Istanbul, Ephesus & Pamukkale • 6 Days

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your private guide and begin the day at Topkapı Palace, the administrative and residential center of the Ottoman Empire for centuries.

Continue through the Imperial Harem, exploring the private quarters used by the Ottoman royal family and members of the palace household.

After lunch, walk through the historic Hippodrome, once the center of public life and imperial ceremonies in Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque.

The day concludes with a traditional Turkish bath experience, offering time to slow down after the first day of sightseeing.

Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin at Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s defining monuments and a landmark shaped by both Byzantine and Ottoman history.

Continue to the Basilica Cistern, the vast underground reservoir built beneath the historic peninsula.

After lunch, spend time at either the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, depending on the day’s route and your interests.

In the late afternoon, board a Bosphorus sunset cruise and experience Istanbul from the water as the route passes between the European and Asian shores.

Return to your hotel after the cruise.

Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Fener and Balat, two historic neighborhoods known for their layered cultural heritage, colorful streets, churches, and traditional architecture.

Continue to St. Stephen Church, also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church, standing along the Golden Horn.

After lunch, travel to Pierre Loti Hill and take the cable car for views across the Golden Horn.

The final visit of the day is Chora Church, known for its important Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

Return to your hotel after the visit.

Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer privately to the airport for the morning flight from Istanbul to İzmir.

Upon arrival at İzmir Airport, meet your private driver and continue to Şirince.

After settling in, take part in a local cooking experience, preparing regional dishes and becoming familiar with the ingredients and food traditions of the Aegean.

Later in the afternoon, continue toward the coast for a private sunset cruise, with time on the water as the sun sets over the Aegean.

Return to Şirince in the evening.

Overnight in Şirince.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your private guide and depart for Ephesus Ancient City.

Explore the principal monuments of Ephesus together with the Terrace Houses, where preserved mosaics, frescoes, and residential spaces provide a closer look at private life during the Roman period.

Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, followed by the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St. John.

Later in the day, visit a carefully selected local vineyard for a wine tasting and an introduction to the wine culture of the Aegean region.

Return to Şirince in the evening.

Overnight in Şirince.

Optional: An evening visit to Ephesus can be considered when night museum access is available.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Hierapolis and Pamukkale.

Enter Hierapolis Ancient City from the North Gate and begin with the Necropolis, following the archaeological route through the ancient city toward its monumental gate, agora, and Roman Theatre.

Take a break around the Antique Pool before continuing to the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum.

Complete the visit at the Pamukkale Travertines, with time to walk through the thermal landscape and enjoy the views across the valley.

Stop for lunch before returning to Şirince.

Depending on your preferred travel pace, the day can be extended with a traditional village experience, regional craftsmanship, or an additional local wine experience.

Overnight in Şirince.