Trojan Turkiye-III Tour
Istanbul and Western Anatolia
Turkish Delight Tours has designed this tour for the visitor who wishes to immerse him or herself in the rich and fascinating history of Istanbul, the majestic capital that has been host to three great empires. The tour is completed with a leisurely trip throughout Western Türkiye and the fabulous antique cities that sit proudly along the shores and mountaintops of the Aegean coast.
(7 Nights/ 8 Days)
Istanbul, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir, Kuşadası, Ephesus
Day 1 - Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul airport. You will be met and transferred to your hotel by Turkish Delight Tours staff or guide.
Day 2 - Istanbul (B,L)
Following breakfast, we drive to the 'Old City' where we visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles, and Haghia Sophia. This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome. Next we visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace that was built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852). We see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese porcelain and more.
Day 3 - Istanbul (B,L)
Our morning starts with a visit to the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslin bags at every store front. We then board our ferry boat for a relaxing cruise along the shores of the legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. As you sit back and may enjoy Turkish coffee or well-brewed tea from traditional small cups, numerous summer palaces and palatial homes will pass by on either side. Disembarking at the northern end of the Strait, we enjoy our lunch at a local fish restaurant before we proceed to Kariye (Chora) museum to see the marvelous mosaics of the late Byzantine art. The last stop will be Grand Bazaar which is amongst attractive shopping centers and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, gold, jewelry, carpets and leatherwear.
Day 4 - Istanbul / Canakkale (B,D)
After an early breakfast, we will begin our scenic drive down to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles during WW1. Then we will visit Anzac Cove, Ceremonial Ground for Dawn Service, Lone Pine and some shelters and tunnels before we cross the second strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, and land in Asia and proceed to our hotel in Canakkale for the evening.
Day 5 - Canakkale / Bergama / Kuşadası
(B,D)
We drive to Troy, referred to in Homer's
"Iliad" and "Odyssey", Troy has in fact nine
cities superimposed one upon another. Troy Vl pertains to the famous
Trojan War of Homer where the legendary heroes included Agamemnon,
Achilles, Ulysses and Nestor on the Greek side; and, Priam, Hector
and Paris on the Trojan side. Continuing on our journey we will stop
by the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures
of this city, dating from 3rd BC, we will see the Altar of Zeus,
Temples of Dionysus and Trajan and the 200,000 volume library which
was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. Leaving
Pergamon behind us we settle at our hotel in Kuşadası. Dinner and
overnight.
Day 6 - Kuşadası (B,D)
Following an early breakfast we will proceed and arrive at the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Impressive structures we will see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theater and Odeon. We will also stop by at the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the antiquity. Close by is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. On August 18, 1961, Pope John XXll proclaimed the House of Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be sacred. Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit and led a Mass at the church in November 2006. You will have a chance to take some of Holy Water from the Sacred Spring. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Kuşadası / Istanbul (B)
Free and at leisure. Transfer to Izmir airport to catch a flight to Istanbul. Overnight at Istanbul Hotel.
Optional tour of Priene, Miletus and Didyma
We may leave early for our optional tour and journey to Priene, which is an example of a truly ancient city, whose history dates back to the 10th century BC. Highlights include the Temple of Athena Polias, the Ecclesiasterium and the Agora. We next visit Miletus where the Philosopher Thales was born. He coined the phrase "Know Thyself". We will inspect the Lions Harbor, the Delphinion, Baths of Faustina and the Council Chamber. Our last visit is to Didyma which served as a religious sanctuary to the god Apollo. The oracular inscriptions date as far back as 600 BC. Among the highlights are the Temple of Apollo and the Stadium.
Day 8 - Istanbul (B)
Free until your transfer to the airport.