Istanbul to Kusadasi: Cultural and Culinary Tour

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This tour encompasses all that its title promises. Journey from the European Cultural Capital to the Aegean jewel of Kusadasi. Experience numerous attractions and engage in fantastic activities throughout the trip.

Duration: 7 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Istanbul - Arrival Day

Istanbul - Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel for check-in and some rest. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll meet our friendly crew and fellow travelers while savoring traditional Turkish cuisine and experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of…

Istanbul - Arrival Day

Istanbul City Tour - Turkish Cooking Lesson

Istanbul - Begin your day with a morning orientation and sightseeing tour of Istanbul. You’ll then take part in your first Turkish cooking lesson, preparing and enjoying your own lunch! After lunch, visit TOPKAPI PALACE, the grand palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace houses a stunning collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, sultans’ robes, the famous Imperial Treasury jewels, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle, which enshrines relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next, visit the SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE, also known as the BLUE MOSQUE, renowned for its magnificent interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Then, explore the HIPPODROME, the ancient site of chariot races, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul City Tour - Belly Dancing and Folklore Class

Istanbul - At 08:30am, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a day tour of old Istanbul. Visit ST. SOPHIA, an ancient basilica built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, considered one of the greatest architectural marvels. Then, explore the GRAND SPICE BAZAAR, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and a variety of other herbs and spices. After the tour, return to your hotel for a rest. In the evening, depart for a Belly dancing and folklore class, where you’ll learn belly dancing techniques and folklore dance moves, making it a memorable experience. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise - Istanbul to Izmir and Kusadasi

Kusadasi - After breakfast, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise tour. Enjoy a magical boat cruise along the Bosphorus and a visit to the Spice Market starting at 08:30. Take in the sights from the boat, including the GRAND COVERED BAZAAR. Experience BOSPHORUS BY BOAT, a traditional excursion along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. After lunch, head to Istanbul airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Ephesus Tour - Tour of Village Sirince - Textiles and fruit wine tasting

Kusadasi - After breakfast at 08:30, depart to visit one of the best-preserved ancient ruins in the world, Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world. After the Ephesus tour, head to Sirince Village, a beautiful village known for its 42 church ruins. In Sirince, observe locals making handmade textiles, including carpets, kilims, clothing, and homewares like pillow covers. Witness the ancient techniques used by Turkish women to create these intricate designs. Sirince is also famous for its variety of fruit wines, which you can sample at local wineries. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Fashion Show & Turkish Bath

Kusadasi - Today, visit a leather factory to see the production of leather goods such as jackets and handbags. Watch a demonstration by a local expert and participate in a fashion show, feeling like a model. Turkish leather products are renowned for their high quality and craftsmanship. After the fashion show, head to a Turkish Bath. Upon entering, leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind, change into a waistcloth, and wear traditional clogs. Inside, temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius under the central dome, opening your pores and preparing your body for a scrub and massage by an attendant. After a gentle soap massage, relax in the resting room with tea. Leave the Turkish Bath feeling renewed and refreshed. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Izmir to Istanbul – End of tour

Istanbul - After breakfast, depart for Izmir airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul, from where you’ll head home. We hope your tour was memorable and look forward to welcoming you on future tours. Have a safe trip home and thank you for choosing us.

What's Included