Istanbul, this is a great way to start your holiday in Turkey or if you are just passing through this exotic city. Because we believe that you have not seen Turkey if you haven't seen Istanbul. Istanbul is a city which re-creates itself all the time. Istanbul's streets reflect the European and Turkish and Balkan and Middle Eastern way of life, all coming together in a exotic and beautiful harmony. You may extend your stay and request further information about our tours to highlights of Turkey from our office in Sultanahmet.
 
   
 

   
 
  Irresistanbul

 Imperial Istanbul

 Istanbul Two Continents

 Constantinople - Istanbul

 Istanbul on Foot
The Orient

Istanbul Getaway
Istanbul & Ephesus

Unknown Istanbul
Istanbul & Cappadocia

Istanbul - Bursa

Istanbul Shore Excursions

Glorious Istanbul

Timeless City		   Istanbul Ephesus                                                                     
Day 1:  Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, you will be met by an Ayala Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. You have the afternoon and evening free to relax and/or check out the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul. (D)

Day 2:  Istanbul
After breakfast meeting tour guide at hotel lobby for full day tour of Istanbul. We start with the Ancient Hippodrome where chariots races and other sporting events took place from the 2nd century A.D. onwards. Then continue to Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its superb interior decoration and the hand made Iznik tiles reflecting its blue colours from the 16th century.  We then continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown. Hagia Sophia dates back to 6th century; when it was built, its dome was the largest in the world. Now it is one of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture. We reach the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) after a short drive. Here you will be amazed with the variety of souvenirs such as rugs, leather, pottery, jewellery, spices you can find or just stroll around for the fun. We have lunch at a local restaurant serving Turkish Cuisine. Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight Istanbul. (B,L)
Day 3:  Izmir - Kusadasi - Ephesus - Istanbul
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport Internal Terminal for flight to Izmir. Upon arrival to Izmir Airport, meeting tour guide at airport and drive to Ephesus. Ephesus, the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia, will come alive to you as you explore the ancient ruins of this magnificent site. You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed according to its original form by the architect Friedmund Hueber in the 1970's. You will also see the Grand Theater, the most spectacular building of Ephesus, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators. It is there that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Hill Houses, homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. The city was also the hometown of great philosopher Heraclitus. Then continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into Heaven; other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place. After lunch visit the Basilica of St. John and see the ruins of Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, which Alexander the Great visited while it was being constructed in 335 B.C. End of tour and after arranging a meeting point and time with your guide free time in Kusadasi. Transfer to Izmir Airport for flight back to Istanbul. Evening arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight Istanbul. (B,L,)

Day 4:  Istanbul
Free day in Istanbul. You may ask for other activities from our offices in Sultanahmet.

 		  
     

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