Coasts of Türkiye: Istanbul, Izmir and Bodrum with Goway
Price: From $5,962 CAD Per Person based on twin/double share accommodation
Save: $300 CAD
Booking Window: October 25 - December 31, 2024
Explore Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture on a city tour that begins at Hippodrome Square and includes visits to the stunning Blue Mosque and the St. Sophia Museum. Enjoy shopping at the Grand Bazaar and a scenic boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Next, venture to Izmir to discover the Izmir Agora Museum and the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museums, showcasing fascinating ancient artifacts. Visit the ruins of Ephesus, including the iconic Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Conclude your trip in Bodrum with three days of leisure, exploring ancient sites, indulging in local cuisine, and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
Photo: The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) - Istanbul, Turkey
Inclusions:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 3 nights deluxe class accommodations in Istanbul
- 3 nights deluxe accommodations in Izmir
- 3 nights deluxe class accommodations in Bodrum
- Flights Istanbul-Izmir, one-way*
- Private transfers between hotels and airports throughout
- Small group Classic Tour of Istanbul (max 16 guest)
- Private half day tour of Izmir
- Private Full Day Ephesus Tour
- Tickets and entrance fees to: Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Archaeological and Ethnographical Museums, Ephesus and Temple of Artemis
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches
*Please note flights Istanbul-Izmir are based on Economy Class at the lowest fare. Prices are subject to change, based on availability at the time of booking
Trip Itinerary:
Photo: Trip Itinerary Map
Day 1 : Arrive Istanbul
Istanbul Airport to Istanbul - Old City. Accommodation at the Royan Hotel Hagia Sofia with Full Breakfast.
Day 2 : Full Day Classic Tour of Istanbul
Drive to old town and visit Hippodrome Square, the scene of Chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Then visit Blue Mosque, built in early 17th century and known as Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration with blue Iznik tiles. Continue to St. Sophia Museum, the world's largest church for many centuries and today is the fourth largest one. After lunch visit Topkapi Palace, built by Sultan Mehmet II after the conquest of Istanbul in 15th century. The palace housed the sultans and their exotic entourage until mid-19th century. After having served as a mosque for 481 years, the building become a museum in 1934 by the order of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkiye. Today the museum displays priceless collections of the imperial treasury, numerous pieces of Chinese porcelain, traditional costumes of the sultans and their families. Last stop will be at famous historical Grand Bazaar, the largest 'souk' covered oriental shopping mall in the world, where you will find 4,400 shops under one roof where each trade has its own street.
Day 3 : Half Day Bosphorus by Boat Tour
On this shared half day tour, you will drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This bazaar was built in 1664 as a part of Yeni Mosque complex situated nearby and is named Egyptian Bazaar because spices and herbs brought from or via Egypt were sold in it. Then, board a regular boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the Byzantine and early Ottoman days, there was little settlement on both sides of the Bosphorus but as of the 18th century, it became the favorite place for the sultans and their entourage where they built their kiosks and waterside residence.
Day 4 : Istanbul to Izmir
Istanbul - Old City to Istanbul Airport. Istanbul Airport to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir. Accommodation at the Movenpick Hotel Izmir with Buffet Breakfast.
Photo: Izmir clock tower. The famous clock tower became the symbol of Izmir
Day 5 : Half Day Private Izmir Tour
Take a private tour starting with a visit to the ancient agora in Izmir. The remains of the ancient agora, open public and meeting space, is now home to the Izmir Agora Museum. Next, continue to visit the Old Elevator Building, overlooking the city of Izmir, the 'Pearl of The Aegean Sea'. Then visit the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museums. The Izmir Archeology Museum is one of the first built in Western Anatolia and contains a collection of artifacts of the Aegean Region. The Museum is located in Konak, in the central part of the city. It is within walking distance of Konak Square.
Day 6 : Full Day Ephesus Tour
Today you will visit Ephesus, the cradle of early Christianity. On this tour, you will visit the House of The Virgin Mary where she supposedly spent her later days. Proceed to Ephesus and see the spectacular ruins from the period of St. Paul, some of which have only recently been excavated. See the Odeon, the Bouleterion, Fountains, the Temples, the Brothel, the Library, the Agoras, the Great Theatre, the Roman Baths, the Gymnasiums. After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis. The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, also known as the Temple of Diana, is a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The temple was completely rebuilt twice, once after a devastating flood and three hundred years later after an act of arson; it now stands today in its final form as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 7 : Izmir to Bodrum
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Bodrum - City Centre. Accommodation at The Marmara Bodrum with Buffet Breakfast.
Photo: Bodrum Town, Turkey. aerial view panorama photo of Bodrum Downtown
Day 10 : Depart Bodrum
Bodrum - City Centre to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Photo: Beautiful pink and purple flowers frame a sea view in Ortakent, Bodrum, Turkey
