Today, the stunning city of Istanbul that was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire straddles the borders of Europe and Asia.
This is where your tour of Western Turkey begins, with a fantastic mix of history and all the signs of life that a modern city breathes, it is from here that you will head south to the ancient city of Ephesus a true journey into our past.
Your tour then changes coarse again this time heading inland to the amazing landscape of Pamukkale. Since time began the thermal waters from deep inside the earth have made their way to the surface and trickled down this mountainside, enriched with calcium creating the white pools before you.
A fantastic chance to see in 7 days the best of the highlights of westrn Turkey.
Welcome to the heart of Turkey and the mesmerizing city of Istanbul.
You will be picked up by one of our team from the airport and transferred directly to your hotel for check-in. Relax and enjoy the rest of your evening before your full-day tour tomorrow.
Stay overnight Istanbul.
Start point
Istanbul, Turkey
After a night of rest, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Istanbul and head straight to the heart of the city to start your tour.
The highlights of Istanbul includes all of the major sights and it is a great way to spend your first day here. You will visit the Sultan Ahmet area which is home to the famous Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.
You will also visit the beautiful Ottoman structure of the Topkapi Palace, once occupied by the Sultans, as well as Ataturk, the first president of Turkey.
And you cannot come to this city or wonder without getting the chance to wander through the narrow hallways of the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market on earth.
Our recommendation:
At the end of this fantastic day, you will have your own free time, we highly recommend also visiting the Spice Bazaar, enjoy the sights and smells of authentic Turkey. You will be on your own as its not part of your tour package, but you will have plenty of time and can make your own way back to your hotel.
Important Notes:
-The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
-Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday
-Blue Mosque Entrance is limited on Fridays due to prayers, therefore we are unable to enter.
Overnight Istanbul.
BEYLERBEYI PALACE
The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Have a unique opportunity to visit two continents in one day as you explore both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul on this full-day tour, including lunch.
Tour the start with visiting Beylerbeyi Palace and drive to highest point of Asian side Camlıca Hill. Stroll around the vibrant Spice Bazaar.You will then hop on board and take a sightseeing cruise on the Bosphorus Straits seeing such wonderful iconic landmarks such as Galata Tower, the Maidens Tower, Rumeli Fortress and you will even float under the Bosphorus Bridge Dolmabahce Palace.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Today you will have a partial free day in Istanbul to explore before your domestic flight From Istanbul to Ephesus.
We will provide transportation from the airport to your accommodation in the Ephesus region.
Overnight stay in either Selcuk or Kusadasi.
Today you will explore the one and only ancient city of Ephesus, considered to be one of the best ancient cities of the old world.
Ephesus was the former capital of Roman Asia and in its heyday over 200,000 people lived here, this city had a key role in the spread of the early Christian faith;
Not far from the city is the House of The Virgin Mary where it is widely believed the mother of christ spent the last years of her life.
Another magnificent sight you will visit is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was named in honour of Artemis, a Greek Goddess, and daughter of Zeus and Leto. It is believed to be the very first temple to be completely built of arble.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to a local bus to Denizli.
Transfer From Ephesus To Pamukkale
One of our team members will meet you at the bus station in Denizli and then transfer you to Pamukkale, where you will stay overnight.
Your day will start with an early morning journey from your hotel in the Ephesus region and will take approximately 3 and a half hours to Pamukkale in the Denizli province,
- Early Morning -
OPTIONAL TOUR: PAMUKKALE HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
This morning you can begin the day with the thrill of a hot air balloon flight. Silently glide through the air over the white amazing landscape of Pamukkale below. This is an early morning tour and will cost extra.
Pamukkale, which in Turkish translates to "cotton castle" is made up of calcite deposits, walk up the travertines and bathe in the thermal pools, as your guide gives you a more detailed description of this unique natural beauty. You will then tour the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, once a mighty city that sat at the top of the cliffs. Here there are so many ruins to see and explore including one of the best theatres with the capacity to seat 10,000 people after you will go to Karahayit Red Springs, here you will see springs that are rich in minerals at a hot 56 degrees Celcius!
At the end of the tour, you will travel back and stay in the Ephesus region.
Domestic flight from the Ephesus Region to Istanbul.
Your tour ends in Istanbul after your flight arrives we will drop you off at your accommodation.
End point
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey
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