Istanbul & Ephesus: A Journey Through Time
7 days · 3 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, settle in, and start exploring the historic Sultanahmet area.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Check-in and enjoy the central location.
Sultanahmet Square
Stroll the square between Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Blue Mosque
Visit the iconic mosque with blue tiles.
Dinner at Local Restaurant
Enjoy Turkish cuisine near the hotel.
Day 2 — Discover Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks in Istanbul.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Explore the magnificent former church and mosque.
Basilica Cistern
Descend into the ancient underground water reservoir.
Grand Bazaar
Wander through the historic covered market.
Lunch Break
Enjoy a quick lunch at a local kebab shop.
Day 3 — Continue exploring Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace and a Bosphorus cruise.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Topkapi Palace
Tour the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans.
Bosphorus Cruise
Sail along the Bosphorus, seeing both continents.
Spice Bazaar
Smell the aromatic spices and sweets.
Dinner in Eminönü
Try fish sandwiches by the waterfront.
Day 4 — Fly to Izmir and drive to Ephesus for a day of ancient ruins.
(overnight: Ephesus)
Flight to Izmir
Morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
Library of Celsus
Admire the iconic facade of the ancient library.
Great Theatre of Ephesus
Sit in the ancient theater with great acoustics.
Lunch in Selçuk
Enjoy a local meal near the ruins.
Day 5 — Continue exploring Ephesus, then return to Izmir for the night.
(overnight: Ephesus)
Terrace Houses
See well-preserved Roman villas with mosaics.
Temple of Artemis
Visit the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders.
Transfer to Izmir
Drive to Izmir for the evening.
Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir
—
Visit site
Check-in and relax at this luxury hotel.
Day 6 — Explore Izmir's highlights, then fly back to Istanbul.
(overnight: Izmir)
Izmir Clock Tower
See the iconic clock tower in Konak Square.
Kemeralti Bazaar
Wander through the historic bazaar streets.
Flight to Istanbul
Evening flight back to Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Check back in for the final night.
Day 7 — Enjoy a relaxed morning in Istanbul before departure.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Istiklal Avenue
Stroll the lively pedestrian street with shops and cafes.
Lunch and Departure
Enjoy a final Turkish meal and head to the airport.
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