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ITINERARY DAY 1. ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul Atatürk airport where
your tour leader/guide will meet you and assist you with your transfer
to hotel. After checking in and freshening up, we highly recommend that
you take a good rest, both because of the jet lag and also because you
will be starting on your wonderful trip of Turkey early the following
morning. You will be treated to a Welcome drink in the evening.
You start your daily tour of this magnificient city by visiting the
magnificent Haghia Sophia, and then continue to the marvelous Topkapi
palace, that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the
16th and 19th centuries. Optional visits: to the Treasury, where the
extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewelry,
porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans, as well as to the Harem
quarters, which is an absolute highlight. Have lunch in one of the
special traditional restaurants in Topkapi. Then we continue to visit
the famous Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome and the incredible
Underground Cistern. Evening free at leisure. DAY 3. ISTANBUL - CANAKKALE
Depart Istanbul for Canakkale and in the afternoon visit the significant
sights of the Gallipoli battlefields including Anzac Cove, Ariburnu
cemetery, Lone Pine, The Neck, Plugges Plateau and Chanuk Bair.
Experience the scene of the failed allied naval battle that lead
directly to the decision to deploy a military force on the Gallipoli
Peninsula. Return to Istanbul. (L) DAY 4. CANAKKALE - TROY - PERGAMUM - KUSADASI
Early morning departure for the ancient
city of Troy, the scene of the famous battles between the ancient Greeks
and the Trojans. The scenic coastline of the Aegean Sea brings us to the
Hellenistic city of “Pergamon”, once a powerful and cultured kingdom
and a famous city of learning, medicine and the arts in ancient times. 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. DAY 5. SELCUK - EPHESUS - KUSADASI
Visit the magnificent biblical city of Ephesus, the ancient Roman
capital of Asia Minor. Ephesus is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved
Roman cities in the world. Visit the chapel of the Virgin Mary, The
Basilica of St. John and the nearby Archaeological Museum. DAY 6. SELCUK - APHRODISIAS - PAMUKKALE
Journey to Pamukkale or “Cotton Castle” where the white limestone cliffs
have attracted visitors since before the time of Christ. Explore the
Roman city of Aphrodisias set amongst the mountains in one of the most
picturesque sites in Turkey. In the evening swim in the thermal waters
at our hotel. DAY 7. PAMUKKALE - MARMARIS
This morning explore the Roman
city of Hierapolis and stand at the ‘Gateway to Hell’. Continue your
journey through the Turkish countryside, past villages, spectacular
panoramic points to the foot of the Taurus Mountain. Continue southwest
to Marmaris, arriving in time to explore this beautiful city set on the
shores of the Aegean Sea. DAY 8. DEPART MARMARIS Morning transfer to the Dalaman Airport for ongoing destinations. |