Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll arrive in Istanbul and head to your hotel to get settled. After you've had a chance to drop your bags and freshen up, check in with the reception desk in the afternoon for information about what comes next on your tour.
- Day 2
Istanbul
Start your day with a full sightseeing tour covering Süleymaniye Mosque and Topkapi Palace, then walk through the ancient walls and around the Golden Horn. You'll also see the fishing districts and Hagia Sophia before the afternoon frees up. Later, you'll head to Taksim Square where you can explore restaurants, ride the old tram, or climb Galata Tower if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Istanbul
- Entry to Süleymaniye Mosque
- Entry to Topkapi Palace with access to courtyards and pavilions
- Exploration of ancient walls and Golden Horn
- Visit to fishing district
- Exterior view of Hagia Sophia
- Transfer to Taksim Square
Optional Activities
- Galata Tower visit
- Dining at restaurants in Taksim
- Viewing the old tram in Taksim area
- Historic Visit excursion - 4 hours (€95) including Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, lunch at local restaurant in Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar visit, local guide service
- Visit from Asian Part excursion - 4 hours (€75) including Camlica Hill, Beylerbey Palace visit, lunch in fish restaurant on Bosphorus shore, Egyptian Bazaar visit, local guide service
Landmarks/POIs Süleymaniye Mosque Topkapi Palace Golden Horn Hagia Sophia Galata Tower Blue Mosque Basilica Cistern Grand Bazaar Hippodrome Obelisk of Theodosius Serpentine Column Egyptian Bazaar Camlica Hill Beylerbey Palace - Day 3
Istanbul
This morning brings a private two-hour boat trip on the Bosphorus reserved just for Europamundo travelers. You'll cruise through the strait between the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara, pass under both bridges connecting Europe and Asia, and see the Sultan's palaces plus traditional Ottoman architecture. After returning to central Istanbul, your afternoon is free to do what you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
Included Activities
- Private boat trip on the Bosphorus - approximately 2 hours
- Passage under bridges linking Europe and Asia
- Views of Sultan's palaces and traditional wooden houses
- Observation of Ottoman architecture
Landmarks/POIs Bosphorus Strait - Day 4
Istanbul to Kusadasi (or Izmir)
You'll leave Istanbul early and drive toward Ephesus, arriving around lunchtime. Spend your afternoon checking out the well-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, including the Basilica of St. John, House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site. Later you'll head to Kusadasi or Izmir (depending on the season) for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Basilica of St. John in Ephesus
- Visit to House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus
- Access to Ephesus archaeological site
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Kusadasi's vibrant atmosphere and commercial life
- Visit to Kusadasi castle
- Panoramic tour of Izmir (May-October high season only)
Landmarks/POIs Ephesus Basilica of St. John House of the Virgin Mary Kusadasi - Day 5
Kusadasi (or Izmir) to Istanbul via Bursa
Travel to Izmir for a guided tour of this westernized Turkish city, then head inland with a lunch break along the way to Bursa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has traditional neighborhoods, mosques, religious schools, public baths, and the Green Mosque to explore. You'll make it back to Istanbul by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Izmir
- Exploration of Bursa's UNESCO World Heritage Site center
- Views of traditional commercial districts in Bursa
- Visit to mosques and religious schools in Bursa
- Visit to public baths in Bursa
- Visit to the Green Mosque in Bursa
Landmarks/POIs Izmir Bursa Green Mosque - Day 6
Departure
After breakfast, your tour wraps up and you'll depart with memories of Istanbul and Turkey behind you.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast buffet)
