Best of West Turkey (5 Star) - 9 days

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast take in the highlights of Istanbul on a full day tour. In the heart of the Old City visit the famous Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, with its six minarets and enjoy the exterior of the striking Hagia Sophia, which was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years. Also explore the ruinous Byzantine Hippodrome with its various monuments and Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Then venture into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs before transferring back to your hotel for the night.

Please note that some sites are closed on certain days in Istanbul. Hagia Sofia - closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays and Grand Bazaar - closed on Sundays. So only external viewing will be possible on these days.

Istanbul – Izmir - Kusadasi. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, a large resort town on Turkey's beautiful Aegean Coast. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day tour of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary’s House. First, visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then travel on to ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved Classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Ephesus was a vast Roman city with a population nearing 250,000 and on the tour of this remarkable archaeological site you will see the Great Theatre (once capable of seating 25,000 spectators at one time), Curetes Way (one of the main thoroughfares) the Temple of Serapis, the elegant facades of the Temple of Hadrian and the spectacular Library of Celsus. Then visit

the House of Mother Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years together with St. John. You will also a visit a leather factory before returning to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi - Pammukale. Bid farewell to Kusadasi and transfer by road to Pammukale with its spectacular white calcium terraces, filled with natural thermal spring waters. On a tour of this remarkable site, take a walk along the hillside terraces, known as travertines, and paddle your feet warm water. Then visit the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, which sits on top of Pammukale's travertines. Explore the ruins, visit the spectacular theatre and opt for a swim in Cleopatra's sacred pool, where the shallow thermal waters ripple over a scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath. After the tour continue to your hotel for the night.

Pammukale - Fethiye. Travel south to Fethiye for three days of relaxation in this picturesque port town on Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast. Spend your days at leisure strolling around the atmospheric Old Town with its traditional markets. And make sure to visit some of the beautiful beaches in the area, including the famous Blue Lagoon. Perhaps enjoy a cruise around the bay, which is strewn with picturesque islands.

Fethiye - Istanbul. Transfer to Dalaman Airport today for your included flight back to Istanbul, where your tour comes to an end.

Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You can also opt to exclude the flight back to Istanbul if you wish.