Description

Type of Tour:Private tour
Operates:Departs daily
01 January 2024 – 20 December 2024
Duration:6 Nights / 7 Days
Visit:Istanbul – Izmir/Kusadasi – Pergamum – Ephesus – Izmir – Istanbul
Includes:
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Istanbul
  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • Local professional English speaking guide in each location
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Domestic flights/ Economy class: Istanbul – Izmir & Izmir – Istanbul
  • Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast,  D = Dinner)
Excludes:
  • Airfare and airport taxes
  • Extras at hotels and meals not mentioned
  • Travel insurance, visa cost, and tips
Notes:
  • The tour operates with a minimum of 2 persons.
  • Single room supplement refers to a third person wishing to stay in a single room.
  • The order of sites visited on the tour is subject to change. Such a change may occur due to certain sites being closed on certain days (for instance Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays).
  • This tour operates on a private basis unless other ITT passengers happen to be scheduled on the same day for any sightseeing.
  • Domestic flights in Turkey have a limit of 8kg carry-on luggage and 15kg check luggage.
  • During the months June, July & August, accommodation may be in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.
  • Non-refundable deposit of $400.- pp required on confirmation of booking.
Izmir

Full Itinerary

Day 1: ISTANBUL
After arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. What remains of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2: ISTANBUL
Today you will be exploring Istanbul’s historical heart and discovering many of its highlights. Your first visit will be to Topkapi Palace, the court and residence of the Ottoman Sultans and home to the imperial treasury. Continue to the Hagia Sophia, the ‘Church of Holy Wisdom’, a marvellous basilica built in the 6th century regarded as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest church in the world for a millennium and its interiors are decorated with stunning golden mosaics. After lunch you will then visit the Blue Mosque often seen in pictures of the Istanbul with its six elegant minarets and deriving its name from the blue Iznik tiles found within. Then you will take a stroll through the ancient Hippodome, the center for sports and entertainment of Constantinople as Istanbul was once knowns, and also an important political gathering point. The last visit of the day will be to the Grand Bazaar considered to be largest and most attractive covered bazaar in the world.
Overnight: Istanbul (BD)

Day 3: ISTANBUL – IZMIR/KUSADASI
The day’s first visit will be to St. Saviour in Chora, a former Byzantine church renowned for its magnificent mosaics and the glowing frescoes on its walls and domed ceilings. Thereafter you will have some time at leisure in the colourful, exotic and aromatic Spice Bazaar, a good place to get to know Turkish sweets and spices. Then you will take a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that separates European Turkey from Asian Turkey and connects the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. During the cruise you will be able to see numerous palaces, beautiful forests, mosques, picturesque small villages, Ottoman summer mansions and fortresses dotted all along the coastline. In the afternoon after lunch you will then be transferred to Istanbul Airport for the flight to Izmir. On arrival you will be transferred to the hotel and whatever remains of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Kusadasi (during June, July & August overnight will instead be in Izmir) (BD)

Day 4: PERGAMON
Drive from Izmir to the ancient site of Pergamon. Explore the renowned impressive Pergamon Acropolis, the ancient Medical Center Asclepion, and visit a carpet manufactory. Gain insights into the regional craft of carpet making with demonstrations by Turkish artisans.
Overnight: Kusadasi (during June, July & August overnight will instead be in Izmir) (BD)

Day 5: EPHESUS
Visit Ephesus, with the ruins of the Odeon, Hadrian’s Temple, the Celsus library, Fountain of Trajan and many more. See the Theatre built with seating for over 20 000 people, where St. Paul preached and roman dramas were performed. See the House of St. Mary, where it is said that Mary the mother of Jesus spent her final years on earth. Thereafter visit a leather shop in the city.
Overnight: Kusadasi (during June, July & August overnight will instead be in Izmir) (BD)

Day 6: KUSADASI/IZMIR – ISTANBUL
In the morning you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the flight to Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul you will be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)

Day 7: ISTANBUL
After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport. (B)

Rates

Customised Quotations Just for You!
We personalise our quotes based on your travel dates and preferred hotel standards.
For assistance, please email us at travel@itt.co.za