LAND ONLY $599 Per person in Double Occupancy with 4 Star Hotel
Single Supplement: $175

Istanbul in 5 Nights / 7 Days

DAY 1: En Route

Depart the U.S.A. on your flight to Turkey.

DAY 2: Arrive Istanbul

Meet our guide and transfer to the hotel by coach. A short briefing will be provided by our guide at the hotel in the afternoon. Evening at leisure.

DAY 3: Istanbul - Historical Istanbul Tour

A full day tour at the Old City where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian (Closed on Mondays; replaced with a visit to the marvelous Underground Cistern); Blue Mosque, facing St. Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus; After lunch proceed to Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded - (Closed on Tuesdays; replaced with a visit to the Archaeological Museum)built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc.; Grand Covered Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), the most attractive shopping center in the world with nearly 4000 shops.  (B) (L)

DAY 4:  Bosphorus & Asia Tour
Departure in the morning and visit to the Spice Bazaar (Closed on Sundays) from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with the Cairo imposts. Then proceed to the pier so as to embark the regular boat. Starting the trip from the Golden Horn and sailing through the waterway separating the two continents - Asia and Europe - with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential. During this trip Ciragan Palace Hotel, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges will be seen.  (B)

Optional Tour 2: Turkish Night After being picked up from the hotel a short drive or walk to get to the place where there will be a lot of fun and enjoyment. Dinner at a restaurant to taste various kinds of excellent Turkish cuisine and local drinks while watching the spectacular oriental show performed by famous belly dancers, folk groups from different regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers. Late night back to the hotel (First local drinks are included within the price)

DAY 5: Istanbul

Free Day. For more optional daily tours, please visit our Daily City Tours. (B)

DAY 6: Istanbul

Free Day.

Optional Daily Ephesus Tour: Transfer to Airport for Izmir flight. Visit the Shrine of the Virgin Mary where she supposedly spent her later days. Proceed to Ephesus and see the spectacular ruins from the period of St. Paul, some of which have only recently been excavated. See the Odeon, the Bouleterion, the Fountains, the Temples, the Brothel, the Library, the Agoras, the Great Theater, the Roman Baths, the Gymnasiums, the Double Church & the Stadium. After lunch visit the Archaeological Museum, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world). (L)

DAY 7: Istanbul

Transfer to the Airport. End of our services. (B)

* Rates and availability subject to change without notice.

(B)Breakfast (L)Lunch (D)Dinner