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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 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 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, and 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. End of Services. [ B ]
[ B ] : Breakfast
[ L ] : Lunch
[ D ] : Dinner |
