ISTANBUL AND AEGEAN TOUR WITH GALLIPOLI AND TROY (CODE: CA09)

ITINERARY: (9 DAYS)

ISTANBUL KUSADASI EPHESUS PAMUKKALE PERGAMON CANAKKALE  TROY GALLIPOLI  ISTANBUL

This is a tailored tour that focuses on many of the highlights and Biblical sites of Istanbul and Aegean Turkey. It is a combination of daily group tour arrangements including entry fees and most meals. You may stay in the hotel category of your choice and may either fly or take an overnight bus from Izmir (Kusadasi) to Istanbul or you can continue to the Greek Islands from Kusadasi, Bodrum or Marmaris. The tour features Insight small group tours (max 10 pax) in Istanbul but elsewhere tour size may vary.

DAY 1
ARRIVAL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer (optional) to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2 ISTANBUL - SULTANAHMET

8:30-8:45 departure. Visit the St. (Haghia) Sophia, which was built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest building in the world for over 1000 years. See its intricate mosaics and huge central dome. Continue to the Topkapi Palace, which was used by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. We will also see the impressive collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver and porcelain, Haghia Sophia

robes worn by the sultans and relics of the prophet Mohammed. (Entrance to the Harem is extra). After lunch we will see the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I, which is a unique piece of architecture with its six minarets and features 20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles. Visit the ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Walk through the back streets of Old Istanbul and visit the elegant little Sokullu Pasa mosque and the hidden underground Theodosian Cistern. See the Grand Covered Bazaar. This tour may be done all or partially as a walking tour. Overnight in Istanbul. B.L.

DAY 3 BOSPHORUS CRUISE WITH DOLMABAHCE

8:30-8:45 departure. The tour starts with a visit to the exotic and aromatic Egyptian Spice Market. You may buy spices, caviar, and almost anything imaginable. Continue over the Galata Bridge and the Golden horn. We will visit the "Selamlik" chambers of the incredible 19th c. Dolmabahce Palace. We continue up the Bosphorus and cross over to Asia to Camlica Hill for a view of Istanbul. Dolmabahce Palace

After lunch visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum, with its well-organized archaeological and ethnographical sections. The Bosphorus cruise begins in the afternoon. We pass by the Rumeli Fortress and you will enjoy crossing from continent to continent traveling down the Bosphorus, which is lined with old Ottoman seaside mansions, marble palaces and small fishing villages. Overnight in Istanbul. B.L.

DAY 4
ISTANBUL - KUSADASI
Today is at leisure until evening and transfer (optional) to bus station and overnight bus to Kusadasi. Or transfer (optional) to airport for flight to Izmir and transfer (included) to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi or Selcuk. B. (D)

DAY 5 EPHESUS - HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY

9.00 - 9:30 Departure. Today we tour Ephesus, which was one of the largest and most interesting ancient cities of Asia Minor. It is considered to be the most fantastic Greco-Roman site in Turkey. You may imagine the Ephesians shouting at the silversmith Demetrius, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians" in reaction to the preaching of St. Paul against man-made idols. A House of Virgin Mary visit to the house where The Virgin Mary spent her last days, and the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight in Kusadasi or Selcuk. B.L. (D)

DAY 6
PAMUKKALE
8.00 - 8.30 Departure. Today we drive through the Meander valley and make a visit to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis with the Temple of Apollo, the breathtaking Theater, the fascinating Necropolis and the last the great baths of Hierapolis antique city, where St. Philip was martyred. St. Philip is connected with the early church in Hierapolis and played an important role in the history of the city. Finally we visit the calcium terraces and pools. You may have a chance to swim in a thermal pool (extra). Return to Kusadasi or Selcuk and overnight. B.L. (D)

DAY 7 PERGAMON - CANAKKALE

8.00 - 8.30 Departure. We will visit the Pergamon Acropolis, where the ruins of Zeus Altar "Throne of Satan" can still be seen today. Pergamon was a center of Roman authority and a place of persecution for Christians who denied imperial worship. The acropolis is situated high above the plain and has a unique panoramic view. The very narrow and steep theater on the hillside could seat up to 10,000 people. Parchment paper was first produced Pergamon

in Pergamon. We will visit the remains of the Great Library, which rivaled the one of Alexandria in Egypt, the palaces of the kings, and Temple of Trajan. Visit the Asclepion, which was known as the first place of medical science. Galen, who originated from Pergamon and became the most famous doctor of his time, treated his patients here. Transfer to the bus station, and upon arrival in Canakkale walk to your hotel and overnight in Canakkale B.L.

DAY 8
CANAKKALE - TROY - GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL
8.45 Depart from Canakkale to visit the legendary site of Troy, with its nine levels of civilization. Troy is the city of Helen and was famous in Homer's Iliad. We will proceed by ferry across the part of the Dardanelles known as "the Narrows"; the ferry pulls in at the small fishing village of Kilitbahir, which is known for its fort built by Mehmet the Conqueror. You will be given a full explanation of the famous WWI battle. We will visit: Kabatepe Museum, which contains relics from the campaign including original diary extracts and letters, Brighton Beach, the intended landing place. Beach Cemetery on the southern tip of Anzac Cove, the landing place of the first wave of Australian and New Zealand troops and home to up to 30,000 troops during the campaign, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, site of the successful attack and capture of Turkish trenches by the Australians during the August offensive, Johnston's Jolly where you will visit the original Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels, The Nek, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, captured by the New Zealanders during the August offensive. Continue to Istanbul, late night arrival around 23.30. Overnight in Istanbul (taxi from bus station may be needed). B.L.  

DAY 9
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport (optional) for departure. B.

TOUR PRICE: (IN EUROS) 

  
   **PRICES NOT VALID FROM 8 – 13 MAY 2008 (FORMULA 1 PERIOD)