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This is a tailored tour that focuses on some
of the highlights 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. Budget and Moderate Options include
overnight bus – First Class and Deluxe
Options include Izmir airport transfer but
flight is extra.
DAY 1
ARRIVAL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer (optional)
to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
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DAY 2
ISTANBUL - SULTANAHMET
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8:10 – 8:45 Departure from your hotel. Today
we will visit the Saint Sophia (Haghia
Sofia) which was built by the emperor Justinian
in the 6th century A.D and stands over much
older remains of a church. See beautiful mosaics
of biblical scenes and the Byzantine emperors
and empresses. We continue to the Blue Mosque,
which was built in the 17th century and is the
only imperial mosque with 6 minarets. We
continue to the Hippodrome, a stadium and
meeting place in Byzantine times, the Serpent
Pillar from Delphi and the Egyptian
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Blue Mosque |
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Obelisk, with the Fountain of
Wilhelm. We will also visit the Caferaga
Medresesi which was a school designed by the
famous architect Sinan in 1560 and is now used
for workshops in traditional Ottoman arts. We
will have lunch and continue with the Turkish
and Islamic Arts Museum originally built as
the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha in 1524 with fine
examples of Islamic Calligraphy, tiles and
carpets. Then we will explore the Topkapi
Palace. It was the home of the Ottoman
sultans from the 15th-19th century A.D. We see
the Imperial Treasury with the famous
Spoonmaker Diamond. Also the Baghdad
Kiosk, the Armory with its collection
of Ottoman weapons and a fine collection of
ceramics. (Harem section is optional and due an
extra entry fee). The tour ends in the Grand
Bazaar, which has over 4000 shops full of
treasures Return to your hotel around 17:30.
This tour may be done completely as a walking
tour. *Note that on Sunday the Grand Bazaar is
closed, on Monday the Turkish and Islamic Art
Museum and St Sophia are closed and on Tuesday
the Topkapi Palace is closed. Overnight in
Istanbul.
B.L. |
DAY 3
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.
B. (D)
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DAY 4
EPHESUS - HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY - ISTANBUL |
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9:30 Departure. We will visit the house where The
Virgin Mary allegedly spent her last days. We then tour
Ephesus, which was one of the largest and
most interesting ancient cities of
Asia Minor. The tour of Ephesus
includes the Library of Celsius,
Temple of Hadrian, the Agora,
the marble paved Arcadian Road, the
Brothel,the Roman Baths, and
fantastic Greco-Roman theater
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Library of Celcius |
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where
St. Paul preached. We then
see the remains of the
Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight in Kusadasi.
B.L.(D) |
DAY 5
PERGAMON
- CANAKKALE
8:00 Departure. We will visit the Pergamon
Acropolis, where the ruins of the 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 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 the Temple of Trajan. We will pass the Red Hall (View), which was a temple to Serapis and later a church. 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.
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DAY 6
CANAKKALE
- TROY - GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL |
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7.45 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 |
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Troy |
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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 7
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport (optional) for departure.
B.
TOUR PRICE:
PLEASE INQUIRE
WITH THE TOUR CODE
ISTANBUL AND AEGEAN TOUR WITH GALLIPOLI AND TROY (CODE:
CA07)
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ISTANBUL
