Istanbul, Turkey
The Hierapolis
The Grand Market
Istanbul, Turkey
Established
Oct 29, 1923
Population
15.52 Million
Trip Inclusions
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Round trip transportation
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6 Night hotel accommodations at a student-friendly hotel
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Breakfast served daily at your hotel
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2 Group lunches
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4 Group dinners
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Visit to Istanbul
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Istanbul City Tour
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Visit to Blue Mosque
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Visit to Hagia Sophia
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Visit to Topkapi Palace
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Visit to Grand Bazaar
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Admission to Live Whirling Dervishes Performance
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Full day Princes Island Tour
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Visit to Büyükada
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Visit to Pamukkale
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Visit to the ancient Ephesus
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Hierapolis Tour
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Comprehensive Travel Insurance Upon Request
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A-Z Travel Tour Manager
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Free chaperone spaces based upon the number of paying passengers
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Private security upon request
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All taxes and fees for above listed inclusions
Day 1
Morning: Departure and flight to Istanbul.
Afternoon: Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, meet your travel guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in and freshen up.
Evening: Enjoy your welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Morning: After a refreshing breakfast, discover Istanbul’s most famous sights on a full day guided tour. Today you will learn about Istanbul’s history in times of the Roman Empire when it was called Constantinople.
You will explore the historic neighborhood of Sultanahmet full of storied streets and quintessential buildings. Discover the Blue Mosque and delve into the story of one of the most important sites of Muslim world – Hagia Sophia – the venerable structure commissioned by the emperor Justinian.
Afternoon: After lunch, explore Topkapi Palace and the Istanbul Hippodrome. Then, head to the dazzling and colorful Grand Bazaar in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City housing numerous shops and hans (caravanserais). Immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance of this magnificent culture.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants and head back to the hotel for a rest before another great day!
Day 3
Morning: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will enjoy the Bosphorus boat tour while admiring Asian and European sides of Istanbul. The Bosphorus Strait joins the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea giving Istanbul an astonishing and unique blend of beauty. It is the only city built astride two continents. During your tour you will admire Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress along with stunning bridges, ancient wooden villas and breathtaking maritime scenery.
Afternoon: After lunch, you will have the afternoon to yourself. Explore, shop and discover Istanbul at your own pace.
Evening: Find a lovely local restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal. Tonight, you can choose to experience live Whirling Dervishes performance and go on a spiritual journey while watching the mystic ritual of the Mevlevi Order. The Sema ceremony is a trip through man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love. A beautiful ceremony of music and motion.
Day 4
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel! Today you will experience a full-day tour to the largest island of the Prices Island chain – Büyükada. Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the wonderful charming Ottoman ambiance. You will embark on a ferry cruise passing by four other islands on your way – renowned for being absolutely free of cars. Enjoy the abundant vegetation, intricate ornate Ottoman houses and mild climate. Upon arrival in Büyükada, take a tour in a phaeton, a horse drawn carriage, and marvel at the elegant mansions covered in purple bougainvillea.
Afternoon: After lunch at one of the many exquisite traditional fish restaurants on the waterfront, take in the incredible view of Istanbul across the shore.
Evening: This evening you will have free time to explore on your own. Enjoy a delicious meal and return to your hotel.
Day 5
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel! Today you will travel to the ancient city of Ephesus. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in and a short rest.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a tour through the splendid historical city of Ephesus and visit the former site of the temple of Artemis – one of the 7 Wonders Of the Ancient World. Discover the house where the Virgin Mary lived the last years of her life and afterwards visit the astounding Isa Bey Mosque.
Evening: This evening you will have free time to explore on your own. Enjoy a delicious meal and return to your hotel in Kusadasi for a rest.
Day 6
Morning and afternoon: After breakfast at your hotel, travel to the marvelous Hierapolis and Pamukkale. Pamukkale is known as “Cotton Castle” where white calcite terraces were formed over millennia. Hierapolis was formerly known as a Roman and Byzantine spa city. You will stop for lunch and a swim in the highly healing thermal spring waters.
Evening: This evening, you will return to Istanbul. Upon arrival, meet for a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant and get a well deserved rest before travelling home in the morning.
Day 7
Morning: After breakfast and check out, your group will depart for the Airport! Safe travels back home!
