Fethiye to Istanbul Northward Bound 4 Day Tour ✈️

🕡 06:30 AM – Pick-up from Fethiye Accommodation

Your journey begins with an early morning transfer from your Fethiye accommodation to the local bus station.

🚌 07:00 AM – Local Bus to Denizli & Transit to Pamukkale
Enjoy a comfortable ride to Denizli, followed by a quick transfer to Pamukkale, where your private guide and driver will be waiting. From here, all transportation will be privately arranged for the rest of your trip.

👋 11:00 AM – Meet Your Private Guide & Driver
Upon arrival, your personal tour guide and driver will welcome you and introduce you to the fascinating sites of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

🍽 Lunch in Pamukkale
Before beginning your tour, enjoy a delicious local lunch, offering a taste of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Pamukkale Tour

🏞️ Explore the “Cotton Castle”
Pamukkale, meaning Cotton Castle, is famous for its stunning white travertine terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters. Stroll through the cascading pools, feel the warmth of the water beneath your feet, and take in the breathtaking landscape.

🏛️ Guided Tour of Hierapolis
After exploring the terraces, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO-listed site known for its thermal baths, grand theatre, and vast necropolis. Walk through the ruins of this once-thriving Greco-Roman spa city, where healing waters attracted people from all over the ancient world.

🚗 Evening Transfer to Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
After a day of exploring Pamukkale, travel to the Ephesus region, where you will check into your selected Standard, Top-end, or Premium accommodation for the night.

🏨 Overnight in Selcuk or Kusadasi

Sights Visited

🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Accommodation
Start the day with a hotel pick-up in Selcuk or Kusadasi, where you’ll meet your expert guide for a full-day exploration of Ephesus and its surrounding historical landmarks.
Ancient City of Ephesus Tour

🏛️ Walk Through Ephesus – One of the Best-Preserved Ancient Cities
Step back in time as you walk along the Marble Street, the main thoroughfare of Ephesus, once a bustling Roman city. Discover grand structures such as:
Library of Celsus – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this magnificent two-story library once held thousands of scrolls and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Turkey.

The Grand Theatre – A massive 25,000-seat amphitheater where gladiator fights and theatrical performances once took place.
Temple of Hadrian – A beautifully preserved temple dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, featuring intricate carvings and reliefs.
Terrace Houses (Optional Visit) – Marvel at the luxurious Roman homes with well-preserved mosaics and frescoes, showcasing the elite lifestyle of ancient Ephesus.

Visit to the House of the Virgin Mary

🙏 A Place of Peace & Pilgrimage
Travel to Mount Koressos, where the House of the Virgin Mary is located. It is believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Experience the humble living quarters where she spent her last years, including:
Small living space & kitchen
Holy well outside the house
Intimate prayer area dedicated to Christian worship
This serene site is an important pilgrimage destination, recognized by the Catholic Church, and visited by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

Visit to the Temple of Artemis
🏛️ Ruins of the Once-Grand Temple
Next, visit the Temple of Artemis, another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain today, it was once one of the most lavish temples dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, showcasing the wealth and power of Ephesus in antiquity.

Flight to Istanbul & Hotel Transfer
🚗 Evening Transfer to Izmir Airport
After your Ephesus tour, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.

✈️ Flight to Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, where you’ll be greeted by a private transfer to your hotel. Relax and unwind, preparing for an exciting exploration of Istanbul’s historical and cultural treasures in the days ahead.

🏨 Overnight stay in Istanbul

Sights Visited

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul, visiting some of its most famous landmarks.

Istanbul Old City Tour
🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Begin your day at the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most stunning architectural masterpieces. With its six towering minarets, vast courtyard, and mesmerizing blue-tiled interior, it is one of the most iconic places of worship in Turkey. As it is still an active mosque, visitors are welcome during non-prayer hours.

🏛 Hippodrome of Constantinople & The Obelisk
Next, visit the site of the Hippodrome, the grand arena of Byzantium, where crowds once gathered for chariot races and gladiator battles. Here, you can see The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine, each with its own fascinating history.

🏛 Hagia Sophia (Aya Sophia)
Once a grand Byzantine church, later transformed into a mosque by the Ottomans, and now an architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia is one of the most significant monuments in the world. Inside, you will witness an extraordinary blend of Christian and Islamic elements, with stunning mosaics, massive domes, and intricate calligraphy.

🏰 Topkapi Palace – The Home of Sultans
Step into the world of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace, which served as the royal residence and administrative center of the empire for over 400 years. Explore:
The Imperial Treasury – Housing precious jewels, including the legendary Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.
The Harem (Optional Visit) – Where the women of the Ottoman court lived in seclusion, filled with intricately designed chambers.
Panoramic Views of the Bosphorus – From the palace grounds, admire breathtaking views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus Strait.

🛍️ Grand Bazaar – A Shopper’s Paradise
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar features:
✔️ 4,399 shops offering carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and leather goods.
✔️ 497 stalls & 2,195 workshops selling traditional Turkish handicrafts.
✔️ A maze of colorful alleys, where you can bargain for souvenirs and experience the lively atmosphere.

⭐ Our Recommendation: Visit the Spice Bazaar (Optional – Free Time)
After the tour, if you have free time, we highly recommend visiting the Spice Bazaar. Known for its vibrant stalls, aromatic spices, Turkish delight, and exotic teas, this bustling market is a sensory delight.
📍 You will explore this on your own, as it is not included in the guided tour.

🚨 Important Notes
🏛 Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
🕌 Blue Mosque is closed for visits during Friday prayers
🏛 Hagia Sophia
🏰 Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

🚗 Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Details
We provide pickups from hotels in central areas, including:
✔ Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.
❗ If your accommodation is outside these areas, an additional charge may apply. Please speak to our team for assistance.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Istanbul
Enjoy a relaxing evening in Istanbul before continuing your journey.

Sights Visited

🚗 Private Transfer to Istanbul Airport
After an unforgettable journey through Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Istanbul, your tour comes to an end. Our team will ensure a smooth and comfortable airport transfer, allowing you to relax before your flight.

✈️ Departure from Istanbul
As you head northward back to Istanbul Airport, take a moment to reflect on the incredible history, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences you’ve encountered over the past four days.
💬 Need Assistance?
If you have any additional questions or would like assistance in planning further travel in Turkey, our team is happy to help with custom itineraries, hotel bookings, and sightseeing recommendations.

✨ Tour Summary
✅ Explore Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Witness the stunning Cotton Castle and ancient thermal city.
✅ Step into History at Ephesus – Walk through the Library of Celsus, Grand Theatre, and Temple of Artemis.
✅ Discover Istanbul’s Icons – Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
✅ Experience Local Culture – Taste traditional Turkish cuisine and shop for authentic souvenirs.
✅ Enjoy Hassle-Free Travel – Private guides, comfortable transfers, and expert assistance throughout the tour.

🙏 Thank you for choosing us for your Turkish adventure! We hope you had an amazing time and look forward to welcoming you back for future explorations.