Istanbul and fascinating West Turkey

DAY 1: ARRIVAL
On arrival in Istanbul our team will pick you up the airport and transfer you to the hotel, giving information about the program. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL
We start the day with a tour of Topkapi Palace with its fabulous collections of jewels and other artifacts. It was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for about 400 years. We continue the tour with a visit of Hagia Sophia, originally built as a church by Justinian the Great in the 6th century and used as a mosque during the Ottoman era until 1935 (today it's a museum encompassing both Christianity and Islam). The next visit is the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue tiles decorating the interior walls. Built in the 17th century, it is considered as a masterpieces of its period. Later, we will discover the highlights of the ancient Hippodrome, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and others. Afterwards we will walk in the Covered Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets filled with all sorts of tempting items to purchase: harem bracelets, colorful carpets, hand-painted ceramics, and more (it's said there are 4,000 shops!)

DAY 3: GALLIPOLI, CANAKKALE
Eearly in the morning departure for Gallipoli. After crossing the the Dardanelles by ferry we will visit the famous archeological and mythological site of Troy, home of the "Trojan Horse" and "Helen of Troy". Overnight in Ayvalik. 495 km

DAY 4: PERGAMUM, KUSADASI
After breakfast we will depart for Pergamum to visit a city dating back to the times of Alexander the Great. First, we go up to the acropolis, which hosts the steepest theatre of the ancient world. Than we visit the Asclepion, one of the best medical centers of its time, where Galen practiced medicine in the 2nd century AD. We continue to Izmir and have a panoramic drive through the city. Our last visit of today is Ephesus; one of the greatest cities in the Roman world. Visit includes the ruins of Odeon, Hercules gate, the temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and the fantastic Greco Roman theatre. 280 km

DAY 5: PAMUKKALE
In the morning we will depart to Aphrodisias, an ancient city located in the Carian plateau. Here came under the influence of a famous school of sculpture the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity into existence. We continue to Pamukkale. Over thousands of years, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water embellished the surroundings of Pamukkale. These travertine terraces are in the list of World Heriatge Sites and they are one of the most stunning natural sights in the World. Overnight in Pamukkale. 220 km

DAY 6: PAMUKKALE, ANTALYA
Pamukale was known not only for its thermal springs, but it is home of the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was founded by King Eumenes II. The city gained importance in the Roman period because of its thermal springs and healing waters. The vast necropolis, the great theatre and many other buildings are still preserved. On our way to Antalya, we will visit a traditional carpet factory where we will get information about the oldest art of Anatolia. Two nights in Antalya. 250 km

DAY 7: ANTALYA
In the morning we will drive through the coastal plain of Pamphylia. On our route we first stop by the ruins of Perge, which was visited by St. Paul on his first missionary journey. There you can go along the mosaic sidewalk of a colonnaded street past the stadium and theater. After coming back to Antalya, we will stroll through the picturesque old town with its narrow streets and typical wooden houses overlooking the marina, to discover Hadrian’s Gate, the Fluted Minaret, the Truncated Minaret, and Hidirlik Tower. We will complete the day with a refreshing tour to the waterfalls of Karpuzkaldiran.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE
All too soon it is time to bid this magical land “gule gule” (goodbye) as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

The price includes
* Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
* All Transportation by airconditioned vehicle
* Professional English speaking guide
* All Entrance fees
* 7 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner