Take in the highlights of Western Turkey on this nine-day tour. Travelling from Istanbul and the iconic Blue Mosque to the picturesque port city of Fethiye on the Turquoise Coast. Taking in the remarkable Roman ruins of Ephesus and the white calcium terraces of Pammukale en route.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Istanbul sightseeing
After breakfast take in the highlights of Istanbul on a full day tour. In the heart of the Old City visit the famous Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, with its six minarets and enjoy the exterior of the striking Hagia Sophia, which was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years. Also explore the ruinous Byzantine Hippodrome with its various monuments and Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Then venture into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs before transferring back to your hotel for the night.
Please note that some sites are closed on certain days in Istanbul. Hagia Sofia - closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays and Grand Bazaar - closed on Sundays. So only external viewing will be possible on these days.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast, Lunch
Kusadasi
Istanbul – Izmir - Kusadasi. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, a large resort town on Turkey's beautiful Aegean Coast. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner
Ephesus & the Temple of Artemis
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day tour of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary’s House. First, visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then travel on to ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved Classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Ephesus was a vast Roman city with a population nearing 250,000 and on the tour of this remarkable archaeological site you will see the Great Theatre (once capable of seating 25,000 spectators at one time), Curetes Way (one of the main thoroughfares) the Temple of Serapis, the elegant facades of the Temple of Hadrian and the spectacular Library of Celsus. Then visit
the House of Mother Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years together with St. John. You will also a visit a leather factory before returning to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner
Pamukkale
Kusadasi - Pammukale. Bid farewell to Kusadasi and transfer by road to Pammukale with its spectacular white calcium terraces, filled with natural thermal spring waters. On a tour of this remarkable site, take a walk along the hillside terraces, known as travertines, and paddle your feet warm water. Then visit the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, which sits on top of Pammukale's travertines. Explore the ruins, visit the spectacular theatre and opt for a swim in Cleopatra's sacred pool, where the shallow thermal waters ripple over a scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath. After the tour continue to your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Pamukkale | Breakfast, Dinner
Fethiye R&R
Pammukale - Fethiye. Travel south to Fethiye for three days of relaxation in this picturesque port town on Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast. Spend your days at leisure strolling around the atmospheric Old Town with its traditional markets. And make sure to visit some of the beautiful beaches in the area, including the famous Blue Lagoon. Perhaps enjoy a cruise around the bay, which is strewn with picturesque islands.
Overnight: Fethiye (3) | Breakfast x 3
Return to Istanbul
Fethiye - Istanbul. Transfer to Dalaman Airport today for your included flight back to Istanbul, where your tour comes to an end.
Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You can also opt to exclude the flight back to Istanbul if you wish.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreExtra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kent Hotel, Istanbul
The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.
Marina Hotel, Kusadasi
Marina hotel is a modern hotel with a sea view and balcony from nearly every spacious room. It has recently been renovated and features an indoor and outdoor pool and you may also use the facilities and beach of 5-Star Pine Bay.
Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel, Pamukkale
Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.
Alesta Yacht Hotel, Fethiye
Located where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean and opposite the Fethiye Yacht Marina, the Alesta Yacht Hotel features a private beach, outdoor pool, spa, sauna, and hammam. Rooms boast beautiful wooden floors and soft colours, with TV, air-conditioning, and sea-facing balconies in some rooms. Dining is at the onsite Alarga restaurant beside the marina, and there's a bar serving delicious cocktails. The hotel is just 5 minutes from the city centre and 100 metres from the amphitheatre.
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreAt a Glance
