Turkey

Istanbul

Sightseeing

Sedan 1‑2 paxLuxury Sedan 1‑2 pax Minivan 1‑6 pax

Half day Ottoman

Under the rule of the Ottoman Sultans, Istanbul was the center of the Muslim world for centuries. That legacy comes to life on this 4 hour tour of classic Ottoman architecture and grandeur. The First stop is Topkapi Palace, home to the Sultans for over 400 years. Its elaborately decorated halls and tranquil courtyards are a window into the ritual and intrigue of the Ottoman court. The palace also holds notable relics including the sword and cloak of the prophet Muhammad. Next are the city’s two most famous mosques. The Sultan Ahmed, or Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque both are massive examples of the synthesis between Muslim and Byzantine architectural traditions. End the tour within the labyrinthine halls of the Grand Bazaar, where goods from saffron and spices to western fashion products can be bartered.

4 hrs

$565 —  $695

Half day Byzantine

Despite centuries of Muslim rule, the history and culture of Constantinople still live on in the sights of this 4 hour tour. The gargantuan Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world for much of its history, and still stands intact. Its cavernous interior displays both fantastic Byzantine mosaic and Ottoman calligraphy from its time as mosque. After exiting the Hagia Sophia onto Sultanahmet Square, the next stop is the Basilica Cistern. A subterranean expanse that supplied the palace district with water since its construction in the 6th century, its vaulted ceiling is supported by a veritable forest of over 300 columns. Back on the surface, the Sultanahmet park itself is revealed to be the foundations of the Hippodrome, the volatile center of public life in Constantinople. Byzantium’s equivalent of the Roman Colosseum, the massive structure has vanished, but the monumental obelisk and serpentine column that decorated it still adorn the central axis of the park.

4 hrs

$565 —  $695

Half day Golden Horn

Discover some of the old city’s hidden gems on this 4 hour tour of the Golden Horn shoreline. Situated to the north of the peninsula on which the medieval and ancient cities sit, the waters of the Golden Horn once served as the city harbor. Following them west from the straits leads to the Chora Church. Like many others in the city, this ancient site was first a church, then mosque, and now museum. Originally constructed by the Romans, the interior is furnished with an astounding selection of Christian mosaic scenes and frescoes that survived Ottoman censorship. Continuing west leads past the Theodosian Walls. Now undergoing restoration, the double ring of fortifications stood impregnable to enemies until the advent of modern cannon. Outside of these walls you will visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque, before finishing with a panoramic look back towards the old city from the Pierre Loti coffeehouse.

4 hrs

$565 —  $695

Half day Dolambache Palace, Asiatic Coast

Although its most iconic highlights are located in the old city, Istanbul’s immense wealth of sights and attractions quite literally bridges two continents. Explore both sides of the Bosphorus Strait on this 4 hour tour. You will begin at the very tip of Europe, where the Dolmabahce Palace sits on the water’s edge. Built in the mid-19th century, the Sultans’ desire for unmatched excess in its construction almost bankrupted the country. Designed in the tradition of European royal estates, the Palace incorporates elements of several western architectural styles, synthesized with Islamic tradition. Next, cross over to Asia via the towering Bosphorus Bridge. On the eastern shore is the Sultan’s summer retreat of Beylerbeyi, a less extravagant but nonetheless luxurious palace. Finish the day with a panoramic view of the bridge and Europe beyond from atop Çamlica hill.

4 hrs

$565 —  $695

Pier - half day - Airport

Make the most of your transfer with this tour package. Totaling 4 hours, the trip will include pick-up at the cruise ship terminals, 4 hours of luxury car transportation to the highlights of our city tour, as well as drop-off at the airport upon conclusion of the tour. Sights include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

4 hrs

$780 —  $960

Full day City

Istanbul has been one of the world’s largest cities for over 1500 years, spanning 2 continents and containing over 13 million people. Conquer its many sights in style with this 8 hour full day tour. Begin with the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest in the city. Next, walk in the footsteps of the Sultan at the Topkapi Palace, where lavish bedchambers, serene gardens, and panoramic views of the harbor make for a truly royal experience. Next is Sultanahmet Square, nestled between the greatest monuments to Byzantine and Ottoman architecture: the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, respectively. Walk the remains of the Byzantine Hippodrome before moving on to the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. The last stop is the Dolmabahce Palace. Created specifically to replace the Topkapi, this sumptuous 19th residence embodies the Sultans’ desire to join the ranks of Europe’s leading monarchs. Its halls and facades borrow from Western architecture, ornamented with traditional Ottoman motifs.

8 hrs

$780 —  $960

Transfers

Sedan 1‑2 paxLuxury Sedan 1‑3 pax Minivan 1‑6 pax
Airport, Pier or Rail Station $215 $480 $265
Airport - Pier $215 $480 $265

Izmir

Sightseeing

Sedan 1‑3 paxLuxury Sedan 1‑3 pax Minivan 1‑6 pax

Half day City

Located on Turkey’s Agean Coast, the city of Izmir offers both modern comforts and classical legacy. Known historically as Smyrna, the city possesses a large open air ruin, the Agora. The Greek equivalent of a Roman forum, the agora was the center of city life. Despite evidence of settlement throughout antiquity, frequent earthquakes have left little behind in the city, with the ruins dating to the Roman period. The most famous artifact on display is the sculpture group of the gods Demeter, Poseidon, and Artemis. Finish with breathtaking views of the town and the blue Aegean beyond from the Kadifekale, or “Velvet Castle.”

4 hrs

$565 —  $695

Full day Ephesus

Like many cities on the Aegean coast, Ephesus is a treasure trove of bygone history, ready to be explored on this 8 hour day trip. In its heyday, the city was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. Although only its foundations remain, the surrounding ruins are one of the grandest reconstructed ancient sites in the world. The extensive, remarkably preserved remains include long, white marble roads grooved by chariot wheels, a colossal hillside theater, Roman baths and temples, and the facade of the Library of Celsus. Nearby, the modern town of Selcuk houses more ruins, most notably the basilica commemorating the tomb of the Apostle John, and an archeological museum dedicated to the sites.

8 hrs

$680 —  $795

Full day Pergamon

A short trip north from Izmir leads to Pergamon, a Hellenistic capital and ancient wonder. On this 8 hour day trip, you will explore its two tiered acropolis, home to a range of notable ruins. Extensive remains of the gymnasium complex dominate the lower acropolis. The high acropolis holds the base of the famous Pergamon Altar, whose decorative superstructure was removed in by its excavators to be displayed in Berlin. Pergamon’s signature attraction, however, is the theater. Built with seating steeper than anywhere in the ancient world, the theater could accommodate 10,000 spectators, and retains its perfect acoustics even today. The ruins of the Pergamon Library testify to its former status as the second largest in antiquity behind that of Alexandria. The Asclepion is the final stop, located at the foot of the acropolis. Dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, it was one of the largest, most prestigious, and most visited centers of healing in the Roman empire.

8 hrs

$680 —  $795

Transfers

Sedan 1‑2 paxLuxury Sedan 1‑3 pax Minivan 1‑5 pax
Airport - Hotels $215 —  $265
Pier - Hotel $215 —  $265
Pier - Airport $215 —  $265

Kusadasi

Sightseeing

Sedan 1‑3 paxLuxury Seday 1‑3pax Minivan 1‑6 pax

Half day Ephesus

Ephesus is the showpiece of Aegean archaeology, and its preserved and reconstructed remnants make for a spectacular 4 hour half day trip. Along the precisely arranged marble promenades are a variety of ruins that hardly belie the centuries of wear they have endured. The theater and Library of Celsus are highlights. Over the hillside stood the Temple of Artemis, a lost wonder of the ancient world, known only by its foundation. Finish with the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, held by many to be the site of her assumption into heaven.

4 hrs

$565 —  $695

Full day Ephesus

Like many cities on the Aegean coast, Ephesus is a treasure trove of bygone history, ready to be explored on this 8 hour day trip. In its heyday, the city was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. Although only its foundations remain, the surrounding ruins are one of the grandest reconstructed ancient sites in the world. The extensive, remarkably preserved remains include long, white marble roads grooved by chariot wheels, a colossal hillside theater, Roman baths and temples, and the facade of the Library of Celsus. The modern town of Selcuk nearby houses more ruins, most notably the basilica commemorating the tomb of the Apostle John, and an archeological museum dedicated to the sites. The tour finishes at Sirince, a typical Turkish Aegean village, with scenic views of the countryside.

8 hrs

$680 —  $795

Prices are US$ and per car unless otherwise noted. Coaches for groups available on request. See our Terms & Conditions.