmaris.
Experience the Dalyan Mud Baths: Enjoy a unique and relaxing experience at the mud baths.
Explore the Mountains: Take in the scenic beauty of the mountains surrounding Marmaris.
Relax at the Aquaparks: If you prefer a chilled day, head to one of the local aquaparks.
Visit the Local Beaches: Enjoy some leisure time at the beautiful beaches.
Explore the Undercover Bazaar Area: Wander around the large undercover bazaar area for a day of shopping.
As night falls in Marmaris, the city comes alive. Head down to Bar Street for an evening of dancing and partying. The bar street is bursting with various bars and clubs, offering a variety of music options to suit your taste. (Overnight in Marmaris).

Day 10: Marmaris / Istanbul (Breakfast)
Today marks the last day of your travel adventure around Turkey. It's time to transfer you back to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. We trust that your time with us exploring some of Turkey’s hidden treasures has been everything you wanted and more. Above all, we wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to seeing you again on one of our many other time-traveling packages.

 No extra hidden cost..!

What’s Included
All mentioned transfers in the program.
All mentioned tours in the program include transportation with air-conditioned buses, guidance, and entrance fees.
The local tour guide is in English (You can ask for other language options for groups). 
(Transfer and tours are regular group tour/transfer organizations)
All meals as described in the itinerary.
9 nights accommodation in 3,4 or 5-star hotels according to your choice.
All local taxes.

What’s Not Included
Tips (optional).
International flight tickets.
Flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir and Marmaris to Istanbul.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served at breakfast).
Visa (if needed).
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.