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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 Superior 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 Obelisk, with the Fountain of
Wilhelm. We will also |
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Grand
Covered Bazaar |
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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 |
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9.00-9:30 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 Roman
Baths, and fantastic Greco-Roman theater
where St. Paul preached. We then
see the remains of
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the Temple of
Artemis, which was one |
Ephesus |
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of the Seven
Wonders of the World. Overnight in
Kusadasi.
B.L. (D) |
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DAY 5
PERGAMON - CANAKKALE
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8.00 – 8.30 Departure. We will visit the
Pergamon Acropolis, where the ruins of
Zeus Altar can still be seen today. 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 temple of Trajan. Visit the
Aesclepion, 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
(depending upon day of travel the Aesclepion may
not be included). Transfer to the bus station
and receive your ticket to Canakkale. Upon
arrival in Canakkale transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Canakkale.
B.L. (D) |
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DAY 6
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 7
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport (optional) for departure.
B.
TOUR PRICE: (IN EUROS)
PER
PERSON IN DOUBLE /
TRIPLE ROOM |
SINGLE
SUPP. |
EXTRA
NIGHT IN ISTANBUL |
EXTRA
NIGHT
SNG SUPP. |
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BUDGET |
560 |
70 |
30 |
15 |
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MODERATE |
620 |
125 |
40 |
30 |
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FIRST
CLASS |
710** |
200 |
50 |
35 |
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SUPERIOR |
825** |
300 |
60 |
45 |
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KUSADASI
