Day 1 (Thursday):            ARRIVE ISTANBUL

Arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome briefing.

 

Day 2 (Friday):                 ISTANBUL

Enjoy a full day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Evening optional: Dinner with belly dancing entertainment(B)

 

Day 3 (Saturday)              ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI – CANAKKALE

In the morning depart for Gallipoli. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, and then cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight. (B,D)

 

Day 4 (Sunday)                CANAKKALE – TROY – PERGAMON – IZMIR

Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving at the Asclepion enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional village. Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Asclepion Medical Centre and continue to Izmir for overnight. (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 (Monday)               IZMIR – EPHESUS & VIRGIN MARY’S HOUSE – IZMIR

Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world, and explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theatre, the Library of Celsus, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see the stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production centre to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Optional:Dinner at local restaurant.

 

Day 6 (Tuesday)              IZMIR – PAMUKKALE

Drive through lush valleys to Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle, with the white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in your hotel’s thermal pool. (B,D)

 

Day 7 (Wednesday)          PAMUKKALE – BODRUM

After breakfast drive to Bodrum and enjoy this wonderful town with an exploratory walk.  Overnight Bodrum. (B)

 

Day 8 (Thursday):            BODRUM

Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport (B)