Istanbul Ephesus Pamukkale 5 Days

DAY 1: ISTANBUL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL OLD CITY CLASSICS AND HIGHLIGHTS
09:30 Departure from your hotel. We continue to the Blue Mosque, which was built in the 17th century and is the only imperial mosque with 6 minarets, then the Hippodrome, a stadium and meeting place in Byzantine times, the Serpent Pillar from Delphi and the Egyptian Obelisk, with the Fountain of Wilhelm. Visit the Caferaga Medresesi which was designed by the architect Sinan and built in the 16th century, now used as a learning center for traditional Turkish arts. We will then explore the Topkapi Palace. It was the home of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th-19th century A.D. We see the Imperial Treasury with the famous Spoonmaker Diamond. (Harem section is optional and due an extra entry fee). The tour ends in the Grand Bazaar, which has over 4000 shops full of treasures. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
This tour may be done completely as a walking tour.
Notes: Sunday the Grand Bazaar is closed - On Tuesday the Topkapi Palace is closed

DAY 3: EPHESUS – HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY
09.00 Departure from your Hotel. We start our tour with a visit to the house where the Virgin Mary allegedly spent her last days, which is a pilgrimage site. We continue to Ephesus, which was one of the largest and most interesting ancient cities of Asia Minor. The tour of Ephesus includes the Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian, Agora and fantastic Greco-Roman theater. After lunch in a local restaurant, a visit is made to a cooperative weaving center to see how the Turkish carpets are made by hand. We will also see the Isabey Mosque which is a beautiful example of Selcuk architecture and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B.D)

DAY 4: PAMUKKALE - ISTANBUL
8.30 Departure from your Hotel (take your luggage). We will drive through the Meander Valley. On the way your guide will give information about the towns we pass through such as Aydin, Nazili and Sultanhisar. Arrival in Pamukkale, which has been a thermal spa center since before the Roman era. After lunch we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is said to have been founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon. We visit the great Roman baths, the Temple of Apollo and the well-preserved theater. You will see the tomb of St. Phillip from a distance. It is possible to bathe in the Cleopatra antique thermal pool with ancient columns (an extra fee is due) or you will have some free time at the terraces or to explore more on your own. We will also visit the calcium terraces and pools for which Pamukkale is named “Cotton Castle”. Transfer to Denizli Airport for flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and overnight in Istanbul. (B.)

DAY 5: ISTANBUL
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure. (B)


***Meal Plan: (B = Breakfast L= Lunch D = Dinner)