Istanbul and Ephesus Tour

**Day 1 – Istanbul Old City** Today we will pick you up from your **hotel** and begin our discovery of the **Old City of Istanbul**. Our first visit will be the legendary **Hagia Sophia**, built about 1,500 years ago and one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Next, we will visit the famous **Blue Mosque**, completed in 1616. After leaving the mosque, we will explore the **Hippodrome**, the ancient stadium of Constantinople, where chariot races and major public events were held. Then we will visit the fascinating **Underground Cistern**, an impressive Byzantine water reservoir beneath the city. Finally, we will visit **Topkapi Palace**, built by **Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror** after the conquest of Constantinople. For centuries, it served as the **administrative center of the Ottoman Empire** and the residence of the Ottoman sultans. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Day 2 – Bosphorus Cruise & Istanbul Highlights** Today we will continue our **Istanbul sightseeing tour**. Istanbul, formerly known as **Constantinople**, was the capital of **three great empires** and is the only major city in the world located on **two continents, Europe and Asia**. We will begin with a relaxing **Bosphorus Cruise**, where you will enjoy beautiful views of the city from the water. Along the way, we will pass close to **Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Yildiz Palace**, and **Ortakoy**. Next, we will visit the historic **Chora Church**, famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. In the afternoon, we will visit the magnificent **Suleymaniye Mosque**, commissioned by **Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent** and designed by the famous Ottoman architect **Mimar Sinan**. Then we will explore the colorful **Spice Bazaar**, a historic center of Istanbul's spice trade. Finally, you will have **free time at the Grand Bazaar**, one of the oldest and most famous covered markets in the world, where you can enjoy shopping and discover traditional Turkish products. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary** Today we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to **Istanbul Airport** for your flight to Izmir. Our guide will welcome you at **Izmir Airport**, and after about a 45-minute drive, our spectacular day will begin. We will visit **Ephesus Ancient City**, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. For a few hours, you will feel like a **Roman citizen** walking through the streets of this magnificent ancient city. During our extensive tour, you will see the **Temple of Hadrian, Temple of Trajan, Temple of Domitian, Roman Baths, Harbour Street, Marble Street, Commercial Agora, Curetes Street, Prytaneion, Odeon**, and the magnificent **Library of Celsus**. We will also visit the impressive **Great Theater of Ephesus**, one of the largest ancient theaters in the region. Artemis was the main goddess of Ephesus, and the Ephesians dedicated a magnificent temple to her. We will visit the ruins of the **Temple of Artemis**, one of the **Seven Wonders of the Ancient World**. After lunch, we will drive up the mountain to the peaceful **House of the Virgin Mary**, located in a beautiful nature park near Ephesus. It is believed to be the **last residence of the Virgin Mary**, the mother of Jesus, and the site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. Many pilgrims and visitors come here every year. At the end of the tour, we will return to **Izmir Airport** for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. **End of our service.