|
Passage Through Time
- Option F |
15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS |
| $2000 per person double occupancy
(single supplement $565) |
|
Day 1 Friday: Arrive Istanbul
Immediately after passing customs at IST -
Istanbul Ataturk Airport, we will greet you; look for your name on a hand-held
sign. Transfer to your centrally located hotel. Due to differing arrival
times of guests, the rest of the day is at leisure. Additional services can be
arranged.
Day
2 Saturday: Istanbul
Visit
the Medieval Egyptian Spice Bazaar,
known to stimulate the five senses and where merchants offer a
variety of natural remedies. Short
cruise on the Bosphorus, pass under the huge suspension
bridge connecting Europe and Asia. See the fortresses, palaces,
historical mansions and countless other points of interest that line up the
busy waterway. We visit the Asian side of Istanbul by crossing the Bosphorus
Bridge. We go to Camlica Hill for a panoramic view of
Istanbul and visit Beylerbeyi Palace (the imperial summer
place). (B)
 Day
3 Sunday: Istanbul
Today we will visit the fabulous six minaret Blue Mosque built
in 1616. It is one of the world's biggest mosques. It is adorned
with exceptional Iznik tiles and stained glass. Next we stroll to the
adjacent site of the Hippodrome. View the obelisk from
Egypt, serpentine column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II. Later we
visit the majestic Hagia Sophia Church Museum with its Byzantine
mosaics, built in 535. It has been considered to be the 8th wonder of the
world by many. Afterwards we visit the Ottoman Empire's Topkapi
Palace, walk through its rooms full of exquisite art and view
the Emperors' personal artifacts, armory and
other priceless collections. (B)
 Day
4 Monday:
Istanbul - Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Troy - Canakkale
We leave Istanbul behind,
drive to Gallipoli and cross the Dardanelles
by ferry to get to the Asian side. We
visit the legendary city of Troy
known for the Trojan Wars circa 12th century B.C. Also
it was concocted
in Homer's Iliad and some of its
famous residents were Hector, Heros, Achilles, Paris, King Odysseus of
Ithaca and Ajax. The city was built and destroyed nine times, the last being
circa 400 and then forgotten until
it was discovered in 1871. The tour
guide will bring to life the fascinating history while walking through the
city ruins where you will also see a replica of the Trojan Horse. We
end the day in Canakkale. (B,D)
Day 5 Tuesday: Canakkale - Pergamon -
Izmir
Today we drive to Pergamon, an
important city of antiquity. Parchment was invented in Pergamon. Visit the Acropolis
upon a hill famous with its library (Mark Antony gave it as a gift to
Cleopatra). Next learn about some of the amazing techniques used in the
Asclepion, an ancient medical center where Galen taught.
See the steepest theater of the ancient world and the Temple of Trojan. Afterwards
we go to the Red Basilica. End the day in Izmir. (B)
 Day
6 Wednesday: Izmir - Ephesus -
Izmir
Today visit the
best preserved antique city, Ephesus. The city was dedicated
to the goddess Artemis. Her temple is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of
the World. In Ephesus, walk on the marble roads including the street of the
Curetes, where many of history's greats once walked. Next we visit
the Great Theater, Celsus Library, the Roman Baths of Scholastica, the
Agoras and Hadrian’s temple. Afterwards we visit the House
of Mary. (B)
Day 07 Thursday: Izmir - Sardes -
Pamukkale
This morning we go to Sardes, the capital of Lydia.
It was once the world's richest city where King Midas
ruled and the first coins were made. It has one of the greatest temples of
Antiquity; the Gymnasium-Synagogue complex. Visit the Temple
of Cybele which later became a church. Also visit the excavation
area. See the  Golden River Pactalos. End the day in Pamukkale
("Cotton Castle"). (B,D)
Day 08 Friday: Hierapolis - Aphrodisias -
Antalya
Today tour the Roman city of Hierapolis. It has
ruins of Apollo Temple, Nymphaion (a 4th century fountain) and a Necropolis
with more than 1,000 cut stone sarcophagi. Pamukkale,
"Cotton Castle", is where you will see tiers of white limestone on
the hillside. Next we go to Aphrodisias, city dedicated to
the goddess of love, Aphrodite/Venus. Visit the temple,
restored theater, baths and the huge stadium. End the
day in Antalya. (B,D)
Day 09 Saturday: Antalya - Perge -
Aspendos - Antalya
Tour the beautiful city of the Turquoise Coast and
its famous Archaeological Museum: Visit the remnants of the
Roman gate, agora, Roman baths, theaters, temples, columned streets,
aqueducts, Nympheum, Garrison Towers, stadium. Also today we visit the
ancient Pamphylian cities of Perge (settled by the
Hittites in 1500 B.C.) and Aspendos (famous for its
well preserved theater). (B,D)
Day 10 Sunday: Antalya - Konya -
Cappadocia
In the morning we leave Antalya and go
to Konya, an important Roman city and capital of the Seljuk
Empire. Visit Museum of Mevlana 'Rumi', founder of
the Whirling Dervishes.  Afterwards
we head to Cappadocia. In the region you will discover the
land that has been sculpted for centuries by the forces of man and
nature. Dominated by Mt. Argeus, inhabited by Hittites,
Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, it offers
magnificent rock carved monasteries and churches
ornate with early Christian frescoes. Optional:
For
a unique experience, stay at a special category cave hotel for and additional
$35 per night.
(B,D)
 Day 11 Monday: Cappadocia
Today visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, Urgup,
Uchisar (huge natural rock fortress), Avanos the
town famous for its handmade pottery (where you can try your hand at
pottery-making), Kaymakli (underground city built by the
early Christians to escape from the invading Roman armies). Also watch carpet
weaving by the locals. (B,D)
Day 12 Tuesday: Cappadocia - Ankara
After some more sightseeing of the Cappadocia region in the morning,
we head to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, via Salt
Lake. On the way, we visit Seljukian Agzikarahan Caravanserai,
a 13th century inn used by travelers on the silk and spice routes. We end the
day in Ankara. (B)
Day 13 Wednesday: Ankara - Bursa
In Ankara, visit the 15th century buildings
that house the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. View the outstanding
collection of artifacts from the Hittites, Phrygians (King Midas' tomb),
Lydians, Romans, Greeks, Persians, Galatians, Seljuks and also from the
earliest known human community, Catal Hoyuk, 9,000 years ago. Next visit the
Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey. See how Turkey was transformed
from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. We end the day with a drive to
Bursa. (B,D)
Day 14 Thursday: Bursa - Istanbul
Bursa (Prusa) was founded in 230 BC by the Bythnians on the outskirts
of Mt. Olympus (Uludag). The Ottomans moved their capital here from Iznik. Bursa
is famous for its Ottoman architecture and is one of the silk capitals of
the world. Visit the Green Mosque and then the colorful
medieval Silk Bazaar. We end the day in Istanbul. (B)
Day 15 Friday: Istanbul
Transfer to Istanbul airport for flight back. (B)
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
Double occupancy at Four Star and/or Deluxe Special Hotels.
Click here
English speaking professional tour guide (full-time)
Sightseeing as per the itinerary
All escorted airport/hotel transfers
Meals: Daily open buffet breakfast. L-Lunch and
D-Dinner as per itinerary.
Transportation by newer deluxe vehicle with A/C.
All Entry fees to the sites & museums
Portage at hotels
Service charges & local taxes
EXCLUDES
International flight, visa, drinks, personal expenses, tips, trip
insurance.
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Once we receive your
deposit and confirm your tour package, your tour and price are
guaranteed! |
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Toll Free: 1-TO-MY-TURKEY (1-866-988-7539)
