DAY 1 ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul, and transfer to your hotel. After a short tour briefing, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax or walk around to explore the city. Welcome dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( ISTANBUL ). [ D ]
DAY 2 ISTANBUL
We spend the full day visiting the sights of Old Istanbul. We will begin at the ancient Hippodrome which was the center of the civil activities back in the Hellenistic and Roman times. At the Hippodrome the chariot and horse races and athletic runs took place for the entertainment of the people of Constantinople. We walk to the nearby Ibrahim Pasha Palace which houses the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art where we will see an impressive exhibit from the various periods of Turkish and Islamic art, ranging in date from the 7th C. to the 19th. Then we proceed to the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles covering its interior walls and also for its six minarets which is a unique feature of this mosque. Nearby is Hagia Sophia Museum, the former Cathedral of Constantinople, considered as the masterpiece of the early Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia is renowned for its superb mosaic decoration as well as its architectural style. Back in Byzantine Empire, most emperors were crowned in this cathedral after a special ceremony. After lunch we will visit the Topkapi Palace, residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans. In the grounds of the Topkapi Palace are many courtyards surrounded by old buildings each housing small museums with exhibits of jewelry, costumes, calligraphy and various objects that belonged to the Imperial treasury of the Ottoman Sultans. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( ISTANBUL ). [ B L D ]
DAY 3 ISTANBUL TO BURSA
Drive to Bursa. This morning, after a short drive over the Bosphorus bridge, we will take the Ferry across the sea of Marmara. Enroute visit Nicaea ( modern Iznik ), where Constantine the Great summoned the first council meeting, known as the Nicean Council, to set the principles of Christianity. At Nicaea, we will visit the Constantine's palace on the lake shore where sum 318 Bishops attended the council meeting in 325. In the town center is the church of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) which still has beautiful mosaic decoration on the floor and some remains of frescoes on the walls. This is the Church where the seventh ecumenical council had met upon the invitation by the Byzantine empress Irene, in the year 787. We will also see the ancient roman theater, city walls and gates that still stand in almost original as they had been built. Continue to Bursa the city famous for its fine quality silk that had been produced in this area since the Byzantine times. Bursa also represents the early phase of the Ottoman architecture, as this city served as the first capital for the Ottoman Sultans. Our visits in Bursa will include the Green complex which was built by the Sultan Murat, Green Mosque, Green Tomb and Green Medrese all make up this large complex beautifully set today in a pedestrian area closed to car traffic. The name Green for this complex of buildings comes from the superb early Iznik tiles in green color. Then, we stroll through the Covered Bazaar and Silk Market where vendors sell various products from jewelry to textiles and also many traditional folk arts and local crafts. Then we wander the winding streets to see interesting old Ottoman Turkish architecture. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( BURSA ). [ B L D ]
DAY 4 BURSA TO AYVALIK
Drive to Troy, the fabled city of the book "Iliad" written by Homer and the site of the Trojan war between Achaeans and Trojans. We will begin our walking tour near the replica of the Trojan horse and walk around the ancient city, and observe the fortification walls, temples, palaces, theater, megaron style houses. Have time to have your photos taken on the Trojan horse. Continue to Alexandria Troas, which was a thriving city back in the Hellenistic and Roman period and controlled a good deal of sea trade. St. Paul visited the city and preached here twice in the hope of making converts. Even Constantine the great thought about building his new capital here at Alexandria, later he changed his mind in favor of Constantinople. Drive to Assos, a spectacular city on the hilltop overlooking the Aegean sea and the island of Lesbos. We will walk up the hill to the acropolis of Assos where we will see the ancient Greek Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Later we drive down to the lovely little harbor crowded by the small colorful fishing boats. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( AYVALIK ). [ B L D ]
DAY 5 AYVALIK TO KUSADASI
This morning we visit Pergamum, the capital of Pergamum Kingdom and a great Hellenistic city with superb setting on the top of the mountain that rises above the surrounding plain. We will walk around the well preserved ruins of Pergamum. The view from top of the Acropolis toward the Aegean sea is spectacular. We will stop at Asclepieum, the famous ancient medical center where Galen, the famous physician of the ancient world, practiced medicine. Sightseeing of Izmir, will include Kadifekale, a Hellenistic hilltop fortress built by Lysimachus, one of the generals of Alexander the great, with a panoramic view of the city. We will also visit the well-preserved ancient Roman agora, which was the main market place in the Roman ages. We will stroll through the colorful streets and the bazaar area in the old section, lined with traditional style shops. We will arrive at Kusadasi after a short drive from Izmir. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( KUSADASI ). [ B L D ]
DAY 6 KUSADASI
Full day sightseeing of well preserved sites of Ephesus. We begin with Ephesus, the great city and metropolitan center of the Antiquity, whose extensive ruins are among the best preserved in the world. As we walk down the main street of Ephesus, we will visualize the its ancient life and buildings. Then we drive up to the Virgin Mary's House claimed to be the true place where Mother Mary spent her last years before she had died in this area. This is one the most important pilgrimage shrines in the world. Up on the hill above the town Selcuk, we will visit the Basilica of St. John built for the apostle author of the book of revelations. Looking at the size of this church, we can easily say that it was one the largest churches in its time. Returning to the town Selcuk, we will visit the local Ephesus Museum with a nice exhibit of the objects such as statues, sarcophagi, busts, inscriptions, found during the excavations at Ephesus. If time permits we will drive up to Sirince a traditional village situated on a hill top. The village people still produce embroidery and lace work and also a good place to taste some local Turkish wine. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( KUSADASI ). [ B L D ]
DAY 7 KUSADASI TO BODRUM
Drive to Bodrum. Enroute visit Priene a great Hellenistic city with a beautiful setting on the hillside overlooking the meander river and valley far below. On our tour of Priene, you will see one of the best preserved ancient theaters which was built in the Hellenistic period, and the temple of Athena which was built by the architect Pythius who also constructed the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, that is among the seven wonders of the ancient world. Continue to Miletus which was the first Greek colony in Asia Minor and also home to great ancient scientists and philosophers. Miletus, back in ancient ages, was an important harbor city which made its wealth from the sea trade, today, it is 5 miles from the sea and landlocked by the silt carried by the Meander river. We will take a walk around the site and see the Greco-Roman theater from which there is a nice overview of Miletus from the top of the seats. Continue to Didyma where we will see the well preserved colossal temple of Apollo which was an important Oracle center. This Greek temple in Ionic style is really unique with its gigantic size and highly elaborate decoration on its columns. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( BODRUM ). [ B L D ]
DAY 8 BODRUM TO FETHIYE
Bodrum is a lively town on the Mediterranean shore, with many restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Bodrum occupies the site of ancient Halicarnassus which was an important city of Caria and the birth place of the first Historian, Herodotus. We begin this morning with the Castle of the Knights in Bodrum situated on a rocky promontory which is a marvelously well preserved example of Crusader architecture. Within the walls are separate towers of the French, Italian, German and English who carved their coats of arms, inscriptions and graffiti into the stones. The castle itself also serves as the local museum, with the exhibits of many archaeological objects found in the area, and one particular display is noteworthy that is one of the shipwreck (1,200 BC.) from Gelidonya cape. From the top of the walls of the castle is overwhelming view of the harbor and town. Walking back to the town and through the back streets will bring us to the site of the Mausoleum which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Mausoleum was built for Mausolus who was a Persian satrap of the Caria region from 377 to 352 BC. On his death, this massive mausoleum was constructed for him, by Artemisia, his sister, his wife and his queen. The word "Mausoleum" comes from this monumental tomb. Drive to Caunus where we will take a boat down the Dalyan stream to see a series of spectacular Lycian rock tombs set into the cliff. Arriving by boat, we will disembark at the jetty and walk up the hill for a tour of the ancient city Caunus. Caunus has a very well-preserved ancient Hellenistic theater from 2nd. C. BC and defense walls all around the city. Drive on to Fethiye a lively harbor town on the Turquoise coast. Fethiye occupies the site of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessus, which was an important city in the Lycia region. Telmessus has well preserved and very impressive Lycian rock tombs built into the cliff, with a beautiful setting overlooking the bay of Fethiye. The most elaborate is the 4th C BC. Tomb of Amyntas which resembles like ancient Lycian houses built of wood. Walking in the town streets you will come across some ancient Lycian sarcophagi scattered around the town, all dating from the 5th and 4th C. BC. We will take a walking tour of Kayakoy, the deserted late medieval town. After a short drive we will arrive at Oludeniz, a lagoon off the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most pictured spots in Turkey. Those who want to dip themselves in the turquoise color waters of the Mediterranean, this place will be where you want to do it. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( FETHIYE ). [ B L D ]
DAY 9 FETHIYE TO KAS
Drive to Kas. Enroute we will visit XANTHUS, the great ancient city of Lycia, built on a cliff overlooking the Esen stream down below, Xanthus has produced some finest monuments and monumental tombs of the Antiquity, like the Nereid Monument, or Tomb of Harpies and Xanthian Obelisk which has a an inscription in the Lycian language. Xanthus, just like any other ancient city has theater dating from the Hellenistic and Roman ages. Visit Letoon, the principal ancient sanctuary dedicated to Leto, the goddess and mother of the twins Apollo and Artemis. The site has three temples, the largest was dedicated to Leto, the other two to her children, Apollo and Artemis, all built in the classical and Hellenistic ages. Near the temples was a large Hellenistic nymphaeum, an elaborate fountain associated with a sacred spring. Built into the nearby hill is a well preserved Hellenistic theater, with a row of theater masks carved in relief over the entrance. Leaving Letoon, after a short drive, we will arrive at the ancient city of Patara, the port city of Xanthus and the birthplace of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) who later served as the bishop of Myra. By the first century, Patara replaced Xanthus as the principal city of Lycia. At the entrance to Patara is the arch of Mettius Modestus who was the governor of Lycia and Pamphylia regions, that still stands to its full height. Almost half buried in the sand dunes is the ancient Roman theater which is in a good state of preservation. From the top of the theater seats is a marvelous view of the beach and mountains and a nice panorama of the ancient site. Patara is famous for its sandy beach that stretches miles and miles away. Rest of the day we drive through the towns and small villages along the Turquoise coast, to our hotel at the town Kas. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( KAS ). [ B L D ]
DAY 10 KAS TO ANTALYA
This morning, we will take a refreshing boat trip to the sunken city on the Kekova island, one of the many highlights of this tour. The slopes of the northern side of the island are covered by the remains of the sunken city, and some continue down beneath the waters. We will pass by the ancient Simena situated picturesquely on the hill top, which has a nice Lycian Sarcophagus in the shallow waters of its harbor. Returning from our boat trip, we will stop at the town Demre to visit the church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), as noted above St. Nicholas was a bishop in this town in the 4th C. When he died, he was buried in his church which soon became an important pilgrimage place. A short drive beyond the town will bring us to the site of ancient Myra. Myra was built between the sea and mountains, backed up against the base of the cliff is a huge and well preserved Roman theater. Immediately behind the theater is a large group of Lycian tombs cut into rock which offers a spectacular view. Departing Demre, we will drive along the Mediterranean coast, to ancient Phaselis set on a low headland jutting into the sea. Phaselis was apparently an important port city, as there are three ancient harbors at the site. We will walk on the main street lined with inscribed statue bases, looking at the ancient aqueduct, Roman baths, harbors, agora and after a short walk up the hill, we will be sitting on the seats of the ancient theater with a marvelous view of the stage and Taurus mountains in the background. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( ANTALYA ). [ B L D ]
DAY 11 ANTALYA
Day long excursion to the ancient Greco-Roman sites of the Pamphylia region. We will begin with Perge which is one of the best examples of a complete Roman city. We will take a walk along the main streets and view the well-preserved ancient structures, stadium, agora, Hellenistic towers, roman gate and baths, city walls. Perge was one of the cities that was visited by St. Paul during his missionary journeys. After leaving Perge, we head for the ancient city of Aspendus which has undoubtedly the most perfectly preserved Roman theater in existence. The theater located at the foot of the acropolis was built in the 2nd century by the emperor Marcus Aurelius. Aspendus has also very well preserved aqueducts from Roman times standing to its almost full height. Continue to Side, the great ancient city and also a popular resort town right on the Mediterranean. We will tour the small local museum of Side that houses a fine collection of statues, sarcophagi, architectural sculpture and inscriptions. Right across the street from the Museum is another well preserved Roman theater that offers a magnificent view toward the Mediterranean from the top of the seats. We will walk down the shop-lined street to the site of the twin temples of Apollo and Athena with beautiful setting on the seaside. We head back for Antalya, if time permits, we visit Antalya Archaeological Museum with fine sculptures, sarcophagi and findings from around Pamphylia region. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel ( ANTALYA ). [ B L D ]
DAY 12 ANTALYA TO ISTANBUL
Morning flight to Istanbul. This morning, we will cruise up the Bosphorus with private boat, sit on the deck and enjoy the nice traditional water-front houses built by the Ottomans in the last or in the turn of this century. We will disembark near the Spice bazaar, and have free time for shopping in the Spice Market where you will find hundreds of spices and herbs. Spice market was built by the Ottomans in the 16th C., and has been used as the main market of spices and herbs since then. We head for the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, where will have time for shopping. In the grand bazaar which is an old ottoman bedesten built in the 15th. C., and said to have about 3,500 shops under its roof, you will find almost anything from souvenirs to jewelry, from textiles to Turkish ethnographic items. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure, you may want to stay in the grand bazaar or stroll through the streets. Farewell dinner at a special restaurant. Farewell dinner at a special restaurant. Overnight at your Hotel ( ISTANBUL ). [ B D ]
DAY 13 TRANSFER TO AIRPORT
Check-out and transfer to the airport for our morning flight back home. [ B ]
[ B ] : Breakfast
[ L ] : Lunch
[ D ] : Dinner |
