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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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Group
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English
Itinerary Overview
Discover Turkey’s cultural gems on this immersive 4 Day Istanbul and Ephesus Tour, complete with round-trip domestic flights for convenience. In Istanbul, explore the treasures of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the stunning Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome, and the opulent Topkapi Palace, before browsing the lively Grand Bazaar. Fly to Izmir for a full-day visit to the Ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll see the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, the remains of the Temple of Artemis, and the elegant Isabey Mosque. Book today for a seamless journey through Turkey’s highlights.
Trip Highlights
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – Byzantine marvel
- Blue Mosque – Iconic Ottoman design
- Hippodrome – Ancient racing arena
- Topkapi Palace – Ottoman imperial residence
- Grand Bazaar – World-famous covered market
- Ancient city of Ephesus – Classical ruins
- Library of Celsus – Architectural masterpiece
- Great Theater – Ancient performance venue
- Temple of Hadrian – Roman monument
- House of the Virgin Mary – Sacred pilgrimage site
- Temple of Artemis – Ancient Wonder (ruins)
- Isabey Mosque – Seljuk architecture
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour exploring Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.
The day begins at the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a monumental structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Its architecture and historical layers reflect the rich blend of Christian and Islamic heritage.
Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and mesmerizing blue İznik tiles. It remains an active place of worship and a masterpiece of Ottoman design.
Continue to the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire. Discover its remaining monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
After the morning exploration, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit the splendid Topkapi Palace Museum, home to Ottoman sultans for centuries. Wander through its expansive courtyards, rich imperial collections, and optionally, the mysterious Harem quarters.
End your tour at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops offering carpets, jewelry, spices, and ceramics, it’s a paradise for shoppers and culture enthusiasts alike.
After the tour ends at around 5:00 PM, you will be dropped back at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Selçuk, where your full-day Ephesus Tour will begin.
You will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the impressive Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain.
After lunch, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will also visit the beautiful Isabey Mosque, an outstanding example of Seljuk architecture.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out time is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport based on your flight schedule. End of our tour and services.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- Arrival and departure airport transfers and all ground transportation
- Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul → Izmir → Istanbul
- 3 nights in Istanbul at a special class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
- Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets.
- Turkey Tourist Visa Fees.
- Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
- Services not explicitly mentioned in the program.
- Dinner and Drinks.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
Important notes
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described in the program will take place.
- This is a regular group tour, but it can be provided as a private tour upon request at an additional cost.
- Regular group tours include shopping stops as part of the itinerary.
- Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking.
- The Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays due to religious prayer services. On these days, only the outside area of the Blue Mosque can be visited.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
- The sequence of the daily tours within the itinerary may vary depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets, the opening/closing times of various historical sites, and other logistical considerations.
Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.
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