Highlights
Ephesus ,House of Virgin Mary, Topkapi Palace & St. Sophia

Izmir – PRIVATE TOUR TO THE HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY AND EPHESUS. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is the House of Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. Some Christians and Muslims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by St. John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her ascension into heaven. Other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place. Now continue on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best preserved sites of Roman history in the world. Ephesus was once the capital of Asia Minor, and it is here that St. Paul spent two years teaching Christianity. Tour the ancient town, visiting the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, the Marble Road, and the Roman theater that is mentioned in the Acts of Apostles. 6 hours

Istanbul – PRIVATE FULL DAY IN ISTANBUL TOUR Your tour begins by driving through the old city to the Hippodrome, built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD. Constantine the Great enlarged and adorned it with beautiful works which were brought from different places of the Roman Empire when he chose Byzantium as his new capital. Afterwards, youll make your way to the Blue Mosque, regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic architecture. Please keep in mind that if you choose to visit the inside, you will be expected to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Women must cover their heads. Next, browse the amazing Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Originally a summer residence in the pre-Christian Byzantium era, the palace is home to gorgeous jewels, religious artifacts, silk ceremonial robes, and a manuscript collection. Finally, you will stop at the jewel in Turkeys Byzantine crown–the marvelous Hagia Sophia, a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a fascinating museum. Enjoy some time at the Grand Bazaar for shopping. Surely you will find something here–there are more than 4,000 vendors selling everything from spices to furniture to souvenirs! 8 hours

NOTE!
The Terrace Houses section is located inside of Ancient City of Ephesus and hasextra entrance fee – 15 USD per person. So called as the houses of rich, the oldest building dates back into the 1C BC. You will be able to see fine mosaics and frescoes and the famous heating system thru clay pipes. Inside this section are over 100 steps and glass scaffoldings. Not recommended for people with physical disabilities. Minimum require time to visit is 30 minutes.
Recommended to inform us prior the tour date if you want to add its visit!
The Harem section-located inside of Topkapi Palace can be added to this itinerary with additional 20 USD more per person. The Harem was the part of a Moslem house dedicated to the family and closed to the out side world. It was in these special quarters of the Ottoman Palace that the dynasty lived. The Harem, which evolved over many centuries, exhibited all the various styles of Ottoman art, and was one of the most magnificent complexes of the world in its historical and artistic aspects.
Program order: The order in which visits are mentioned might be changed and/or adjusted, according to circumstances.
Santa Sophia closed for the public on Mondays.
Topkapi Palace closed for the public on Tuesdays.
Grand Bazaar closed for the public on Sundays.

INCLUDING

Private Proffesional Lisenced Guide
Transportation in Comfortable A/C Vehicles
Private Professional Driver
Entrance Fees to the Sights Mentioned Above the Itinerary
Parking fees

EXCLUDING

Any Gratuities for Guide & Driver
Any Drinks (Unless Specifically Mentioned)
Any Kind of Other Personal Expenses