Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

A theme hotel, the Antik (4*) features four floors each representing a different period of Istanbul's history. Each floor of the hotel carries a name of the city as it was known at different times throughout the ages. Floors and rooms were designed to reflect the culture and art of their named civilization while providing all modern ammenities expected of a fine hotel.

Overnight at Antik (3*).

Day 2 Istanbul

Enjoy a full day tour of Istanbul with other travellers and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. After lunch (included in the tour price) visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour). The tour ends at your hotel.

Experience the great nightlife of Istanbul. With private transfers to and from your hotel, you'll enjoy dinner at one of the city's famous supper clubs. Your evening also includes a traditional Turkish show -a stunning performance of folk and belly-dancers, with Turkish music and traditional singers. (including 1/2 bottle of wine per person) .

Overnight at Antik (3*).

Day 3 Istanbul

Enjoy a full day tour in a group setting. The guide will pick you up from your hotel. In the morning a visit to the Spice Market, where locals still shop for herbs and spices coming from all over the world. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, used in the 19th century. After lunch, enjoy a cruise by boat on the Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents. (order of visits can change)

Overnight at Antik (3*).

Day 4 Izmir

Izmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. Izmir has almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly that much more of advanced human settlement. Modern Izmir also incorporates the nearby ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis and Klazomenai.

Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant.

Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Izmir. The flight takes one hour.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a full day tour to Ephesus with other travellers . Drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Antique City of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celcus Library. Light lunch in Selcuk. In the afternoon a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last years and Basilica of St. John. Drive back to Izmir, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

This Ontur Hotel (4*) is a brand new property built in 2006 with the the comfort of its guests foremost in mind. It is the ideal spot for business or leisure as it is located in the Cankaya neighbourhood, and is very close to both the shopping and business districts. The Hotel offer 80 rooms which will make you feel the comfort with their furnishings, indoor pool, fitness center and sauna are just a few basis of the Ontur privilege in Izmir.

Overnight at Ontur (4*).

Day 5 Izmir

You will be picked up from your hotel where you will be joined by other travellers, and drive to Pergamum to visit the Asklepium Sanctuary and the Acropolis including the Altar of Zeus, which is said to be "the place where Satan has his throne;" the Trojan Temple; and the world's steepest antique-theater. Drive back to Izmir and you will then be dropped off at your hotel.

Overnight at Ontur (4*).

Day 6 Mykonos

Mykonos is a Greek island renowned for its sandy beaches, cosmopolitan atmosphere and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. Many Greek and a few international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be spotted having dinner at a small street-side table of an expensive restaurant or in a cozy taverna. The island has a legendary nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs, but peace and tranquility can easily be found away from these areas.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a domestic flight from Izmir airport to Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.

Petinos Hotel (4*) is located only 50 metres from the white sand beach of Platys Gialos and 10 minutes on foot from the center of town. The complex and its interiors are built according to the traditional architecture of Cyclades islands. The Hotel was renovated in January 2006, and offers all modern comforts to meet the needs of the most demanding of their guests. All common use areas are air conditioned. The hotel also provides a living room for relaxation, a TV room, a large courtyard garden, bar and restaurant facilities and a swimming pool nearby. There is a mini market just across the street from the hotel.

Overnight at Petinos Hotel (4*).

Day 7 Mykonos

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Petinos Hotel (4*).
    
Day 8 Santorini

Santorini is made up of three close-knit islands, the most southerly of the Cyclades group. The islands have dramatic scenery created by a now inactive volcano situated in the centre of the main island Thira. On the west, white houses perch on cliffs that plunge dramatically to the sea; on the east there are long, beautiful beaches of black volcanic sand.

Avail of a private port transfer with vehicle and driver.

Enjoy a transfer by ferry to Thira. The high speed ferry takes approx 2.5 hrs

Enjoy a private port transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini.

The El Greco Hotel (4*) is located minutes away from the centre of the magnificent Fira town, the capital of the unique and beautiful Santorini. The traditional and colourful architecture found here enhances the spacious surroundings and add to the overall environment of leisure. Guests of El Greco are welcome by hospitable and personable staff that will cater to the need of all guests. El Greco is a well balanced establishment equally suitable for families due to its location and facilities and for couples due to its colourful reflection of charm. The nearest beach is 7km Monolithos, the black sandy beach of Kamari is 12km, and 14km from Perissa - the largest beach of Santorini island.

Overnight at El Greco Hotel (4*).
    
Day 9 Santorini

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at El Greco Hotel (4*).
    
Day 10 Santorini

Take a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver in Santorini.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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