A Week in Istanbul and Ephesus

Visit the legendary city of sultans, Istanbul; experience daily life and the synthesis of the past and present in this 2600 years old city; tour the Bosphorus where the geography is impressive and historic wooden waterfront houses are lovely; walk in the corridors of the harem in Topkapi Palace and feel the spirit of old intrigues; stroll the 65 streets of the Covered Bazaar that still preserves its original appearance and mysticism; visit Izmir, the jewel of the Aegean; and the birthplace of homer; stand where the crowds stood to listen St. Paul's new teaching in the great theater of Ephesus.

Arrive in Istanbul. Our staff will escort you to the hotel from the airport. (-/-/D)

This city was the fourth capital of the Ottoman Empire for 500 years. It is one of the world famous metropolis with it's infinite variety, synthesizing of past and present. The Blue Mosque with it's priceless tile work, the Hippodrome, St. Sophia; the church of Byzantine Emperors; and the legendary Topkapi Palace with it's dazzling treasures and ever lasting splendor are the places we explore during the day. (B/L/D)

We start in the morning with a boat tour on the Bosphorus. Cruising along this waterway, separating East and West, provides the unique opportunity of viewing both continents at once. In the afternoon, we continue onto SUleymaniye Mosque, then the Covered Bazaar with it's more than 4000 shops under one roof and the Spice Market. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 - ISTANBUL - IZMIR

After breakfast, we fly to Izmir, a major port on the Aegean. This Levantine city will be the base for our excursions to Ephesus and Pergamum. After check-in at the hotel, you are at your leisure. (B/L/D)

A full day tour to Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia, starts in the morning. We continue onto St. John's Basilica and the House of the Virgin Mary. The last stop of our excursion is the Ephesus Museum, where the treasures of the city are displayed. Return to Izmir. (B/L/D)

During our drive north in the morning, we will explore Pergamum, famous for its steep theater. Then we go onto the Acropolis and Asclepion, the sanctuary dedicated to the god of health. We return to Izmir airport in the afternoon for our flight to Istanbul. Transfer to our hotel. (B/L/D)

Istanbul is yours! Take all day to explore this fabulous city. (B/-/-)

 

After breakfast, we escort you to the airport for your flight to the USA. (B/-/-)