This carefully designed tour Istanbul and Aegean itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in Western Turkey. From the timeless beauty of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Museum to the ancient ruins of Troy tour, Pergamum, and City Ephesus, this 5-day journey invites you to witness centuries of civilization. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you, offering insights into every site along the way.
What’s Included
- 2 nights accommodation in Istanbul
- 1 night accommodation in Canakkale
- 1 night accommodation in Kusadasi
- Professional licensed tour guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Lunches on all tour days
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fees to historical sites
- Dinner and drinks
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
Highlights
- Explore Istanbul tour places including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Museum with a licensed local guide.
- Visit Gallipoli battlefields, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Turkish trenches – a moving World War I experience.
- Discover the ancient Troy tour, walk through the ruins, see the legendary Trojan Horse and Temple of Athena.
- Wander the acropolis of Pergamum and visit Asklepion, one of the earliest known healing centers in medical history.
- Admire the Aegean coastline and enjoy scenic drives between historic destinations.
- Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, explore the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and Roman-era monuments.
- Visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site near Ephesus.
- See the remains of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, once among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Travel in comfort with airport transfers, small-group transport, and expert guidance every step of the way.
- Stay in hand-picked hotels in Istanbul, Canakkale, and Kusadasi for a complete regional experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and First Evening
Upon landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), your driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of your day is free to relax or take a short walk in the surrounding area. This first evening introduces you to the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul, preparing you for a deep dive into the city’s storied past. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Old City Walking Tour – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace
Start your day with a guided walk through the Old City, home to iconic Istanbul tour places.
- Hagia Sophia (Aya Sophia): This architectural marvel has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Inside, you'll find layers of religious and cultural history spanning over a thousand years.
- Blue Mosque: Famous for its six minarets and more than 20,000 İznik tiles, this structure still functions as a mosque and stands opposite Hagia Sophia.
- Hippodrome: Once the heart of Byzantine public life, this open space was the venue for horse and chariot races. Today, you’ll find the Serpent Column and Obelisk of Theodosius.
- Topkapi Palace Museum: Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, the Topkapi Palace now displays an extensive collection of imperial artifacts, sacred relics, and traditional Ottoman architecture.
- Grand Bazaar: End the tour at one of the world’s oldest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops, it’s an ideal place to experience Istanbul's bustling trade culture.
After a full day of cultural discovery, return to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: Gallipoli and Troy Tour – From Battlefields to Legend
Early departure from Istanbul to begin your Gallipoli and Troy tour.
- Gallipoli Battlefields: Visit ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and Johnston’s Jolly trenches. These memorials and historic sites mark one of World War I’s most significant campaigns, offering deep insight into the ANZAC experience and Turkish resistance.
- Troy tour: Next, explore the ruins of ancient Troy. Walk past remnants of nine different layers of settlement. Highlights include the replica of the Trojan Horse, the Temple of Athena, ancient walls, and the Odeon. The myth of Helen, Achilles, and Prince Paris originated here—stories that still echo through the ruins.
Evening transfer to your hotel in Canakkale. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Pergamum and Asklepion – Exploring Ancient Knowledge
Depart after breakfast for a journey to Pergamum, once a thriving seat of science, politics, and religion.
- Pergamon Acropolis: This site was a major cultural and political center in the Hellenistic period. The area includes the remains of the Zeus Altar, temples, an amphitheater, and what was once the second-largest library in the ancient world.
- Asklepion: This ancient healing center was known for combining science and spiritual treatment. Medical pioneers like Galenus and Hippocrates are closely associated with the site. The Asklepion is often considered one of the earliest hospitals in the world.
As you travel towards Kusadasi, admire the Aegean coast dotted with olive trees and distant views of Greek islands. Arrive in Kusadasi in the evening. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 5: City of Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House and Artemis Temple
Begin your final day with a tour of City Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey.
- Virgin Mary’s House: Believed to be where Mary the Virgin spent her last days, this peaceful site is recognized by both the Catholic and Muslim communities as sacred.
- Ephesus: Walk through the marble streets of Ephesus, once a city of over 250,000 people. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, Roman baths, and public latrines. Once the second-largest city of the Roman Empire, Ephesus reveals daily life and imperial grandeur with stunning clarity.
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Conclude with a visit to the ruins of the Artemis Temple, a former Wonder of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain, the temple's historical and spiritual legacy continues to draw visitors from around the globe.
After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport for your departure.
