Day 1 – Ephesus Tour
After meet with your guide and driver at port, your first stop
will be the ancient city of Ephesus. Excavations are running in the city
for more the last 140 years and looks like will never be completed. Thanks to
the proximity to the calm waters of the Aegean Sea and the fertile lands
nearby, Ephesus ancient city once became the biggest city of the Hellenistic
world. Enormous trade created a society of art that can be seen in the
architecture of the ancient site. The Library of Celsus, Terrace
houses, The Odeon, Trajan Fountain and Hadrian’s templeare among the best monuments to see in the ancient city along with the
magnificent theater once overlooked the ocean. Then, you will drive up to a
very important shrine of the Christian and Muslim world. The House of Virgin Mary is located on a hill top with beautiful views of the Aegean waters and
is believed to be the final resting place of the Mother of Jesus Christ. The
shrine was visited by several Popes and was announced as a pilgrimage spot by
Pope Leo XIII in 1896. Depend on time of cruise Ephesus
Archaeological Museum, Temple of Arthemis or Basilica of St. John can be added to the programme. After tour get back to
cruise.
Day 2 – Arrival & Historic Istanbul
Upon arrival at Galataport Istanbul, your professional licensed guide will meet you outside the cruise
terminal holding a sign with your name.
You will begin exploring the Historic Peninsula, the
heart of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul. Start the highline with Hagia Sophia – one of the most impressive monuments in the world, originally
built in the 6th century.Blue Mosque – famous for its elegant domes and
beautiful Iznik tiles. Hippodrome of Constantinople – the ancient center
of chariot races during the Byzantine period. After, you will visit, Topkapi Palace – the magnificent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly four
centuries.
Later in the afternoon you will explore the famous Grand Bazaar one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world with over
4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics and Turkish delights. After the
tour return to
the cruise port or your hotel.
Day 3 – Istanbul & Bosphorus Cruise
Meet your guide at the cruise port or hotel in the
morning. Begin the day with a visit to, Basilica Cistern
A fascinating underground Byzantine reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns. Continue to the vibrant, Spice Bazaar a colorful market filled with spices, teas, sweets and local delicacies. In the afternoon you will enjoy a private Bosphorus sunset cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while admiring Istanbul’s beautiful waterfront palaces, historic mansions and mosques. After the cruise you will get back to the cruise port well before your ship’s departure.
