Day 1 – Istanbul (Arrival)
Welcome to Turkey, arrival into Istanbul. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Private Istanbul City Tour
Breakfast Included
We depart at 09:00 for the Istanbul City tour. TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Lunch break and then we head to the SPICE BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) the air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. After the day tour you have the option to experience the magical Bosphorus Cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of the Bosphorus which connects Asia to Europe by sunset. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 – Istanbul to Antalya
Free Day until the afternoon for your domestic flight to Antalya. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel in Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 4 – Private Antalya Perge Aspendos Tour
After breakfast we will depart for Pergamon (Bergama) and Aspendos (Belkis).
PERGE : According to the geographer Strabon. Perge has been founded by Akhas who came down here after the Trojan wars. Perge was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great passed through here. In the following years, Perge went under the control of Pergamon when the Kingdom of Pergamon became a part of the Roman city. In the first and the second centuries BC, Perge became one of the richest towns in Pamphylia. Therefore it is not a surprise that St. Paul started his campaign in Anatolia from Perge in 46 AD.
After Pergamon, we will depart for Aspendos. Lunch break on the way.
ASPENDOS: The eastern land of Antalya was called Pamphylia in ancient times. Aspendos (Belkis) lies 47 km east of Antalya in the Pamphylian plain. In 486 BC, Greeks and Persians had a great battle here (Greeks won, they didn't stay for long). During the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-80 AD) Aspendos got its theatre, which is the best preserved of all. It was built by Romans and maintained by Byzantines and Seljuks. The ruins of the ancient city are extensive and include a stadium, an agora, and a basilica. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 5 – Antalya (Free Day)
The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You don't have to wake up early, enjoy the sunshine and take in the views and natural magnificent beach & crystal clear sea. Explore the city, shop in the local markets, relax on the beach or enjoy one of the many day trips you have to choose from. These include Aqua Park, scuba diving, fishing tours and many more.
Day 6 – Private Daily Boat Cruise
You'll feel the uniqueness of having the chance to travel by a romantic wood-yacht in the turquoise-coloured waters of Turkey’s Mediterranean south-coast. Our trip will start by arrival at Kemer marina. At Kemer marina, a wood-yacht awaits which will guide you to Phaselis, passing through the forest of pine trees and the Taurus Mountains. This coast is probably the most charming coast of the Turkish Riviera. You'll have the chance to swim in clear-blue water and dive with snorkels during the trip to Olympos. You'll have your lunch on board your boat at Olympos bay. The trip will continue through the three-island location. After a swimming break close to these islands, the trip will continue through to Kemer yacht port where your the private bus will be waiting. The best thing to do during this trip is to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Day 7 – Antalya (Free Day)
The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You don't have to wake up early, enjoy the sunshine and take in the views and natural magnificent beach & crystal clear sea. Explore the city, shop in the local markets, relax on the beach or enjoy one of the many day trips you have to choose from. These include Aqua Park, scuba diving, fishing tours and many more.
Day 8 – Antalya to Istanbul
Free Day until the afternoon for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 9 – Private Istanbul Bosphorus & Two Continents
Enjoy a magical Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Market Tour starting at 08:30. After lunch we will visit the Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Asian side of Istanbul.
SPICE BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice.
BEDESTEN exhibits the traditional silk weaving courses and carpet weaving courses authorised by the Ministry of National Education. Possibility to see jewellery, handicrafts centre and leatherwear show. Free time provided for shopping.
BOSPHORUS BY BOAT a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Çiragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble facade faces the shore. At Ortaköy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortaköy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
RUMELI FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosphorus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.
BEYLERBEYI PALAS (PALACE) The summer residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul.
BOSPHORUS BRIDGE enjoy a unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe)
CAMLICA HILL the highest point in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosporus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional Turkish Ottoman style.
SHOPPING AT BEDESTEN
Experience the traditional silk weaving skills of Turkish women at the carpet weaving courses provided by The Ministry of National Education. You will get the opportunity to see jewellery, handcrafts centre and a modern leatherwear show.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10 – Istanbul (Departure)
After breakfast check out from the hotel. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another Luxury Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thank you for choosing Luxury Tours Turkey. |
