Istanbul and Aegean

Day 1: Arrival – Istanbul

Arrival transfer from airport to hotel. Welcome cocktail and briefing.

Day 2: Istanbul

Tour Topkapi Palace (Closed on Tuesdays) residence of Ottoman sultans, the Hippodrome, site of chariot races, the Blue Mosque, famous for its colorful ceramics, Underground Cistern and Saint Sophia (Closed on Mondays) decorated with ancient frescoes. Enjoy the 3,000 shops in the Covered Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. B L

Day 3: Istanbul

A half-day tour including Spice Market and cruise on the Bosphorus. Free time to explore the city. B

Day 4: Istanbul – Izmir – Pergamum – Kusadasi

Early morning flight to Izmir. Arrive and transfer to Pergamum’s ancient acropolis, home to the Altar of Zeus and the Roman Medical Center of Asclepion, work site of the great physician. Drive to Kusadasi for overnight. B L D

Day 5: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Kusadasi  

Tour to Ephesus where you will explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theater, the library of Celsius, a gymnasium, St. John’s Basilica and Hadrian’s Temple in Ephesus. Visit Virgin Mary’s stone cottage. Overnight in Kusadasi. B L D

Day 6: Kusadası – Aphrodisias – Pamukkale

Drive through fertile valleys to Aphrodisias city of Aphrodite, then continue to and visit Hierapolis. Overnight in Pamukkale. Dinner in the hotel. B L D

Day 7: Kusadasi – Izmir – Istanbul

After breakfast depart for Izmir for your flight to home via Istanbul. B

Legend: B= Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner