Western Turkey

Day 1 Thu: Istanbul | | Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Welcome briefing will be held.

Day 2 Fri: Istanbul || Enjoy a full day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment. B

Day 3 Sat: Gallipoli – Dardanelles – Canakkale | In the morning, depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, then cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight. B D

Day 4 Sun: Troy – Pergamum – Izmir | Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving into Asclepion, enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village . Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to İzmir for overnight. B L D

Day5 Mon: Ephesus & St. Mary’s House – Izmir | To ur the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Optional : Dinner at local restaurant. B

Day 6 Tue: Izmir – Pamukkale | Drive through lush valleys to Pamukkale, the Cotton Fortress, with white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Visit ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in your hotel’s thermal pool. B D

Day 7 Wed: Pamukkale – Bodrum |After breakfast drive to Bodrum and start an explorative tour of wonderful Bodrum city by walking around. Overnight in Bodrum. B

Day 8 Thu: Bodrum | Our service end after breakfast. B

Price Includes:

• First Class hotels with private
facilities

• Meals are indicated on
itineraries by B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner

• Licensed guides throughout
Turkey

• Private air-conditioned
transportation

• Luggage handling

• Local taxes and service charges

• Arrival/departure transfers:
only on arrival and departure days (arrivals from Ataturk Airport). Pre or post
stay transfers are not included

Price Excludes:

• Personal expenses

• Optional tours

• Customary tips to guide and drivers