West of Turkey
Istanbul / Izmir / Kusadasi / Pamukkale / Antalya

7 Nights

See the best of Istanbul and visit the most memorable sights of the Mediterranean coast, including the Cotton Castle (Pamukkale) and Ephesus.

Day 01 Fly / Istanbul (-)
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, depart for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, and the Baroque summer palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, visit the Spice Bazaar (closed on Sundays), a thrilling riot of colours, sounds, and the rich smells of exotic spices. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 02 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of the Sultanahmet district at the heart of old Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia (On Mondays replaced by the Chora Church Museum), built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. This church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Walk through the Hippodrome, the stadium of the ancient Byzantium, which held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Finish the tour at the Grand Bazaar, which was the commercial heart of the old city. Its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays), you may indulge in a little shopping, Ottoman style. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 03 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, free at leisure or take one of the optional tours. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 04 Istanbul / Izmir / Kusadasi (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the Izmir flight. Upon arrival drive to Seljuk and visit the ruins of Ephesus, which played a major role in the development of architecture, religions, governmental and economic systems and arts. The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of ancient world and centre of pagan religion for 15 centuries. Here Marc Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession, St. Paul preached in the Great Theatre and in a little house outside the city the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 05 Kusadasi / Pamukkale (B/L/D)
After the breakfast drive to Pamukkale via Aphrodisias, the ancient city dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. After lunch drive to Pamukkale and visit the “cotton fortress”, which rises above the fertile Menderes Valley. Hot mineral waters burst from the earth and cascade over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters here were known to founders of the cure city of Hierapolis in 190 BC. Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 06 Pamukkale / Antalya (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive to Antalya through beautiful Taurus Mountains and Salda Lake. Upon arrival, start the Antalya city sightseeing tour including Palm Boulevard, Hadrianus Gate, Republican Square, Clock Tower, Old Town and Archeological Museum. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 07 Antalya (B/D)
Free at leisure to enjoy beautiful Antalya. You may visit the Beach Park, Aqua Adventure Park, or take one of the optional day tours. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 08 Antalya / Istanbul / Fly (B)
After breakfast free till check-out (latest check-out time is 1200 hours) and departure transfer to the airport to catch the flight to the next destination via Istanbul.

***** End of Services *****

Inclusions
*8 nights accommodation
*8 breakfasts
*7 lunches as per itinerary
*6 dinners as per itinerary
*Return airport transfers on SIC basis
*The tours as per itinerary with English speaking guidance on SIC basis
*Entrances
*Tips and portrage at hotels

Exclusions
*Flights
*Personal expenses
*Drinks at meals
*Tips to the driver and the guide