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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 |
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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 (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. |
Library of Celcius |
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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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8.00 - 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
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Pamukkale |
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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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DAY 6
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
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Pergamon |
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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 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
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Gallipoli |
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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 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 |
650 |
85 |
30 |
15 |
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MODERATE |
720 |
145 |
40 |
30 |
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FIRST
CLASS |
815** |
220 |
50 |
35 |
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SUPERIOR |
970** |
350 |
60 |
45 |
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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 - valid for
Istanbul Ataturk Airport only)/
Turkish Night
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KUSADASI 