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SPRING BREAK 2009 - BIBLICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF ASIA MINOR
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Antalya Archaeological Museum
Perge
Aspendos
Termessos
Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
Ephesus
Acropolis in Pergamum
Troy
Anzac Cemetery in Gallipoli
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
Topkapi Palace
Spice Bazaar
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Friday, March 6 Depart from the US.
Saturday, March 7 Arrive in Antalya and transfer to the hotel (D).
Sunday, March 8 Departure in the morning and visit to the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Then proceed to Perge, the place where most of the statues that are on display in Antalya Museum were unearthed. Continue on to Aspendos that bears one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Anatolia. After lunch drive back to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya (B, D).
Monday, March 9 Early morning climb up the Termessos and then continue to Pamukkale with lunch on the way. In the late afternoon visit to the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, graveyard. Overnight in Pamukkale (B, D).
Tuesday, March 10 Drive to Selcuk to visit the Ephesus Antique City, one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins and the Ephesus Museum (Optional ride to the House of Virgin Mary). Proceed to Izmir for overnight (B, D).
Wednesday, March 11 In the morning, drive to tour Pergamum, where parchment was invented. Tour the Acropolis with the “Steepest Theater of the Ancient World” and then proceed to Canakkale for overnight (B, D).
Thursday, March 12 After breakfast drive to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale and lunch. Thereafter sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferryboat and drive to Istanbul with visit to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel or airport (B, L).
Friday, March 13 A full day tour with St.Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian; Blue Mosque, facing St.Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus; After lunch proceed to Topkapý Palace, built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. (Harem section is not included). In the evening dinner at a night club with the accompanying belly dance and folk show. Overnight in Istanbul (B, L, D).
Saturday, March 14 Departure in the morning and visit to the Spice Market from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with the Cairo imposts. Then proceed to the pier so as to embark on to the REGULAR FERRY, which is more authentic and reflective. Sailing through the waterway separating the two continents - Asia and Europe - with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials. During this trip Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges as well as Rumelian Fortress, historical armament built by the Conqueror in 1452 to control and protect Bosphorus, will be visible from the sea. Leaving the boat and getting into the coach to get back to the city for a free afternoon. For those who are interested in shopping, the bus will drop them at the covered market. The rest will be taken to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul (B).
Sunday, March 15 Transfer to Istanbul airport for flight to home or extended stay (B).
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