Turkish Riviera and Turquoise Coast Tour

After breakfast, we transfer you to your first sight-seeing tour of Istanbul starting with the Old City of Sultanahmet. Our first stop in this historical neighborhood is Topkapi Palace. This former Ottoman residence is one of the world’s largest remaining historical palaces. This palace was later converted into a museum in 1924 and houses some of the most ancient, historical, and precious royal relics. Next, we continue the tour with a short walk to the Hippodrome. This area was used for chariot races during Roman rule. After lunch at a Turkish restaurant we proceed to the Hagia (Aya) Sophia. This museum was formerly a Christian basilica before it was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. With its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture as it changed the history of architecture. The tour continues on to the Blue Mosque. This iconic building is decorated with over 20,000 tiles. While inside the mosque, you will see exactly how this famous building got its name. Lastly, the day ends with a visit to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. This is the oldest and largest covered market in the world with more than 3,000 shops, merchants, and vendors. Finally, we are transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast we begin this day of our travel in Turkey tour with a visit to the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar. After the famous Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar is the second largest covered shopping market in Turkey. This market was built in 1664 and has been the center of the spice trade since then. However, nowadays you can find a lot more than just spice shops and vendors to bargain with. Across the street from the Spice Bazaar we take a private ferry ride on the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus strait is the body of water that separates the European and Asia side of Istanbul. During the ride we take in the picturesque coastline that is filled with unique properties including multi-million dollar mansions, castles, houses, and mosques. Do not forget to look up to see the two spectacular suspension bridges that connect Europe and Asia. Afterwards, we break for lunch at a local Turkish restaurant. We end the day with a trip to Dolmabahce Palace. This spectacular palace was the imperial residence of the last 6 Sultans and has more than 280 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets. Finally, we are transferred back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Our tour starts with a ferry ride to Yalova and a transfer to Bursa. Bursa is known as “Green Bursa” for its parks and gardens and was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. We visit the Green Mosque and the neighboring Green Mausoleum, famous for their tile decorations. We also see the Great Mosque and Koza Han, a historic silk trading center. The day ends with a cable car ride to Mount Olympus and an overnight stay in Bursa.

After checking out from the hotel, we visit Pergamum, an ancient Greek city and one of the 7 churches of Asia. We explore the Asclepion healing temple, the Acropolis, and various temple ruins including Athena, Trojan, Zeus, and Dionysos. After lunch, we drive to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

This is a free day to explore Kusadasi, a cosmopolitan seaside resort with sandy beaches, shopping, and nightlife. Or choose to visit the well-preserved Ancient City of Ephesus on an excursion tour.

After checking out from the hotel, we visit the ancient city of Priene and its religious ruins dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, and Athena. We stop at Miletus, an important city in the ancient Greek world and a place where St. Paul visited during his Third Missionary Journey. Next, we visit Didyma, an ancient sacred place of pagan worship. The day ends with a transfer to Bodrum for an overnight stay.

The Turkish Riveria section of the Turkey tour begins with a visit to the resort city of Bodrum, formerly known as Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times. The Castle of the Knights, also a museum with many archaeological exhibits, is the first stop. Then, we see the famous Mausoleum of Halikarnassus, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The day ends with a transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bodrum.

This is a free day to explore Bodrum. You can take a self-guided tour of the city, visit enchanting villages of white houses trimmed with purple bougainvillea, or enjoy the many miles of beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for various water sports. We have an overnight stay in Bodrum.

After checking out of the hotel in Bodrum, we transfer to the beautiful resort city of Marmaris on the Turquoise Coast. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the hotel for a free day. We have an overnight stay in Marmaris.

We begin the day with a boat ride to the beautiful beach of Dalyan. Here, we can see the endangered loggerhead sea turtles and the famous rock-cut tombs carved in the cliffs of Lycia. The day ends with a therapeutic mud bath, believed to cure many ailments. We are transferred back to Marmaris for an overnight stay.

This is a free day. We can offer assistance on excursions, sight-seeing, and other means of exploring the city. You will have an overnight stay in Marmaris.

After checking out of the hotel, we are transferred to Dalaman Airport for a flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay and free night.

After checking out of the hotel, there is a transfer to Istanbul’s airport for the departure flight.