Dos Plumas Toursim
info@gotourturkey.com
www.gotourturkey.com
Custom Tour Plan
For Kathleen New 20 people
9 day ISTANBUL/EPHESUS/PAMUKALE
NOVEMBER 01: Flight
Sample Flight Day:
Depart:
Evening
from
Los
Angeles Intl, Los Angeles
Arrive:
Afternoon
London
Heathrow
Approximately 3
hour layover
Depart:
Afternoon
London
Heathrow
Arrive:
Evening
Ataturk, Istanbul
NOVEMBER 02: Istanbul
Arrive at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul.
Airport transfer with your private coach and driver.
Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the
world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and
financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait
and encompasses the natural harbor known as the
Golden Horn. You will transfer with your guide to the
Ottoman Imperial Hotel. The Ottoman Imperial is
situated on a truly premium location in town. On an
elevated position, surrounded by all the major historical and cultural sights in Sultanahmet (the
heart of the old town), the Ottoman Imperial views the impressive Hagia Sophia Museum. This
is an inspiring location all year around with easy
walking distances of Sultanahmet Square and the
main historic, shopping, and harbor districts.
Upon arrival enjoy a welcome briefing and
orientation walking tour of the neighborhood. Your
guide will lead you through the area and show you
near-by restaurants, gift shops, and the like.
Overnight:
at The Ottoman Imperial Hotel in Istanbul
Included meals:
NA
NOVEMBER 03: Istanbul
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full-day,
private sightseeing tour of the Old City. The tour
includes major historical sites of the city, such as
the ancient Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia
Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar.
Hippodrome: The ancient Hippodrome was an
enormous public entertainment arena that once
seated as many as 100,000 zealous fans who came
to watch chariot races, executions, and mock
battles. Once the center of Byzantine civic life, it is still marked by the Egyptian Obelisk, the
Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
Blue Mosque: With its massive central dome flanked by six
slender minarets, the Blue Mosque stands as the single most
recognizable monument on the Istanbul skyline. Built
between 1609 and 1616, during the reign of Ottoman Sultan
Ahmet I, the enormous complex also included a hospital,
caravansary, public kitchen, marketplace, schools and the
Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque’s immense
interior, flooded with sunlight streaming through 260
windows, is decorated with more than 20,000 precious Iznik
tiles detailing traditional flowers of Ottoman design. In
fact, it is the deep blue glow of the tiles in sunlight that gives the building its name.
Hagia Sophia: This famous basilica was constructed in the 6
th
century A.D. It is often described
as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture. Once the Church of Holy Wisdom,
Christendom’s crowning glory, and now a museum, the church glitters with mosaics, and art
treasures fillinf every corner. Today, Hagia Sophia is the fourth largest building constructed as a
church in the world. It was dedicated to Hagia Sophia which means Divine Wisdom, an attribute
of Christ.
After this visit, we will stop for lunch in Sultanahmet before continuing to Basilica Cistern.
Basilica Cistern or Underground Palace: Istanbul was besieged countless times and has
always needed permanent water supplies. As a result, many underground cisterns were built
during the Byzantine Empire. Water was brought to these big reservoirs from far away sources
through aqueducts. The largest and most ornate of these
cisterns is Yerebatan Sarayi. During its construction,
columns and capitals of earlier temples were used and
this provides a very decorative appearance.
Grand Bazaar: The area of the Grand Bazaar was a
trade center during the Byzantine period. Two bedestens
(domed masonry structures) were built by Sultan
Mehmet the Conqueror to enrich the economic life of the
city. Later on, as people needed more places for trade, they added other buildings outside these
structures. Today, the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar is very mysterious and exciting.
Consequently, it has become a very popular place for visitors to explore a labyrinth of streets and
passages housing eighteen entrances and more than 4,000 shops.
Afterwards, you will return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight:
at The Ottoman Imperial Hotel in Istanbul
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch
NOVEMBER 04: Istanbul
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and depart for a full-day sightseeing tour featuring
Topkapi Palace Complex, the Spice Market, and a Bosporus cruise by public boat, passing by
the original city quarters located on both Asian and European shores of the Bosporus Strait.
Topkapi Palace Museum: Topkapi was the second palace built in Istanbul after its conquest by
the Turks. It was a residence for the Ottoman Sultans and includes a maze of opulent buildings,
which served as the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15
th
and 19
th
centuries. This
palace, where the sultans and their courts and harem lived and governed, is now one of the
world’s richest museums.
Next, we will visit the Spice Market which was built as part of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque)
complex and has since been an exciting covered market filled with the fragrant scent of spices
from the Orient. After this visit, everyone will have lunch on their own at one of the near-by
restaurants, overlooking the Golden Horn Bay, which separates the old city from the modern
city center.
Then, we will board a public boat and start our cruise of
the Bosporus Strait. The Bosporus is a narrow,
navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the
Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. It is about 20 miles long
and varies between one-half and one and one half miles
wide. This boat ride takes you past the late Ottoman
Palaces, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful
wooden mansions and modern villas of the 19th & 20th
centuries which are located in this elegant section of the
city. After the cruise we will transfer to the hotel for an
evening of leisure.
Overnight:
at The Ottoman Imperial Hotel in Istanbul
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch
NOVEMBER 05:
Izmir
After breakfast enjoy your flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
Upon arrival you will visit Sirince Greek village: This
pretty old Orthodox village is a perfect synthesis of
Turkish and Greek culture as of the 1920s: after the
Independence War, people exchanges between Greek
and Turks occurred and all those typical Greek houses,
though they kept their original outside characteristics,
have received the local layout inside. The most
beautiful specimens are open to visitors. And even in
the courtyard of one of them, one will discover a nicely
restored Orthodox Church. All the narrow streets of the village belong to the women, selling
handcrafts of all kinds and olive oil. We will have chance to socialize with locals and taste the
simple but delicious meals of Aegean cuisine.
At the end of the day we will drive to Kusadasi.
Kusadasi, which means “bird island", is set in a
superb gulf and is known for its sparkling water,
broad sandy beaches, and large marina with the
capacity for 600 boats. We will check-in at the
Korumar Hotel, with its beautiful sea views and
presents a combination of style, high-standard
accommodation, and a wide variety of modern
facilities to offer and unforgettable holiday. After
check-in you can enjoy time at leisure.
Overnight:
at Korumar Hotel in Kusadasi
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOVEMBER 06: Izmir/Ephesus
After breakfast at the hotel, start a full day tour of the famous
Ephesus sites. During the tour, you will visit the Ephesus
ancient site, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus
Archeology Museum.
Ephesus Ancient Site: As the capital of Roman Asia Minor,
Ephesus is still richly endowed with marble temples, mosaics
and a 25,000-seat Great Theater. The city, whose wealth and
patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was
dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and her enormous temple was
once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World.
The House of the
Virgin Mary: On Bulbul Dag (Nightingale Mountain) there is the House of
the Virgin Mary where it's believed that she passed the last years of her life and died. The Virgin
Mary came to Ephesus together with St. John and was taken up to Panaghia Kapulu Mountain to
survive the Roman persecutions. Now the House of the Virgin Mary is recognized as a shrine by
the Vatican.
Next, we will continue to the town of Selcuk and visit the Ephesus
Archeology Museum. Almost all of the exhibits are findings from
Ephesus, the most spectacular being two life-size statutes of
Artemis Ephesia, both of them dating from the middle Roman
imperial era.
Upon the end of the tour, we will return to the hotel and have an
evening at leisure.
Overnight:
at Korumar Hotel in Kusadasi
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOVEMBER 07:
Pamukale
After breakfast leave early in the morning to enjoy the
splendor of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
Pamukkale:
An unusual natural and historical site with
sparkling white castle -like cascades. Pamukkale is one of
the most important highlights of Turkey, unique to the
world as well. The site is named in Turkish as
"Pamukkale", that means "cotton castle", parallel to the
glorious and spectacular view of the site. The dazzling
white calcareous castles are formed by limestone-laden
thermal springs, creating the unbelievable formation of stalactites, potholes and cataracts.
After our visit to Pammukkale we will explor the remains of the ancient Hierapolis situated on
back of the thrilling white terraces, standing wondrously in
the area.
Hierapolis, whose name means "sacred city," was
believed by the ancients to have been founded by the god
Apollo. It was famed for its sacred hot springs, whose vapors
were associated with Pluto, god of the underworld. The city
also had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned
by Paul in his Letter to Colossians.
Tonight you will stay at the Pamukale
Richmond Thermal Hotel where you can
enjoy their wonderful thermal springs
pool.
Overnight:
Richmond Thermal Hotel
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
NOVEMBER 08:
Istanbul
After breakfast, catch a morning flight back to Istanbul and check into your hotel. Tonight you
will be staying at the Sultan Ahmet Palace.
Enjoy the
privilege of being directly across from the famous
Blue Mosque. Imagine Istanbul's glorious past and
compare it with its modern look today.
Sultan Ahmet Palace Hotel is located at the point
where east meets west. The Hotel's eclectic style
reflects Byzantine and Ottoman elegance along with
modern touches in every corner.
Start your full day tour by embarking on a boat from Eminonu going to Princess' Islands. The
name of the islands comes from the Byzantine
period, when royal princes and empresses were
exiled. The boat will disembark to Buyukada, the biggest island, and we will enjoy the fresh
fish in a nice seaside restaurant. After a small tour in the town center and listening to the
history of this lovely island, you will have free time to enjoy the beautiful island shores until
the departure time.
Motorists are not permitted on the islands except the
ones belonging to the local municipality for public
works, therefore you have to walk or rent a bicycle
or horse-drawn carriage.
You can view historical buildings such as Aya Yorgi
Church
and Monastery from 6th century, Ayios
Dimitrios Church, Hristos Church and Monastery,
and Hamidiye Mosque
built by Sultan
Abdulhamit
II. When you rent a horse-drawn carriage, you can choose between a long route and a short one
to visit the island. Dil promontory on the west is a favorite spot for picnickers. Yoruk Ali beach,
Princess beach, Kumsal beach and Nakibey beach are open to the public for swimmers. There
are many restaurants
, cafeterias and shops situated around the pier.
The Beyoglu district. As the culinary capital of Turkey,
Beyoglu is enjoying a cultural and architectural revival, boasting
many chic café-bars, bistros and restaurants. You can take a
walk along Istiklal Street, the main pedestrian street of the area.
Istiklal Street, favored by both Istanbul’s residents and guests,
because if offers a dizzying array of options for wining &
dining, also features many charming historical buildings. You
can visit the the Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji). The Flower
Passage has this name as it was once one of the great flower
markets of Istanbul (remember, the Turks are the ones who
made tulips popular). The Flower
Passage itself is a small L-shaped
galleria, four stories high with a glass roof. One end of the L opens
onto Istiklal Street, the other on a long covered alley which is one of
the great delights of Istanbul. It is both a market and a dining area,
filled with about 60 restaurants. Continuing your walk, you will
reach one of the oldest and most colorful local markets – the Fish
Market. The Fish Market is a long covered alley which is one of
Istanbul’s treasures. It was and still is the only place in the area where
you can buy fresh fish. Now, the Fish Market is both a market and a
dining area: The first 100 feet offer a variety of fast food – midya
tava (fried mussels on a stick), kokorech (grilled innards in pita), icli
kofte (steak tartar wrapped in a lettuce leaf). Then, there is a glorious
fruit and vegetable market open till midnight. Approximately 60 restaurants are packed in the
evening to overflowing with gypsy bands from most of the restaurants competing in raucous
cacophony.
Return to your hotel in early evening and have time at leisure.
Overnight:
at The Sultan Ahmet Palace in Istanbul
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
NOVEMBER 09:
Departure
Today depart for your flight home. Arrive on the morning of the 10th.
Sample Flight Day:
Depart:
Noon
from
Ataturk, Istanbul
Arrive:
Afternoon
London
Heathrow
Approximately 3
hour layover
Depart:
Early Evening
London
Heathrow
Arrive:
Morning
of the 10th to
Los
Angeles Intl, Los Angeles
9 DAYS
ISTANBUL/EPHESUS/PAMUKALE
CUSTOM TOUR PACKAGE PRICES
Prices of the main package:
(given in USD for 20 travelers, Double rooms)
Final payment due 90 days prior to travel.
We accept Visa, Master Card & Bank Transfer
Price of the package includes:
.
Accommodations (other hotels of equal or higher quality may be used):
1.
Istanbul: Ottoman Imperial Hotel– 3 nights
2.
Kusadasi: Korumar Hotel – 2 nights
3.
Pamukale: Richmond Thermal – 1 night
4.
Istanbul: Sultan Ahmet Palace – 1 night
.
Meals : 6 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 2 dinners
.
Services of a private licensed professional tour guide
.
Private coach with driver whenever necessary
.
International flight tickets and international air and departure taxes
.
Domestic Flights (Istanbul-Izmir, Denezli-Istanbul)
.
All admission fees to sights and museums
.
Parking, portage, tipping (except guide & driver), toll road
Price of the package excludes:
.
Optional Tours
.
Sodas or alcohol
.
Optional gratuities to guides, drivers, etc.
.
Travel insurance
.
Visas, laundry, and personal items
COST
FOR
9
DAY TOUR
PER PERSON:
$
3,500
.00
($350 Single supplement)
