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ISTANBUL & ANCIENT EPHESUS
Turkey 9/1 9 days tour Spring 2023/2024
From NEW YORK:
$2,799.00
From WASHINGTON DC:
$2,949.00
If booked by July 31st, 2022 for the trips in 2023 and by July 31st, 2023 for the trips in 2024.
The price is based on 35 paying travelers and 6 free chaperones. For smaller independent groups we will adjust the price. The ratio for free chaperones stays 1/6. The lowest number of paying participants for an independent group is 10.
ISTANBUL, KUSADASI, EPHESUS, PAMUKKALE, HIERAPOLIS, ISTANBUL
Day-1. DEPARTURE CITY – ISTANBUL: Overnight flight to Istanbul.
Day-2. ISTANBUL: Arrive in Istanbul, check into your hotel, and after a short break go for a walking tour with your tour director.
Day-3. ISTANBUL: Start your day with an exciting, guided tour of Dolmabahce Palace. It was a new palace for the Turkish Sultan (King) Abdulmecid. The palace was built in 1856 and in use till 1922. The Turkish Republic was proclaimed in 1923, under the leadership of Kemal Pasha Ataturk. The last Sultan left Turkey in 1924. The palace is a presentation of wealth and prestige and is built in many architectural styles. Continue the visit and go to Taxim, the shopping and business heart of the city.
Day-4. ISTANBUL: In the morning go for a guided visit to Topkapi Palace. For centuries it was a home for legendary Ottoman Sultans. It was built in 1459 and expanded and renovated many times. In 1923 the palace was transformed into a museum. It houses many artifacts in hundreds of beautiful rooms. But only the most important are accessible to the public today, including the Ottoman imperial harem (the restricted area just for women), and the treasury where the Spoonmaker’s Diamond and Topkapi Dagger are on display. The museum collection includes Ottoman clothing, weapons, armor, miniatures, illuminated manuscripts, and more. Continue with the tour and go to Hagia Sophia. It was a Byzantine cathedral and in 1453 was converted into a mosque. Built-in 537 AD it was famous as the world’s largest building with a massive dome. Also, visit the Basilica Cistern. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns under the city. It was built in the 6th century AD.
Day-5. ISTANBUL – IZMIR – KUSADASI: Fly to Izmir and continue to Kusadasi by bus. Have some free time at this tourist place. Shopping in a small bazaar is great. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day-6. KUSADASI – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE: Depart in the morning to visit Ephesus. On a guided tour walk through the remains of this fantastic city. In ancient Roman times, it had a population of over 250 000 people. It was the end of the Silk Road coming from China. The goodies from China were loaded on the ships and went to Rome. Cleopatra came to Ephesus for her honeymoon with Mark Anthony. Enjoy the Library of Celsus, Stadium, the Great Theater, and more. Continue the tour and visit the last home of the Virgin Mary. Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as well. Board your bus and go to Pamukkale for the overnight.
Day-7. PAMUKKALE – HIERAPOLIS – DENIZLI – ISTANBUL: Guided visit to Pamukkale, white calcium terraced pools, site. Many of the pools are closed to tourists but you can still walk around. The site was known in Roman times, and the ancient town of Hierapolis was built as a spa known for its warm, curative waters. After the guided visit to Hierapolis transfer to the airport in Denizli for the flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day-8. ISTANBUL: Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It started in 15thcentury and has more than 4000 shops. A great place to buy souvenirs, diamonds, gold, and some baklava. Continue to Spice Bazar. All kinds of fragrant spices are sold there. Sample some Turkish delight and other tasty things. Free afternoon for some more last-minute shopping.
Day-9. DEPARTURE: Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Round trip airfare
7 nights in centrally located hotels (rooms with private bathrooms)
7 European buffet breakfasts
7 dinners (3 courses)
Flight Istanbul Izmir
Flight Denizli Istanbul
Bus per program
GUIDED TOURS OF:
Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Cistern, Ephesus, Mother Mary’s House, Temple of Artemis, Pamukkale, Hierapolis
ENTRANCES TO:
Per program
Expert local guides
E&L GROUP TOURS USA TOUR DIRECTOR 24/7
FROM NEW YORK:
PRICE: $2,999.00
Price per person in triple accommodation
PRICE IS BASED ON 35 PAID PARTICIPANTS AND 6 FREE CHAPERONES
YOUR OWN BUS + YOUR OWN TOUR DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT GROUP
E&L GROUP TOURS USA WILL CUSTOMIZE TOURS FOR NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE
EARLY BOOKING INCENTIVE:
If booked by July 31st, 2022 for the trips in 2023 and by July 31st, 2023 for the trips in 2024 take $200.00 off and travel for:
FROM NEW YORK:
PRICE: $2,799.00
For the down payments received after the above date, the regular price will apply.
FROM WASHINGTON DC:
REGULAR PRICE $3,149.00 EARLY BOOKING INCENTIVE $2,949.00
STUDENT SURCHARGE:
in double accommodation: $30.00 per person/night
in single accommodation: $90.00 per person/night
ADULT SURCHARGE:
in triple/quad accommodation: $50.00 /person/night
in double accommodation: $70.00 per person/night
in single accommodation: $110.00 per person/night
PAYMENT POLICY:
A down payment of $300.00 for the tours in 2023 is due before July 31st, 2022, and for the trips in 2024 before July 31st, 2023.
Up to 10 payments per request.
The number of participants, the ratio, and the price can be changed according to request.
INSURANCE – optional.
Includes trip cancellation, lost baggage, trip interruption, and medical insurance. It will be added to your first payment.
Price for students to be calculated
Adults based on age
If your group or any individuals from your group do not accept this insurance, the group leader must inform E&L GROUP TOURS USA in writing.
All individuals traveling with E&L GROUP TOURS USA must show proof of valid travel insurance.
NOT INCLUDED:
Insurance.
Gratuities optional – suggested $2.5 per day per person for the tour director and $5.00 per person per day for the local tour guide.
Lunches, drinks with dinner, bottled water everywhere, and local transportation
PROGRAM PRICE is a pre-Covid price and may be subject to change due to changes in airfare prices and exchange rates.
Yours,
