7-night Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Cruise

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon

Crete: Knossos - Archanes - Heraklion Museum -5 hours

Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship.

We will first visit the Archaeological Museum in the town centre and then continue with the exploration of the ruins of Knossos Palace. The palace is one of the major must-see archaeological sites in Greece, presenting visitors with a rare glimpse into Minoan civilization. Accompanied by a knowledgeable, qualified archaeological guide who will offer in-depth personal attention, you will browse through the restored palace. By examining the structures the Minoans lived in, you will have the best avenue for piecing together the threads of the Great Minoan civilization. After a walk through the award winning historically restored village of Archanes, you can enjoy lunch in its picturesque main square, before returning back to the pier.

Duration: approx. 5 hours

Notes:
Because of the extensive walk in Knossos, comfortable shoes and a hat are required.

Knossos Palace and Historical Heraklion

Highlights/Description:

• Knossos Palace
• Heraklion

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Applicable taxes
• Transfers to/from departure port 

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Introduction to the Cretan Diet & Cooking- 5 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Tasting of traditional delicacies and local drinks
• Walk in the fields and the olive groves and introduction to the local flora
• Introduction to the Mediterranean and Cretan diet
• Info booklet and Recipe Book
• Hands-on cooking class
• Outdoor lunch paired with wine and raki
• Visit to the chef’s nuno felt, mosaic and beeswax workshop
• Recipe book

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Applicable taxes
• Transfers to/from port of Heraklion

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Looking for the Muses (Crete) - 5 hours

Highlights/Description:
 

• Visit to the oldest olive tree in the world
• Visit to 2 traditional wineries and their vineyards
• Visit to a traditional Cretan musical workshop
• Information about the unique viticulture and the indigenous grape varietals
• Two wine tasting sessions with 10 different types and styles of wines
• Visit to a Minoan farm and a Medieval wine press
• A traditional lunch in the picturesque village of Archanes
• Info booklet and wine certificate

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Applicable taxes
• Transfers to/from port of Heraklion

• Meals, unless otherwise noted

Wine Tasting and Cooking in Crete - 5 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Visit to a traditional winery and its vineyard
• Tour around the scenic area of Peza
• Information about the unique viticulture and the indigenous grape varietals
• A wine tasting session with 5 different types and styles of wines
• Visit to a Minoan farm and a Medieval wine press
• Hands on cooking class
• Outdoor lunch paired with wine and raki
• Info booklet, wine certificate and recipe book

• Licensed, English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Applicable taxes
• Transfers to/from port of Heraklion

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Rhodes Town & Lindos - Full day tour approx 8 hours

Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer will be provided back to the ship.

Our tour begins with a drive through Mandraki Harbour and the new part of the city of Rhodes. We make our way to Mount Smith to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and continue on to the ruins of ancient Rhodes. We will explore the Acropolis of Rhodes, where remains of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient Stadium of Diagoras dominate the skyline. At Porte d’ Amboise, we begin our walking tour through the old city of Rhodes, filled with historical reminders of the ancient and medieval past. We will walk through the northern part of town, where knights once lived, and view the Grand Master’s Palace and then continue our walk down Chevalier’s Road, and the shopping districts around Socratus street, where we will enjoy some free time.

Our drive continues along the picturesque coastline to Lindos, the most important of the three great cities of ancient times. Within its medieval walls, erected by the Knights of St. John, stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, 400 feet above the sea, crowned by the Temple of Athena. From the heights, you will have breathtaking views of St. Paul’s Bay, where the Apostle cast anchor during his voyage to Ephesus, and the Aegean Sea. If you prefer not to make the climb, you may remain below and explore the village with its many small shops and cafes. At a set time, we will all gather for a wonderful luncheon at a Restaurant by the sea, where we will enjoy an array of local Greek specialties with beverages. After lunch, we will have some free time to enjoy the beach or do some shopping in the village of Lindos prior to returning to the Port. 

Duration: approx. 8 hours

Notes:
•    The Grand Masters Palace is closed on Mondays
•    Steep, uphill walking is involved in Lindos. Guests with walking disabilities are recommended to stay in Lindos town for shopping.                                                         
•    It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.

Rhodes Medieval town & Lindos Tour approx 5 1/2 hours

Depart Rhodes Town and drive along the east coast to Lindos, one of the three ancient cities on the island, and enjoy a visit of the famous Acropolis. Lindos offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the entire village, including its Medieval castle, superb sandy beaches and charming whitewashed, sugar-cubed houses. After a walking tour through the narrow-cobbled streets, colorful courtyards and mosaics, we will return to Rhodes town.
Back in Rhodes town, begin a walking tour of the old city from the Gate D'Amboise. Marvel at the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters (visit not included) and walk on the Street of the Knights, while your guide points out the facades of the many inns once occupied by the crusaders and at the end of the street, the Knight's Hospital, now an impressive Archaeological Museum. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, before meeting your guide for the short ride back to the pier or your hotel.
 

Lindos half day tour 4 1/2 hours

Depart Rhodes Town and drive along the east coast to Lindos, one of the three ancient cities on the island, and enjoy a visit of the famous Acropolis. Lindos offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the entire village, including its Medieval castle, superb sandy beaches and charming whitewashed, sugar-cubed houses. After a walking tour through the narrow-cobbled streets, colorful courtyards and mosaics, we will return to Rhodes town.
Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, before meeting your guide for the short ride back to the pier or your hotel.

Rhodes & Filermos half day tour approx. 4 1/2 hours

After meeting your professionally trained guide,  you will drive to Filerimos, a large plateau which contains the ruins of several buildings including the foundations of a temple, an Early Christian Basilica and a Byzantine monastery. Continue with a drive along the seaside road of the city to the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes where the ruins of a stadium and the Temple of Apolonas, will be seen during a short description and photo opportunity.
Next, visit the Old Town starting at the Gate d’Amboise. Visit the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters and walk the Street of the Knights down to the Knight's hospital. Admire the facades of what used to be the Inns of the Knights, nowadays shops and private residences. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own, before meeting with your guide for the short ride back to the hotel/ ship 
 

Kusadasi: Ancient Ephesus Tour - 7 hours

An English speaking lecturer/guide will meet the guests at the exit of the cruise pier in KUSADASI.

After a short drive to Ephesus, the guests experience their private tour of this fascinating historical site. First, a visit will be made to the remarkable Greco-Roman archeological city of Ancient Ephesus, that flourished as a prominent cultural city and seaport between 600 BC and 500 AD.

The walking tour will begin along the Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, the 4th century white marble chariot thoroughfare whose most striking sight today is the two-story Library of Celsus. Uniquely beautiful, the Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts making it the second largest library in the ancient world after the one in Alexandria, Egypt. The walk along the Royal Road also takes the visitors past the remains of some of the ancient city’s major civic buildings and temples as you move toward the Ephesus Theater from which St. Paul once preached to the Pagan Ephesians. The theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances in summertime.

Then move to see the ongoing excavations of the Greco-Roman places-the “Elite Yamac Homes of Antiquity” (Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes.

From here, the guests will proceed to the small, but distinguished and rightly famous Ephesus Museum with unique examples of the very best Greco-Roman sculpture in the world, and with an exciting new display of Medical instruments from that era.

Finally, drive up the mountainside to visit to the so-called House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely chapel set in the hills behind Ephesus, said by some to be the last home of the Virgin Mary, where St. Paul took her for her safety away from the Pagan Ephesians.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel or to your cruise ship.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: High

Included: Transportation by a cheaffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Kusadasi: Priene Day Tour - 7 hours

The guests will be met by a lecturer/guide at the exit of the pier in KUSADASI and drive south to visit Priene.

This ancient city is not especially large, but has an unusual intimacy and charm, in part because so many historical private houses have survived to this day. All the monuments you will see, date from the Hellenistic period, and all of them are aligned according to a strict grid-plan of the kind developed by Hippodamos, a native of neighboring Miletus. The monuments include the Temple of Zeus, a council chamber, and a small amphi-theatre. Yet Priene’s greatest treasure is its Temple of Athena, which was considered the masterpiece of the architect Pytheos who also designed the Mausoleum at Halicarnassos (Bodrum) known to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

After exploring Priene, the guests will cross the broad flood-plain of the river Maeander to continue to Miletus. This was once a major port but silt carried down by the River Meander blocked its harbor centuries ago. The ancient harbor is now several miles from the sea. The town is laid out according to a grid-plan designed by Hippodamos, which centers on three spacious agoras (marketplaces) today. The most striking features of the site today are the Baths of Faustina and the massive Roman Theatre.

A paved Sacred Way leads from Miletus to Dydima, not a classic town but rather a sacred precinct centering on a colossal Temple of Apollo surrounded by a double colonnade of no less than 108 huge columns. Work on the temple continued for 500 years, but its design was so ambitious that, when work was abandoned in the 4th C. AD, it was still unfinished. Even unfinished and in ruins, the temple at Dydima remains to be one of the most awe-inspiring antique monuments to be found anywhere around the Eastern Mediterranean.

At the end of the tour, the guests will be escorted back to their hotel or to the pier in KUSADASI.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chaeffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Kusadasi: The Greco-Roman City of Ephesus & the Wine-making Village of Sirince - 7 hours

At 8:30 am, an English speaking private lecturer/guide will meet and greet you outside the Bonded Area of the Kusadasi cruise pier. You will then be escorted to your chauffeur driven private deluxe air-conditioned vehicle, for a comfortable ride of about half an hour to the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus. Dating back to the 11th century B.C., it has been painstakingly excavated and restored and is one of the world’s most fascinating sites of antiquity. Ephesus flourished as a prominent city and seaport between 600 B.C. and 500 A.D. We will begin our private walking tour along Royal Road also known as the Arcadian Way, a 4th century white marble chariot thoroughfare whose most striking sight is the two-story Library of Celsus.

Uniquely beautiful, with its restored facade now the famed symbol of Ephesus, the Library once housed 12,000 scrolls of papyrus manuscripts making it the 2nd largest in the ancient world after the library in Alexandria, Egypt. Your walk along the Royal Road will also take you past the remains of some of the ancient city’s major civic buildings and temples as you move toward the Ephesus Theater from which St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians. The theater, seating 25,000 has exceptional acoustics and is still in use today for concerts and theatrical performances.

You will also visit the ongoing excavations of the Greco Roman PALACES the ''ELITE YAMAC HOMES OF ANTIQUITY'' (Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes being restored by archeologists as you visit the site.

Next visit will be to the old Greco-Turkish Village of SIRINCE, located approximately 18 miles away from the Kusadasi pier. The town itself houses about hundreds of old local Greek homes which have been superbly renovated and opened to the public.. The town also houses an authentic local market where different agricultural products are sold.

Following lunch (at your own cost) at the celebrated local Bizim Ev (meaning “Our House”) Restaurant in Sirince, you will stop by the famous wine cellar of this village, to be welcomed by the owner, and will taste his white or red wines, produced in the same style as in the old days from grapes at the vast vineyards of the Aegean Region.

You will then be returned to Kusadasi where you may explore or shop at the charming local marketplace, while your guide will escort and assist you until you wish to return to the pier to board your ship by 4 pm.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chauffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Ephesus Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Ancient Ephesus
• Library of Celsus
• Excavations of Terrace Houses
• House of the Virgin Mary

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Ephesus & Sirince Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Ancient Ephesus
• Sirince
• Home-style lunch in a local village
• Visit to a wine house

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Ephesus Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Ancient Ephesus
• Library of Celsus
• The Library
• Ephesus Theatre

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Ephesus 3D Experience Full Day Tour – 6 hours

Ephesus 3D tour is an extraordinary experience offering an innovative way to visit Ancient Ephesus. Our 3D virtual tour brings you inside the site with accurate replicas of Ephesus, the Celcus Library, Great Theatre and more! By using this technology, you will see reconstructed major sites of the Ancient city. During this experience, your guide will further explain 7 sites; Odeon Theatre, Curetes, Trajan Fountain, Hadrian Gate, Library of Celcus, Commercial Agora  and Arcadia way with a visual show of the Ancient Romans featuring live actors! Based on cutting edge technology and the master work of artists - our virtual tour is incredibly accurate.
 
Our team of artists, technicians and writers create each 3D tour with a great emphasis on colors, shapes, symmetry, sizes, compositions and proportions. Every element of the Ephesus 3D virtual tour is designed to convey the true atmosphere of the site.
 
Tour Duration: 6 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Net Price: Per Person € 130.00 based on 2 guests

Inclusions:

• English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and applicable taxes
• Transfers to/from Kusadasi Port
• Lunch at a typical Village Restaurant, included unlimited soft drinks and wine
   
  Not Included:
• Gratuities to driver and guide
• Personal expenses

Ephesus: Jewel of Roman Archeology - 6 Hours

Highlights:

• Temple of Artemis
• Ephesus including Marble Road, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses, Library of Celsus and Great Theater of Ephesus
• House of Virgin Mary

• Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle
• Service of an English-speaking professional private tour guide throughout the program
• All entrance and parking fees for the sightseeing
• Complimentary beverages on vehicle throughout the journey
• All taxes and service charges

• Meals and beverages
• Honorary gratuities for guide and driver
• Personal expenses

Kusadasi Port - The Glories of Ephesus (Full Day Tour)

Kusadasi Port - A Taste of Ephesus- (Half day tour)

Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Virgin Mary House - (Half Day Tour)

PORT: KUSADASI

EPHESUS & VIRGIN MARY HOUSE

Half-Day Tour

Arrive in Kusadasi, you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for your half- day tour in Ephesus.

First, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The building was rediscovered in the late 19th century by Lazartis from Smyrna based on the vision of a German nun. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.

Then, you will drive to Ephesus, enter and view the Odeon Theatre, where state affairs and concerts were held. Walk down the marble walkway and visit the Hadrian Temple. It was dedicated in 118 AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but greatly reconstructed in the 4th century. This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.

Next, you will proceed to the Celsus Library, The library is the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building’s front staircase says that the library was build by Julius, in his father’s honour, after his death. His father, Celsus was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD. His tomb is in the library as well.

Next, visit the Great Theatre, dating back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was successfully reconstructed and expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25,000. This is also the place where it is believed that St.Paul preached. It is still used for performances today.

At the end of your day, you will return to Kusadasi and have some time for shopping in town before you embark your ship.

Includes:

• 1 half-day of private sightseeing in Ephesus
• Licensed professional guide in English Language
• Air- conditioned luxury vehicle with a professional driver
• Entrance fees to museums and sites according to the above itinerary
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour
• Welcome package
• VAT tax

Not Included:

• Gratuities to guide and driver
• Personal expenses of the guests
• Meals that are not indicated on the itinerary

Kusadasi Port - Three Ancient Cities; Didyma, Miletus & Priene (Full Day Tour)

• 1 full day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver in Three Ancient Cities.
• Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program.
• Officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
• Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour.
• Welcome Package
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  • At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests
• Suggested lunch

Kusadasi Port - Biblical Tour of Ephesus ( Full Day tour)

• 1 full day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver in Ephesus
• Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program.
• Officially license, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
• Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour. 
• Welcome Package
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  • At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests
• Recommended lunch

Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Didyma & Miletus (Full Day Tour)

Arrive in Kusadasi, you will meet your professional guide, holding a name sign outside of the terminal building at the port for private full day sightseeing. 

First, visit Ephesus, famous throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis.  You will first visit Odeon Theatre where the state affairs used to be held. Then, view The Temple of Hadrian is one of the main attractions at Ephesus, with a beautiful arch on the front facade and interesting reliefs of Medusa. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.
 
Next, you will visit the newly excavated spectacular The Terrace Houses on the Curetes street belonged to the rich people of Ephesus. Many of them were three-storied and had peristyles surrounded by rooms without windows but included frescoes and mosaics of mythological scenes. Some of the frescoes were scenes from the comedies of Menander and the tragedies of Euripides. They were luxuriously furnished private houses with fountains and central heating. Between the street and houses was a portico with a mosaic floor, behind which were shops.

The Great Theatre, dates back to the Hellenistic period. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus which has the capacity of 25,000 seats. The theatre was used for concerts, plays and religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights. Marble Road, runs between the Library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred  walk way.  
 
Then, you will drive approximately 1½ hours to visit the ancient cities of Miletus and Didyma.
 
Lunch suggested at a local restaurant.
 
Next, visit Miletus an ancient city located near the present Akkoy at the mouth of the Buyuk Menderes (Meander) River, owed its importance to its position on trade routes. It was one of the largest cities in Anatolia with a population of between 80,000 and 100,000. Highly prosperous, it founded many colonies and was the home of the 6C BC philosophers Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Thales, the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. Miletus seems to have produced geniuses the way Aphrodisias produced sculptors.
 
Last, you will visit Didyma. The word Didyma meant "twins" and was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis. Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo which served a similar purpose as the Delphi of Anatolia. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus by Milesians with a 19 km/12 m sacred road. However, this road may not have been constructed until the end of the 1C AD. In addition to pilgrimages made by sea, some festivals of drama, music and sports were held there every four years.

OUR NET PACKAGE RATE INCLUDES 

• 1 full day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver in Ephesus, Didyma and Miletus.
• Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program
• Licensed professional  guide in English language.
• Officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
• Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour. 
• Welcome Package
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests
• Suggested lunch

Istanbul: Jewish Heritage Tour - 7 hours

An English speaking officially licenced lecturer/guide will meet the guests at the exit of the Istanbul cruise pier at 09:00 am, with a sign reading their names, for a private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

First visit of the day is to the Galata Tower which was built in 1303 by immigrants from Genoa, Italy. While sipping your Turkish coffee there, you will be amazed at the spectacular view of the Golden Horn and the old buildings located on its shores depicting how Istanbul looked hundreds years ago.
The private tour will continue with a visit to the Neve Shalom and the oldest Synagogue in Istanbul- the Ahrida Synagogue, built around 1470 by Jewish immigrants from Macedonia.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant close to the sites.

The guests will be then taken to the Jewish Museum of Turkey. There is evidence that this building as a former synagogue existed in 1671. However the actual building was re-erected over its original foundations presumably in the early 19th Century. Zulfaris Synagogue has opened its doors as the Jewish museum in 2001. Continue to visit the Balat section, where the Star of David appears.

At the end of the day,a private lecturer/guide will take the guests back to the cruise pier.

Closed weekly days for sites/museums:
• Synagogues are closed on Saturdays and Sunday
* Neve Shalon Synagogue is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• Zulfaris Synagogue (Jewish Museum) is closed on Saturdays.

* Please forward us a copy of your guests’ passport page with the photo, as required by the Chief Rabbi of Istanbul, to obtain His official approval for the synagogue visits in Turkey.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a cheaffeur driven a/c private vehicle, a licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: Edirne Highlights - 11 hours

An English speaking private lecturer/guide will meet you at Istanbul cruise pier at 8 am and you will be driven to Edirne (approx. 3 hours), known formerly as Adrianople and was the second capital of the Ottoman Empire. Edirne is situated in Thrace, in westernmost Turkey on the border of Greece and is known for the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 16th century by the famous architect Sinan. The mosque's main structure comprises 18 small domes dominated by a huge central dome on 8 columns with 3 balconied minarets on 4 sides.

The tour will include visits to Selimiye & Complex (Vakiflar), Turkish - Islamic Works Museum The works are exhibited in the room numbered 14 in Dar - ül Tedris Madrasa in the courtyard of Selimiye Mosque with the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museums, In the hand works part, there is a village kitchen, Carpet, Kilim and Rush Mat weaving looms are located and other incredible mosques such as the Yildirim Mosque, Uc Serefeli Mosque and the Beyazit II Mosque.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant close to the sights, at your own cost.

There are also impressive caravanserais such as the Rustem Pasha and the lively restored Arasta and Bedesten bazaars. You may also see some beautiful Ottoman bridges in Edirne and around the area, such as Uzunkopru, which was also built by the architect Sinan. In the evening You will be transferred back to your cruise ship around 7 pm.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a cheaffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: Highlights - 7 hours

Istanbul: Private Art Collections - 7 hours

An English speaking private lecturer/guide will meet you at at the Istanbul cruise pier at 9 am for departure by chauffeur driven a/c deluxe minivan, to start your private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

Today’s private tour will start with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Museum of Art, situated at the shores of the Bosphorus. Istanbul Modern Museum of Art exhibits Turkey’s art heritage, and creates a platform for Turkish peoples’ creativity, dynamism, cultural identity and universal values.

A drive along the scenic Bosphorus Avenue will take you to the Family Villa of the Sabanci’s, the Internationally successful Turkish industrialist, now housing Mr. Sabanci’s lifetime collection of rare art pieces and celebrated paintings by Int’l and local masters, displayed in his former Family Home, recently donated to his Foundation as a Private Museum.

Lunch will be served at a local seafood restaurant by the shores of the Bosphorus (at your own discretion and cost).

After lunch, you will visit Private Museum of Lady Sadberk, donated to the nation by art-loving wife of Vehbi Koc, another leading industrialist. The beautiful, late-Ottoman wooden mansion contains a fabulous collection of Turkish arts and crafts, including jewelry, silverware, and Iznik ceramics of the classic period.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel/cruise pier by 4 pm.

Closed weekly days for sites/museums:

• Istanbul Modern Museum is closed on Mondays.

• Sabanci: Museum is closed on Mondays.

• Lady Sadberk Han Museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chaeffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: Private Yacht Cruise along the Bosphorus - 7 hours

An English speaking officially licensed lecturer/guide will meet the guests at the Istanbul cruise pier at 09:00 am for a private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

Today’s tour will start with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace- the largest and the finest example of Ottoman Baroque Architecture, a monument to the Ottomans’ westernization process in the 19th century. The Ottoman response to the overwhelming changes in the post-renaissance world was rapid westernization, initiated in the imperial lifestyle at first that gave way to the creation of a series of baroque-style European-fashion palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus.

You will then board a private boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus against the majestic skyline of Istanbul. Your private boat will cruise along the romantic Bosphorus visiting both the Europe Side and the Asia Side of Istanbul by the shores of local fishing villages, en route when it is possible to take memorable photos of the fascinating environments including the 15th century Rumelihisar? Fortress, the Summer Palaces of Lady Ottoman Sultans, and the historical Wooden Houses (Yalis) of famous Turkish families. The cruise ends on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Lunch will be served at a local seafood restaurants in Kanlica Village by the Bosphorus.

After lunch, you will proceed to the top of the Grand Camlica Hill, where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the European side of Istanbul.

Your private tour will continue with a visit to the Beylerbeyi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans in late 19th and early 20th century.

After this visit, a scenic drive on the Asian shores of the Bosphorus will take you to the Kanlica Village where you will have a taste of the famous “local yogurt” and “apple tea” in a local café by the Bosphorus.

At the end of the day, the lecturer/guide will take the guests back to the hotel/cruise ship by 4 pm.

Closed weekly days for sites/museums:

• Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

• Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chauffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: The 16th Century Masterpieces of Sinan the Architect - 7 hours

Your English speaking private guide will meet you at the Istanbul cruise pier at 9 am for a private full day sightseeing tour of Sinan the architect’s Istanbul buildings.

The private tour will start with a visit to Rustem Pasha Mosque. It was designed by famous “Sinan the Architect” for Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha. Rustem Pasha Mosque is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the facade of the porch but also the walls and columns.

Continue to Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, which is the most important of all the imperial mosques in Istanbul. Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife are both buried here and the mosque is considered the most beautiful of the city’s Imperial mosques. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, and is erected on the crest of a hill. The mosque is conspicuous by its great size, and has four minarets – one in each corner of the courtyard. The interior is also spectacular; the mihrab (prayer niche facing Mecca) and the mimber (pulpit) are finely carved in white marble, and there are magnificent stained glass windows.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant close to the sights (at your own discretion and cost).

In the afternoon, you will visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood near the Byzantine city walls. Located on the peak of the Sixth Hill near the highest point of the city, the mosque is a prominent landmark in Istanbul. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was designed by "Sinan the Architect" for the favorite daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, Princess Mihrimah.

Last visit of the day will be to the Sehzade Mosque which was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman in memory of his eldest son by Hürrem, Prince Mehmet, who died the age of 21. It was the first major commission by the Imperial Architect Sinan and was completed in 1548. It is considered by architectural historians as Sinan's first masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel/cruise ship by 4 pm.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chauffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul Full Day Sightseeing plus Private Bosphorus Cruise - 8 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Cruise on Bosphorus
• Rüstem Pasha Mosque
• Spice Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• 2 Hour Bosphorus Cruise with Private Yacht
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Istanbul Half Day Sightseeing plus Private Bosphorus Cruise - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

Your English-speaking, private guide will meet you at the cruise pier for your half day sightseeing tour of Istanbul.
 
First, you will proceed to explore the 19th Century Dolmabahce Palace to experience its eclectic style of architecture with Baroque and Rococo touch. Compared to Topkap? Palace, Dolmabahçe is more westernized in its architectural style. You will enjoy its elaborate interior decoration.
 
You will next board a private motor yacht for a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, which has been a geopolitically important strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. You will pass by some magnificent palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
 
At the end of the tour, your private guide will transfer you back to your hotel or cruise pier.
 
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• 2 Hour Bosphorus Cruise with Private Yacht
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Jewish Heritage Half Day Tour (Istanbul) - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Galata Quarter
• Ahrida Synagogue
• Jewish Museum
• Grand Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Old City of Istanbul Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Roman Hippodrome and Egyptian Obelisk
• Blue Mosque
• Haghia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Basilica Cistern
• Grand Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Old City of Istanbul Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Roman Hippodrome
• Egyptian Obelisk
• Blue Mosque
• Haghia Sophia –OR– Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Istanbul - At Your Leisure Tour - 8 Hours (Provided by Travelive)

At Your Leisure Option: Please see below for details on this option.

You decide where to go and what to see.

Included:

• Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking guide and driver for 8 hours
• Bottled water in the vehicle
• Gratuities to guide and driver**

Excluded:

• Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
• Entrance fees
• Items of personal nature

Highlights of Istanbul - 8 Hours

Highlights:

• Egyptian Obelisk and Hippodrome Square
• Blue Mosque
• Topkapi Palace including Harem and Treasury
• Temple of St. Sophia
• Grand Bazaar & Nuru Osmaniye District

• Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle
• Service of an English-speaking professional private tour guide throughout the program
• All entrance and parking fees for the sightseeing
• Complimentary beverages on vehicle throughout the journey
• All taxes and service charges

• Meals and beverages
• Honorary gratuities for guide and driver
• Personal expenses

Istanbul Port - Treasures of Istanbul (Full Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Byzantine Highlights- (Half Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Cultural Istanbul-(Full Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Ottoman Collection - (Half-Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Private Bosphorus Cruise (Half Day)

• 1 half day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Services of an officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
• Bosphorus cruise on a private yacht for 1½ hours.
• Bottled water provided through the tour. 
• Welcome Package.
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests

Istanbul Port - Private Cooking Class in a Local Home with Market Visit

• Private Cooking Class experience.
• A deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
• Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program.
• Services of an officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour. 
• Welcome Package.
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests

Istanbul Port - Private Culinary Walking Tour ( Half Day Tour)

• 1 half day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Licensed professional guide in English language.

• Services of Sea Song Tour’s English speaking, officially licensed guide throughout the tour program.

• Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
• Bottled water provided through the tour. 
• Welcome Package.
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests

Istanbul: Jewish Heritage Tour - 7 hours

An English speaking officially licenced lecturer/guide will meet the guests at the exit of the Istanbul cruise pier at 09:00 am, with a sign reading their names, for a private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

First visit of the day is to the Galata Tower which was built in 1303 by immigrants from Genoa, Italy. While sipping your Turkish coffee there, you will be amazed at the spectacular view of the Golden Horn and the old buildings located on its shores depicting how Istanbul looked hundreds years ago.
The private tour will continue with a visit to the Neve Shalom and the oldest Synagogue in Istanbul- the Ahrida Synagogue, built around 1470 by Jewish immigrants from Macedonia.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant close to the sites.

The guests will be then taken to the Jewish Museum of Turkey. There is evidence that this building as a former synagogue existed in 1671. However the actual building was re-erected over its original foundations presumably in the early 19th Century. Zulfaris Synagogue has opened its doors as the Jewish museum in 2001. Continue to visit the Balat section, where the Star of David appears.

At the end of the day,a private lecturer/guide will take the guests back to the cruise pier.

Closed weekly days for sites/museums:
• Synagogues are closed on Saturdays and Sunday
* Neve Shalon Synagogue is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• Zulfaris Synagogue (Jewish Museum) is closed on Saturdays.

* Please forward us a copy of your guests’ passport page with the photo, as required by the Chief Rabbi of Istanbul, to obtain His official approval for the synagogue visits in Turkey.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a cheaffeur driven a/c private vehicle, a licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: Edirne Highlights - 11 hours

An English speaking private lecturer/guide will meet you at Istanbul cruise pier at 8 am and you will be driven to Edirne (approx. 3 hours), known formerly as Adrianople and was the second capital of the Ottoman Empire. Edirne is situated in Thrace, in westernmost Turkey on the border of Greece and is known for the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 16th century by the famous architect Sinan. The mosque's main structure comprises 18 small domes dominated by a huge central dome on 8 columns with 3 balconied minarets on 4 sides.

The tour will include visits to Selimiye & Complex (Vakiflar), Turkish - Islamic Works Museum The works are exhibited in the room numbered 14 in Dar - ül Tedris Madrasa in the courtyard of Selimiye Mosque with the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museums, In the hand works part, there is a village kitchen, Carpet, Kilim and Rush Mat weaving looms are located and other incredible mosques such as the Yildirim Mosque, Uc Serefeli Mosque and the Beyazit II Mosque.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant close to the sights, at your own cost.

There are also impressive caravanserais such as the Rustem Pasha and the lively restored Arasta and Bedesten bazaars. You may also see some beautiful Ottoman bridges in Edirne and around the area, such as Uzunkopru, which was also built by the architect Sinan. In the evening You will be transferred back to your cruise ship around 7 pm.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a cheaffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: Highlights - 7 hours

Istanbul: Private Art Collections - 7 hours

An English speaking private lecturer/guide will meet you at at the Istanbul cruise pier at 9 am for departure by chauffeur driven a/c deluxe minivan, to start your private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

Today’s private tour will start with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Museum of Art, situated at the shores of the Bosphorus. Istanbul Modern Museum of Art exhibits Turkey’s art heritage, and creates a platform for Turkish peoples’ creativity, dynamism, cultural identity and universal values.

A drive along the scenic Bosphorus Avenue will take you to the Family Villa of the Sabanci’s, the Internationally successful Turkish industrialist, now housing Mr. Sabanci’s lifetime collection of rare art pieces and celebrated paintings by Int’l and local masters, displayed in his former Family Home, recently donated to his Foundation as a Private Museum.

Lunch will be served at a local seafood restaurant by the shores of the Bosphorus (at your own discretion and cost).

After lunch, you will visit Private Museum of Lady Sadberk, donated to the nation by art-loving wife of Vehbi Koc, another leading industrialist. The beautiful, late-Ottoman wooden mansion contains a fabulous collection of Turkish arts and crafts, including jewelry, silverware, and Iznik ceramics of the classic period.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel/cruise pier by 4 pm.

Closed weekly days for sites/museums:

• Istanbul Modern Museum is closed on Mondays.

• Sabanci: Museum is closed on Mondays.

• Lady Sadberk Han Museum is closed on Wednesdays.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chaeffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: Private Yacht Cruise along the Bosphorus - 7 hours

An English speaking officially licensed lecturer/guide will meet the guests at the Istanbul cruise pier at 09:00 am for a private sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

Today’s tour will start with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace- the largest and the finest example of Ottoman Baroque Architecture, a monument to the Ottomans’ westernization process in the 19th century. The Ottoman response to the overwhelming changes in the post-renaissance world was rapid westernization, initiated in the imperial lifestyle at first that gave way to the creation of a series of baroque-style European-fashion palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus.

You will then board a private boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus against the majestic skyline of Istanbul. Your private boat will cruise along the romantic Bosphorus visiting both the Europe Side and the Asia Side of Istanbul by the shores of local fishing villages, en route when it is possible to take memorable photos of the fascinating environments including the 15th century Rumelihisar? Fortress, the Summer Palaces of Lady Ottoman Sultans, and the historical Wooden Houses (Yalis) of famous Turkish families. The cruise ends on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Lunch will be served at a local seafood restaurants in Kanlica Village by the Bosphorus.

After lunch, you will proceed to the top of the Grand Camlica Hill, where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the European side of Istanbul.

Your private tour will continue with a visit to the Beylerbeyi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans in late 19th and early 20th century.

After this visit, a scenic drive on the Asian shores of the Bosphorus will take you to the Kanlica Village where you will have a taste of the famous “local yogurt” and “apple tea” in a local café by the Bosphorus.

At the end of the day, the lecturer/guide will take the guests back to the hotel/cruise ship by 4 pm.

Closed weekly days for sites/museums:

• Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

• Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chauffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul: The 16th Century Masterpieces of Sinan the Architect - 7 hours

Your English speaking private guide will meet you at the Istanbul cruise pier at 9 am for a private full day sightseeing tour of Sinan the architect’s Istanbul buildings.

The private tour will start with a visit to Rustem Pasha Mosque. It was designed by famous “Sinan the Architect” for Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha. Rustem Pasha Mosque is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the facade of the porch but also the walls and columns.

Continue to Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, which is the most important of all the imperial mosques in Istanbul. Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife are both buried here and the mosque is considered the most beautiful of the city’s Imperial mosques. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, and is erected on the crest of a hill. The mosque is conspicuous by its great size, and has four minarets – one in each corner of the courtyard. The interior is also spectacular; the mihrab (prayer niche facing Mecca) and the mimber (pulpit) are finely carved in white marble, and there are magnificent stained glass windows.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant close to the sights (at your own discretion and cost).

In the afternoon, you will visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood near the Byzantine city walls. Located on the peak of the Sixth Hill near the highest point of the city, the mosque is a prominent landmark in Istanbul. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was designed by "Sinan the Architect" for the favorite daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, Princess Mihrimah.

Last visit of the day will be to the Sehzade Mosque which was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman in memory of his eldest son by Hürrem, Prince Mehmet, who died the age of 21. It was the first major commission by the Imperial Architect Sinan and was completed in 1548. It is considered by architectural historians as Sinan's first masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel/cruise ship by 4 pm.

Added Value:

Tour can operate: Starting mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Partial

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Transportation by a chauffeur driven a/c private vehicle, an officially licensed bilingual private lecturer/guide, entrance fees to the sites/museums

Not Included: Gratuities to the guide and driver, meals and personal expenses

Istanbul Full Day Sightseeing plus Private Bosphorus Cruise - 8 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Cruise on Bosphorus
• Rüstem Pasha Mosque
• Spice Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• 2 Hour Bosphorus Cruise with Private Yacht
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Istanbul Half Day Sightseeing plus Private Bosphorus Cruise - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

Your English-speaking, private guide will meet you at the cruise pier for your half day sightseeing tour of Istanbul.
 
First, you will proceed to explore the 19th Century Dolmabahce Palace to experience its eclectic style of architecture with Baroque and Rococo touch. Compared to Topkap? Palace, Dolmabahçe is more westernized in its architectural style. You will enjoy its elaborate interior decoration.
 
You will next board a private motor yacht for a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, which has been a geopolitically important strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. You will pass by some magnificent palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
 
At the end of the tour, your private guide will transfer you back to your hotel or cruise pier.
 
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• 2 Hour Bosphorus Cruise with Private Yacht
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Jewish Heritage Half Day Tour (Istanbul) - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Galata Quarter
• Ahrida Synagogue
• Jewish Museum
• Grand Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Old City of Istanbul Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Roman Hippodrome and Egyptian Obelisk
• Blue Mosque
• Haghia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace
• Basilica Cistern
• Grand Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Old City of Istanbul Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Highlights/Description:

• Roman Hippodrome
• Egyptian Obelisk
• Blue Mosque
• Haghia Sophia –OR– Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazaar

• Officially licensed, private guide
• Transfers to/from port in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
• Parking fees and entrance fees of the sites/museums stated in the tour program
• Bottled water
• Welcome package
• Applicable taxes

• Meals, unless otherwise noted
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Istanbul - At Your Leisure Tour - 8 Hours (Provided by Travelive)

At Your Leisure Option: Please see below for details on this option.

You decide where to go and what to see.

Included:

• Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking guide and driver for 8 hours
• Bottled water in the vehicle
• Gratuities to guide and driver**

Excluded:

• Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
• Entrance fees
• Items of personal nature

Highlights of Istanbul - 8 Hours

Highlights:

• Egyptian Obelisk and Hippodrome Square
• Blue Mosque
• Topkapi Palace including Harem and Treasury
• Temple of St. Sophia
• Grand Bazaar & Nuru Osmaniye District

• Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe vehicle
• Service of an English-speaking professional private tour guide throughout the program
• All entrance and parking fees for the sightseeing
• Complimentary beverages on vehicle throughout the journey
• All taxes and service charges

• Meals and beverages
• Honorary gratuities for guide and driver
• Personal expenses

Istanbul Port - Treasures of Istanbul (Full Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Byzantine Highlights- (Half Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Cultural Istanbul-(Full Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Ottoman Collection - (Half-Day Tour)

Istanbul Port - Private Bosphorus Cruise (Half Day)

• 1 half day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Services of an officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program.
• Bosphorus cruise on a private yacht for 1½ hours.
• Bottled water provided through the tour. 
• Welcome Package.
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests

Istanbul Port - Private Cooking Class in a Local Home with Market Visit

• Private Cooking Class experience.
• A deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
• Private chauffeur driven a/c deluxe vehicle throughout the program.
• Services of an officially licensed, English speaking guide throughout the tour program
• Bottled water provided throughout the tour. 
• Welcome Package.
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests

Istanbul Port - Private Culinary Walking Tour ( Half Day Tour)

• 1 half day of sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Licensed professional guide in English language.

• Services of Sea Song Tour’s English speaking, officially licensed guide throughout the tour program.

• Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary.
• Bottled water provided through the tour. 
• Welcome Package.
• VAT taxes.

• Gratuities to the Guide & Driver
  •  At the discretion of the guests
• Personal expenses of the guests