Just You Istanbul, Troy and Ephesus

• Just You Tour Manager as your host & Specialist Local Guides
• Return flights from Gatwick with Turkish Airlines.
• A dedicated Just You representative to greet you at selected UK airports
• 7 nights in 4-star hotels
• 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners including a welcome drink
• Local Flavours : Visit Yesilyurt, a traditional Turkish village and sample freshly made Gözleme pastries
• Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

• Tour of Istanbul including The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia & Grand Bazaar
• Turkish coffee demonstration & tasting with Baklava
• Visit the Gallipoli War Memorial
• Tour of Troy & visit to the ancient city of Pergamon
• Tour of one of the ancient wonders of the world – Ephesus
• Discover Turkish fruit & wine production in Sirince village
• Tour of the former Ottoman Capital city of Bursa

• Istanbul by night tour including Turkish folklore show
• Morning cruise along the Bosporus
• Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans & lunch

Day 1: UK – Istanbul

Today you’ll fly from the UK to Istanbul. Then relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel while meeting your fellow travellers.

Day 2; Istanbul

Get set for a full-day tour of Byzantine and Ottoman relics on your tour of Istanbul. Sultanahmet Square rests at the heart of the Old City and we start here with a visit to historic chariot racing arena, the Hippodrome. You’ll also get to tick off your landmark bucket list when we visit the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque with its many domes and hand-painted blue tiles. Then we’ll discover the iconic Hagia Sophia, once the largest Christian church in the world, it is now considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture.

Day 3: Istanbul – Canakkale

This morning you will have some free time to explore at your leisure or choose an optional half-day cruise of the Bosporus. With over an hour on board, we’ll cross from Europe to Asia amid spectacular city views. Once there, hop off the boat for a glimpse of local life on the Asian side. Our leisurely drive to Canakkale takes us via the lovely Marmara Sea for sweeping coastal views.

Day 4:  Canakkale – Izmir

Our first stop today is the city of Troy, bathed in the legends of Homer’s the Iliad, an epic poem about the Trojan War. In real life, it’s a fascinating archaeological site showcasing more than 3,000 years of history. A treat awaits as we continue to the traditional village of Yesilyurt to see how Gözleme pastries are made and enjoy a tasting served with apple tea. To top the day off, we’ll discover the magnificent Acropolis and Asclepion of the ancient city of Pergamon, before swapping stories over dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Izmir

The UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. This morning we’ll tour the massive excavation site that St Paul once visited on his way back to Antioch, as well as stopping to admire the bathhouses and the majestic Library of Celsus.
While in Selcuk, we’ll also visit the Basilica of St Jean before an afternoon journey into nature at the picturesque Greek village of Sirince.

Day 6: Izmir – Bursa

Today we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before driving through Manisa and Balikesir to our next destination of Bursa. The former capital of the Ottoman Empire brims with historic gems, such as the Grand Mosque and the Tombs of Osman and Orhan, the first Ottoman Sultans.
We’ll then take a tour to discover the delights of the Silk Market. The quaint and charming stores here offer scarves, fabrics, silver and artistic crafts, all with a stunning backdrop of decorative Ottoman architecture.

Day 7: Bursa – Istanbul

Our departure for Istanbul after breakfast sees us arrive in the city by around midday. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or join us for an optional excursion, starting with lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant. After lunch, we’ll visit the Topkapi Palace Museum to see priceless collections including Chinese porcelain and the Imperial Treasury. Recount your travel memories over a farewell dinner in the fisherman’s village area of Kumpaki with a local drink, before enjoying free time in the bright lights of the city.

Day 8: Istanbul – UK

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Days 1-2: Sapphire Hotel

Decorated in classic Ottoman style the 4-star Sapphire Hotel is located in the old centre of Istanbul, within walking distance to many major historical attractions.Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and indoor swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

Day 3: Buyuk Truva Hotel

The Buyuk Truva hotel is situated centrally within the city of Canakkale, and has a quaint and traditional décor. The in-house restaurant serves a varied cuisine of both local and international options, whilst also offering a wonderful view of the Marmara Sea. Air-conditioned rooms are furnished with private facilities, and there is complimentary WIFI is available.

Days 4-5: Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli

The Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli is a contemporarily styled property which offers lovely views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can enjoy the in-house restaurant, which has a spacious dining area. Guest rooms have wooden décor and private facilities. Other services available at the hotel include free WIFI and a Gym.

Day 6: Almira Hotel

This hotel is well located within Bursa and has a great selection of amenities for guests to enjoy. These include in-house restaurants, multiple bar areas, as well as an outdoor swimming pool that offers wonderful vistas of the city. Rooms feature a minibar, TV and air-conditioning. Free WIFI is also available throughout the hotel.

Day 7: Sapphire Hotel

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 1 person in their own room. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.