Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Tours |
|---|---|
| Country |
Turkey |
| Travel type |
Fly |
| Price range | From £799 |
| Travel partner | Riviera Travel |
| Duration | 6 nights |
|
Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6751 |
Istanbul, Ephesus & Troy
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Turkey is an intriguing country with a unique identity straddling both Europe and Asia. In a place where familiarity merges with the exotic, we find a magical blend of the ancient, Christian and Ottoman worlds where the jewel in the crown is the incredible city of Istanbul.
A city of great diversity, Istanbul is a combination of tree-lined boulevards, cafés and cosmopolitan restaurants set against a backdrop where little else has changed for centuries. You still see the thriving street market-stalls, groaning with immense displays of produce and even live poultry for sale, with noise and atmosphere in abundance. High-class jewellery and fashion shops equalling the best Paris or London can muster jostle with hawkers selling freshly prepared food, shoeshine boys and the largest covered bazaar in the world. Consecutive capital to both Christian and Ottoman Empires, you can at once admire a fascinating Byzantine church whilst listening to the haunting chant from the mosque calling the faithful to prayer.
During its 3,000 years of turbulent history it has been home to Greeks, Romans, the Crusaders, Ottomans and finally the Turks themselves – all leaving their mark. Originally called Byzantium, it became Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine made it his capital and finally, Istanbul. We are taught the Roman Empire fell in 410 AD when Attila the Hun sacked Rome, but rarely told is that the Eastern and wealthiest half lasted another 1,000 years. This has lead to amazing preservation with perhaps the greatest legacy being the 6thcentury Haghia Sophia built as the largest ever church - for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth. During the Middle Ages the Ottoman Empire held sway and built another range of monuments to match: the Blue Mosque, taking its name from the intricate blue tiles lining its interior and the amazing Topkapi Palace which was the seat of government of arguably the greatest empire of the medieval age.
We also visit three of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each one is very different, with Troy being the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and during more than a century of excavations, nine separate cities have been unearthed, all built in layers over each other. Pergamon, once a Greek colony of 100,000 people built high on a huge rock, is an impregnable defensive site, with amazing views in all directions and flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centres of learning and healing. During Roman times the greatest city in the eastern
Mediterranean was Ephesus, which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments – including the stunning 2-storey Library of Celsus. For many, this is the Pompeii of the East. We cross from Asia back to Europe by a scenic ferry journey across the Dardenelles Straits – you’ll be surprised at how close Europe is to the Asian shore and it’s not hard to imagine the great armies of Xerxes and Alexander the Great crossing here at their narrowest point.
Turkish cuisine is an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialities: lots of fresh grilled lamb, fish and shellfish combine with aubergines, peppers and various fragrant olive oils, to create tasty, healthy menus all washed down with the excellent local and very reasonably priced red wine. One of the greatest pleasures of visiting this diverse country is to meet the Turks themselves. A wonderful, welcoming people with a well-deserved reputation for friendliness, where genuine hospitality has been refined to an art-form, with even the smallest transaction often being accompanied by a cup of refreshing apple tea.
Turkey is the perfect place if you are looking for something a little bit different and it will not disappoint - a genuinely unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and an atmosphere which links the mysterious east and modern
A city of great diversity, Istanbul is a combination of tree-lined boulevards, cafés and cosmopolitan restaurants set against a backdrop where little else has changed for centuries. You still see the thriving street market-stalls, groaning with immense displays of produce and even live poultry for sale, with noise and atmosphere in abundance. High-class jewellery and fashion shops equalling the best Paris or London can muster jostle with hawkers selling freshly prepared food, shoeshine boys and the largest covered bazaar in the world. Consecutive capital to both Christian and Ottoman Empires, you can at once admire a fascinating Byzantine church whilst listening to the haunting chant from the mosque calling the faithful to prayer.
During its 3,000 years of turbulent history it has been home to Greeks, Romans, the Crusaders, Ottomans and finally the Turks themselves – all leaving their mark. Originally called Byzantium, it became Constantinople after the Roman Emperor Constantine made it his capital and finally, Istanbul. We are taught the Roman Empire fell in 410 AD when Attila the Hun sacked Rome, but rarely told is that the Eastern and wealthiest half lasted another 1,000 years. This has lead to amazing preservation with perhaps the greatest legacy being the 6thcentury Haghia Sophia built as the largest ever church - for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth. During the Middle Ages the Ottoman Empire held sway and built another range of monuments to match: the Blue Mosque, taking its name from the intricate blue tiles lining its interior and the amazing Topkapi Palace which was the seat of government of arguably the greatest empire of the medieval age.
We also visit three of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each one is very different, with Troy being the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and during more than a century of excavations, nine separate cities have been unearthed, all built in layers over each other. Pergamon, once a Greek colony of 100,000 people built high on a huge rock, is an impregnable defensive site, with amazing views in all directions and flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centres of learning and healing. During Roman times the greatest city in the eastern
Mediterranean was Ephesus, which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments – including the stunning 2-storey Library of Celsus. For many, this is the Pompeii of the East. We cross from Asia back to Europe by a scenic ferry journey across the Dardenelles Straits – you’ll be surprised at how close Europe is to the Asian shore and it’s not hard to imagine the great armies of Xerxes and Alexander the Great crossing here at their narrowest point.
Turkish cuisine is an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialities: lots of fresh grilled lamb, fish and shellfish combine with aubergines, peppers and various fragrant olive oils, to create tasty, healthy menus all washed down with the excellent local and very reasonably priced red wine. One of the greatest pleasures of visiting this diverse country is to meet the Turks themselves. A wonderful, welcoming people with a well-deserved reputation for friendliness, where genuine hospitality has been refined to an art-form, with even the smallest transaction often being accompanied by a cup of refreshing apple tea.
Turkey is the perfect place if you are looking for something a little bit different and it will not disappoint - a genuinely unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and an atmosphere which links the mysterious east and modern
Included
The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at a supplement. The price includes six nights accommodation in four-star hotels, daily breakfast and three buffet dinners; scheduled return flights; all tours and entrance fees as described: guided tours of ancient Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, Temple of Artemis, St John’s basilica, city of Pergamon & Asclepion, Troy, Gallipoli battlefields, Haghia Sofia, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Palace; airport departures taxes; all transfers and the services of a Riviera Tour Manager. Please note where hotels feature a swimming pool, pools are open in the summer months, weather permitting.
- Return scheduled flights from Manchester, Stanstead or London Heathrow
- Six nights accommodation in carefully selected four-star hotelson a bed and breakfast basis, with three dinners included
- Walking tour of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, the Galata Bridge across the
- Golden Horn and the Grand Bazaar
- Guided tour of the extraordinary Topkapi Palace
- Visit Haghia Sophia, for a thousand years the greatest church in Christendom
- Follow in the footsteps of St Paul and St John in Ephesus, the Eastern Mediterranean’s greatest Roman city
- Visit the mountainside site reputed to be the house of the Virgin Mary
- Guided tour of the remarkable and little-visited Acropolis of Pergamon
- See the remains of Homer’s Troy
- Cross the Straits of the Dardanelles and visit the poignant sites of the
- Commonwealth cemeteries in Gallipoli and Anzac Cove
- Daily breakfast and three dinners included
- Services of an experienced tour manager
Not included
Turkish visa. Entry to the Topkapi Harem quarters 15 Turkish lira per person, approximate cost, payable locally.
Day 1
You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. On arrival you transfer to your hotel, the four-star Korumar in the nearby resort Kusadasi, for two nights on half-board. The hotel is fully air-conditioned with two restaurants, a spa/hammam, a large open-air pool and some excellent sun terraces overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
Day 2
Today we have a guided tour of the nearby ancient city of Ephesus and its breathtaking range of buildings. Indeed so great was it, in its day, the Romans made it their ‘capital’ of Asiam, with its amazing two-storey Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheatre. We also see the Temple of Artemis, in its day greater than the Parthenon in Athens and a pilgrimage destination for a thousand years. Intriguingly, only ten percent of the city has been excavated to date, but the discoveries indicate a highly sophisticated society living in luxurious houses with marble-lined halls, decorated with mosaics and beautiful frescoes. As you stroll along the remarkably preserved marble road though the centre of Ephesus, it’s an almost humbling experience to walk the same streets as St Paul and St John who both lived here for several years. We also visit the remains of St John’s Basilica, built by the Emperor Justinian over St John’s tomb.
In complete contrast, we next visit the small hillside site of the House of the Virgin Mary. St John was entrusted to care for her and it’s believed she travelled with him to Ephesus. We return to our hotel in Kusadasi during the afternoon after a fascinating tour of discovery, with the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 3
After breakfast we leave Kusadasi, following the coast towards the ancient Hellenistic city of Pergamon. Perched on a high rocky outcrop, with stunning views for miles around, the city was famed for its library, which rivalled Alexandria’s - the most extensive in the ancient world. Knowledge then, as now, was power and so concerned were the Egyptians about this competition, they cut off supplies of papyrus to Pergamon, thus prompting the invention of parchment. We’ll see the remains of the Temple of Trajan, the altar of Zeus and the steepest ancient amphitheatre in the world. We then continue our journey along the scenic coastline to Canakkale and our hotel, the four-star Kolin overlooking the Dardanelles, where we also take dinner.
Day 4
A fascinating day of contrasts today. Firstly there’s Troy and the famous ‘Wooden Horse’ story, when Queen Helen of Sparta eloped with Prince Paris to Troy and her enraged husband followed, seeking her return - classic stuff! But today Troy is a complex archaeological site covering nine separate cities. It nevertheless remains a romantic and alluring place to anyone who has read about the heroic struggles recounted in Homer’s Iliad. We then take the short cruise from Asia to Europe over the extremely scenic, steep-sided Dardenelles, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. We are now on the Gallipoli peninsula made famous during the First World War as the scene of one of the greatest and most tragic campaigns of the conflict. More than 35,000 Australian, British and New Zealanders perished during the nine months it lasted, their deaths commemorated in the many cemeteries dotted along this now peaceful and rural peninsula. We visit the Lone Pine memorial and Anzac Cove, where the Australians landed by mistake and had to scale steep cliffs and ravines under constant bombardment.
We continue our journey through this refreshingly scenic landscape and arrive in Istanbul, somewhat in awe, as although this is Europe, it is also fascinatingly different! We stay at the new, centrally located four-star Titanic City Hotel or Taksim Gonen, for three nights bed-and-breakfast.
Day 5
Istanbul is a revelation: probably nowhere in the world can you find such an array of diverse monuments and fascinating places to visit. We see the immense and beautifully preserved city walls, still dominant after 1,000 years and the Hippodrome where the Emperors entertained a staggering 50,000 people. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, symbol of the city and one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. You cannot fail to be impressed by its grace and harmony, but its real attraction is the interior lined with 20,000 beautiful blue Iznik tiles and Arabesque inscriptions. Its overall beauty is hardly surprising if you consider many of the same craftsmen who built it also worked on the Taj Mahal! There follows guided tour of one of the city’s best landmarks, the breathtaking Haghia Sofia, quite simply one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. Built in the 6th century it was the largest enclosed space in the world for 1,400 years! The artistic highlights are the amazing Byzantine mosaics seemingly covering every wall with their vibrant golds, reds and yellows and, after it was converted to a mosque some 1,000 years later, the stunning blue ceramics so typical of the East. The marble which lines the walls has to be seen to be believed, with each piece being specially quarried so the grain blends in a most harmonious manner.
For thousands of years Istanbul was at the centre of the overland trade routes and its Grand Bazaar became home to merchants from throughout the known world. Today, its 4,000 shops sell all sorts of goods, mainly gold, silver, leatherwear, ceramics and carpets, including fine collectors’ items. This afternoon we will have a guided walk where you experience the sights and sounds of this thought-provoking relic of the past.
Day 6
Today we start with a visit and guided tour of the Topkapi Palace, the glittering and labyrinthine imperial residence of the Sultans for over 400 years. Today, it is a spectacular museum, but in its heyday it functioned as a city within a city, a home to over 4,000 guards, eunuchs, courtiers and, of course, the ladies of the Harem. There is also a superb display of arms from throughout history: crossbows, early firearms inlaid with ivory and beautifully crafted armour from as far afield as Japan. The Treasury is breathtaking too, with an amazing display of jewellery including the world’s fifth largest diamond, emeralds, jewel-encrusted thrones, gifts from all over the world and the famous Topkapi dagger – all displaying outstanding craftsmanship.
We then have a short walk around the Spice Bazaar where your senses are bombarded by the vibrant colours and smells of herbs and spices from around the world: high quality saffron from Iran; vanilla from Madagascar; turmeric and cochineal from India; fresh peppercorns from Indonesia plus much more. This whole area encapsulates the spirit of old Istanbul – a maze of tiny busy streets, where the locals chat over apple tea from numerous street vendors as the commanding horns of the passenger ferries resound under the famous Galata Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 7
Today at the appropriate time, the coach will transfer you to the airport to take your return flight, after a most fascinating tour.
You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. On arrival you transfer to your hotel, the four-star Korumar in the nearby resort Kusadasi, for two nights on half-board. The hotel is fully air-conditioned with two restaurants, a spa/hammam, a large open-air pool and some excellent sun terraces overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.
Day 2
Today we have a guided tour of the nearby ancient city of Ephesus and its breathtaking range of buildings. Indeed so great was it, in its day, the Romans made it their ‘capital’ of Asiam, with its amazing two-storey Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheatre. We also see the Temple of Artemis, in its day greater than the Parthenon in Athens and a pilgrimage destination for a thousand years. Intriguingly, only ten percent of the city has been excavated to date, but the discoveries indicate a highly sophisticated society living in luxurious houses with marble-lined halls, decorated with mosaics and beautiful frescoes. As you stroll along the remarkably preserved marble road though the centre of Ephesus, it’s an almost humbling experience to walk the same streets as St Paul and St John who both lived here for several years. We also visit the remains of St John’s Basilica, built by the Emperor Justinian over St John’s tomb.
In complete contrast, we next visit the small hillside site of the House of the Virgin Mary. St John was entrusted to care for her and it’s believed she travelled with him to Ephesus. We return to our hotel in Kusadasi during the afternoon after a fascinating tour of discovery, with the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 3
After breakfast we leave Kusadasi, following the coast towards the ancient Hellenistic city of Pergamon. Perched on a high rocky outcrop, with stunning views for miles around, the city was famed for its library, which rivalled Alexandria’s - the most extensive in the ancient world. Knowledge then, as now, was power and so concerned were the Egyptians about this competition, they cut off supplies of papyrus to Pergamon, thus prompting the invention of parchment. We’ll see the remains of the Temple of Trajan, the altar of Zeus and the steepest ancient amphitheatre in the world. We then continue our journey along the scenic coastline to Canakkale and our hotel, the four-star Kolin overlooking the Dardanelles, where we also take dinner.
Day 4
A fascinating day of contrasts today. Firstly there’s Troy and the famous ‘Wooden Horse’ story, when Queen Helen of Sparta eloped with Prince Paris to Troy and her enraged husband followed, seeking her return - classic stuff! But today Troy is a complex archaeological site covering nine separate cities. It nevertheless remains a romantic and alluring place to anyone who has read about the heroic struggles recounted in Homer’s Iliad. We then take the short cruise from Asia to Europe over the extremely scenic, steep-sided Dardenelles, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. We are now on the Gallipoli peninsula made famous during the First World War as the scene of one of the greatest and most tragic campaigns of the conflict. More than 35,000 Australian, British and New Zealanders perished during the nine months it lasted, their deaths commemorated in the many cemeteries dotted along this now peaceful and rural peninsula. We visit the Lone Pine memorial and Anzac Cove, where the Australians landed by mistake and had to scale steep cliffs and ravines under constant bombardment.
We continue our journey through this refreshingly scenic landscape and arrive in Istanbul, somewhat in awe, as although this is Europe, it is also fascinatingly different! We stay at the new, centrally located four-star Titanic City Hotel or Taksim Gonen, for three nights bed-and-breakfast.
Day 5
Istanbul is a revelation: probably nowhere in the world can you find such an array of diverse monuments and fascinating places to visit. We see the immense and beautifully preserved city walls, still dominant after 1,000 years and the Hippodrome where the Emperors entertained a staggering 50,000 people. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, symbol of the city and one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. You cannot fail to be impressed by its grace and harmony, but its real attraction is the interior lined with 20,000 beautiful blue Iznik tiles and Arabesque inscriptions. Its overall beauty is hardly surprising if you consider many of the same craftsmen who built it also worked on the Taj Mahal! There follows guided tour of one of the city’s best landmarks, the breathtaking Haghia Sofia, quite simply one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. Built in the 6th century it was the largest enclosed space in the world for 1,400 years! The artistic highlights are the amazing Byzantine mosaics seemingly covering every wall with their vibrant golds, reds and yellows and, after it was converted to a mosque some 1,000 years later, the stunning blue ceramics so typical of the East. The marble which lines the walls has to be seen to be believed, with each piece being specially quarried so the grain blends in a most harmonious manner.
For thousands of years Istanbul was at the centre of the overland trade routes and its Grand Bazaar became home to merchants from throughout the known world. Today, its 4,000 shops sell all sorts of goods, mainly gold, silver, leatherwear, ceramics and carpets, including fine collectors’ items. This afternoon we will have a guided walk where you experience the sights and sounds of this thought-provoking relic of the past.
Day 6
Today we start with a visit and guided tour of the Topkapi Palace, the glittering and labyrinthine imperial residence of the Sultans for over 400 years. Today, it is a spectacular museum, but in its heyday it functioned as a city within a city, a home to over 4,000 guards, eunuchs, courtiers and, of course, the ladies of the Harem. There is also a superb display of arms from throughout history: crossbows, early firearms inlaid with ivory and beautifully crafted armour from as far afield as Japan. The Treasury is breathtaking too, with an amazing display of jewellery including the world’s fifth largest diamond, emeralds, jewel-encrusted thrones, gifts from all over the world and the famous Topkapi dagger – all displaying outstanding craftsmanship.
We then have a short walk around the Spice Bazaar where your senses are bombarded by the vibrant colours and smells of herbs and spices from around the world: high quality saffron from Iran; vanilla from Madagascar; turmeric and cochineal from India; fresh peppercorns from Indonesia plus much more. This whole area encapsulates the spirit of old Istanbul – a maze of tiny busy streets, where the locals chat over apple tea from numerous street vendors as the commanding horns of the passenger ferries resound under the famous Galata Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 7
Today at the appropriate time, the coach will transfer you to the airport to take your return flight, after a most fascinating tour.
Kusadasi - the four-star Hotel Korumar (www.korumar.com.tr) is located very close to the main bay of Kusadasi and within walking distance (about 10 minutes) of shops and restaurants. This resort-style hotel is fully air-conditioned with three restaurants, a spa/hammam, a large open-air pool, excellent sun terraces overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean and a small cove for swimming. All 224 rooms have a private balcony, ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe and minibar.
Canakkale - the four-star Hotel Kolin (www.kolinhotel.com) overlooks the Dardanelles and is 3km from the centre of Canakkale. This excellent modern hotel is fully air-conditioned with a wide selection of bars and restaurants, gym and indoor and outdoor pools. All the 276 rooms have ensuite facilities, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and minibar.
Istanbul - the Titanic City Hotel (www.titanic.com.tr) or the Taksim Gonen (www.taksimgonen.com) are both four-star rated. Both are centrally located within easy walking distance of Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, the city's main pedestrianised shopping street. Both hotels boast good quality restaurants, a bar and indoor pool & hammam. All rooms (183 in the Titanic City & 153 in the Taksim Gonen) are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free wireless internet, safe, minibar & tea/coffee-maker.
Canakkale - the four-star Hotel Kolin (www.kolinhotel.com) overlooks the Dardanelles and is 3km from the centre of Canakkale. This excellent modern hotel is fully air-conditioned with a wide selection of bars and restaurants, gym and indoor and outdoor pools. All the 276 rooms have ensuite facilities, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and minibar.
Istanbul - the Titanic City Hotel (www.titanic.com.tr) or the Taksim Gonen (www.taksimgonen.com) are both four-star rated. Both are centrally located within easy walking distance of Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, the city's main pedestrianised shopping street. Both hotels boast good quality restaurants, a bar and indoor pool & hammam. All rooms (183 in the Titanic City & 153 in the Taksim Gonen) are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free wireless internet, safe, minibar & tea/coffee-maker.
5 results
| Departure date | Departing point | Departure UK | Arrive at Destination | Nights | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23-Sep-2013 | Birmingham International | 11:15 | 17:10 | 6 | 1059.00 | book |
| 21-Oct-2013 | Heathrow Airport | 11:25 | 17:15 | 6 | 999.00 | book |
| 18-Nov-2013 | Birmingham International | 11:15 | 17:10 | 6 | 799.00 | book |
| 18-Nov-2013 | Manchester | 11:15 | 17:20 | 6 | 799.00 | book |
| 18-Nov-2013 | Heathrow Airport | 11:25 | 17:15 | 6 | 799.00 | book |
5 results
4 results
We always arrived at hotels to find the accommodation arranged very efficiently, and on our visits...tickets were ready for us and we always had fast entry.
It proved a very stimulating and rewarding tour. We still marvel at how much we managed to see and do without any of it ever feeling rushed.
May 2012
J Ballantyne & R Visram
J Ballantyne & R Visram
What a wonderful visit - fascinating and stimulating - I saw and learned so much in just a few days!
Oct 2011
Ms J Buresova
Ms J Buresova
My wife and I have just returned from the Istanbul,Ephesus and Troy tour. We had a very enjoyable time and would like to thank you and the tour guides Sait and Mohammed for looking after us so well.
Jun 2011
Nigel Agar
Nigel Agar
Best aspects: All of it. The Guide - Ahmet and the group leader Susan. The wonderful places we visited and the fab hotels we stayed in. Feel like my brain has been stimulated for the first time in years. Thank you so much.
Oct 2010
Sarah Hill
Sarah Hill
4 results
