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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 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.
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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.
(Entrance to the Harem is extra). After lunch we will see the
Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I, |
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Blue
Mosque |
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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 (OPTIONAL BOSPHORUS TOUR)
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 Brothel, the Roman Baths, and fantastic Greco-Roman theater
where St. Paul preached. We then see |
Library of
Celcius |
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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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8.00 - 8.30 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
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Pamukkale |
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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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DAY 6
PERGAMON - CANAKKALE |
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8:00 - 8.30 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
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Pergamon |
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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 7
CANAKKALE - TROY - GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL |
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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
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Gallipoli |
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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 GALLIPOLI TROY EPHESUS AND PERGAMON
TOUR (CODE: CA08)
PER PERSON IN DOUBLE /
TRIPLE ROOM |
SINGLE SUPP. |
EXTRA NIGHT IN ISTANBUL |
EXTRA
NIGHT SING. SUP |
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BUDGET |
600 |
85 |
30 |
15 |
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MODERATE |
650 |
130 |
40 |
25 |
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FIRST
CLASS |
725 |
205 |
45 |
30 |
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DELUXE |
895 |
305 |
55 |
35 |
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INCLUDED:
Accommodation in hotel category of your choice
Meals as mentioned only (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Museum entry fees
Transportation in non-smoking mini/midi/coach bus with prof. English speaking guide and driver on tours
*Bus ticket from Istanbul to Kusadasi or Selcuk
(Budget and Moderate options only). Where overnight bus is included there is no hotel stay on that evening.
*Izmir Airport transfer
(First Class and Deluxe options only)
*Order of tour itinerary may vary and other options may be available, extensions available for any point of the tour or shorter version of tour is also available (this tour is a tailored tour comprised of daily group tours)
NOT INCLUDED:
International or domestic flights,
Istanbul airport transfers, drinks, tips to guide and driver and items of a personal nature.
OPTIONAL:
3 x Istanbul airport transfers 120 EUROS
total (up to 3 passengers)
DOMESTIC FLIGHT: IZMIR - ISTANBUL:
Approximately 95 EUROS person
PAYMENT:
200 EURO per person is due at the time of booking, which is non-refundable. The balance is due two weeks prior to tour departure. No refund will be given for unused tour service after commencement of tour for any reason. We recommend trip insurance. See terms and conditions:
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Please add 6% for any amount paid by credit card, except for initial deposit. Balance may be paid by bank draft.
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KUSADASI 