Western Turkey Package Tour

QUICK OVERVIEW

Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale

A one week journey of discovery that traverses the centuries: Experience Istanbul’s incomparable Byzantine and Ottoman treasures, the famed WWI battleground of Gallipoli, the site of the legendary city of Troy, ancient Pergamon, the remarkable Roman remains of Ephesus, the last home of the Virgin Mother of Christianity, and the glistening white petrified waterfalls of Pamukkale.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, “Blue Mosque”, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace)
• Gallipoli
• Troy
• Pergamon
• Ephesus
• Pamukkale

Western Turkey Package Tour- Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 2 – Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage  Istanbul Tour

Your tour of Istanbul begins at the Sultan Ahmet Center in the heart of the “Old City”, and once the seat of power for the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Here you visit the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally constructed as a basilica by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, and the nearby “Blue Mosque” built in honor of Sultan Ahmet, with its famed blue Iznik tiles and six soaring minarets. Then it’s on to the Hippodrome, the ancient sports center and site of chariot races and other special events, decorated by such monuments as the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and Fountain of Wilhelm II. Your tour continues with a visit to the exotic Grand Covered Bazaar, the world’s largest “souk” where you’ll have time to explore some of the thousands of tiny shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherwear and souvenirs. Next, it’s the legendary Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans, whose opulent rooms exhibit Chinese porcelain, ancient weaponry, calligraphy, and other treasures. Breakfast  and Lunch

Day 3 – Istanbul, Gallipoli, Canakkale

Morning departure to Gallipoli,, with a stop en route in Eceabat for lunch. Your comprehensive sightseeing tour of the site of the famed WWI battlefield includes visits to the Kabatepe War Museum, Brighton Beach, Anzac Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the Anzac Commemoration Site, and Lone Pine Australian Memorial, “Johnston’s Jolly” (the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Afterwards, you proceed to Canakkale, where you spend the night. Breakfast  and Lunch

Day 4 – Troy, Pergamon, Kusadasi

After breakfast, you tour the archaeological site of the city of Troy, legendary home of “Helen of Troy” and the fabled “Trojan Horse”. Then you proceed to the city of Pergamon, one of the centers of the Hellenistic and Roman civilizations. Situated on the northern Aegean Sea in West Anatolia and on the frontier of ancient Mysia, Pergamon played a significant role in the history of Asia Minor. After a visit to it’s Acropolis, you continue to Kusadasi for the night. Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 5 – Full Day Excursion to Ephesus

This morning you motor to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. En route, you will visit the impressive Isa Bey Mosque. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing he Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at a Turkish restaurant. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the shrine of Mother Mary, the home believed to be where she spent the last years of her life, the Ephesus Archeological Museum and the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Before returning to Kusadasi, you’ll see a fashion show at a well-known leather outlet. Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6 – Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Istanbul

Moring drive to Pamukkale, where you’ll see the area’s famed healing thermal/mineral baths and amazing, snow-white petrified waterfalls. After lunch, you visit Hierapolis, where you’ll see its magnificently preserved Necropolis, main street, and gates.  End of our service. Breakfast and Lunch

You may extend your holiday with  Gulet sailing, Cappadocia or Istanbul extension for more information  Please contact with us…

TOUR PRICE INCLUDE

• Airport transfer upon arrival
• Accommodation at  3 and 4-Star Hotels
• Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
• Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
• Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide
• Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary
• Hotel taxes and services charges

NOTE: Upgrade to 5-Star or Boutique Hotels available (rates on request)

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Gratuities to tour staff
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
• Beverages (except for those served with breakfast).
• Visa fees

Dates & Prices

Departures: April 1 to October 31 Saturday (Except Anzac Week )

Tour Price: 555€ Per person, double occupancy