|
SPRING BREAK 2008 - BIBLICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF ASIA MINOR
|
From Anatolian Civilizations Museum
Ataturk, the Founder of Modern Turkey
Cappadocia Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
Ephesus
Acropolis in Pergamum
Troy
Topkapi Palace
Spice Bazaar
Cruise Ferries
Hagia Sophia Church
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
Grand Covered Bazaar
|
Friday, March 7 Depart from the US.
Saturday, March 8 Arrive in Ankara. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Sunday, March 9 In the morning visit to the world-wide famous Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which there are numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Thereafter departure for Cappadocia and lunch on the way. Thereafter visit to the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan on the ancient Silk Road. Then continue on to Kaymakli Underground City, the place where early Christians hid from persecutors. After visiting Pigeon Valley, one of the most colorful points, check-in to the hotel and overnight in Cappadocia (B, D).
Monday, March 10 After having breakfast in the hotel pass by Uchisar and proceed to the Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Finally we visit Zelve region and Avanos and then we have some time for shopping as the area is well known for its handicrafts like onyx and pottery making. Overnight Cappadocia (B, D).
Tuesday, March 11 Early departure for Konya. Time for lunch. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic, drive on to Pamukkale for overnight (B, D).
Wednesday, March 12 Early morning visit to the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Then drive to Kusadasi. Lunch on the way. On arrival to Selcuk visit to Ephesus Antique City. (Optional ride to the House of Virgin Mary). Proceed to Izmir for overnight (B, D).
Thursday, March 13 Early morning proceed to Pergamum to visit the Acropolis. After lunch time to visit a rug weaving center to see how the world-wide famous Turkish rugs are woven. Continue to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. Visit the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years. Drive on to Canakkale for overnight in the aftermath of a fairly tiring day (B, D).
Friday, March 14 After early breakfast cross the Dardanelles by a ferryboat and continue to Istanbul. Before checking-in to the hotel, proceed to Topkapi 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 is not included and need to paid extra by the guests). In the evening dinner at a night club with the accompanying belly dance and folk show. Overnight in Istanbul (B, L, D)
Saturday, March 15 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 in Tarabya or Sarýyer and proceeding to the restaurant in Sultanahmet for lunch. Thereafter visit 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. The tour will end at Grand Covered Bazaar (B, L).
Sunday, March 16 Transfer to Istanbul airport for flight to home or extended stay (B).
|
