Istanbul and around the Marmara Sea

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Flights to Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Noteworthy is the wealth of historic buildings and ancient art treasures: Visit the Hippodrome, the ancient horse racing place. Here we see the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column, which once stood in Delphi. Then we visit the Blue Mosque from the 17th C., with six minarets. Opposite it stands the St. Sophia Museum, the fascinating art building dating from 537 AD. In the Topkapi Palace, we dive into the magical world of sultans and also learn how good the Ottoman state organization was. In the afternoon stroll through the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL - BURSA - AYVALIK
Early departure on the Intercontinental Bosphorus bridge to the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa. We will cross with a ferry ride the Bay of Izmit. 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. Travelling through beautiful countryside to our hotel in Ayvalik on the beach. 3 nights accommodation in Ayvalik.

DAY 4: AYVALIK - PERGAMUM
Today we are witnessing the first peak of classical culture, Pergamum. This place which served for a long time as a center of sculpture and science, delights us with buildings like the Temple of Athena, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Trajan, the royal palaces, and its theater. Then back to our hotel in Ayvalik.

DAY 5: AYVALIK - EPHESUS
Possibility of an Optional trip to Ephesus. Ephesus is the most important archaeological site in Turkey. In the heydays some 200,000 people must have lived there. Here we visit the Odeon, theStreet of Curets, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library and the largest theater in Anatolia. Return to hotel.

DAY 6: AYVALIK – TROY – ISTANBUL
We drive over the Ida mountains to the fabled city of Troy, which is overgrown by numerous myths and legends. Here we learn from the Iliad of Homer, the Trojan horse and Schliemann's excavations. We continue the journey via the Dardanelle straits to Istanbul. Dinner and two nights in Istanbul.

DAY 7: ISTANBUL
Visit to the Kariye Museum - Chora Church on the Golden Horn with its beautiful frescoes. The Kariye Museum, will take us to a little walk into the early Christian history. Today we also take a bus ride along the Bosporus shores. We enjoy the scents of the East in the Spice Bazaar. Our farewell dinner will be either in a meat or seafood restaurant.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport and 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