Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Classic City Tour (Breakfast)
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour to explore the key attractions of Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. The tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, a magnificent Byzantine church transformed into the Grand Mosque of Istanbul; the Blue Mosque, renowned for its blue tiles and six minarets; The Ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place; and the impressive Egyptian obelisk, brought to Constantinople in 390 AD. The tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays), the former residence of Ottoman sultans and their harem. Conclude the day with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and feast days), the world's oldest and largest marketplace with a unique collection of handmade carpets, jewelry, leather goods, and souvenirs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: FLIGHT to Izmir / Ephesus and Laodicea (Breakfast box / Dinner)
Early in the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. Morning departure to Ephesus, the ancient Roman city. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary. We also visit the
Church of St. John the Theologian. After lunch drive to Pamukkale via Laodicea. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 4: Pamukkale, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Thyatira (Breakfast)
In the morning, we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and St. Philip's Martyrium. After lunch, we depart from Pamukkale to visit the ancient city and ruins of the famous church of Sardis, then the remains of the church at Philadelphia. We continue to Sardis and later drive to Pergamum via Thyatira. Overnight in Bergama.
Day 5: Pergamum / FLIGHT back to Istanbul (Breakfast)
Morning visit Pergamum. (the Church of Pergamum, the red-court, Acropolis), and the Asclepion. After lunch, we drive to see the site of the Church of Izmir (Smyrna). At the end of the tour, transfer to the Izmir Airport for a flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 6: GOODBYE (Breakfast)
Pick up 5 hours before your international flight and transfer to the airport. Have a safe trip back home!
What’s Included
5 nights accommodation according to your selection as 3, 4, or 5 stars.
All mentioned transfers in the program.
All mentioned tours in the program include transportation with air-conditioned buses, guidance, and entrance fees.
English-speaking guide.
(You can ask for other language options).
All meals are described in the itinerary.
All local taxes.
What’s Not Included
Tips (optional).
Domestic flights
International flights.
Visa (if needed).
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
