Eagean And Med Coast 9 Day

Arrival

Arrive at the airport in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul Full-Day Old City

Explore the Sultan Ahmet Center, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Admire Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. See the Blue Mosque facing Hagia Sophia, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Visit the Hippodrome, the center of sports events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II are a few of the monuments decorating the hippodrome. Visit the Grand Covered Bazaar, the most attractive shopping center and biggest souk (market) in the world. You also see the Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans exhibiting Chinese porcelain, weapons, and calligraphy.

Ephesus

Take an early morning flight to Izmir. Tour Isa Bey Mosque before driving to the ancient city of Ephesus. Stroll past the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain in Ephesus. After walking on the historical marble street, you’ll reach the Great Theater where Saint Paul preached. Enjoy an open buffet lunch at a local Turkish restaurant. Move on to the shrine of Mother Mary, where it is believed she spent several years of her life. Visit Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see findings of excavations as well as the Temple of Artemis. You then enjoy a fashion show in a leather outlet center. Stay overnight in Kusadasi.

Pamukkale

Visit Pamukkale, famous for its healing thermal/mineral baths and beautiful snow-white “petrified waterfalls”. After lunch, visit Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved Necropolis, the main street and gates, the thermal baths, and masterpiece. You then take the bus to Fethiye, where you stay overnight.

Blue Cruise Fethiye to Olympos

Depart from Fethiye Harbor between 11:00 and 12:00 and head to Samanlik Bay or, depending on the sea conditions, to Butterfly Valley for swimming and lunch. You can enjoy an optional visit to this natural reserve hosting 136 different kinds of butterflies and moths. Afterwards you cruise to Oludeniz (the Blue Lagoon), again sea conditions permitting. The option for paragliding is also available. The last stop of the day is at St. Nicholas Island, where you can visit the Byzantine ruins, swim, and enjoy dinner.

Blue Cruise Fethiye to Olympos

Depart to the Aquarium of Firnaz Bay near Kalkan around sunrise for breakfast and swimming. Cruise to Kas where you stop in the harbor for lunch and enjoy a visit of this charming fishing village. Kas was once known as ancient Antiphellos, and now only Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi, and the Roman theatre remain. Enjoy the charm of the town in a bay near Kekova, where you stop for swimming and dinner.

Blue Cruise Fethiye to Olympos

Depart to the sunken city of Kekova, where you can look at the protected Lycian-Roman archeological site. Enjoy lunch in Simena, a traditional Turkish fishing village with a Byzantine/Ottoman castle. Optional water sports are available in Gokkaya Bay. Enjoy dinner in the evening and relax in this pirates’s haven, or party the night away at the Smugglers Inn.

Blue Cruise Fethiye to Olympos

After breakfast, check out the Pirates Cave (sea conditions permitting) before cruising to Andriace Harbor for lunch. Take a bus transfer to the archaeological site of Myra as well as to Demre to visit St. Nicholas Church. You can go shopping when requested by your group. Then take a bus transfer to the treehouses in Olympos, where you arrive between 15:00 – 17:00

Olympos to Antalya

Enjoy a free day in Olympos, where you have the option of relaxing on the beach. Take a bus to Antalya in the evening, where you end the tour or add on the Cappadocia or Istanbul extension.