Kicking off in the powerhouse of the Ottoman empire – Istanbul, pay your respects at Gallipoli, get lost in the impressive Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, witness the beautiful Aegean Coast as you travel to Kusadasi.
Istanbul / Kusadasi Pier
At Leisure
These un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel.
Istanbul: W. Istanbul*
Canakkale: Kolin Otel*
Izmir: Swissotel Grand Efes*
* Please note that hotels listed are only reference. Exact hotel will be provided at confirmation.
Upon arrival check into your hotel. Welcome briefing will be held.
Enjoy a full day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment. (B)
In the morning, depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, then cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight.(B,D)
Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving into Asclepion, enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village . Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to Izmir for overnight. Optional : Dinner at local restaurant. (B,L)
Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. (B,D)
Morning transfer to Kusadasi pier to take ferry or cruise. (B)
Excellent tour!
Our hotel was changed at the last minute which was a bit upsetting at first but the second hotel was nice. The tour was a good tour.
We had an amazing time on this trip. They were very professional and responsible.
I booked this tour for my wife and I, we were a bit scared since it was our first time travelling to Turkey but our agent made sure that we were well taken care of. It was a great experience will definitely book with Infinity Vacations again.
