Best of Istanbul Ephesus Tours
Tour Code: CS-ISE
Duration: 5 days,4 nights
Highlights: Istanbul (Topkapi Palace, Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, “Blue Mosque”, Grand Bazaar, “Spice Bazaar”, Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise), Ephesus (Walking Tour, Ephesus Archeological Museum, Temple of Artemis, Home of Mother Mary)
Departures: Daily from January 02 to December 15
Tour Price: From $460 per person, double occupancy. Small Group – Semi Private Tour
Quick Overview
This relatively short tour encompasses a wealth of attractions: The must-see historical and cultural landmarks of Istanbul; unforgettable views of the city’s Asian and European shorelines from the deck of a Bosphorus cruise boat; the priceless treasures of Ephesus, one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities; and the last known home of the Virgin mother Mary.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.
Day 2 – Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, you begin a full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Highlights include a visit to the illustrious Topkapi Palace (harem section is optional), the ancient Roman Hippodrome (site of chariot races) and the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine church that was converted to a mosque in 15th century. You will also visit the famed “Blue Mosque” and the Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest covered bazaar, where you’ll have free time to discover some of the nearly 4,000 tiny shops that line its maze of passageways. (B, L)
Day 3 – Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise
This morning you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the “Spice Bazaar” (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). With its array of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Lokum (“Turkish Delight”) and other exotic edibles, the Bazaar has the fragrance and atmosphere of the Middle East. After a brief visit, you continue to the embarkation point of your Bosphorus cruise offering wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shorelines with their Ottoman palaces, citadels, and centuries-old mansions. At the end of the cruise (approx. 1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (B)
Day 4 – Istanbul – Ephesus Tour – Istanbul
Early morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival, you will be met and proceed to ancient Roman city of Ephesus. En route there is a visit to the impressive Isa Bey Mosque. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing he Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at a Turkish restaurant. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the shrine of Mother Mary, the home believed to be where she spent the last years of her life, the Ephesus Archeological Museum and the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Then it’s back to Izmir airport, where you board your flight back to Istanbul. (B, L)
Day 5 – Departure
Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. Or you can continue your vacation with another of our escorted tours, or one of our short stay packages or cruises. (B)
PRICES & DEPARTURE DATES
Minumum 2 participants
| Departure Period | Per Person Double Occupancy | Per Person Triple Occupancy | Single Person |
| January 2 to December 15 | $460 | $435 | $585 |
Departures: Daily, January 2 to December 15
Note: Above rates are not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holiday
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES:
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation at 4-Star Hotels*
- Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
- Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
- Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide
- Full-Day sightseeing tour of Istanbul, with lunch
- Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise
- Full-Day sightseeing tour of Ephesus, with lunch
- Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary
- Hotel taxes and services charges
Upgrade to 5-Star or Boutique Hotels available (rates on request)
NOT INCLUDED:
- Domestic flights per itinerary
- Gratuities to tour staff
- All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
- Beverages (except for those served with breakfast).
- Visa fees
