Set off on a captivating journey through Turkey's most iconic destinations with the Mini Istanbul & Kusadasi Tour. Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul, home to timeless monuments such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, which bear witness to centuries of history and culture. Then head to the picturesque coastal town of Kusadasi, a gateway to ancient wonders such as Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Seamlessly blending the hectic charm of Istanbul with the peaceful seaside appeal of Kusadasi, this tour showcases the best of Turkey, creating an unforgettable experience.
Deal negotiated for you
- A stay of 6 days / 5 nights in a 4hotel, local standards
- Board according to programme
- Domestic flights mentioned in the programme
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Round-trip airport/hotel transfer
- Transport by air-conditioned bus
- The service of an English-speaking guide during the tour
- The tour with visits and entrance fees according to the programme
Customise your trip on the Options page.
Your stay starts here
Mini Istanbul & Kusadasi 4*
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
On arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Istanbul (B/L)
After breakfast, you will set off on a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. You will start with a visit to the renovated Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. This incredibly beautiful building is famous for its blue Iznik tiles and its six minarets. Next, you will visit the Hippodrome, a vast arena that once served as the centre for sporting events such as chariot races and athletics, as well as political activities in the ancient city. Next, you will visit the neighbouring Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom. It is classified as one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces.
After lunch, you will visit Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. It now houses priceless collections of porcelain, jewellery, calligraphy and numerous artistic masterpieces. Finally, you will visit the Grand Bazaar, the vast, legendary covered market and largest souk in the world, with almost 4,000 shops selling antiques, jewellery and carpets.
UNIQUE MOMENTS: While visiting the Grand Bazaar, you will have the opportunity to sample Turkish coffee from Sark Kahvesi, a historic roastery located within the bazaar itself. Each variety is prepared with a blend of traditional know-how, experience and a deep ‘love of coffee’.
Day 3 - Istanbul / Izmir / Kusadasi (B/D)
After breakfast, you will take a half-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. You will start with a visit to the Spice Market (the Egyptian Bazaar), which was built in the 17th century and is the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul. The arched stone corridors have been perfumed by the pungent, savoury aromas of exotic oils, herbs and spices for almost 350 years. Now you'll also find nuts, honey, dried fruit, traditional sweets and herbal remedies. The Spice Market's fragrant wares will make you feel like a true spice merchant. Next, you will cruise along the Bosphorus on a passenger boat. This is a traditional excursion through the strait that separates Asia and Europe. As you cruise, you will see ancient Ottoman wooden mansions, marble palaces, the residences of foreign embassies and small fishing villages on both the Asian and European shores. Make sure you don't miss the must-see sites on the Bosphorus, such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight to Izmir. On arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 4 - Kusadasi (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will take a short drive to the town of Selçuk. Here, you will see the only surviving column of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Afterwards, you will visit the Basilica of St John and then walk down to see the 14th-century Isabey Mosque. Your driver will then pick you up and take you on a short drive to the ruins of Ephesus, a city mentioned several times in the Bible. You will stroll through the extensively excavated archaeological site and discover the Great Theatre, where St Paul preached, as well as the Church of the Councils. Even today, you can see the spectacular excavations of this ancient city's main streets, where you will also see the library, the Agora, the theatre, and the mosaic-covered pavements. As you climb the hills behind Ephesus, you will reach the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the last days of her life. Today, a charming chapel consecrated by the Pope stands on the spot where the House of the Virgin Mary once stood. Finally, you will have some free time to explore Kusadasi city centre.
Day 5 - Kusadasi / Izmir / Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, you will be driven to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 6 - Istanbul / Flight home (B)
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight home.
Your accommodation
During your stay, you will be accommodated in the 4-star hotels as listed (local standards) or similar:
- Hotel Beyaz Saray
- Palmin Hotel
Your board
During your stay, you will be provided with meals according to the programme.
The notation (B/L/D) next to each day indicates the meals included
B: breakfast / L: lunch / D: dinner.
Meals are included depending on the day.
Please note that drinks are not included during dinner.
Useful information
Guaranteed departure: minimum 2 people. The provider reserves the right to change the departure date if this minimum is not met.
Maximum group size: 35 people
Please note: Due to technical requirements, weather conditions, or other unforeseen events linked to the organisation of the trip, the dates of the excursions may be changed or they may be cancelled.