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This is a tailored tour that focuses on the
highlights and Biblical sites of Istanbul
and Aegean Turkey This tour is a combination
of daily group tour arrangements including
entry fees and most meals. You may stay in
the hotel category of your choice. Features
Insight small group tours min 2 pax- max 10
pax in Istanbul but elsewhere tour size may
vary. 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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8:30-8:45
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,
robes worn by the sultans and relics of the
prophet Mohammed. |
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Blue
Mosque |
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(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
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.
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DAY 4
EPHESUS - HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY |
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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 where
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Ephesus |
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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) |
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DAY 5
PAMUKKALE |
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8.45 Departure. We will drive through the Meander Valley and arrive in Pamukkale, which has been a thermal spa center since before the Roman era. We visit the ancient city of
Hierapolis, which is said to have been founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon. We visit the great Roman baths, the Temple of Apollo, the well-preserved theater and the fascinating Necropolis. St. Phillip is associated with Hierapolis. We will also visit the
calcium terraces and pools for which Pamukkale is named "Cotton Castle". You may have a chance to bathe in a thermal pool strewn with marble columns. (extra). Return to
and overnight in Kusadasi.
B.L. (D) |
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Pamukkale |
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DAY 6
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.
DAY 7
CANAKKALE
- TROY - GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL
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 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 8
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport (optional) for departure.
B.
TOUR PRICE: (IN EUROS)
ISTANBUL AND AEGEAN TOUR WITH GALLIPOLI AND
TROY (CODE: CA08)
PER PERSON IN DOUBLE /
TRIPLE ROOM |
SINGLE
SUPP |
EXTRA
NIGHT IN ISTANBUL |
EXTRA
NIGHT
SNG SUPP |
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BUDGET
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545 |
85 |
25 |
15 |
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MODERATE |
590 |
115 |
30 |
20 |
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FIRST CLASS |
670** |
165 |
35 |
20 |
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DELUXE |
765** |
245 |
40 |
25 |
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ISTANBUL
