Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive into Istanbul. Transfer from the airport and check in to your hotel. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Today we explore the magnificent sights of Istanbul's historic peninsula:
- Hagia Sophia: The 4th largest church in the world, dating back to the 4th century and selected as the 2nd best engineering structure of human history by the BBC.
- Blue Mosque: Famous for its Ottoman architecture, featuring over 20,000 İznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets.
- Hippodrome: The center of Byzantine entertainment, where 30,000 civilians were killed during the Nika Revolt.
- Grand Covered Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 58 covered streets and 4,000+ shops specializing in jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpets (includes a handmade Turkish carpet demonstration).
Optional Museum (50€ additional cost per person): Topkapi Palace – The great palace of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing crystal, silver, porcelain, imperial treasury jewels, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle.
Day 3 – Istanbul to İzmir Breakfast & Dinner Included
After breakfast, early morning transfer to İzmir by bus (approx. 6–7 hours road journey). Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at the hotel and overnight in İzmir.
Important Note (Regular Option): For the regular option, there is no road transfer to İzmir; you must take a flight from SAW or IST airport (approx. 90€–100€ per person with 20 kg baggage allowance).
Day 4 – Kuşadası & Ephesus Tour Breakfast & Dinner Included
Explore the fascinating historical sites and cultural highlights:
- Ephesus Ancient City: A 9,000-year-old city housing the Artemision (Temple of Artemis), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The guided tour focuses on Curetes Street, Roman baths, and the Celsus Library.
- Şirince Village: A well-preserved 19th-century village famous for homemade fruit wines (blackberries, blueberries, melons, strawberries), wine tasting sessions, local women's handicrafts, and a renowned leather production center.
Day 5 – Departure from İzmir Breakfast Included
One of Grandoria's adventures concludes after breakfast. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Turkey. Wishing you all the best and a pleasant flight. Transfer from the hotel to the airport will follow.