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Ephesus, one of the largest cities from the classical Greek era reached a population of more than 250 000 during the Roman period in the 1st century B.C. Once a thriving port city, its wealth was proverbial. Gymnasiums, terrace houses, libraries, paved shopping streets, fountains, theatres, public baths are perhaps its most impressive everyday conveniences that can be seen even centuries after the city was abandoned. Ephesus is worth the walk through its marbled ruins if only to meditate on the past glories of a city that 2000 years ago was important enough to draw the Apostle John & St. Paul to preach. It also was the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world. |
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Istanbul Ephesus Tour |
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Day 01 : Arrival in Istanbul Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, you will be met by our staff & accompanied during the transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time we will offer assistance so you can make use of your free time. Overnight in Istanbul. Day 02 : Istanbul After breakfast, meeting your guide at the hotel lobby. We first visit the 17th century Sultanahmet Cami (Blue Mosque). The iconic building has 6 towering minarets, 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber which is decorated with more than 20 000 Iznik tiles. We continue with Hagia Sophia; the crown jewel of Byzantine architecture & centre of Christianity for centuries, converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule, its display of Christian & Muslim relics under one great dome marvels the world today. We walk around the Hippodrome where chariot races were held during the Roman era. Lunch at a local eatery. Then to Topkapi Palace; the residence of the Sultans & Ottoman Dynasty for more than 4 centuries, built on 175 acres it is now a treasure house full of Islam's most holy relics, priceless artefacts & royal items. Day 03 : Flight to Izmir / Ephesus Tour Transfer to Istanbul Airport Domestic Terminal for flight to Izmir. Upon arrival to Izmir transfer to Ephesus region (1hr). First briefly stopping at the site where Artemis Temple (1 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World) once stood. Then onto visit Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Here you will explore the Agora, Odeon, Curettes Street, public toilets, Celsius Library, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre, Marble Street & much more. After lunch break depart for the House of Virgin Mary & visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days. We end the day tour with a visit to St. John's Basilica. Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk. Day 04 : Aphrodisias & Pamukkale / Izmir to Istanbul flight We will check out from hotel & drive for 1.5 hours to reach Aphrodisias. As its name implies, it was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The city was built near a marble quarry, which was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic & Roman periods and sculptors of marble from Aphrodisias became famous in the Roman world. After lunch we will continue the day with visit to Pamukkale. This natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers of limestone & travertine cascading down the mountain slope, which resemble a frozen waterfall. There will be free time to walk on the terraces (where allowed). We then visit Hierapolis, which is adjacent to Pamukkale. The ruins of the ancient city cover more than a mile. Transfer to Izmir Airport at the end of the tour, flight to Istanbul & transfer to your hotel upon arrival to Istanbul. Day 05 : Istanbul Start the day with a short drive to Golden Horn, along the way we'll see; The Orthodox Patriarchate, Church of St Stephen, Ahrida Synagogue, Eyup Mosque & the old city walls of Constantinople. We visit the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar before embarking on the ferry which has become one of the symbols of Istanbul. Cruising along the shoreline dotted with million dollar mansions we'll cross underneath the 2 bridges linking Europe & Asia. The waterfront palaces, restored wooden houses & the natural beauty of the forests above make up the charm of the Bosphorus. End of tour, 1pm onwards you may spend your day self exploring, or choose to be dropped off at the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) to experience shopping in the worlds oldest biggest shopping mall which has more than 4000 shops, 86 streets & half a million visitors daily. Day 06 : Istanbul Departure Option to extend package with additional night(s) in Istanbul or we will arrange for your transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your return or onward flight. |
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Next Best of Turkey |
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Turkey
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Divanyolu Caddesi No:34 Sultanahmet - Istanbul /
TURKEY 34122 |
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Association of Turkish Travel Agencies TURSAB Member No: A1855 |
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