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**8-Day Private Luxury Journey: Izmir to Istanbul**
Embark on an exclusive journey through Turkey’s timeless wonders, beginning in Izmir, once the ancient city of Smyrna. Discover the magnificence of **Ephesus**, stroll through the fabled ruins of **Troy**, and cross the legendary **Dardanelles** in style. Your adventure concludes in enchanting **Istanbul**, where imperial heritage meets modern elegance. Enjoy refined accommodations at the **Efes Hotel in Izmir** and the **DoubleTree by Hilton Çanakkale**, with **daily breakfast and two curated gourmet lunches** included. Designed for discerning travelers, this private tour blends history, culture, and comfort into a seamless luxury experience.
Depart for Izmir, Turkey
Upon your arrival in Izmir, you will be met by a Troy Tours representative and transferred to Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir (Biblical Smyrna), the jewel of Turkey’s Aegean Coast.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir
After breakfast, drive to Selcuk Museum featuring important artifacts found at the Ephesus. Short distance away is the Ancient Ephesus, once the main harbor on the Aegean, now known for its spectacular antiquities and ruins. See the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, Gate of Hercules, Greek Theater, and other temples, baths, and colonnaded streets. Return to your hotel enroute see the piles of Turkish carpets and colorful kilims at a weaving center.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir
After breakfast, drive north along Aegean Sea to Troy. You will visit Pergamum enroute the capital of the Attalid Kingdom. Ride a cable car to the upper city to take in the ruins of the Acropolis: agoras, temples, palaces, and library. In the lower city, visit the Asclepion, a sanctuary and healing center dedicated to the god Asclepius. After lunch, continue to the site of the ancient city of Troy, whose 3,400-year history spans nine superimposed settlements. Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, immortalized this glorious city. Overnight in Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: DoubleTree Canakkale
After breakfast, Cross Dardanelles continue to Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Sirkeci Mansion
After breakfast visit the Blue Mosque, built in only 7 years by order of Sultan Ahmet I in 1609. It gets its name from the blue Iznik tiles that cover the inside. Stroll through Topkapi Palace, with its impressive displays of jewelry, porcelain, clocks, miniatures, textiles, and religious artifacts. “Topkapi” means “Gate of the Cannon” for the Byzantine arsenal once situated where the Palace now stands. Visit St. Sophia, the Christian masterpiece whose construction was presided over by the Emperor Justinian. The day’s tour ends with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s delight with more than 4000 shops from which to choose.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Sirkeci Mansion
Full day at your leisure
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Sirkeci Mansion
Your tour ends today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for your flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Aegean Coast: Enjoyed the tour itinerary
This was the best tour I have had – excellent guide in Charlie; the best hotels and food and a great experience of Turkey with the modern and ancient ruins. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Pearls of Agean, Turkey
We had a wonderful trip with a very well organized tour director who made adjustments to our itinerary to enable us all to get the most out of the places we visited. Our tour was very interesting, educational and fun!! Our bus was comfortable, our coach assistant was considerate and helpful and we always felt safe with our driver in some rather unusual… and busy traffic situations. We cannot speak highly enough of our tour director, Tolga, whose insight and knowledge, as well as his sense of humor ensured our time in Turkey will provide us with many wonderful memories. We also appreciate the time and effort of our Troy Tours’ contact, Georgie, who made all arrangements go so smoothly. Dealing with her eliminated the stress which can sometimes be part of overseas travel!
Just got back from this phenomenal regional trip Had the best time of my life in beautiful Turkey guided by the most professional learned guide Erkal. This tour had it all: History with best storytelling by Erkal, great scenery and locations, great food and culture and companionship.
Pearls of Aegean, Troy Tours It was a wonderful experience. For those who don’t have plenty of vacation days you get to see a lot in a short time. The hotels are excellent, food fabulous, service just perfect. The guide, Ali, is great. He is knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. The best tour guide I ever had.
I would like to share with you, me and my family’s experience with Troy Tours arrangements for our trip to Ephesus, Troy, Istanbul. Overall, we were very satisfied with the entire trip arrangements including the transportation, the hotel, and the activities. The arrangements made were smooth and as per the trip itinerary. I would recommend this tour and company to anyone wanting to experience Turkey and the region.