Discover Turkey Package - Istanbul & Izmir

Discover Turkey Package - Istanbul & Izmir Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

We've bundled two of our most popular private tours to give you a special price.

We've bundled two of our most popular private tours to give you a special price.

Izmir - THE BASILICA OF ST. JOHN AND THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY

The House of the Virgin Mary is a Christian shrine in the vicinity of Ephesus. After the crucifixion of Jesus, apostles were subject to torture, and St. John came to stay at Ephesus and preach the word of God. Some believe that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John following the crucifixion of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that she lived there until her assumption into Heaven; other denominations of Christians recognize this spot as her burial place.

Afterwards, visit the Basilica of St. John, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor, built in 6th century to house St. John's tomb chamber. It is believed that St. John spent his last years in the region around Ephesus, and 300 years after his death a small chapel was constructed over his grave. During the reign of Emperor Justinian, the small chapel was changed into a marvelous basilica. 4 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, you'll 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 Turkey's 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

- Please Note: This is a package that involves private touring for you and your party. We do not combine passengers. The same number of people must do both tours. For example: You may not book 4 people on one tour and 5 people on another tour. All 5 people would need to take both tours.
- Izmir - All entrance fees are included in the price of this tour. The cost of lunch, beverages, and any other extras are not included.
- Istanbul - All entrance fees are included in the price of this tour. Please note that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, and Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. The cost of lunch, beverages, and any other extras are not included.
- ShoreTrips reserves bypass the line tickets wherever possible, which is not available at the Blue Mosque. On very crowded days, we will discuss the Blue Mosque from the outside and visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent (1557), which is Istanbul's largest and grandest of Istanbul’s mosques.
- Additional Special Instructions will appear on your voucher.

- Izmir - no restrictions.
- Istanbul - Visitors to the Blue Mosque are expected to dress modestly. Shoes must be removed before entering and women must cover their heads.
- Istanbul: On September 24, 2015, The Spice Market and Grand Bazaar will be closed.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• We'll assign the correct times and dates per your ship's itinerary.