Saturday, 27 December (Istanbul)

Arrival into Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents. After clearing Passport and Customs Controls, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B).

 

Sunday, 28 December (Istanbul)

A full day tour at the Old City where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian; Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 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 of Theodosius” from Egypt, “Serpentine Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. In the afternoon, proceed to Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded - 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. The last visit will be to the Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of the Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent, during the 16th. century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. Return to the hotel (B, L).

 

Monday, 29 December (Istanbul-Gallipoli-Canakkale)

In the morning drive along the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara to get 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. Visit Anzac Cove where the Allied Forces landed on 25 April 1915. Anzac Cove is marked by a Turkish monument with Ataturk’ s poignant words uttered in 1934 for the Anzac troops: “Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours…You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.” Thereafter cross the strategic waterway, the Dardanelles and proceed to the hotel in Canakkale for overnight  (B, L, D).

 

Tuesday, 30 December (Canakkale-Troy-Pergamum-Kusadasi)

Drive Troy to see a replica of the legendary wooden horse of Troy and the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3.000 years and where the legendary Trojan War in the book of Homeros of Smyrna took place and thereafter continue on to Pergamon, once one of the richest and most powerful small kingdoms in the Middle East. Visit Asklepion - a famous health centre and the Acropol with the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus, the library, the remarkable theatre. Drive to Kusadasi for the overnight (B, L, D).

 

Wednesday, 31 December (Kusadasi-Ephesus-Kusadasi)

Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded), Virgin Mary’s House, Selcuk Ephesus Museum and St. John Church. Lunch in Selcuk and drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, L, D).

 

Thursday, 01 January (Kusadasi-Didyma-Bodrum)

Drive to Didyma to see the well preserved Apollo Temple that had been inhabited only by the priests and suppliants who came to consult the famous oracle there. Lunch near the temple and then transfer to Bodrum for overnight (B, L, D).

 

Friday, 02 January (Bodrum-Pamukkale)

Drive to visit the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Overnight in Pamukkale (B, L, D).

 

Saturday, 03 January (Pamukkale-Bursa)

Drive to Bursa for overnight (B, L, D).

 

Sunday, 04 January (Bursa-Istanbul) 

After visiting Bursa with Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, considered to be one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture, and the Green Mausoleum, the tomb of Sultan Mehmet I drive to Istanbul for overnight (B, L).

 

Monday, 05 January (Istanbul)

A morning tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar 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 the regular public ferry. 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 proceed to Chora Museum for a final visit. Free afternoon (B).

 

Tuesday, 06 January  

The tour ends after breakfast this morning.  Transfer to the airport for the departure flight (B).

 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.