ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Friday,  - WELCOME TO ISTANBUL - MERHABA

Arrive at Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport. Walk to the Immigration area, find the VISA desk and buy your visa before getting in one of the lines for passport control. After passport control, pick up your bags and proceed to Customs. We use the Red Line/Green Line system; so if you have nothing to declare, proceed to the Green Line. Usually you walk straight through, though the officials occasional do spot-check bags. After Customs, walk through the doors and into the arrivals hall, were our representative will meet and assist you with hotel transfers and check-ins. In the afternoon, time permitting, an orientation tour at 14:00 will be offered including a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, the magnificent palace built between 1843 and 1856 that represents the westernization of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Galata Tower built by the Genoese in 1348. The Old Pera was given to them by the Ottoman Empire because of their help in defeating a Crusade. After a short gentle walk we take the oldest functioning metros in the world. The “Tunel”, Completed in 1873, it is the shortest metro ever built. It connects Karakoy to Beyoglu, followed by window-shopping in the district of Beyoglu and a welcome drink in "Cicek pasaji" and dinner at "Kebab World”. Overnight - Istanbul.

DAY 2 – Saturday,  - ISTANBUL

Morning enjoy a Bosphorus cruise. In a private local boat, view the many palaces, castles and Ottoman mansions that line the shores. After lunch visit Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque located, on the shores of the Galata side of the Golden Horn, pass the Galata bridge and drive along the shore of the golden horn to Eyup and visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque return to Eminonu and visit the sounds and intriguing scents of the “Egyptian Market” (Spice Bazaar). Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque (with Persian tiles) located in Eminonu before returning to your Hotel. At 20:00 taste your delicious dinner in your hotel. Overnight - Istanbul

DAY 3 – Sunday,  - ISTANBUL TO BURSA

After breakfast a short ferry trip across the sea of Marmara to Yalova where we will find our bus waiting for us and travel on to the ancient city of Iznik (Ancient Nicaea), founded in1000BC and famous for its ceramics. In 325 the first Ecumenical Council was held here to condemn the heresy of Aryanism. In 787 yet another Ecumenical Council, the 7th, was held in the Sancta Sophia Church. The deliberations solved the problems of iconoclasm. The Archeological Museum here is home to exhibits of Ottoman weaponry, embroidery and calligraphy; and several items from the city’s Roman past. After lunch continue to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. As befits a city with a rich Imperial past, it has many fine examples of Islamic architecture and also remains an important center of the Silk Trade. Here we will pay a visit to the amazing Green Mosque Complex and enjoy a famous warm mineral bath.Overnight - Bursa

DAY 4 – Monday,  - BURSA - BERGAMA “PERGAMON” TO DIKILI

This morning’s visits include the fascinating silk markets and also a view of various samples of the famous Karagoz shadow puppets. Afternoon depart for “Pergamon”, once a powerful and cultured kingdom. A line of rulers beginning with a general under Alexander the Great ruled over this small but wealthy kingdom, whose Asclepion (medical school) grew famous and whose library rivaled that of Alexandria in Egypt. The most stunning of the attractions are the Acropolis and the Great Theatre, which retains its astounding acoustics. As we enter Pergamon, we will have entered one of The Seven Churches of Revelation. Continue to Dikili and overnight.
Overnight - Dikili

DAY 5 – Tuesday,  - DIKILI – IZMIR – SARDES – EPHESOS - SELCUK

Leaving Dikili and continue for Selcuk. En route visit Izmir, “Smyrna”, the city where Homer, the epic poet was born, and also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Continue to Sart “Sardes”, where the largest known ancient synagogue is situated. Its size and grandeur are a testimony to the prosperity of the Jews in Sardes during the Roman era and to their eminent position in the city. Sardes is also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. We visit the biblical city of Efes “Ephesos”, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor, and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Ephesos is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and as a center of early Christianity. The Basilica of St John is an incredible sight with its labyrinth of halls and marble courtyard. The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be the place where Saint John took the mother of Jesus after the crucifixion and from where she ascended to heaven. Also pay a visit to the nearby and highly regarded Archeological Museum, with some of the best collections of Greek and Roman artifacts to be found anywhere in Turkey.
Overnight - Selcuk

DAY 6 – Wednesday,  - SELCUK TO PRIENE, MILETUS & DIDYMA

We depart from Kusadasi for Priene, Miletus & Didyma. Alexander the Great assigned the city of Priene to watch the unreliable city of Miletus. He also lived in the city and paid for the construction of the Temple of Athena Polias. After flourishing during the Hellenistic and passing through the Pergamene Kingdom periods the city declined under Roman rule and was later abandoned. Later we visit Miletus, the most magnificent building is – the Great Theatre, a remarkably intact 25,000-seat amphitheater built by the Ionians and kept up by the Romans. And Didyma The Temple of Apollo is among the world’s most impressive religious structures. Drive through the inland villages before returning to Selcuk and Overnight

DAY 7 – Thursday,  - SELCUK TO PAMUKKALE

We leave Selcuk for Pamukkale. En route stop at Sultanhisar “Nysa”, and then continue our journey visiting in Geyre/Karacasu, “Aphrodisias”, the famous city dedicated to the goddess of Love. Continue our Journey to Pamukkale or ‘Cotton Castle’ where the white limestone cliffs have attracted visitors since before the time of Christ. Visit the ancient roman city of Hierapolis, scattered around the natural beauty of Pamukkale, which was inhabited before and during the early Christian era. "St. Paul" played a distinct role in the history of the city when he condemned the people who supported self-mortification and “angel worship”. Check in to your hotel and relax in the warm spring waters of your hotel. 
Overnight - Pamukkale

DAY 8 – Friday,  - PAMUKKALE – PERGE – ASPENDOS TO ANTALYA

This morning we take a short drive to visit Goncali, known as “Laodikeia”. The geographic location of the city will explain why the Laodiceians were referred to as; “neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm”, by God himself, in the Book of Revelations. Continue our journey with a scenic drive through the mountains of Taurus to the ancient city of Termessos, which even Alexander the Great failed to conquer. After an easy walk to visit the Sights, we continue driving south to visit the ancient Roman city of Perge, where the substantial remains of a great theatre, stadium, huge Hellenistic and Roman gates and a colonnaded street are impressive. Visit Aspendos, which is best-preserved amphitheater in Turkey. What you see here remains from Roman times, though the true history of the settlement goes back to the Hittite Empire (800BC). Drive to Antalya, which has one of the most attractive harbor settings of the Mediterranean. Overnight in the old district in a restored Ottoman mansion

DAY 9 – Saturday,  - ANTALYA TO ANAMUR

We leave for Anamur a full day to explore, the fascinating archeological sites. Side, an ancient harbor whose name meant pomegranate. We visit The Theater, the Agora and the Apollo Temple, which are situated near the sea, the fountain and the necropolis. Visit the Sarapsa Hani (modernized), and more other sites as time permits. Continue to Anamur, a lovely town situated in the mountains and surrounded by banana plantations offers to visitors
the possibility to visit the “castle” set between two curving sandy beaches, which commands a splendid view of the coastline. Overnight - Anamur

DAY 10 – Sunday,  - ANAMUR TO ADANA

We leave Anamur and continue our journey to Silifke passing through the pinnacled mountains, which descend to the sea offering splendid cliff views. Silifke, 90 km from Mersin, is a little bit inland, and renowned for its acropolis, Selcucia and Colycadnos. En route stop on AyaTekla. St. Thecla known as the first female martyr. Visit the Cennet - Cehennem, (Heaven and Hell) cave, The Castle of Korykos on the beach called Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle), which stands on an islet 200m offshore. Visit Pompeiopolis, founded by Rhodians in 700 BC. Continue to Tarsus, birthplace of St. Paul. Visit the Cistern by passing through narrow streets. And in the afternoon, arrive to Adana. Overnight - Adana

DAY 11 – Monday,  - ADANA TO ANTAKYA

Travel along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline to the city of Antakya. It was in this region that Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 333BC on the Plains of Issos. Along the way visit the castles of Yilankale, Anzarbus and the ancient Hittite site of Toprakkale. We will also pass through Yakacik the site of the Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai. Overnight - Antakya

DAY 12 – Tuesday,  - ANTAKYA

Today we explore the sites of  “Antioch” which is believed to be the place where the word “Christian” was first used by St. Peter in his famous cave church. Antakya is now a rich blend of Arabic and Turkish cultures. We visit the Mosaic Museum, reputed to house the finest collection of Roman Mosaics in the world, continue to the coastal ruins of Seleucra and Piera, once the holiday retreat of Roman Emperors to visit the Tunnel of Titus, an extraordinary engineering feat even by today’s standards. Overnight - Antakya

DAY 13 – Wednesday,  - ANTAKYA TO SANLIURFA

On our journey today we will stop along the way at the thriving city of Gaziantep to visit the citadel of Emperor Justinian and walk amongst the bustling neighborhoods of old wooden Ottoman Houses. Continue east, stopping for a short break on the banks of the Euphrates River at the bird sanctuary of Birecik. Continue on to Sanliurfa the “city of the prophets”. Overnight - Sanliurfa

DAY 14 – Thursday,  - SANLIURFA

Travel this morning to visit the beehive houses of Harran, “Abraham’s” village. Reputed to be the oldest continually inhabited community in the world. Return to ?anliurfa and explore the fascinating sites of this Old Testament town. Visit the Sacred Carp Pools of Abraham, his birth cave, the exquisite mosque complex and fortress, and discover Turkey’s most traditional covered bazaar. Afternoon is free to explore Sanliurfa at your leisure. Overnight - Sanliurfa

DAY 15 – Friday,  - SANLIURFA TO MOUNT NEMRUT

We head for the mountains today, visiting the 14th Century castle at Eski Kale, a magnificent 3rd Century Roman bridge, and the giant Atatürk Dam that tames the Euphrates River. Arrive at the mountaintop of Mount Nemrut at sunset to view the huge Commangene stone heads and god statues of the pre-Roman King Antiochus II. Overnight Hans Bardakci - Kahta

DAY 16 – Saturday,  - MOUNT NEMRUT TO CAPPADOCIA

For the early risers in the group there is the opportunity to wake before dawn to view the spectacular sunrise from the top of the mountain, a ritual for travelers in this area and a special experience! Return to the hotel for breakfast before leaving the mountain and traveling across the vast plains of ancient Mesopotamia and the scenic Taurus Mountains, via Kayseri to Cappadocia. In Kayseri, we stop to visit the ancient covered bazaar still serves the needs of the local population were bargains for visitors could still be found!  Then join us at one of the best-known restaurants for a famous Iskender kebab.  From Kayseri we travel to the seldom visited Incesu Caravanserai, a stopping point for traders and their camels along the Old Silk Road. On to Göreme we will stop after a few km from Aksalur and witness a sunset panorama over the spectacular "big crater" national Park "Cappadocia" (the land of beautiful horses), continue to Göreme.
Overnight - Cappadocia

DAY 17 – Sunday, - CAPPADOCIA

A Full day tour of Cappadocia including the fascinating frescoed and rock-carved churches of the Göreme Open Air museum, known for it’s fascinating frescoes. Continue to the troglodyte dwellings of the fairy chimneys of Pasabag and Devrent Valleys. Explore the village of Urgup and enjoy the panorama views of Red and Rose Valleys. Continue to the traditional rock-carved village of Avanos and enjoy a visit to the famous pottery artisans. 
Overnight - Cappadocia

DAY 18 – Monday,  - CAPPADOCIA

A magnificent day traveling through the Pancarlik Valley and churches to the Keslik Monastery complex and ancient village of Mustafapasa “Sinasos”, renowned for its excellent Ottoman and Greek architecture.  We continue to Taskinpasa Caravanserai, and Sahnefendi, Armenian-style church and monastery ruins. The Soganli Valley or ‘Valley of Dolls’ is the highlight with its fascinating rock formations, decorated rock- hewn pigeon homes and unique frescoed churches. Overnight - Cappadocia

DAY 19 – Tuesday,  - CAPPADOCIA TO KONYA

Before leaving Cappadocia and cross the vast Central Anatolia to the magnificent Sultanhani Caravanserai of the “Silk Road”, we visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, one of the many of its kind in the region, where Christians found refuge during the persecution of the Romans of nearby Caesarea (Kayseri) in the 2nd Century. Then we arrive in Konya, which is one of the oldest cities in Turkey. Famous for its Seljuk architecture, Konya is important as the center of the Whirling Dervishes who preach friendship, tolerance, and divine love. Visit the Mevlana Museum, and the Karatay mosaic museum as well as some of the famous Seljuk architecture and mosques of the city. Formerly a Dervish seminary, the Mevlana museum contains manuscripts of Mevlana's works and various objects related to the Whirling Dervishes. Admire the beautiful blue Seljuk ceramic pieces at The Karatay Mosaic Museum. Overnight - Konya

DAY 20 – Wednesday,  - KONYA TO ISTANBUL

Morning, transfer to Konya airport for an early connection to Istanbul. Upon arrival transfer to hotel situated in the Old district of Sultan Ahmet and Delve into the historical “Covered Grand Bazaar” housing over 4000 shops under one roof. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight - Istanbul

DAY 21 – Thursday,  - ISTANBUL

Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), with its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework and the Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine life for 1000 years. Visit the Topkapi Palace, the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between 16th and 19th centuries. Its displays include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain and costumes of the Sultans. A visit to the Harem quarters is an absolute highlight. Afternoon visit to the magnificent Haghia Sophia built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Visit the underground Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Saray – the largest Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. Evening, free at your leisure. Overnight - Istanbul

DAY 22 – Friday,  - ISTANBUL

Visit the Chora Museum housing masterpieces of Byzantine Art and some of the most magnificent mosaics ever seen before enjoying the Suleymaniye Camii (mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent) considered one of the finest achievements of Ottoman architecture. Built in 1550 by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan (who served as court architect to three sultans). The Palace of Ibrahim Pasha is our last stop, now housing the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which gives a true glimpse into the opulent life of the Ottoman upper class in the time of Suleyman the magnificent. Free afternoon at your leisure for last minute visits and shopping. At 20:00 depart from hotel to the fascinating Kumkapi district for our farewell dinner accompanied by live Gypsy music. Overnight - Istanbul

DAY 23 – Saturday, – ISTANBUL “GULE GULE”

Your tour guide and driver escorts you to the airport for your homeward flight.