Overview
Highlights of your sightseeing are inside visits to the 6th century Hagia Sophia, the largest ever church and for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth and to the amazing Topkapi Palace which was the seat of government for one of the greatest Empires of the Medieval age.
Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the Anzac cemetery and visit 3 of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each very different and distinctive. Troy, the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and made up to 9 separate cities all built over each other; Pergamon an impregnable defensive site with amazing views in all directions which flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of healing; and Ephesus, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean during Roman times which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments.
Cross from Europe to Asia on board a scenic ferry journey across the Dardanelles Strait and get ready to taste the superb Turkish cuisine, an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialties and flavors.
This is the perfect vacation if you are looking for a genuine and unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and atmosphere, the mysterious East with the familiar West.
8 Days
Istanbul
Istanbul
Winter Escape
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
45
Fully Guided
KQR
Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
East meets West
Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there. Marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior. Stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan's lived, and discover a shopper's paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITIONS: Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and ultimately called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
Bravery on the Beach
This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. Later, enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War, it was supposedly the winning tactic. 236 mi/ 380 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & HERITAGE: Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.
The Sacred Way
This morning drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. Continue your journey and arrive in Ephesus to visit the Archaeological Museum for an introduction to the city and its people. 267 mi / 430 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL: Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. Here, the sick sought healing as they approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a pathway to healing based on the patient's dreams and through theatrical presentations—healing practiced as a sacred art to heal both body and soul.
Ancient Civilization Preserved
Start your day at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins, including St. John's Basilica, believed to be the burial site of the apostle John. Later, arrive at the ancient city of Hierapolis for a visit, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. 137 mi / 220 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus
This morning, drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, visit the historical, covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more. 280mi / 450 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE SILK ROAD: Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey's centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city's famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk.
Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council
Drive to Iznik, a significant town located on the banks of Lake Iznik and famous for its vibrantly colored tiles and pottery. Your guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Great Mosque (St. Sophia's Church) and the Archaeological Museum. After some free time, continue to Istanbul and join your travel companions this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 137 mi / 220 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES: Iznik is a completely "open-air museum" with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles – a treasured art form dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing of Istanbul's highlights featuring visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace
- Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul with traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster
- Visit to the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, and the Lone Pine Memorial
- Guided sightseeing of the Troy archaeological site and see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse
- Guided visit to the Asklepion at Pergamon
- Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus; see St. John's Basilica and Archeological Museum.
- Visit to the ancient city of Hieropolis at Pamukkale featuring views of the travertine terraces and thermal pools.
- Visit to the Great Ottoman Mosque (Ulu Camii) of Bursa, plus the Historical Covered Bazaar, and the Silk Market with Kestane Sekeri tasting
- Dardanelles crossing by ferry
- 7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
- Istanbul: Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus (Moderate Deluxe):
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel, has a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. Various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and massage services. The stylish 257 modern, air-conditioned guest rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and all have tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area and a minibar. There are several shopping malls located just a short drive away and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout. - Troy Area: Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale (Superior First-Class):
The centrally located DoubleTree by Hilton provides 155 air-conditioned rooms with kettle/Coffeemaker, minibar, Free toiletries, TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel offers 2 pools, a Spa & Wellness center, and a Fitness center to relaxation. Delicious meals can be savored at the on-site Restaurant. Mega Beach is 2 km away and the Archaeological Museum and Archaeology Museum are both just a short walk away. - Kusadasi: Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadasi (First-Class):
Located close to Kusadasi Marina and Kusadasi Castle, this 218-room seafront hotel features a 60m private beach, a seasonal infinity pool with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and is only a short walk away from Kusadasi's shopping and entertainment area. Relaxation options include a heated indoor pool, Turkish Hammam, Spa treartments and fitness center. The hotel's main restaurant serves a mix of international and Turkish cuisine and there is also an a-la carte seafood restaurant and lobby bar. All rooms have a partial sea-view and balcony, LCD TV with satellite channels, a minibar, bathrobes and slippers and Free Wi-Fi internet access. - Pamukkale: Adempira Termal & Spa (First-Class):
The Adempira Termal&Spa Hotel has 310 modern air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a minibar, desk and an equipped bathroom with shower, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. A buffet breakfast is avaiable each morning at the homestay and the Sultan sofrasi restaurant offers delicious dishes. The Hotel provide a Fitness center, Spa & Wellness center furnished with Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, Sauna and Spa services. - Bursa: Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa (First-Class):
Located in the city centre of Bursa, close to the greenery of Bursa Kültür Park this upscale property blends city life with nature. The 136-room hotel boasts an Italian Restaurant, an international restaurant combining Turkish cuisine, a lobby bar with a classical warm atmosphere and a trendy rooftop restaurant bar. The hotel also features a thermal swimming pool and Spa area with thermal Turkish bath and a wellness center. The spacious guestrooms are contemporarily decorated and come with a flat screen TV with satellite channels, minibar and electric kettle and have Free Wi-Fi internet access. - Istanbul: The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery (Deluxe):
Located in the heart of Istanbul's commercial city center, this contemporary 136 room property offers artisanal local culinary delights at the rooftop restaurant which features sweeping views of the city and the Bosphorous strait. All air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated in a modern style and are fitted with flat-screen TV's, a telephone, an electric kettle, a safety deposit box and a minibar. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness room, a spa and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
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Globus Europe (2026)
Go beyond the guidebooks with more exclusive access, behind-the-scenes moments and seamless service. Enjoy front-row views of legendary sites like the Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, and Edinburgh Castle. Benefit from VIP entry where others wait in line, plus captivating stories that bring Europe’s rich history and vibrant cultures to life. With nearly 100 years of expertise, hand-selected hotels, expert Tour Directors and worry-free travel, Globus goes above and beyond – so you can too. This is Touring. Beyond. Don’t just see Europe. Tour it with Globus.
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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