Welcome to Turkey!

Your unforgettable journey begins the moment you arrive! Upon landing, enjoy a seamless transfer from the airport to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure.

🏨 Check-in, settle in, and relax, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul as you prepare for the incredible experiences ahead.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul.

Morning Pickup & Istanbul Tour
🌅 Start your day with an unforgettable exploration of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks! After a restful night, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation for a guided tour through the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. This tour is the perfect introduction to Istanbul, offering a deep dive into its most legendary sites.

Tour Highlights
🏛️ Sultanahmet Area – Step into the heart of Istanbul’s Old City:
Blue Mosque – Marvel at this architectural masterpiece, renowned for its breathtaking blue-tiled interior and graceful domes and minarets.
Hagia Sophia – A symbol of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, this magnificent structure has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, showcasing centuries of history in its grand halls.

🏰 Topkapi Palace – Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, home to priceless artifacts and imperial treasures. Learn about its fascinating history, including its connection to Atatürk, Turkey’s first president.

🛍️ Grand Bazaar – Lose yourself in the world’s largest covered market, where centuries-old traditions meet modern-day shopping. Discover intricate handcrafted jewelry, carpets, spices, and souvenirs, and put your bargaining skills to the test!

Our Recommendation
🔹 After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. We highly recommend a visit to the Spice Bazaar, a sensory paradise filled with the vibrant colors, rich aromas, and enticing flavors of Turkish teas, spices, and sweets.
🛑 Please note that the Spice Bazaar visit is not included in the guided tour, but you’ll have ample time to enjoy it before returning to your hotel at your leisure.

Important Notes
🏛️ Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
🕌 Entry to the Blue Mosque is restricted during Friday prayers.
🎟️ Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Pickup Information
🚗 We provide hotel pickups from central locations, including Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim. If your accommodation is outside these areas, additional charges may apply. For further assistance, feel free to contact our team.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul.

Sights Visited

Morning Pickup & Dolmabahçe Palace Tour
🌅 Begin your day with a pickup from your accommodation in Istanbul for a fascinating half-day tour, where history and breathtaking scenery await.

🏰 Dolmabahce Palace – Your first stop is the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, the final residence of the Ottoman sultans. This architectural masterpiece boasts lush gardens, grand staircases, and over 200 opulent rooms, adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate gold detailing. As you explore its lavish halls, step back in time to an era of imperial grandeur and elegance.

Bosphorus Cruise – A Journey Between Two Continents
🚢 After exploring the palace, embark on a Bosphorus cruise, offering unparalleled views of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks spanning both Europe and Asia.

🌉 Glide past historical palaces, grand mansions, and picturesque waterfront homes, witnessing the timeless beauty of Istanbul from the water.

🏞️ Stop on the Asian Side – During the cruise, visit Küçüksu Palace, a charming 19th-century hunting lodge nestled on the Bosphorus’ scenic shores. Take in its stunning exterior, explore its ornate interiors, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

🛳️ The second half of the cruise brings you back to Eminönü, where your tour ends right across the street from the vibrant Spice Bazaar—a perfect spot for those who wish to continue exploring on their own.

Important Notes
🏰 Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On these days, the tour will start two hours later.
🚢 The Bosphorus cruise operates in all weather conditions and offers indoor seating for comfort.

Evening Flight to Izmir
✈️ This evening, board a domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir. Upon arrival, a seamless transfer will take you to your accommodation in the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi), where you can unwind and prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

🌙 Overnight in the Ephesus Region.

Sights Visited

Explore the Wonders of Ephesus
🌅 Begin your day with a pickup from your accommodation as you set off to explore the ancient marvels of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity and a former capital of Roman Asia.

🏛️ Once home to over 200,000 people more than 3,000 years ago, Ephesus was the second-largest city of the ancient world, renowned for its engineering brilliance and cultural achievements. As you walk through its marble-paved streets, step back in time and witness the grandeur of:

📚 Library of Celsus – A stunning architectural masterpiece that once housed thousands of scrolls, symbolizing Ephesus’ intellectual and cultural significance.

🎭 Great Theatre – An awe-inspiring amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial battles and grand performances, with seating for over 25,000 spectators.

🏛️ Temple of Hadrian & Trajan Fountain – Ornate monuments dedicated to Roman emperors, showcasing the city’s architectural mastery.

House of the Virgin Mary
🙏 Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site of immense significance to the Christian faith. Believed to be where Mary spent the final years of her life, this humble sanctuary nestled in the tranquil hills offers a space for quiet reflection and spiritual connection. Pilgrims and visitors alike come here to light candles, leave prayers, and experience the serene atmosphere of this revered site.

Temple of Artemis – A Lost Wonder of the Ancient World
🏛️ Conclude your tour with a visit to the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Once an architectural marvel of unparalleled beauty, this grand temple stood as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and devotion. Though only remnants remain today, they still whisper stories of its historical and spiritual significance, making it an unmissable stop on your journey.

Overnight in the Ephesus Region

🌙 After a day of extraordinary discoveries, unwind at your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you reflect on the rich history you’ve explored, savor a delicious Turkish meal, and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Sights Visited

Transfer from Ephesus to Pamukkale

Journey to Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle
🌅 After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Pamukkale, a destination whose name translates to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. This stunning natural wonder is renowned for its dazzling white travertine terraces, created over millennia by mineral-rich thermal waters.
🍽️ Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before setting out to explore this remarkable site, where nature and history intertwine in breathtaking harmony.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

🏞️ Pamukkale’s Travertine Terraces – Take in the breathtaking beauty of these cascading thermal pools, whose snow-white formations create a surreal landscape. As you walk across the warm, mineral-rich waters, your guide will share fascinating insights into their geological formation and cultural significance throughout history.

🏛️ Ancient Hierapolis – Just beyond Pamukkale lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, a once-thriving Roman spa town famed for its healing hot springs. Explore its historical landmarks, including:

⚰️ The Necropolis – One of the largest and most well-preserved ancient cemeteries, featuring impressive tombs and sarcophagi.

🎭 The Hierapolis Theatre – A grand amphitheater offering spectacular views and a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.

🏛️ Ancient Thermal Baths – Once visited by pilgrims seeking healing in the legendary sacred waters.

Evening Flight to Istanbul
✈️ After your tour, transfer to Denizli Airport for your evening domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, your Istanbul & Western Turkey adventure officially comes to an end.

Need Further Assistance?
📌 If you need help with onward travel, accommodation bookings, or any other arrangements, our team at Alaturca is happy to assist in planning the next chapter of your journey.

Sights Visited