Ionia, Istanbul and Bursa
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IZMIR
Flights to Izmir. Transfer to hotel in Bergama.
DAY 2: PERGAMUM – TROY - CANAKKALE
After breakfast, drive to the Acropolis of Pergamum, which is particularly famous because of the Altar of Zeus and for being one of the seven churches of revelation. The almost sculpted reliefs of the altar are now exhibited in Berlin at the Pergamum Museum. Here we visit the Acropolis, the steepest theater of the world, the Temple of Trajan and the famous library. Then we will proceed to Troy, the fabled city where the literature of the West flourished. Homer has described with his famous epic poems "The Iliad" and "Odyssey," the war between the Achaeans and Trojans, which has broken out after the abduction of Helen. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.
DAY 3: CANAKKALE – ISTANBUL
Ride on the ferry across the Dardanelles to Istanbul. Here we visit the Topkapi Palace. From here, the Ottomans ruled their vast empire. Unimaginable art treasures are concealed in the various areas of this unique palace. Then we take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 4: ISTANBUL - BURSA
In the morning visit the Hippodrome Square, which was full of monuments from around the world and the center of entertainment. Not far is the magnificent work of Ottoman religious architecture: the Sultan Ahmet Mosque from the 17th C. Also known as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul this icon hides the synthesis of all the previously used architectural forms. Here, Pope Benedict XVI. has hold a prayer during his visit to Istanbul. Afterwards we will be visiting the Hagia Sophia from the year 537, which is one of the largest churches in the world. After a bus ride along the Bosphorus, we continue to Bursa. In Bursa, we see the impressive works of early ottoman architecture. Ulucami, the Grand Mosque is the best example of this era. Renovated Kozahan now serves as the Silk Bazaar. Overnight in Bursa.
DAY 5: BURSA - PAMUKKALE
Today we are driving to Pamukkale. The guided tour in Pamukkale, we start with the ancient cemetery of Hierapolis, which is with its more than 1200 free-laid sarcophagi, the most interesting one in Anatolia and in the world. Not far from here lies one natural wonder of the world, Pamukkale, with its white calcium formations. This place was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The semicircular calcification was caused by the warm, mineral-rich thermal water over the millennia. Then you have time for bathing in our Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale.
DAY 6: PAMUKKALE – KUSADASI
Journey towards Kusadasi. At about 1200 m altitude in the mountains we visit one of the most important carpet weaving centers the world. Here we learn a lot about the nimble-fingered art and what made the Turks inventors of it. Continuation to Aphrodisias. Here we visit one of the most important archaeological sites of Anatolia, with a stadium capacity of 30,000 spectators and a beautiful reconstruction of a Tetrapylon. Afterwards, we enjoy the drive through the meander valley up to Kusadasi. Two nights in Kusadasi area.
DAY 7: KUSADASI – EPHESUS
After breakfast we drive to Ephesus, where we will visit the largest archaeological site in Turkey. Here we visit the Odeon, the Street of the Curets, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library and the largest theater in Anatolia. Then we visit the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, where the grave of the apostle John is. Ephesus is holding one of the seven wonders of the classical world, the Temple of Artemis. Here we see the few remains of the temple with impressive proportions.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport of Izmir. Flight back home.
The price includes
* International flights
* Taxes and service charges for the flights
* Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
* All transportation by airconditioned vehicle
* Professional english speaking guide
* Welcomecocktail
* All entrance fees
* 7 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner
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