Istanbul and Ephesus
Duration
6 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Istanbul
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Istanbul; Efeso; Kusadasi; İzmir; Bursa
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
08:00 a.m. - We´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. During our tour, we´ll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul. We´ll explore the ancient walls, take in views of the Golden Horn and the fishing district, and marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace (tickets included9, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
Today, we´ll take a boat trip on the Bosphorus (included), lasting about two hours. This exclusive journey for Europamundo travelers explores the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We´ll enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of the strait with all its boats. We´ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we´ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
Total distance covered: 560 km.
07:00 a.m. – Departure from Istanbul in the early morning.
02:00 p.m. - We´ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, which had a population of a quarter of a million two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included).
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue towards the Aegean Coast.
06:30 p.m. – Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant commercial life, bazaars and quaint castle. You’ll have free time in the center and then we’ll head to the hotel, where dinner will be included.
Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.
07:00 a.m. – Departure from Istanbul in the early morning.
02:00 p.m. - We´ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, which had a population of a quarter of a million two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included).
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue towards the Aegean Coast.
06:30 p.m. – Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant commercial life, bazaars and quaint castle. You’ll have free time in the center and then we’ll head to the hotel, where dinner will be included.
Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.
Total distance covered: 590 km .
Scenery: Impressive suspension bridges crossing the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus Strait.
08.00 hrs.- Kusadasi- Departure
09.30 hrs.- We will make a short visit to Izmir with our guide to one of the largest cities in Turkey, considered the most westernized and modern city in the country in terms of values, ideology and lifestyles.
10.45hrs.- Izmir. Departure. We will travel through the interior of Turkey again. There will be a stop en route to have lunch.
16.00hrs.- Bursa, the fourth city of Turkey whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which includes traditional shopping districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, etc. and its outstanding Green Mosque.
18.00hrs.- Bursa, departure.
20.15 hrs.- Arrival in Istanbul at the end of the day.
Scenery: Impressive suspension bridges crossing the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus Strait.
08.00 hrs.- Kusadasi- Departure
09.30 hrs.- We will make a short visit to Izmir with our guide to one of the largest cities in Turkey, considered the most westernized and modern city in the country in terms of values, ideology and lifestyles.
10.45hrs.- Izmir. Departure. We will travel through the interior of Turkey again. There will be a stop en route to have lunch.
16.00hrs.- Bursa, the fourth city of Turkey whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which includes traditional shopping districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, etc. and its outstanding Green Mosque.
18.00hrs.- Bursa, departure.
20.15 hrs.- Arrival in Istanbul at the end of the day.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
AUD 1,142