Monday - Day 1 - Istanbul to Canakkale (B/L/D)
In the early morning we will drive west, heading towards the Aegean Sea. We will visit Gallipoli on the way
*Gallipoli and The Dardanelles -- After our lunch we will stop to visit Gallipoli, a place of fierce World War 1 fighting between Allied forces and the Turks. At ANZAC Cove thousands lost their lives in one fateful dawn morning. We will also see other famous battle sites of World War 1 in this area, such as Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. From here we go to a ferry and cross the Dardanelles. For World War 1 buffs, you will know the Dardanelle Straits were a strategic crossing point for the allied armies to cross from Europe to Asia Minor.
*Canakkale will be our final destination for today and where we will spend the evening. After dinner, you might want to stroll the harbor walk and experience the local culture. The locals buy sunflower seeds and stroll with their families, gossiping and looking at the sunset. When they reach the harbor's end, they turn around, buy their ice cream and walk the other direction. Overnight in CANAKKALE. www.hotelakol.com
Tuesday - Day 2 Canakkale to Assos (B/L/D)
After breakfast we will continue our scenic drive along the Aegean, stopping for photo opportunities and perhaps to indulge the taste buds at one of the many farmer road side stands that sell olives, figs, seasonal fruit and pistachios. We then will head east towards our first site of the day.
Sites you’ll see today
*Troy --is the ancient site written about by Homer in the Iliad. It dates back as far as 3000 BC and has been the site of nine different cities through the thousands of years it has existed. As you enter the site a large wooden Trojan horse dominates your view. You will definitely want to climb up and get your picture taken!
After Troya we will be on our way to Assos and Behramkale and explore this amazing site, then we will drive drive down to Ancient Harbour and enjoy our lunch, After lunch we will check into our hotel and then we will drive to Babakale village to see the castle and get our pictures taken on this site.
Babakale is the very west end point of Asia. After visiting this site we will return to our hotel in Assos and spend the night there.
Wednesday - Day 3 Assos to Kusadasi ( Via Pergamum ) (B/L/D)
We continue our scenic drive along the Aegean, stopping for photo opportunities and perhaps to indulge the taste buds at one of the many farmer road side stands that sell olives, figs, seasonal fruit and pistachios. We then will head east towards our first site of the day.
Sites you’ll see today
*Pergamum is one of the seven churches of Revelation. At the time that Christianity traveled along the Asian Minor caravan routes and trade ships, it was one of the largest cities of the area. It was rivaled only by Ephesus in its wealth, temples, and beauty. The ancient acropolis dominates the view from all around. Most memorable to you will probably be Pergamum’s ancient theatre. Carved straight out of the high hill-side, it is one of the steepest ancient theatres in the world--and the view is amazing.
And the we will be on our way to kusadasi, After arrival we will check in the hotel, Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Thursday - Day 4 Kusadasi (B/L/D)
We will visit Turkey’s most impressive Biblical site today, in what may well be your most memorable day in Turkey. We will also visit other significant Christian sites.
Sites you’ll see today
*Ephesus is one of the best preserved cities from Roman times. At the time St. Paul lived in Ephesus in the 60‘s AD, it was at it’s Roman heyday with a population around 250,000. When St. Paul lived in Ephesus he would have addressed the Ephesians in the great theatre, that today impresses everyone that walks into it’s stands. Ephesus was a great ancient city and much of it has been preserved for you to see. More than any other site, you can walk the streets, stand in the great theatre, wander in the library, look towards the hill where St. Paul was put into prison, and feel that you are walking back into the time that St. Paul lived.
*The House of The Virgin Mary where it is believed St. Mary came to live with St. John in the last years of her life. Overnight stay in Kusadasi
Friday - Day 5 Kusadasi to Pamukkale (B/L/D)
After breakfast we will depart from Kusadasi to Pamukkale and will visit Afrodisias on the way.
Today Aphrodisias is a wonderful site to explore and one your favorites places will probably be the oval shaped 30,000 seat stadium. As you sit down and look at the field you can almost hear the ancient roar of the crowd as they watched chariot races or gladiators. You can also visit the Tetrapylon, the Bishop’s Palace, the city baths, and of course what would an ancient city be without a theatre. This one comes complete with individually labeled seats. In the afternoon you will reach to your SPA hotel and relax the day, Overnight stay in Pamukkale
Saturday - Day 6 Pamukkale to Bodrum (B/D)
After breakfast you will visit Pamukkale and Hiarapolis then will be on our way to Bodrum.
Sites you’ll see today
*Pammukale, which means cotton castle, is the result of limestone formations built over thousands of years. Warm calcium rich mineral water flowed over the cliffs and as itcooled it deposited the calcium into the formations that are seen today. Pammukale is nowa world heritage site.
*Hierapolis was founded as a healing care centre in 190 BC, taking advantage of the mineral waters in the area. It was one of the most important intellectual, artistic, religious and commercial centers of the Roman Empire.
Arrival in Bodrum, check in the hotel and overnight stay.
Sunday - Day 7 - Bodrum (B)
After breakfast you will have a free day to relax or to explore Bodrum on your own, Overnight stay in Bodrum
Monday - Day 8 Day trip to Kos island (B)
After breakfast you will go on a day trip to kos Island, in the evening return to Bodrum, Overnight stay in Bodrum
Tuesday - Day 9 Bodrum to Istanbul (B)
Gule, Gule! It is time to go home. We will transfer you to the airport and wish you well, asking that you keep Turkey and all of us in your hearts, and hoping that our paths cross again in this life! If you have extended your time with an additional add-on trip, we will be confirming this day with you your additional schedule. To see additional trip add-ons, see below or go to the top of this page and click on trip add-ons.
Total cost: 985 Euros per person in a double room 1.185 Euro for single supplement
Price includes
* All of the hotels with breakfast ( Each of them individually chosen )
* All of the land transfers with comfortable vehicles
* Professional English speaking tour guides
* Domestic flight tickets from Bodrum to Istanbul
* All of the TAX and service charges
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