Highlights
- Eat your way across Istanbul on a street food tour
- Hop on a relaxing boat tour of the city along the Bosphorus Strait
- Explore the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus
- Stroll through the Aegean village of Sirince
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in İstanbul, Street Food Tour | İstanbul |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Sultanahmet, Boat Tour on the Bosphorus Strait | İstanbul |
| Day 3 | Guided Tour of Eminönü, Transfer to Çanakkale | Çanakkale |
| Day 4 | Explore Troy, Transfer to Bergama, Visit Pergamon | Bergama |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Şirince, Explore Ephesus, Visit the House of the Virgin Mary | Şirince |
| Day 6 | Depart Şirince |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in İstanbul, Street Food Tour
Welcome to Turkey! A driver will be waiting for you outside İstanbul International Airport to take you to your hotel in İstanbul, a vibrant and historic city straddling two continents: Europe and Asia. Settle in at your hotel before heading out on a five-hour guided food tour of the city. Start on the European side at the commercial waterfront area of Eminönü and explore the Spice Bazaar, with over 85 shops selling traditional spices, snacks, and sweets. Before crossing over the Bosphorus Strait, try a balık ekmek, a fish sandwich, from one of the boats near the Galata Bridge.
Next, you'll take a quick ferry ride across the strait to the Asian side of the city, Kadıköy. There are many markets to visit here, like Kadıköy Fish Market, a hub of fresh seafood. This is the best place to try midye dolma, stuffed mussels with rice, with mussels fresh from the Sea of Marmara. Make sure to stop at one of the many pickle shops to sample traditional pickled cucumbers, eggs, peppers, or okra—popular Turkish snacks that have been enjoyed for centuries. End the tour with a glass of Turkish tea called çay, in a traditional tea garden overlooking the sea.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Sultanahmet, Boat Tour on the Bosphorus Strait
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After a leisurely breakfast, meet your guide for an adventurous day exploring the streets of İstanbul's historic district, Sultanahmet. Start at Sultanahmet Square to admire the exterior of the city's most famous landmark, the Blue Mosque. Enter this historic building, built in the 17th century, to see the intricate blue tiles the mosque is named after. Visit another iconic mosque next, the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Learn about its rich history, built in 537 CE as an Eastern Orthodox church before being turned into a mosque during the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
Continue on to Topkapı Palace, the royal palace of the Ottomans from the 15th to 19th century. Glimpse into the past by exploring the palace's throne room, courtyards, and even the old Sultan's quarters. After all that walking, head to the pier for a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait. Rest your feet and admire the shores of both the Asian and European sides of the city. Get a different perspective on popular landmarks, like the Ortaköy Mosque and Golden Mosque, and take in the city's unique skyline showcasing a juxtaposition of ancient minarets and modern skyscrapers.
Day 3: Guided Tour of Eminönü, Transfer to Çanakkale
Start your action-packed day exploring more of Eminönü by immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the world's largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar. It has an impressive 4,000 stalls sprawled across 61 covered streets selling goods like jewelry, ceramics, lanterns, and clothing. Pick up some souvenirs or stop for some Turkish delight and tea to keep you going as you walk through the lively market. Continue your shopping at the Spice Bazaar, with over 85 shops selling local spices and snacks, like Turkish cheese, nuts, and figs.
Visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque next, often referred to as the "miniature Blue Mosque" for its intricate, blue-tiled interiors. Admire the tiles adorning the walls and domes, then step into the mosque's serene courtyard for a peaceful escape from the busy streets. After the tour, say goodbye to İstanbul as you transfer to Çanakkale, a city in northwestern Turkey that sits on the Dardanelles. Get comfortable and enjoy the passing scenery, as the drive typically takes four hours.
Day 4: Explore Troy, Transfer to Bergama, Visit Pergamon
Today starts with a visit to Troy, famed for its prominent location in ancient myths. Scholars even regarded Troy and the Trojan War, which took place here, as legendary until they excavated the area in 1870 and found remains of the city. You can now step back in time by visiting the archaeological site and exploring remnants of city walls, dwellings, and temples. Check out the museum to learn more about Troy's rich history and view over 2,000 excavated artifacts. Following your visit, transfer to Bergama, located 3.5 hours away in the northern Aegean region of the country.
Settle in at your hotel before heading out on a tour of the ancient site of Pergamon. Walk among the ruins of this Greco-Roman city, marveling at monuments like the Altar of Zeus or the ruined library that's said to have rivaled the Library of Alexandria. The main attraction is the Pergamon Acropolis, the most intact structure here, helping you truly appreciate the architectural achievements of this once-great metropolis. To learn more about the area, listen as your guide tells you about the traditions and healing customs used in ancient times.
Day 5: Transfer to Şirince, Explore Ephesus, Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
Continue your journey through antiquity today with a transfer to Şirince, a quaint village in the mountains. Following a two-hour drive, settle in at your hotel, then visit the ancient city of Ephesus, which the Greeks established in the 11th century BCE before it fell under Roman rule in 129 BCE. As soon as you enter the archaeological site, you'll be greeted by the facade of Celsus Library—which could house up to 15,000 scrolls—towering over the ruins. Walk along the marble-paved roads lined with intricately carved statues to see other grand monuments, like the Great Theater or the Temple of Artemis.
Tour the Ephesus Archaeological Museum next to see some of the excavated items and learn more about the area's history. Follow your guide and listen as they delve into the stories of prominent pieces, and watch the 3D simulation video to visualize what the ancient city looked like in its prime. Leave the ruins to explore the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary after her son Jesus was crucified. Today, people visit the house to pay their respects and stop at the sacred spring that's said to possess healing properties.
Day 6: Depart Şirince
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