DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1:  Fly to Istanbul

Depart from London on your flight to Istanbul, a historic city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Explore the Old City

This morning meet your guide, who will take you on a full day private tour of the Old City.

Situated on the hills overlooking the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the most romantic cities in the world, with a stunning skyline of domes and minarets. For over 1,500 years it was the capital of various greatest empires – first as Byzantium, then as Constantinople, and finally as the capital of the Ottoman Empire.

We visit the Hagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque, formerly the Christian ‘Church of Holy Wisdom’, featuring a soaring 6th century dome and rare Christian mosaics. Over 1,400 years old, it is one of the world’s finest architectural and religious monuments. Then visit the open air Roman-era Hippodrome built by Constantine the Great, which in its heyday hosted thrilling chariot races and had a seating capacity of 100,000.

Nearby is the famous Blue Mosque with its 6 magnificent minarets, so called because of its sparkling Iznik blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. Finally, visit the Basilica Cistern, a cool underground waterway is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city, and one of the most interesting structures of Byzantium.

Note: Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays.

Day 3: Topkapi Palace, Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar

Today enjoy another full day tour of the city with your own private guide.

We start at the Topkapi Palace with its impressive walled array of domes, turrets and minaret-like chimneys and belvederes, with their commanding views over the city. Encompassing 173 acres of gardens, courtyards, workshops, kitchens, armouries, baths, fountains and residential areas, the palace showcased the imperial might of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to 19th centuries. In the Treasury you can view the sultans’ priceless jewellery, the most important of which is a 99 carat diamond, and thrones covered with gold and precious gems. One of the most important parts of the palace was the Harem, where you will uncover the secluded private life of the Ottoman dynasty.

Then visit the Spice Bazaar where pungent aromas and riotous colours await. Finally, visit the labyrinthine medieval Grand Bazaar, where your senses will be assailed by over 3,600 shops!

Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Day 4: At Leisure

Today is free to explore more of Istanbul independently.

There are many sights to explore such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Süleymaniye Mosque, Gulhane Park and the Galata Tower. You can also meander through the historic Sultanahmet District and take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

Day 5: Istanbul to Adatepe

This morning embark with your driver on the fast car ferry across the Sea of Marmara to

Bandirma. On arrival continue to the attractive village of Adatepe, situated in the foothills of Mount Ida in the North Aegean (approx 4 hours).

Alternatively, leave Istanbul early in morning and take the longer route, via Gallipoli, to visit the World War 1 Cemetery, Anzac Cove and Military Museum there. Cross the Dardanelles by ferry and continue your journey, via Troy, to Adatepe.

Day 6: Adatepe & Assos

Today enjoy exploring Adatepe, the best-preserved village in the Aegean.

We also visit Assos, one of Turkey’s hidden gems that was visited by the Apostle St. Paul and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In nearby Behramkale you can sample some traditional cuisine of Anatolia, before returning to Adatepe to view the Altar of Zeus.

Day 7: Adatepe to Sirince, via Pergamum

After breakfast we drive 3.5 hours to the village of Sirince.

Along the way we stop at Bergama to visit the impressive Greek and Roman ruins at Pergamum, which date back to 4 BC.

We then continue to Sirince, which is a picturesque village in the hills near Ephesus.

Day 8: Visit Ephesus

This morning we visit the ruins of the magnificent city of Ephesus on the Ionian Coast. During the Classic Greek era it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League, and later came under the control of the Roman Republic. It was once famous for the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but little now remains. Ephesus was also important in biblical times, and the Gospel of John may have been written here. We explore some of these marvellous ruins, including Hadrian's Temple, the Library of Celsus, Curetes Way and the Great Theatre that held 25,000 spectators.

On leaving Ephesus you may wish to visit Mary’s House, a chapel on the wooded slopes of Ala Dag, where it is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Our last visit is to the Archaeological Museum in Selçuk, which houses an important collection of artefacts from Ephesus.

On returning to Sirince, in the late afternoon enjoy a leisurely walk with your guide through the village and market.

Day 9: Didyma, Miletus & Priene

Today we travel 1.5 hours to visit Didyma, Miletus and Priene - three more important ancient sites.

At Didyma we see the Apollo Temple, which was occupied by an oracle as important as the one at Delphi. We continue to Miletus, an important Ionian city that was once a great centre of culture. The philosophers Thales and Anaximenes, the geographer Hecataeus, and the architect and town planner Hippodamus were all from Miletus. Finally we visit Priene, overlooking the Maeander River plain, to see the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the theatre.

Afterwards we return to picturesque Sirince.

Day 10: Fly Home

At the end of your holiday, transfer to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul and connecting flight home.

Note: A beach extension can easily be added to your holiday.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Economy flights from London are included, as well as all transfers and specified sightseeing.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.