Grand Tour of Ancient Turkey
8 day (7 nights) tour of Istanbul, Canakkale, Izmir, Pamukkale and Antalya, including all meals, 4 star hotels, transportation, English-speaking guide and admission fees. EUR 955.00 (GBP guide 900.00) per person based on 2 couples each sharing a twin room. Please ask for prices for other parties, including large groups. Flights to Istanbul and from Antalya not included. Check availability. Find flights
Day 1 - Istanbul
Arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Transfer to old city to discover the sights of the city's glamorous past: Church of St.Sophia - a dedication to Christianity is one of the largest heavenly constructions with its striking mosaics and frescoes. The Blue Mosque - daylight penetrating through stained-glass windows on the traditional blue tiles with various natural patterns creates a harmony of color and soothing sense of inner peace. Hippodrome - the site of horse races, sporting events, political meetings, festivities, now bears some of the landmarks of ancient civilizations. Lunch and dinner provided. Hotel: 4* Istanbul Golden Age 1 or similar
Day 2 - Istanbul
Take an unforgettable boat trip along the Bosphorus viewing the natural beauty, traditional wooden mansions and modern buildings while having your tea or coffee on board. In the afternoon, visit Topkapi Palace - the centuries old residence of the mighty Ottomans, housing the imperial treasury, holy relics, kitchen utensils and royal garments. The tour will end by visiting Grand Bazaar - the largest bazaar in the world with four thousand four hundred shops under one roof, labyrinth-like alleys and mysterious cul-de-sacs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day 3 - Canakkale
Leave Istanbul for Canakkale "Pottery Castle" on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. Call at the World War I battle fields and allied cemeteries on the Gallipoli peninsula. In the afternoon proceed to visit the tangible remnants of ancient Troy, the legendary archaeological site portrayed in Homer's Iliad. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Hotel 4* Canakkale Akol or similar
Day 4 - Izmir
Before heading for Izmir, visit the city of the kings of Pergamon. It was a notable cultural and medical center in the ancient world. The fabulous Acropolis with its Temple of Athena, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysos, Library, Agora, Theatre and Roman Baths is a pleasure to see. Visit the Asclepium, great medical center, devoted to Asclepius, the son of Apollo. Finally visit the Red Basilica, originally built as a temple devoted to the Egyptian Gods and later converted into a basilica by the Byzantines. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Hotel 4* Izmir Pam City or similar
Day 5 - Pamukkale
Before heading for Pamukkale, drive to the heart of the Ionian civilisation, Ephesus, the largest and best preserved ancient city of the Mediterranean. Visit the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Odeon, Baths of Scholastica and Theatre. Later visit the Basilica of St.John , who wrote his Gospel here and delivered a sermon to the pagan Ephesians. Continue the tour by visiting the House of Virgin Mary. Drive to south to visit the remains of ancient Hierapolis named after the goddess Hiera, with its Theatre, its Temple of Apollo and the Necropolis. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Hotel 4* Pamukkale Richmond Thermal or similar
Day 6 - Antalya
Visit the remains of ancient Hierapolis named after the goddess Hiera, with its Theatre, Temple of Apollo and Necropolis. Drive to Antalya on the Turkish riviera through picturesque lakes and mountains. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Hotel 4* Antalya Grida City or similar
Day 7 - Antalya
A full day dedicated to discovering the highlights of ancient Pamphylia "the land of tribes". Perge, founded around 1000 BC, was one of the great Pamphylian trading cities. Visit the theatre, stadium, Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Street, Acropolis, Byzantine Basilica, Agora and the Roman baths. Aspendos, built in the second century, is the best preserved monument in Asia Minor and is still used to stage events today. Manavgat Waterfall - a scenic corner of the region. Take a rest and sip Turkish coffee or tea while enjoying the view of the river. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
Day 8 - Departure
After breakfast, free time until your transfer to the airport for your homebound flight