West Turkey 7 Days

DAY 1: ISTANBUL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL OLD CITY CLASSICS AND HIGHLIGHTS
09:30 Departure from your Hotel. We continue to the Blue Mosque, which was built in the 17th century and is the only imperial mosque with 6 minarets, then the Hippodrome, a stadium and meeting place in Byzantine times, the Serpent Pillar from Delphi and the Egyptian Obelisk, with the Fountain of Wilhelm. Visit the Caferaga Medresesi which was designed by the architect Sinan and built in the 16th century, now used as a learning center for traditional Turkish arts. We will then 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. (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. Overnight in Istanbul. (B.)
This tour may be done completely as a walking tour.
Notes: Sunday the Grand Bazaar is closed - On Tuesday the Topkapi Palace is closed

DAY 3: ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI – DARDANELLES – CANAKKALE
Morning departure for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove ,Chunuk Bair Lone pine cemetery and Gabate War Museum then across the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight (B.)

DAY 4: TROY – PERGAMUM – KUSADASI
Visit the famous archaeological and mythological site of Troy, home of the “Trojan Horse” and “Helen of Troy”. Return Departure for Pergamon Visit The city of Pergamon in the north of the Aegean of West Anatolia with the frontiers to ancient Mysia, forms a significant part of the Aegean and AsiaMinor history with Acropolis, one of the centres of Helenistic and Roman ages. Departure for Kusadasi Overnight stay in Kusadasi. (B.D.)

DAY 5: EPHESUS – KUSADASI
Visit to magnificent ruins of Ephesus. We will spend several hours walking in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Caesar, Cicero, Apostles Paul and John and many other familiar historical names. The recently opened Slope Houses where the wealthiest Romans lived are an excellent example of sensitive excavation and presentation. The mosaics and frescos are spectacular. Tradition has it that Virgin Mary was brought here by St John after the Crucifixion and lived her final years near the city of Ephesus on an isolated mountaintop. A lovely chapel is constructed on the site tended by Franciscans and open to visitors. It has been designated a pilgrimage site by the Pope. Overnight Kusadasi. (B.D.)

DAY 6: PAMUKKALE AND HIERAPOLIS – PAMUKKALE
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 which Pamukkale is named “Cotton Castle”. It is possible to bathe in the sacred Roman thermal pool with ancient columns (an extra fee is due) or you will have some free time at the terraces or to explore more on your own. Overnight Pamukkale. (B.D.)

DAY 7: PAMUKKALE/DENIZLI - ISTANBUL
Transfer to airport in Denizli and take the flight to Istanbul (B).


***Meal Plan: (B = Breakfast L= Lunch D = Dinner)