Istanbul
"There God, man, nature and art have created and placed the most magnificent view the human eye can contemplate on earth." Lamartine

Istanbul, which has been the capital of three empires in a time span of 3000 years, is an invaluable treasury of history. Apart from its strategic location which joins two continents - Europe and Asia - its outstanding natural beauty has played a great role in attracting diverse populations, who have, in turn, left their marks on this city in the most significant historical heritage any city can possess. It is a glorious composition of two continents and two worlds - the East and the West.

Allow plenty of time to explore this magical city with its thin minarets soaring into the sky, its gilded domes, mosques, palaces, museums, parks, gardens, villas and mansions on the shores of the Bosphorus, where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara.

A sample of just some of the tours that you may choose to discover this enchanting city. 

EXT103 Full Day Istanbul Tour with lunch
On this tour you will visit the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, the Hippodrome, the marvellous Yerebatan Underground Cistern, the Grand Covered Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque. 

EXT104 Morning Bosphorus Tour
Visit the Spice Bazaar with the mystical aromas of its various spices, then embark on a ferry which cruises through the waterway separating the two immense continents, Asia and Europe. Also see the Rumeli Fortress.  

EXT107 Istanbul By Night with Dinner
Drive or walk through the illuminated streets of Istanbul for dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant whilst watching a spectacular oriental show.

EXT108 Jewish Heritage Tour
Drive through the old Jewish neighbourhood, Galata. Visit the most prestigious synagogues of the city - Neve Shalom and Ashkenazi. Then drive along the Golden Horn and through Balat, Istanbul's first Jewish settlement. Visit the Ahrida Synagogue, the Jewish Hospital, the Jewish Cemetery in Ulus, and the Ortakoy Etz-Chayim Synagogue.

EXT109 Palaces & Pavilions
Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ihlamur Pavilion, Aynalikavak Kasir which was constructed in the 18th century by Ahmet III and built in the traditional Ottoman style. Enjoy a tea or coffee at the Pierre Loti Cafe on a hill in Eyup with its wonderful views over the Golden Horn.

EXT110 Bursa in a Day ex Istanbul
Departure by ferry-boat to Yalova and drive on to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, and a major spa centre. Taste the famous Bursa kebab. Wander through the covered market, visit the Ottoman complex to see the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque which is considered to be one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture, and the Green Mausoleum, the tomb of Sultan Mehmet I. This is Bursa's loveliest building, with its spectacular tile work. 

EXT112 Full day tour of Ephesus ex Istanbul
Transfer to the airport to fly to Izmir. On arrival you will be driven to Sel­uk to visit the House of Virgin Mary where she is supposed to have spent her last years together with St. John; Ephesus Antique City, one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins. After lunch in Sel­uk visit St. John's Basilica or Ephesus Museum. Drive back to Izmir, return flight to Istanbul and transfer to hotel. 

EXT113 2day/1night Gallipoli, Assos & Bursa Tour
Day 1 Drive along the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli, historically famous as the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Visit Anzac Cove where the Allied Forces landed on the 25th of April 1915. Cross the strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, to overnight at Assos, considered the prettiest small harbour in the northern Aegean, with its impressive Hellenistic and Byzantine fortifications and the Temple of Athena on the summit, affording spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek island of Lesbos. Overnight Assos.

Day 2 On to Troy, famous for its legendary Trojan Horse and a also visit the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years. On to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, and a major spa centre (see above tour for details). Drive to Yalova to board a ferry which will take you to Istanbul.